YFB HQ is a finalist in The york Press Best Barbershop 2025 award
YFB HQ, Tower Street, is the third of the finalists to be profiled in The York Press best barbershop competition.
Founded in 2023 by John David, YFB is located in Tower Street. A finalist last year, YFB has shot to success in its short lifespan.
John said: "I built HQ as more than just a barbershop – it’s a platform for young, talented barbers to grow, learn and elevate their mindset.
"It’s about reshaping the typical mentality and showing them how barbering can lead to real opportunities – whether it’s opening their own space one day, teaching, or branching out into creative avenues."
YFB Barber and Distinction-level apprentice Amy returns to Campus to deliver barbering demonstration
“Skin-Fade Queen” Amy Oxberry returned to York College this week to deliver a barbering workshop demo in our Inspired Salon.
And, unsurprisingly, her model left with a haircut fit for a king!
Amy was given the “majestic” nickname by our hairdressing and barbering tutor Fiona Scholes-Ogram and went on to secure a Distinction grade after completing her apprenticeship at College two-and-a-half years ago.
Having just turned 21, she is now self-employed and running her own business from a chair in the YFB HQ barber shop opposite Clifford’s Tower in York.
She has her own loyal Instagram following (on @aox_cuts) and a client base that means she is always booked up a week in advance, proving that gender need not be a barrier to success in the traditionally male-dominated industry of barbering.
It was, therefore, inspiring for all our barbering students and apprentices to see Amy showcase her talents, explain her techniques and offer tips, having not so long since sat in the same seats watching guest demos herself.
On that experience, the former York High School pupil said: “It felt nostalgic being back and nice to deliver a workshop to show that I have gone on to do something with the qualification.
“I always found the workshops really helpful when I was an apprentice, because it’s good to learn from people who are working in the industry every day.”
Amy first decided that she might want to pursue a career in barbering during the Covid-19 pandemic when she started cutting her dad’s hair during Lockdown.
She then progressed onto the boys in her friends’ group and admits: “I was quite fascinated by the fading aspect of it. I thought that was quite creative and I found myself really enjoying it, so I thought I’d come to College and learn it and get the qualification.”
Amy is quick to point out, too, that barbers’ shouldn’t be closed shops for women who want to sit in the chairs as well as those wanting to demonstrate their talents behind them.
“The difference between a hairdressers’ and a barbers’ isn’t to do with gender,” she explains. “To me, hairdressing is more about colouring and styling, while barbering is just more cutting and fading really and I have female clients with short hair as well.”
YORK PRESS BEST BARBER/HAIRDRESSER 2024
This year, YFB HQ was humbled to be nominated and finalist for the title of Best Barber/Hairdresser 2024 in the York Press!
First and foremost, we extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible clients!
Your consistent support, trust, and ultimately, your votes, are the driving force behind this incredible achievement. We are beyond fortunate to have cultivated such a vibrant and supportive community within HQ, a community where our clients share and understand our vision.
At YFB HQ, we don't just cut hair, we create experiences. We take immense pride in empowering each individual to feel their absolute best, both inside and out.
Every haircut and styling session is an opportunity to bring that vision to life, making our clients feel confident and ready to take on the world.
This award is a testament to our dedication to our craft, our unwavering commitment to client satisfaction, and the incredible bond we have built with our community. Thank you for believing in us, for sharing our passion, and for making this incredible honour possible.
https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/24410739.yfb-hq-finalist-press-best-barber-competition/
