By Koviao Matuzee
What started as a way to put food on the table during his high school hostel days has grown into a 13-year journey in barbering for Undamuje Kandjemuni Muniazo, owner of Xiiiboom Barbershop, who sees the craft as more than just cutting hair.
According to Muniazo, barbering has evolved into a lifestyle and a form of self-expression among young people, with hairstyles increasingly shaped by social media, personal identity, and the desire to stand out.
His journey began long before he owned a barbershop.
During his high school years, Muniazo started cutting the hair of fellow hostel mates to earn money for food, turning a necessity into a skill that would eventually shape his career.
His interest in the craft was also sparked by his own experience of getting a haircut, which helped him appreciate the work behind a fresh look.
“I have been a barber for the past 13 years and counting, working with all kinds of different haircuts,” Muniazo said.
What began as a hustle has since given him a front-row seat to changing hairstyles, youth trends and the growing importance young people place on their appearance.
Muniazo believes barbering has moved beyond being a routine chore into a vibrant youth subculture, where a haircut can be a statement of personality, identity and confidence.
“For young people today, I believe that the barbering scene is no longer just a routine chore, but it has become a vibrant subculture and a luxurious self-care experience,” he said.
He said modern trends increasingly revolve around customized styles and a lifestyle that allows young people to express themselves more freely.
This shift is also changing how barbers attract customers.
In the past, clients largely relied on recommendations from friends and family or visited nearby barbers.
Today, social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have become important tools for showcasing skills and reaching potential customers.
Muniazo described these platforms as a résumé and portfolio for barbers, allowing their work to speak for itself beyond the communities in which they operate.
A barber can now display a finished cut online, reach audiences beyond their immediate neighborhood and attract clients who may never have encountered their work otherwise.
For young people choosing a barber, the decision is increasingly influenced by the styles they see online and the ability of a barber to recreate a particular look.
Among the cuts Muniazo said remain popular with young clients are the fade, low taper and buzz cut with a skin fade.
However, he believes trends will continue to evolve as young people experiment with their appearance and draw inspiration from what they see online.
One style he expects to gain more popularity among Namibian youth is the low taper with longer hair, as more young people choose to grow their hair out while maintaining a clean, shaped finish around the sides.
Beyond the changing styles, Muniazo believes the barbershop itself remains an important part of youth culture.
In an era when much of social interaction happens through screens, he sees the barbershop as a place where people can connect face-to-face, exchange ideas and learn from one another.
“The barbershop is more than just a place of cutting hair,” he said.
“It is a place where the young and old connect and actually converse in a sense and way that brings us together,” he added.
He said conversations between older and younger clients create opportunities for sharing life experiences, while the atmosphere offers laughter, relaxation, and a sense of belonging.
According to Muniazo, this social connection is part of what makes the profession meaningful.
The chair is not only where a client gets a fresh cut, but also where friendships develop and everyday experiences are shared.
He also finds purpose in using his skills to help people who may not always be able to afford a haircut.
Among his most memorable experiences are offering clients free haircuts on their birthdays and helping people from less fortunate backgrounds without charging them.
He said the reactions of those clients bring him joy and reinforce his sense of purpose as a barber.
These gestures, he believes, show that the value of barbering extends beyond the money earned from each appointment.
A good haircut can also influence how a person feels about themselves.
Muniazo said he has personally observed changes in clients’ energy and confidence after they leave his chair.
He believes appearance plays an important role in how people present themselves to the world, making grooming an essential part of self-care.
While he acknowledged the influence of social media in accelerating trends, he sees the industry as offering opportunities beyond mastering different cuts.
For young people considering barbering as a career, he believes the craft can open doors to attracting more clients, securing investors and building partnerships with brands and ambassadors who can help grow their businesses.
His own experience, which began with cutting hair in a school hostel to afford food, illustrates how a practical skill can develop into a long-term profession.
As youth culture continues to evolve, Muniazo expects hairstyles to remain an important way for young Namibians to express themselves.
According to him, the future of barbering lies in creativity, individuality, and the ability to adapt to changing tastes.
And if his prediction is anything to go by, the low taper paired with longer hair could be the next look to make its mark.
