We talk men’s grooming, maintaining traditions and her newest outpost with “La Barbière de Paris”, celebrity French barber Sarah Hamizi.
If there was a first lady of men’s grooming, it would inevitably be Sarah Hamizi, who has rocked to stardom in Europe with her precise and elegant hairstyling. Combining timeless techniques with a modern flair for luxury, Hamizi has tapped into a growing demand for high-end grooming services among modern men, creating grooming products, books, training centres and luxurious salons – including one at the newly opened Royal Mansour Casablanca – in the process.
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What first inspired you to become a men’s barber?
I have a very vivid memory from my childhood, that of my grandfather, shaving every morning in front of a mirror hanging from an old oak tree. I was fascinated by his precise and elegant movements. It was there, without me really realising it at the time, that my passion for the barber profession was born.
How have you seen the barbering profession evolve over the years?
The evolution happened exponentially, with a major boom around 2010. Barber shops flourished in all major cities in France as well as across Europe. Men’s need to care for their appearance emerged and became established.
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What key changes do you believe have most significantly impacted the barbering industry?
Covid-19 had a significant impact on the men’s grooming industry, disrupting clients’ habits and pushing salons to enhance hygiene measures and rethink their services. Digitalisation gained momentum with online appointments and increased communication via social media, allowing salons to maintain a connection with their clients. Moreover, the pandemic transformed the perception of personal care, with men now seeking a more personalised and wellness-focused experience, which prompted luxury salons to adapt their offerings to meet these new expectations.
What role does tradition play in modern barbering practices?
Tradition, as in all fields, helps establish fundamental processes and techniques. The foundations from the past are still relevant today, and we continue to develop and innovate upon them.
What do you think men are looking for in a luxury barber experience today?
In my opinion, men today are looking for a luxury barber experience that is highly personalised, where every detail is considered. They want to feel comfortable from the moment they arrive and throughout the service, with the assurance that they are in good hands. It is this special attention and complete comfort that makes all the difference in a luxury service.
How do you define luxury in the context of barbering services?
Luxury in the context of barber services is defined by extreme attention to detail and a fully personalised experience. It’s not just about the quality of the services, but also the ambience, comfort, and care given to each client from the moment they arrive. A luxury barber service offers unparalleled expertise, premium products, and an atmosphere where the client feels privileged and relaxed. Luxury is about providing far more than just a haircut or beard trim: it’s a unique, refined, and memorable experience.
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In a luxury salon, every client enjoys a tailor-made experience where all the details are taken into consideration, not only for the service itself but also for the client’s overall well-being. I remember an anecdote that perfectly illustrates this difference. One day, a client came in for a haircut and beard trim. Upon arrival, we noticed a small hole in his jacket. Rather than ignore it, we took the initiative to discreetly mend the jacket while he was receiving his grooming services. By the end of his appointment, he retrieved his jacket, perfectly repaired, without even having to ask. This kind of attention to detail and to the client’s needs, even the most subtle ones, is what truly sets a luxury salon apart. It’s this approach that turns a simple appointment into an unforgettable experience.
The difference also lies in the skill of the barbers, who undergo constant and relentless training on the various complexities of the profession, continually learning new techniques, both in expertise and in customer care.
What inspired you to open your barber shop at the new Royal Mansour Casablanca?
Royal Mansour embodies excellence, elegance, and exceptional service—principles I have always strived to highlight in my salons. The idea of creating a grooming space within such a prestigious establishment perfectly aligned with my vision of luxury barbering, where every detail is designed to offer a unique experience. Since childhood, I dreamed of creating exceptional places where men could not only get groomed but also relax and feel valued. Opening Le Salon Barbier at the Royal Mansour Casablanca is the realisation and culmination of that aspiration.
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How does the ambience and design of your new saloon reflect your vision for the barbering experience?
The ambience and design of our salon have been carefully crafted to offer an unparalleled barbering experience, both for our clients and for our expert barbers. Every detail has been designed to enhance well-being and comfort, creating an environment conducive to relaxation. We have used noble materials, such as marble, to add a touch of elegance, while playing with harmonious volumes that provide a sense of space and serenity. Additionally, the salon offers a splendid view of the city of Casablanca, allowing our clients to enjoy the urban beauty while being pampered.
What unique services or offerings can clients expect at your Royal Mansour location and how do you plan to integrate local culture and traditions into that experience?
In my view, the expertise of La Barbière de Paris offers a unique experience. We are not merely haircutters or beard trimmers. The way we address our clients’ needs involves a whole psychology for our experts. Artists, in general, are unique and distinct from one another. The goal at La Barbière de Paris is simply to reveal what lies dormant in every man. Unveiling his beauty through his features requires precise, refined, delicate, and meticulous expertise.
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Expertise knows no boundaries, and morphology is a vast field to conquer. The local population is highly receptive to change.
What’s one treatment men can’t miss at your new salon?
Traditional steam shaving. All services are essential as long as the expert possesses the know-how of La Barbière de Paris.
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