This archive report was first published on 23 October 2021.
On a typical day, Julius Mwangi, a 24-year-old barber from Thindigua, Kiambu County, can be seen wielding a small axe to cut the hair and beards of his customers.
Published on October 23, 2021, by Nation Media Group, Julius's unconventional method has sparked curiosity among locals and visitors alike.
According to Julius, he picked up the axe three months ago as a way to boost his sales and differentiate himself from competitors.
"Customers will visit just to see whether an axe can really shave and after proving it, some come back and want to be shaved using it," Julius told the Nation during a visit to his Clippers King barber shop.
While the axe may not be able to manage most styles that a machine can, it has proven to be a game-changer for the Jordan style, leaving customers with a smooth head and no single strand of hair remaining.
However, shaving with an axe requires immense concentration and can take up to 30 minutes, making it costlier than using an electric shaving machine.
Julius takes pride in his skill and ensures that he cleans his axe thoroughly and keeps it sharp to prevent the spread of infections among his customers.
"The art of shaving using an axe is a skill that needs to be accepted, even though at first one is afraid and frightened," said Dennis Mwangi, a customer who wanted the axe experience.
Julius hopes that other barbers in Kenya will incorporate the axe in their toolboxes, acknowledging that his employer encourages him and gives him the support he needs.
