A NORTH Baddesley barber is a step closer to being crowned Britain’s best wet-shaving barber.

Jimmy Dee, who works at Cresswell’s Barber Co will compete against seven top barbers in the country in an effort to win the prestigious crown of Britain’s Best Shave 2019.

The 24-year-old was able to impress the judges during his qualification round in Enfield, showcasing his shave preparation, razor technique, post-shave routine, health-and-safety and overall efficiency.

The North Baddesley resident, who has been barbering for almost two years, owns his barber salon in Southampton and is the first barber in the city to make the national final.

He said: “Wet-shaving was the first aspect of barbering I learned. It was the gateway to my career and is the aspect that I am the most passionate about.

“I love the history, the theory and the mechanics of a wet-shave and, most of all, the way you make your client feel.

“I actually taught myself to wet-shave by discarding my modern shaving paraphernalia and forcing myself to shave the proper way.

“Once I was proficient, I used it as leverage to barter for being taught how to cut hair, offering my shaving and beard services in exchange for education.

“That led to me being offered my first job, and getting to be trained by Patrick Bryan, as well as launching me into my career. I have never looked back, and hopefully I can perform well on the day and land the prestigious crown of Britain’s best wet-shaving barber for 2019.”

The annual competition, now it’s sixth year, is run by the British Barbers’ Association and male grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge.The winner of Britain’s Best Shave 2019 will take home £500 worth of products from The Bluebeards Revenge.