Which UK entrepreneur-inspired trims are trending (and how to book them)?

Some of the most requested cuts right now are giving “founder energy”, clean enough for meetings, sharp enough for nights out, and built to work with afro hair, not against it.

Think:

• crisp fades that still look natural in real life

• waves / texture that look premium, not try-hard

• beards + line-ups that frame the face without the “drawn-on” look

If you’ve ever clocked a successful founder and thought, “yeah… I need that exact level of sharp,” this one’s for you.

1. Steven Bartlett – Clean low fade with textured crop + boxed beard

Steven’s usual look is a tight textured top with a clean low-to-mid fade, finished with a neat boxed beard. It’s modern, minimal, and always looks “ready”.

Ask your barber for:

• short textured crop on top (scissor or #2–#3 guard depending on curl pattern)

• low-to-mid fade (keep it clean around the ears, blended properly at the back)

• a natural line-up (sharp, but not pushed back)

• boxed beard: cheek line cleaned, jawline defined, moustache blended

Good for you if:

• you want a “smart but still fresh” everyday cut

• you’ve got a busy schedule and need low maintenance

• you like your beard to do the talking (not loads of hair on top)

2. Reece Wabara – 360 waves with low taper + razor-sharp line-up

Reece’s look is waves-focused, low length on top, a clean taper, and a precise line-up that makes the whole cut look expensive.

Ask your barber for:

• keep the top low and even (wave length, not a high curl top)

• low taper fade at the temples + nape (not a full high skin fade)

• crisp line-up (corners clean but not overly squared)

• beard fade into the sideburns (no harsh disconnect unless you want it)

Good for you if:

• you’re patient enough to maintain waves (brush + durag)

• you want a premium look without adding height

• you want a cut that looks just as good in streetwear as it does in a coat

3. Timothy Armoo – Textured high top with temple taper + full beard

Timothy’s look is all about texture up top, short curls/coils with shape, paired with a temple taper and a full beard that frames the face.

Ask your barber for:

• keep length on top (enough to show texture, not flattened down)

• temple taper / temp fade (clean at the sides, not overly high)

• soft line-up (defined, but not aggressive corners)

• beard shaped to match: cheeks cleaned, neckline set, sides blended

Good for you if:

• you want the “young founder” look: confident but not loud

• you like texture but don’t want braids/locs right now

• you don’t mind a tidy-up every 2–3 weeks to keep it crisp

4. Clint Ogbenna – Straight-back cornrows with a clean taper + beard

Clint’s style leans into protective styling with straight-back cornrows, usually paired with clean edges and a strong beard shape. It’s a bold look, but still wearable day-to-day if the parts are neat and the taper is clean.

Ask your barber (and braider) for:

• straight-back cornrows (4–10 depending on thickness + head size)

• clean parts + tidy edges (this is what makes it look premium)

• optional taper at temples/nape to keep the perimeter fresh

• beard line-up with a natural finish (no over-inked effect)

Good for you if:

• you want a style that lasts (protective + low daily effort)

• you’re growing your hair and want it to look intentional in the meantime

• you like statement trims that still look clean with a hoodie or a coat

5. Koby “Posty” Hagan – Clean bald (or close buzz) with a full, shaped beard

Posty’s signature is the clean head + strong beard combo, timeless, high-confidence, and seriously low maintenance on top.

Ask your barber for:

• clean shave (razor) or a super-close buzz (#0 / #0.5)

• smooth finish (hot towel + proper prep if you’re shaving)

• full beard shaped: cheeks tidy, neckline set, moustache blended

• optional: subtle beard fade into the sideburn area

Good for you if:

• you want maximum sharpness with minimum effort

• your hairline’s doing its own thing (no stress, this looks intentional)

• you want your beard to be the main feature

How to choose the right entrepreneur-inspired cut for you

When you’re picking your “founder trim”, think about:

• Lifestyle

  • Low effort: Steven / Posty styles

  • Low daily effort but longer appointment: Clint’s cornrows

• Hair goals

  • Building waves: Reece

  • Showing texture: Timothy / Steven

  • Protecting growth: Clint

• Beard vs no beard

  • Beard-led look: Steven, Timothy, Posty

  • Protective style + beard combo: Clint

Ready to book your entrepreneur-inspired trim?

To get the best out of any of these styles at Toni’s Barbers:

1. Pick your favourite founder (or blend two styles, e.g., Reece waves + Steven beard finish).

2. Save 2–3 clear reference pics (front + side profile).

3. At your appointment, tell your barber:

   • fade height (low / mid / high)

   • length on top (guards or “keep texture”)

   • line-up style (natural vs super crisp)

   • beard finish (boxed, full, faded, etc.)