In the rapidly evolving world of men’s grooming, trends come and go, but the foundations of a successful business remain constant. Oscar Torres, an industry icon and long-time Booksy Ambassador, has spent decades navigating these shifts—from the early days of neighborhood street barbering to becoming a global inspiration.
What sets Oscar apart isn't just his precision with a clipper; it’s his visionary approach to barbershop management and branding. Long before digital transformation became a buzzword, Oscar understood that a barber's true power lies in two things: the stories they tell and the data they keep.
To understand where the industry is going, we have to look at the insights of those who helped build it. Below is our featured conversation with Oscar, where he opens up about his journey from practicing on his brother to mastering the business of barbering.
Editor’s Note:This interview was originally conducted in 2016. While some fashion trends have evolved, Oscar’s insights on client data, storytelling, and professional management remain more relevant than ever in today’s digital landscape.
Guide of Men's Style: Who is your main inspiration currently?
Oscar Torres: One of my biggest inspirations are the barbers who tell a great stories on social media such as FB AND IG. For example: giving the less fortunate a haircut and recharging their confidence. I’ve seen it over and over again on social media.
G: In the time when fashion changes almost from season to season, do you have any predictions of what could be the next trends in this industry?
OT: Fashion will always be apart of trending haircuts but I think hairstyles always seems to come an reinvent themselves... I remember when the “bowl haircut” was in style. I wonder if that haircut comes back in at Style. G: You are a well-known barber and an authority for many others in this community. We all know it could be a hard and challenging work. Do you have any advices for others on how to run their businesses, any tips or recommendations?
OT: Well, one tool I wish I had when I started back in 1998 is Booksy. I would’ve been able to contact all of my clients through the App and invite them to make an appointment to get a haircut and ive would’ve created huge data base of my clients names and phone numbers. Barbershops should invest into system such as Booksy, that will help them build a Customer data base. Its important and very beneficial to reach out with older customers and keep them happy with a convenient way to book an appointment for their next service.
G: Do you remember your first client? Who was it and how well have you served him/her?
OT: My first client was my brother Mike. I practiced a lot on him. I tried different techniques and designs on him. He was cool with it… but I would take hours sometimes on his haircut (laugh). Eventually I became a popular barber in my neighborhood and the rest is history.
G: Last question: what has changed in men’s haircuts since last year?
OT: The way barbers manage their appointments. I see more and more barbers using online booking systems to accommodate their clients and I think Booksy is doing a great job with that.
According to Oscar Torres, the most successful barbers use social media to tell a story. Whether it's showcasing community work or sharing client transformations, storytelling builds a deeper connection with your audience than just showing a haircut.
As Oscar highlights, building a database of names and phone numbers is vital for long-term success. It allows you to reach out to "older" customers, keep them updated, and invite them back for their next appointment, ensuring a steady flow of revenue.
While hair trends cycle through different eras, the biggest shift is in appointment management. Top professionals have moved away from manual notebooks to online booking systems like Booksy to accommodate the modern client's need for convenience.
