The world's oldest barber shares his styling wisdom
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Most of us still hope to have our full head of hair at 35, our full wits at 60 and our physical functionality at 85. At 105, Anthony Mancinelli has all three and more, as he’s still living, working and thriving.
Mancinelli is the world's oldest barber and he’s styled men throughout two World Wars, 18 American presidencies and nearly a century of living. He’s seen it all, from the slicked back look, to the Elvis, the shaggy mop, the wild and free, mohawks, fauxhawks, spiky hair, back to the slicked back banker look and now the Man Bun. If there was ever a man to talk to about hair styling, he’s it.
For his recent 105th birthday, Gillette — a brand that’s been helping guys groom for over a century — threw Mancinelli the gentlest of surprise birthday parties (have to be careful with surprises at that age). We caught up with Mancinelli to pick his brain on styles, trends, the key to living a long life and everything else he’s seen throughout his incredible life.
What is the key to being timelessly stylish?
To me, the key to being timelessly stylish is the well-dressed and well-groomed look of past generations. The generations where people always had a well-groomed haircut and facial hair, and got dressed up for every occasion in the life — even if just to go on an airplane! It’s great to see some younger gentlemen bringing these styles back.
Which decade had the most stylish men?
To me, I think men were the most stylish in the '40s and the '50s, and today you can see some guys starting to bring those styles back.
What's the worst haircut trend he has ever seen?
Well, style is in the eye of the beholder, so it always differs person to person, but my least favorite haircut trend is when guys have long hair. That is probably influenced from the era in which I grew up though.
via AskMen/Getty ImagesAlthough technology has come a long way, what was better back in the day?
Technology has come a very long way since I started cutting hair in 1923 at the age of 12, and I think the technology advances have helped barbers give better haircuts and shaves than was possible back then. So, I actually believe that there are very few tools that were better back when I started as a barber.
What are some of your favorite new developments in grooming?
At 105, I’ve seen a century of innovation and change in the grooming industry. From scissors to electric clippers and multi-bladed razors, the technological advances in tools for cutting hair and shaving have made a significant improvement in my ability to give my clients the best service possible. When I used to shave my clients, for some guys it would take two straight razors to get a smooth shave, now Gillette has a razor with five blades in one!
Why is it important to you to continue being a barber instead of retiring from work, enjoying a life away from work?
It's important to me that I continue to be an active working barber and go to work because it keeps me active, alert and allows me to connect with my colleagues and clients every day.
What is the key to living a long, healthy life?
I always tell my family to eat the skinny pasta noodles (spaghetti) instead of the fat noodles, so that you don't get fat! Ha, in fact I think the key to living a long, healthy life is to stay active and treat yourself kindly. Don’t do anything to excess and don’t let stress affect you.
What makes a good barber into a great one?
I think the difference between a good barber and a great barber is the pride that they take in their work. When you care about doing a good job and are proud of your work, it shows.
How long have you been with the oldest/longest client?
The longest that I have has been coming to me for 50 years!
What’s the difference been cutting hair now versus the 1950s or the 1960s?
The main difference that I see when cutting hair now versus haircuts in the '50s and '60s is that people take much better care of their hair now and the hair is much healthier.
How does the first haircut you ever gave compare to the most recent one?
Well, I like to think I’ve gotten better with age and I think that my current haircuts are somewhat better than the first haircuts I ever gave!
via AskMen/Getty ImagesHow did hair cutting go during the war, when there were fewer men around, or, if you went to fight, how did cutting hair go in the field?
Cutting hair in the field was really quite tough and it did not always go too well. We were busy and the guys were focused on doing their job to the best of their ability rather than achieving a certain style, so the focus was just on keeping the hair cut rather than styled.
What's the best instrument to have in your grooming kit?
The most important, and in my opinion the best, instruments to have in your grooming kit are high quality clippers and shears. I use the clippers to mark out the hairline, but rely on shears for fine tuning. I use both when giving guys a haircut.
What’s something most people don’t know about grooming that is essential knowledge?
Trust your barber. As a master barber, I have seen a variety of hairstyles. Often times, guys will come in wanting a particular hairstyle, but I’ll suggest another based on their hair type and they end up loving it! With my experience, and a little bit of imagination, I can tell what will work best for each client.
What are the differences between barber shops of the past and barber shops today?
The main differences between barber shops now and barber shops of the past is that barber shops today are better equipped to help give their clients whatever style they desire.
Who is the most famous person you ever cut hair for?
The most famous person that I have given a haircut to is Ben Gazzara. Ben was an actor and won an Emmy for his role in Hysterical Blindness.