By Beth Harwood

Copyright dailyrecord

What began with a single bottle of beard oil in the village of Kilmacolm, Beardy Beardy has sharpened into a well-known name in Scottish barbering.

On September 9, 2015, owner and founder Stephen Ross opened Beardy Beardy’s first barbershop doors, transforming a niche grooming brand into a bricks-and-mortar destination blending traditional techniques with a modern twist.

Ten years on, the Scottish business is marking a milestone moment that mirrors a wider revival in premium men’s grooming.

Known for its skilled team, stylish venues, and commitment to training the next generation of barbers, Beardy Beardy has grown into a small but mighty chain of three barbershops.

In addition to the original Inverclyde location, there is now a bustling branch in Glasgow’s trendy Finnieston area and another in the heart of the city centre on Renfield Street. Together, the three venues are home to a team of 26 barbers and staff, reflecting the business’s growth over the past decade.

National recognition at the SHABA Awards

Earlier this year, the Renfield Street shop was crowned Best Barbershop 2025 at the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards (SHABA), a standout honour in the country’s hair and beauty calendar.

The title caps a decade of steady growth and signals a standard of craft that resonates beyond postcode pride.

Owner Dale Forrest said the accolade felt bigger than a single city centre storefront, but represented the entire company and its ethos.

Co-owner Stephen Ross added a personal reflection on the journey: “When Beardy Beardy began, the vision was simple – to create high-quality grooming products for people who cared about their beards.

“Opening our first shop in Kilmacolm was a leap of faith, but the response from the community was amazing. To now be running three barbershops, training apprentices, and winning national awards feels surreal.

“It’s a testament to the incredible team we have and the loyalty of our customers.”

Training the next generation

Training is one of the cornerstones of Beardy Beardy’s success.

Several junior barbers are currently in training across the three shops, supported by seasoned mentors who prioritise technique, client care, and consistency. In a market where demand outstrips supply for skilled cutters, that pipeline matters.

The company sees investment in young talent as a way of giving back to the industry and ensuring high standards for years to come.

Alongside barbering services, Beardy Beardy has continued to expand its line of grooming products. The brand’s shelves tell the story of its evolution.

Building on its beard oil heritage, the company now offers styling essentials and a recently launched collection of aftershaves. The expansion takes the brand beyond the chair, putting Scottish-made grooming on bathroom shelves across the country.

For clients, it also means continuity: the barbershop finish can be maintained at home, guided by products developed with day-to-day practicality in mind.

As the business celebrates its tenth anniversary this September, Beardy Beardy is poised for a reflective yet forward-looking moment. From humble beginnings in beard oil to an award-winning barbershop chain, the company has carved out a reputation for quality, creativity, and community spirit.

With a sharpened focus on the next chapter, Dale Forrest added: “We’ve come a long way since our first bottles of beard oil.

“But the mission remains the same: to deliver great haircuts, great products, and a great experience. Here’s to the next 10 years.”

Help Beardy Beardy celebrate 10 years in business and find out more about its products and services via the website.