When we heard Matt Babao would be visiting the Philippines a few months back, we knew we had to schedule an appointment to give Léon Denim creative director Iver Aldas a classic trim. The collaboration felt almost serendipitous—Matt, a long-time admirer of Léon Denim, and Iver, someone whose style and ethos perfectly align with Matt’s vision of timeless barbering. “I’ve always wanted to give Iver a cut. I knew our haircuts would really suit his style and career,” Matt shared, reflecting on the experience.
As a barber whose journey began in the Philippines, he helped pioneer the revival of classic barbering styles. Today, he’s based in Dubai, carving a niche in the bustling metropolis while staying deeply connected to his roots.
Matt’s fascination with barbering began during his college years when he discovered Schorem Barbier, a renowned barbershop in the Netherlands. Their influence led him to Slick Barbers Co., a group of trailblazing barbers in the Philippines reviving cuts like pompadours and fades. “Class and elegance,” Matt explains, are what drew him to the golden era of haircuts from the 1920s to the 1960s. For him, these styles are the epitome of gentlemanhood—timeless, refined, and always in vogue.
After completing his IT degree, Matt made a bold decision to follow his passion, becoming an apprentice at Heavyhands Barbershop in 2016. It wasn’t a straightforward path—barbering wasn’t seen as a lucrative career, and his family initially had reservations. But Matt’s determination paid off. “Looking back, there isn’t a single ounce of regret for choosing something I love doing,” he says. Over time, he witnessed the elevation of barbering in the Philippines, thanks to the collective efforts of barbers dedicated to raising the craft’s quality and value.
Matt’s approach to barbering is rooted in tradition, focusing on shape over fade. “After a week, the fade on a haircut starts to fade away, but the shape lasts three weeks or more,” he explains. His precision and care reflect his belief that barbering is more akin to sculpting than cutting. His favorite style? The long-trim pompadour—a timeless look favored by icons like Elvis Presley and Al Pacino.
In 2022, Matt moved to Dubai, encouraged by his mentor Mak Azores. The barbering scene there differs from the Philippines, where barbershops often serve as social hubs. Despite the shift, Matt stays connected to his roots by embracing the classic lifestyle and showcasing the rich traditions of Philippine barbering through his work and style.
For Matt, barbering is about more than just haircuts—it’s about relationships. Over the years, he has seen clients transform from strangers to friends, even family. “I’ve had clients who were single when I first met them, and now I’m cutting their kids’ hair,” he says. It’s this trust and connection that make barbering so fulfilling for him.
In his free time, Matt enjoys running and cycling, activities that help him recharge from the fast-paced environment of Dubai. He also spends his days off thrifting with his partner—embracing the slow, intentional ethos that aligns with his love for classic style.
Looking ahead, Matt dreams of opening a barbering academy in the Philippines to pass on the craft to the next generation. “Wherever this journey takes me, I’ll always follow,” he says. And while Dubai has been an incredible chapter, the Philippines will always be home. For Matt, the goal is simple: to continue honoring the traditions of barbering while pushing the craft forward, one timeless haircut at a time.