Meet the artist: Mark Maciver

by Alison Rowley | Sep 21, 2020 | Artist showcase, Creative HEAD Shoots, Inspiration, Partnership, Video

By his own admission, barber Mark Maciver had never before been given an open brief on set; this Creative HEAD video project, in partnership with BaByliss PRO, was a first. This is Artists in Session – a short film following incredible names in hairdressing as they unleash their creative flair for the camera. Here’s the Slider showcase…

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Artists In Session – WATCH the full film

credit: hair by Mark Maciver
@slidercuts

“The style I do most is a skin fade. I love doing those styles but I want to do more patterns, more scissor cutting. I want to push myself outside of autopilot” Mark Maciver

Mark Maciver, aka SliderCuts started his career as an apprentice at D&L Barbers in north London but you could say his connection to hair began long before. Growing up getting cuts from family members but seeing others head to the barber, he immediately felt the sense of community provided by the barbershop – and wanted in.

Fast forward 20 years and Mark is now the owner of SliderCuts Studio on London’s Hackney Road – home to his tight-knit team but also a space in which he mentors young people in the area, something he’s extremely passion about.

But Mark’s empire goes far beyond the shop and the day-to-day running of a barbershop business. There’s the brand (SliderCuts tees, hoodies, trainers…), the book, the designer collaborations and the high profile client list to boot. His reputation for the sharpest shape-ups has garnered a following of over 90k on Instagram, seen stars from Stormzy and Anthony Joshua to LeBron James and Tinie Tempah request his skills and brands including Facebook, Nike and Reebok flock to work with him.

And then there’s the fashion – a world that sought out Slider. Mark and his team crafted the cuts for Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton Menswear debut, were flown to Miami to work on the hair for Kim Jones’ PF20 show for Dior Men and stepped backstage at both the Versace and Burberry AW20 shows.

But it’s more than his skills that draw people to Mark, it’s his energy. Those who follow him know success was hard-earned. This is a man who has put in the long hours, worked the late nights – and not only to see his business boom but to bring others up, too. Motivated, dedicated and devoted to instigating change, Mark is a force to be reckoned with and much admired by many.

I’d define my creative style as…transformative; I can sculpt, blend and shape hair to suit any head shape.

I’m inspired by… People. For example, Kobe Bryant; he outworked everyone. He trained early, finished late and set an example. And that’s how you’re supposed to be. Hard work inspires me. People who aren’t naturally gifted but work hard to become extraordinary is inspiring. It shows that anyone can do it, and I see myself as part of those people.

People who have impacted my career include… Wizzy de barber and also a collection of people who don’t even know they’re my mentors, or realise they play a part in my mentorship!

One standout memory I have is… When a rival gang squashed their issue, which I played a part in. As a barber I’m in a privileged position where I can be objective and impartial. And, as everyone needs a haircut, I was cutting members of both gangs. After years of speaking to both sides about resolving the issue, it finally came to an end. I asked them how they resolved it and each side said separately that they listened to what I said repeatedly over the years and they came to the view that it really wasn’t worth it. The reason why they listened to me is because I was their barber, involved in the lives of both sides and was respected – which was a big thing.

If it hadn’t been for hair, I wouldn’t have… Been able to affect the community as effectively in the way that I am able to do.

If I had one piece of advice it would be… Be willing to pay to learn from those who know more than you – whether that’s from courses, shadowing sessions or masterclasses. It’s about making an investment in yourself.