A SHAVING star is hoping her hair styling skills will show she is a cut above the rest in the finals of a national competition.

Claire Cant, co-owner of Claark Barbers, in St John’s Street beat off razor sharp competition from thousands of fellow barbers to be named a finalist in the prestigious Britain’s Best Shave Competition.

She will be competing against seven other finalists in front of a live audience at the HJ Live London, for her chance to be crowned Britain’s Best Wet Shaving Barber on Sunday, March 29.

Having previously reached the competition’s regional heats two years ago, the 53 year old is delighted to have made it through to the next stage this time around.

She said: “I was narrowly beaten in the regional heats a few years back and I’ve been refining my skills ever since.

“It’s great to see my hard work has paid off and I can’t wait to step into the competition’s iconic boxing ring for the finals.”

To make the final cut, Mrs Cant impressed the judges, who are all leading barbers themselves, across a number of strict disciplines, including shave preparation, razor technique, client aftercare and health and safety.

Mrs Cant’s career in hair and beauty began at the age of 16, when she trained as a hairdresser, before opening her own successful salon at the age of 21.

“I’d always had an interest in men’s hair, but in those days barbering wasn’t really an option for me,” she said.

“But I wanted to push myself, so I signed up for a barbering course at Total Barbers in Shoreditch.

“I did a day’s wet shaving with a balloon and I’ve never looked back.”

Run by the British Barbers’ Association (BBA) and supported by leading men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge, Britain’s Best Shave is the longest-running competition of its kind.

Trevor Studd, director of the BBA, said it is amazing to see the UK’s most talented barbers get the recognition they deserve in a live show environment.

He added: “Britain’s Best Shave truly brings together the best of the country, and those who have made it to the finals seem to really cherish the platform they’ve been given.

“The BBA is extremely proud to share this experience with its community, from the heats right through to the finals, our family grows and strengthens every year.”

Bradley Wicks, marketing manager for The Bluebeards Revenge, said the competition is about more than just shaving.

“It encapsulates the growth of barbering over the last few years and highlights the high levels of skill”, he said.

“Every year the level of competition improves and it’s because of competitions like this and dedicated associations such as the BBA.

“We are very proud to support such an iconic competition which celebrates one of the most established and respected trades on the planet.”