Empowering the industry

Gents Academy is New Zealand’s first private barbering education provider — setting the standard for the next generation of barbers. Built by industry professionals, we offer hands-on, real-world training that blends classic techniques with modern style.

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Gents Academy Co

Our Ethos & Mission

Meet the Educators

Learn from industry experts

Tommy Degg

Tommy Degg

Master Barber & Head Educator

Meet our New Zealand Head educator and JRL Ambassador, Tommy Degg.

@tommydegghair English-born, Tommy has worked across the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, blending strong modern barbering techniques with classic styles. He brings a wealth of global barbershop experience, along with a genuine passion for education and development.

Tommy has been involved with some of the biggest names in the industry across the globe now making his mark in New Zealand.

Focus from a engineering background to developing the Gents Academy blueprint to inspire the next generation of industry leaders.

Henry Brain

Henry Brain

Director of Gents Ltd & Lead Educator

Meet our Director and lead educator Henry Brain

With over 15 years of barbering experience, Henry is the founder of Gents Barbershop, Gents Academy, and Gents Supply Co. Over the past decade, he has travelled the world, cutting hair and learning from barbers across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, giving him a broad understanding of international barbering techniques and trends.

Henry's education is built on the foundations of traditional, old-school barbering, combined with the precision and creativity of modern haircutting. His structured, system-based approach simplifies barbering into repeatable techniques, helping students build confidence, consistency and technical excellence behind the chair.

Today, Henry combines his experience as a barber, business owner and educator to help develop the next generation of barbers through practical, hands-on training in a real barbershop environment.

Abby Lewis

Abby Lewis

Senior Barber & Academy Educator

Meet our newest recruit to the Gents Academy educational team with abundance on barbering experience Abby Lewis.

Originally from the UK, Abby brings over 10 years of barbering experience and a strong foundation in traditional barbering. Since joining Gents Barbershop, she has become an integral part of the team, consistently demonstrating exceptional technical skills, professionalism, and a genuine passion for the craft.

As an Associate Educator at Gents Academy, Abby is known for her calm, patient, and approachable teaching style.

She has a natural ability to simplify techniques, making learning relatable and enjoyable for students of all experience levels. Her passion for helping others grow, combined with her hands-on industry experience, makes her a valuable mentor for anyone beginning their barbering journey.

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