A CARMARTHENSHIRE barber has been shortlisted to become the 2016 Welsh Barber of the Year.

Craig Murphy, owner of Bangz Barber Shop in Carmarthen, is up for the award at the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards ceremony in Cardiff this Sunday.

Bangz Barber Shop is a relative young business, having opened in 2013, and is notable for being located in the D12 fitness gym in Carmarthen. As a result, Craig notes that he is able to give his customers a sharp haircut to complement their gym-honed bodies.

Craig said: "I’ve worked in several salons as a barber and stylist across the region for over 13 years, but I’ve always had a burning ambition to open my own barber shop. When the opportunity arose to Bangz three years ago, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to answer the growing call for precision barbering. I believe more and more men are wanting to maintain a barber-fresh look with a regular trims but without the salon price tag."

The barber has even decided to alter his opening hours and his booking system in order to keep his customers satisfied.

He said: “As a result, I’ve tailored my opening hours to meet my customers’ needs, opening from 8am during the week and 6am on a Saturday. You’ll be surprised how many men are willing to get up early for a haircut on a Saturday morning to make sure they’re looking their best for the weekend. Also my online booking system means that there’s no more hanging around waiting for a haircut."

Now in its third year, the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards celebrates and promotes successful hair and beauty businesses across Wales. Craig is up against some excellent competition in his category, including such well-established names as Cardiff’s Lazarou Brothers and Windsor Barbers.

As for future plans, Craig is already looking to expand the business next year.

Craig said: “Being nominated for the award is a great honour and I hope that it reflects our commitment to giving my customers the sharpest and tightest haircuts in south Wales. Giving customers precise, affordable and on-tend haircuts is something will never change. I’d love to open a Bangz School of Barbering and share the skills that I’ve learnt over the years with other aspiring barbers.”