113: The Truth About Global Barbering: Michael Kontos & JJ Savani on LSB’s India Expansion

From The Noble Barber by The Noble Barber

January 29, 2026 · 54 min · Episode 113

About this episode

The episode discusses the global barbering market and features insights from Michael Kontos and JJ Savani on their experiences and the expansion of barbering education in India.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BARBERING! Use Our Exclusive Code ‘noblebarber26’ for £250 off their 9 & 12 Week NVQ Level Courses 👇 Website: https://www.londonschoolofbarbering.com/ In Part 2 of our conversation at the London School of Barbering, Anthony Laban sits down with Michael Kontos and JJ Savani to discuss the untapped potential of the global barbering market. JJ Savani shares his remarkable journey of falling back in love with the craft after losing his sight and how he transitioned from a career in NHS management psychology into becoming a headline educator. We dive deep into the "status game" of the international market—where image and prestige drive pricing—and why LSB is now pioneering UK-based qualifications for a market of 1.4 billion people in India. Michael and JJ also break down the "Endgame" of social media, explaining why a high follower count is a vanity metric if you don't have the positioning to create conversion. Plus, Michael reveals why he would hire a technical scissor cutter over a "flawless fade" specialist every single time. Follow LSB! https://www.instagram.com/londonschoolofbarbering Follow JJ: https://www.instagram.com/jjsavani…

People in this episode

Host: Anthony Laban

Guests: Michael Kontos, JJ Savani

Topics covered

global barbering market
barber education
social media strategy
career transitions
India expansion

Keywords

barbering
education
social media
India
NHS
career change
London School of Barbering

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NHS

Places: India, UK

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