Award-winning barber Matty Conrad (@mattyconrad) showcases his love of boxing with a vintage-style collection of men’s grooming looks.
Put ’em up
There’s something really powerful about vintage boxing photos—Muhammad Ali confidently throwing his fist at the camera, Joe Frazier staring down anyone daring to look at him sideways, and Sonny Liston resolutely standing his ground. It was that mix of intensity and artistry that pulled in award-winning barber Matty Conrad.
“A few years ago I got really into boxing,” says Conrad. “I became obsessed with it, training four days a week.” He joined a gym that was covered in vintage fight posters and became fascinated with the hypermasculine photography. “I loved the simple black-and-white photos. These fighters looked heroic and noble, ready to do battle.” To honor his heroes, Conrad gathered up a group of his friends, put them in old boxing gloves, and positioned them in traditional boxing stances. Even his personal boxing coach got in on the act. Our conclusion: Conrad’s killer instinct created a knockout collection.
Body Shot
Conrad took full advantage of Scott’s extra-thick hair, highlighting the body with a blended fade and a super texturized pompadour. “I blowdried the top using a buffing motion and applied Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Refresh Dust Dry Shampoo and Mess Up Texture Matt Gum.
Corkscrew Punch
Conrad let James’ natural curls and kinks be the main event in this look, focusing more on a precision cut. “I gave him a low-drop fade while leaving a bit of texture up top,” says Conrad.
Split Decision
This high-drop fade has a heavyweight line and a hard, deep part. “I blowdried Dave’s hair using a Denman brush, which created volume. Then I comb-styled his hair with Uppercut Deluxe Pomade,” says Conrad. To finish the look, Dave’s beard was groomed and tamed with Victory Barber & Brand True North Beard Balm.