Bonteheuwel barber Adiel Salie has once again proved why he is the best in the cutting-edge world of speed trimming.
The 38-year-old participated in Duel of the Barbers in Stellenbosch on Sunday where he was awarded the Duel Master for 2020 for doing the fastest cut, needing just 58 seconds to slaan a fader.
He walked away with prize money of R10 000 and barber equipment worth R6 000.
“It felt so good to win and I am still emotional because I put 150% effort in my cutting.
“I trained long hours for this day,” says Adiel.
The fine art of cutting and styling hair has been one of Adiel’s talents for the past 20 years and he has been running his own barbershop for 18 years.
Organiser Antoinette Coetzee says the competition has been running for three years.
“The idea was to get barbers to showcase their talent and it has grown tremendously in talent and sponsorship. Adiel was magnificent.”
It was his second time entering the competition, last year he won the pattern category.
“Cutting hair is in my blood and that is the only thing I know,” says Adiel.
“I run workshops here in Bonteheuwel teaching young people how to cut hair because I know how expensive it is to go to college for this.”
In 2019, he was selected as one of South Africa’s Top 6 Barbers and in 2018 he recorded the fastest fade and best cut at the King of Cutz national competition.
Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie says they are proud of Adiel’s achievements and he is setting a good example for the youth.
“Adiel personifies what it means to be a son of Bonteheuwel, he has proven himself and the people of Bonteheuwel agree. We are proud of him for putting our area on the map,” he says.