It started with YouTube videos and no clear plan. Now a self-taught barber from Leicestershire has been named the best in the UK.

Rahul Tanna, who owns Tannatrims in Thurmaston, won the Leading Awards Best Barber 2026. The 27-year-old said he was “so surprised” to beat competition from other barbers across the UK.

The award honours new standards in precision, creativity and grooming excellence.

Tanna said he began learning his craft in 2019.

“When I left school, I didn’t really have a plan,” he said.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do.

“A few of the guys that I knew were cutting hair. They were self-taught. They were making good money at the time and I thought I’d give it a try.

“I started teaching myself how to cut hair off YouTube”.

Seven years later, he opened his own unit.

Tanna said he has given free haircuts to homeless people and has raised his profile by grooming celebrities including Birmingham rapper Mist and professional boxer Likkleman, from Coventry.

“My dream came true last year, when I cut my favourite rapper Bugzy Malone, a Manchester rapper,” he added.

He said barbering had changed over the years, with more demand now for men’s grooming and facials.

“Men’s grooming wasn’t a big thing back then, they never used to talk about it,” he said.

“People want to look fresh now, they’re looking after themselves. We’re in that era of self-growth.”

When awarding the title, judges said they looked for technical mastery, consistency and a strong sense of identity within the craft.

“I didn’t expect to win, we’re talking the whole of the UK, so to win that just meant a lot,” Tanna said.

“I’ve sacrificed a lot of my time and effort into my business and trying to grow it, so it just shows that hard work does pay off, in good time.

“You’ve just got to keep working, stay consistent and follow the plan.”

One of Tanna’s clients, Niraj Madlani, said: “To be honest, I’ve seen him come from humble beginnings.

“He’s put the work into his craft. I’m really proud of him and it’s inspirational to be honest.”

Tanna said he had “big plans” to grow his business and was already planning to defend his title next year.

“It’s not even work to me. I’m just cutting friends’ hair, just having a laugh, [we] play pool and listen to music and just chill and I get to make money from it,” he said.

“It’s probably the best job in the world.”

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