International barber and men’s hairstylist JJ Savani launches his new book, Positioned, next month, revealing for the first time the extraordinary story behind the sunglasses that have become his trademark.
While his sunglasses give him an unmistakable vibe, JJ’s book reveals the truth behind their purpose – he is visually impaired. Diagnosed with keratoconus after his sight deteriorated, JJ’s life unravelled. He lost his career in the NHS, had a mental breakdown and needed specialist support, including supported housing.
“I won’t dress up what that period was,” said JJ. “I shut out my family and my friends. It cost me my home, my relationship at the time, and my business. I started again with a sofa bed and government support. That was my starting line, the second time around.”
After undergoing treatment at Moorfields Eye Hospital, including corneal transplant surgery, some of JJ’s vision was restored, but he remains partially sighted and sensitive to intense light – hence the sunglasses he has worn throughout his career.
Following his surgery, JJ needed to find a new direction, and working behind the chair felt like a natural step. Growing up, he had spent time in his mom’s salon and worked Saturdays in the barbershop upstairs, but starting on this new career was only made possible when an anonymous benefactor paid for him to attend the London School of Barbering.
“To this day, I don’t know who it was,” says JJ. “Whoever you are: that gift changed everything.”
Following his training, JJ earned just £100 a week, but he progressed to become an educator at the London School of Barbering, rented a chair and eventually opened his own salon in Wellingborough.
Celebrity Cuts
His career took another turn when rapper Divine contacted him after seeing his work on Instagram. Celebrity clients followed, alongside editorial, education and session work. Today JJ works internationally, including at fashion weeks in London, Paris and Dubai.
Part memoir, part practical manual, Positioned explores how the lessons JJ learned rebuilding his own career can be applied by others who want to overcome setbacks, build their reputation and create opportunities.
Those principles also underpin JJ’s Global Stylist Blueprint education and his GBS Ascension Method™, which he teaches to hair professionals around the world.
“Hairdressers and barbers are incredibly talented, but talent by itself doesn’t automatically create the career you want,” said JJ.
“I had to rebuild my life and my career from almost nothing. Positioned takes what I learned doing that and turns it into something other people can use. It’s written through the lens of hair, but the principles can be applied to any career or business.”
JJ’s commitment to Moorfields will continue beyond telling his story. Every pound of his profits from Positioned will be donated to Moorfields Eye Charity, helping support its work to transform eye health through research, innovation, education and care.
Positioned is available in Paperback (£16.99) and on Kindle (£9.99)