Blending family roots with a forward-thinking ethos, R+R Studios in Dundee has quickly grown into one of Scotland’s most exciting barbering destinations. With a focus on community, education and creativity, the team – led by Edward Harris – are carving out a reputation that’s as much about connection as it is about cutting hair.
- Dundee, Scotland
- @rrstudios on IG
- Furniture: Takara Belmont
Every great barbershop has a story, and R+R Studios’ begins with family. “After so many years in the industry and with my second baby on the way, I wanted a place we could call our own as a family,” said owner Edward. “But also, a place where the team or anyone who walked through the door felt they could call their own too.”
The shop’s name is rooted in Edward’s children. “R+R came from my kids, Rocky and Rebel,” he explained. “The vision isn’t just to create a barbershop, but a place where everyone can grow – whether you’re a hairdresser, a curly specialist, a photographer, or anyone with a vision. R+R is a place where you can feel at home and bring your ideas to life.”
Team Ethos Over Ego
At R+R Studios, the team comes first – and that starts with the right people. “The first thing we look at when hiring is personality,” Edward explained. “Skills can always be taught, but attitude is what really matters. Clients don’t want ego or negativity; they connect with people who make them feel welcome. That sense of community and family is exactly what we’re trying to build.”
The team culture is built around learning and sharing knowledge. “We’re always learning – because the truth is, nobody knows everything! There’s always something new to pick up or a new trend to follow. That’s why we’re planning to start in-house training evenings, open to our team and to anyone who wants to join,” Edward said. “We also go to external courses, and later this year we’ve got a Josh O.P. look and learn happening in the studio.”
The studio’s clean, minimalistic design was carefully thought out to create a calming environment. “My son is autistic, so we’re learning more and more from him how atmosphere and surroundings can really impact emotions,” Edward said. “A busy, cluttered space with noise can be overwhelming, so we wanted the opposite – open, inviting and calm.”
A Shared Approach to Craft
One of the strengths of R+R is the diversity of talent under one roof. “We all have our own styles and techniques,” Edward said. “Some of us are all about long hair, some love short cuts, and some just love doing it all. At the end of the day, it’s about listening to the client and making sure they walk out happy.”
That shared standard is what defines the shop. “Training keeps us sharp – our cuts don’t need to be identical, but the quality of service always does,” Edward noted.
On the tools front, the shop works exclusively with Matakki Scissors, recently securing a sponsorship deal. “It’s a huge achievement for us,” Edward said. “They’re the best scissors we’ve ever used. When it comes to clippers, we’ve all got different preferences. Personally, I’m a BabylissPro geek – if a new BabylissPro clipper drops, I need it!”
More Than Just a Haircut
At its core, R+R is about people. “For us, barbering is 60% haircut, 40% customer service,” Edward explained. “Some clients love a good chat, others prefer quiet – and we respect both. What matters most is that every client leaves remembering their cut for the right reasons, not an awkward hour in the chair.”
That commitment to connection has built a loyal client base and a reputation that extends well beyond the local area. As Edward put it: “Without genuine customer connection, your success won’t last long.”
Milestones That Matter
This year alone has been packed with highlights for the R+R team. They supported barbers Michelle and Keiran at the SHABA Awards, with Keiran ultimately walking away with Scotland’s Best Barber. “The pride has been unreal,” Edward said.
What’s Next for R+R?
Looking ahead, the future is about expansion, both in education and in physical space. “We’re planning to push more into education, while learning new techniques from barbers across the UK,” Edward said. “We’ll be hitting more shows – GBBB, Barber Connect, and anywhere else we can showcase what we can do. I’m currently exploring expansion opportunities as we’ve got the space and we’re ready to bring more barbers onto the team.”
The goal is simple: keep growing, while staying true to the ethos of family, community, and creativity.