"If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good." This famous quote from 1990s football legend Deion Sanders remains relevant in modern sports, where every detail, even a hairstyle, can affect performance.

Amidst the intense demands of elite competition, few realize that behind the polished image of football and basketball stars is the silent effort of a dedicated force: their private barbers.

Jalen Rose (left) and Michael Jordan during their prime basketball careers. Photo: AP

Former NBA player Jalen Rose once disregarded his hairstyle early in his career. "At that time, I was just focused on proving myself; there was no need for a good haircut," Rose said. However, he later came to believe that performance and appearance are closely linked. "Finding a good barber is like choosing a good teammate."

In sports, hair is not just an aesthetic factor. It is a statement of personality, a "mental weapon" that helps athletes feel confident on the field. Therefore, finding a trusted barber becomes a priority for many stars.

One of the most famous barbers today is Vince Garcia, a Canadian working in Los Angeles. He has styled F1 racer Lewis Hamilton, football star Travis Kelce, and basketball star Kevin Durant — three names who collectively hold dozens of world titles.

Vince Garcia cutting Travis Kelce's hair, a three-time Super Bowl champion, in his private studio. Photo: Vince Garcia

Garcia recounted that his career began during a photoshoot featuring former American basketball player Chris Bosh. "I just touched up his hairline and beard, and Bosh liked it so much that he called me to cut his hair before every game," Garcia recalled.

From then on, his reputation spread. When he moved to Los Angeles, Garcia set a goal to cut hair for someone on the Los Angeles Lakers, and just two weeks later, he walked into the team's locker room.

Now, Garcia's clients come from various sports, including basketball, football, racing, and boxing. Garcia's studio is currently adorned with signed jerseys, a testament to the trust sports stars place in their "style keeper."

French midfielder Paul Pogba's hairstyle by Ahmed Alsanawi in 2019. Photo: Ahmed Alsanawi

Across the Atlantic, Ahmed Alsanawi, also known as A-Star, is a familiar name among English Premier League players. His clients include: Jack Grealish, Paul Pogba, Eden Hazard, and notably, the French national team that won the 2018 World Cup.

Alsanawi recounted that he was invited to Russia to cut the hair of the "Les Bleus" stars throughout the tournament. "I ate with them, watched them train; it felt like I was part of the team," he recalled. Pogba even said he dedicated the championship to his barber — a moment that deeply moved Alsanawi. "I'm just a barber, but to be seen by them as a contributor, it's crazy," the barber exclaimed.

Ahmed Alsanawi cutting hair for French national team stars.

Both Garcia and Alsanawi believe that a good hairstyle not only helps athletes look more polished in the media but also instills a sense of self-mastery — a crucial factor before competing.

"People often underestimate the power of hair," Alsanawi said. "Many players have their own routines, wearing specific socks, wrapping tape in a particular way, or simply getting a haircut before a game. If that helps them feel more put-together, it clearly helps them play better."

Garcia agreed: "I live by that philosophy — a neat appearance, high spirits, peak performance. When they look in the mirror and see themselves looking sharp, confidence follows."

After years of working with stars, Garcia realized his role extends beyond that of a barber. "The older I get, the more I understand that this job is also about listening," he shared. "They talk about family, children, and pressures that few outsiders know. When you are in that private space, just the two of you, trust builds naturally."

Ahmed Alsanawi cutting hair and chatting with Paul Pogba.

Alsanawi also likened himself to a private psychological counselor for players. "They rarely confide in outsiders, so when they come for a haircut, they feel more comfortable. I listen to their stories, and sometimes I share mine. Both find relief," he stated.

The impact of these "golden hands" isn't limited to the stars themselves. Barber Victor Martinez, who styles tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, said the champion's influence spreads to his hometown. He stated: "Many boys come to the shop and say, 'I want Carlos's haircut.' Just by cutting Alcaraz's hair, the entire neighborhood knows me."

For Garcia and Alsanawi, accompanying top athletes makes them part of contemporary sports culture — where image, performance, and spirit are closely intertwined. "Everything is connected," Garcia said. "When I help them look sharp, they feel better, and then they perform better. For us, the barbers, that is a source of pride. Now, we are a part of that machine of success."

Vince Garcia cutting hair for Cleveland Cavaliers basketball player Lonzo Ball in his private studio. Photo: Vince Garcia

Behind the glory of goals and titles, sometimes it is just a clipper, an intimate conversation, and a perfect hairstyle that helps them step onto the field with confidence.

Hong Duy (via CNN)