Yass
Founder, barber and educator
Yass was born in Iran and started cutting hair part-time in middle school, alongside his studies. He lost his father young and money was tight, but he kept at the work, learned every fundamental, and at nineteen opened his own salon.
More than twenty years later he runs Number 1 Barber in North York. He treats the craft as something you keep studying: international licensing from Australia and Canada, technical and vocational certification from Iran, a Health Canada-compliant practice, and a degree in business administration.
Teaching is half the job. He has trained more than 500 students in cutting and styling, holds an Ontario Private Career College instructor licence, and runs an education platform in Ontario that keeps his technique current.
At the chair the aim is simple: take the time to get it right, and send every client out looking like the best version of themselves. Beyond cuts, colour and styling, he also does groom makeup for the wedding day.
Come in once. I'm sure you'll keep coming back.