A YOUNG Scottish barber is vying to be ‘number 1’ in the industry.

Dean Cunningham, 24, who has primped and preened members of rock band the Prodigy, has been shortlisted for Scotland’s Best Barber.

More than 100 barbers, male and female, entered and Dean, who works at Iconic Gents Hair in East Kilbride, has made it down to the final 25.

A selection of Dean’s expert creations are featured on the Scotland’s Best Barber website and the public is being invited to vote for their favourite.

Dean hones his skills spending hours watching barber videos on YouTube.

Dean said: “I’ve always been a lover of traditional haircuts with a modern twist; from Van Halen-style glam metal, to army crew cuts, find them all inspiring.

“I always strive to be a better barber, customer by customer.”

Barbering is currently enjoying a renaissance, according to industry experts, particularly in Scotland with men abandoning salons in favour of the traditional barber.

Figures show there has been a 15% surge in the number of barbershops that have opened on Scottish high streets over the last 12 months, rising to around 1,345.

The return of the short-back-and-sides hairstyles made popular by the likes of celebrities Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Gareth Bale is thought to have contributed to the rise.

The live finals will be held at the Scottish Hair and Beauty show on Saturday, April 23, at Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre.

Dean will be up against a shortlist that includes; Alisha Storrie from Legacy Gents Stylists in Glasgow, Crihan Corneliu Darren Simons from Davie the Barbers in Glasgow, Graeme Milne, from Rebel Rebel in Glasgow and Heather Atkinson from Barber and Groom in Inverclyde.

To vote for Dean visit /www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk/scotlandbarbervote/