About me
1983 JULY 11
1997 DECEMBER 15
2008 JANUARY 8
2023 JULY 11
James Nials, aka “Flawless Da Barber,” entered the barber industry at 13 years old. Starting with 150 close family and friends, I grew to over 300 clients by 19. Self-taught and eager to be the best, I attended Hair Expos, as barber expos weren’t as big at the time. My ambition and confidence grew, but so did the challenges—“THE LOVE WAS FAKE & THE HATE WAS REAL.”
FLAWLESS FROM HEAD TO TOE. I left Harlem and explored what the beauty industry had to offer, attending Westchester Beauty School and L.I.B.S. I took up makeup, color, facials, braiding, and learned about the divisions of racism, colorism, and sexism. The beauty/barber industry often felt like a monster that could stifle your growth.
BARACK OBAMA became President, inspiring me to keep going. I returned to Harlem, NYC, and opened a one-man barbershop on 145th Street. Managing a business while staying creative was challenging, especially for a barber from my era. Adapting to the new age was tough, but I embraced it, being a gadget head, graphic junkie, and innovative thinker. However, balancing my career with fatherhood made it hard to find my path.
COMING UP TO 40 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS. With my 3rd hair studio, I’ve found the real answer to impacting the Barber Industry, my family, and my business. I’ve created a PLATFORM to keep my family, customers, and myself stable. I realized that while I was searching outward for an identity, it was waiting for me to discover within. If you’re looking for a “barber near me,” “men’s haircuts near me,” or the iconic FLAWLESS DA BARBER, I’m here to redefine the industry.
