The Gamal family’s relationship with barbering began in 1913, long before grooming became shorthand for lifestyle or luxury. Passed down through generations, the craft was never treated as a fallback, or tradition for tradition’s sake, but as a discipline that demanded respect.
Carlos Gamal, founder of CG Barbershop, first picked up a pair of ‘proper’ scissors aged 11 in his father’s barbershop in Cairo. Standing alongside his father and brothers, barbering became second nature, learning through observation, repetition, and responsibility. It was simply the path.
Gamal treats barbering with the same seriousness as any skilled craft. He speaks of it as a science, rooted in anatomy, symmetry, psychology, and observation. Much like cooking once evolved from domestic labour into a respected profession through study and structure, he believes barbering deserves similar recognition. This belief led him to begin work on a book titled Ingenium Shear, a proposed industry standard for modern barbering. ‘Ingenium’, a Latin word meaning innate talent, explores barbering as a social, psychological, and cultural force, rather than simply a service.
Structured in chapters, the book connects personal experience with universal lessons. Topics range from mastery and discipline to social class, perception, and emotional intelligence. Gamal argues that barbers have historically occupied a central role in society. “In the Middle Ages, barber-surgeons were trusted to perform medical procedures. Barbers were relied upon because of their proximity to people and their ability to handle sharp tools with care. They were never peripheral figures,” he explains.
That proximity still defines the profession today. Barbershops, Gamal explains, are often one of the few spaces where men feel able to speak openly. Clients share concerns about divorce, finances, health, and identity, often more freely than they would with family or professionals. Because of this, barbers require emotional awareness alongside technical skill. He points to studies in Black American communities where barbershops functioned as informal support spaces, where men talk about health, wellbeing, and life issues, contributing to reduced aggression and improved social outcomes.
“Barbershops are unique spaces where men build strong bonds with their barbers,” says Carlos Gamal. “Those relationships are built on trust. Over time, barbers become confidants, offering a safe space where men speak openly about divorce, finances, and personal struggles without judgement.”
Grooming, in his view, is closely tied to confidence and self-respect. How a man presents himself affects how he moves through the world, how productive he feels, and how he interacts with others. “A haircut is not cosmetic alone. It alters posture, mood, and behaviour,” he adds. The importance placed on appearance at moments like weddings, he notes, is rooted in the desire to feel composed under attention.
Carlos Gamal’s personal style reflects the same principles. He favours clean lines, geometry, and classic references, particularly from the 1960s and 1970s. As a teenager, he bought second-hand clothing, driven by a lack of options and a desire for individuality. That curiosity led him to tailoring and eventually to creating pieces of his own. Today, inspiration comes from his clients, a constant rotation of personalities, cultures, and perspectives passing through the chair.
He favours vintage pieces and gravitates towards chunky sneakers for their appeal and practicality. “Style only works when it is owned with confidence,” he adds.
Here he tells Esquire about his 3 fits…
Look 1
This is a bespoke jumpsuit that I designed, inspired by military uniforms. It’s a statement piece that balances structure with attitude, which I usually ground with sneakers to keep the look relaxed and approachable.
Look 2
My go-to version of casual chic for meetings, daytime events, or when I need a more executive feel without being overly formal.
Look 3
Effortlessly cool and exactly what I’d wear for a day out, a casual brunch, or even a rave party. The oversized silhouettes keep it laidback and confident, striking the right balance between comfort and edge.