Devin Booker. LeBron James. Travis Kelce. Kevin Durant. Drake. Jalen Hurts.
When the biggest names in sports and culture need a cut, they call Vince the Barber.
Known off the court as Vince Garcia, the Toronto-born, LA-based grooming innovator has spent 24+ years shaping more than just fades; he’s shaped the future of men’s grooming. From being Booker’s go-to barber to becoming the U.S. Grooming Ambassador for Dior, Vince has built a legacy with his hands, and a movement with his mindset. With tons of followers on IG and a feed that takes him BTS to every major sporting event, Vince spills his stylish secrets and the story behind the shears.
“My first client was one of my best friends Moe. I fell in love with the craft because I loved getting creative with a pair of clippers. I always loved to draw, so this was just another way to use a pencil.”
That creativity turned into a career. Back in his second shop in Toronto, Vince hit his first major breakthrough:
“I was fully booked for a solid month with people begging to pay more just to get in the chair.”
Still, he knew there was more to chase. So he left the familiar behind and moved to LA…
“I felt like I reached the top-of-the-top cutting hair in Toronto, so I moved to LA to explore opportunity to really grow.”
Grow he did, instantly getting scooped up by NBA royalty.
“Scoring a bunch of NBA clients the moment I touched down… I knew the possibilities were endless.”
His first A-list client?
“Chris Bosh when he was playing on the Raptors. When he got traded to Miami, I ended up moving to LA the same year. I asked Chris to let his people know I was in LA, and if they ever needed a cut, I had them covered.”
It worked. Vince's client list exploded.
“One of the moments that will forever stick with me? Cutting LeBron for his first game as a Laker. One of the best to ever play the game.”
The more high-pressure the moment, the more dialed-in Vince becomes.
“I keep it simple and feed off their energy. I make them not only look good, but feel good, so they play well. A great cut makes a huge difference in their game play.”
Sometimes, the requests get wild.
“A client once asked me to write his wife’s name on the back of his head with my trimmers.”
Other times, it’s deeper…
“It all depends on their mood. We talk about sports, work, family.”
That same presence carries over into The Shop- LeBron’s hit show on Uninterrupted- where Vince has been a lead barber since day one.
“We started before it got picked up by HBO. I’ve been on eight seasons. I was blessed to meet a lot of people I’ve idolized.”
Like when icons like Jay-Z and KD are in the room, he soaks it in.
“It’s surreal. You get to see them for who they truly are- not as the athlete or rapper. Being part of The Shop makes me feel seen and respected. It shows that my craft is appreciated and supported in more ways than one.”
And that support has reached brand name recognition.
“Being the first and only U.S. Grooming Ambassador for Dior has been a blessing. I help educate the world on Dior Sauvage Grooming products. I’m involved in marketing strategies, events, popups, and I test out new products before they hit the market.”
Vince believes the merge of grooming and fashion isn’t a trend. It’s evolution.
“More and more men are taking care of their skin, wardrobe, and style. In fact, I spread this message globally. Traveling around the world to teach has shown me how many barbers love and appreciate the craft just as much as I do. They’re all willing to learn and grow.”
That mindset is what sparked BYAPPTONLY, a name that’s now synonymous with exclusivity, precision, and movement.
“I wanted the brand to be unique, not barber-related. BYAPPTONLY means being exclusive to your craft.”
Vince spent three years designing the barber backpack that’s now standard in the industry.
“I grew up carrying a case for my clippers and a separate backpack for tools. I thought, why hasn’t anyone created a bag that carries everything? Once we launched it, it changed the way barbers and stylists travel.”
Plus, he gives back. Through the Trade-Works Foundation, Vince mentors youth in Jamaica- offering scholarships, skills, and confidence.
“It’s rewarding to pay it forward and share knowledge. Teaching others inspires me. You have to believe in yourself and trust the process.”
That’s the advice he gives young barbers:
“You’ll hit obstacles and fail at times, but you’ll learn and grow. You’ll become a better version of yourself.”
Despite the international reach, Vince stays grounded.
“My daily routine starts with getting the kids ready, breakfast with the fam, then on with the day. Balancing everything is tough; it’s about prioritizing what matters most in the present.”
If he could go back to one moment, it would be his first trip to the Philippines for a seminar.
“I wish I could relive that trip with my mom still around so she could see that barbering took me to the Motherland. My dad met me there and showed me where they grew up.”
If he wasn’t doing this?
“Probably playing Major League Baseball,” he laughs. “I had scholarships but no full rides, and we couldn’t afford it. So I went all-in with barbering, and I don’t regret it one bit. It’s brought me more opportunities than I ever imagined.”
Quick cuts:
- Dream client? Will Smith
- Clippers or scissors? Clippers
- Go-to playlist? Old School 90s Hip Hop/R&B
- Most requested cut? Devin Booker’s fade… “Barbers tell me clients ask for the ‘Book Fade.’”
- Bring back? HighTop or Gumby w/ the part
- Leave behind? Mohawk and mullet
- Style tip for guys? “Dress to fit your lifestyle. Less is more, but that fresh cut completes the fit.”
IG @vincethebarber
“Being the first and only U.S. Grooming Ambassador for Dior has been a blessing."
“We started before it got picked up by HBO. I’ve been on eight seasons. I was honored to meet a lot of people I’ve idolized.”
“A client once asked me to write his wife’s name on the back of his head with my trimmers.”