Shane Curran has spent 34 years in the barbering industry, most of them behind the chair, and the past 25 years owning and running his own barbershop. Like many barbers, he learned the trade — and much of life — through long days, honest work, good conversations, and the quiet physical demands that build up over time.

Alongside barbering, movement and physical performance have always been a constant thread. Shane has worked as a fitness instructor and sports massage therapist, and has coached at club, third-level, and county level. His own sporting background spans a wide range of disciplines, including Gaelic football, hurling, judo, taekwondo, Filipino martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and high-board diving — each one shaping how he thinks about resilience, curiosity, and looking after the body that earns a living.

Beyond the Second Knuckle

Beyond the Second Knuckle came from a simple observation: most of what determines longevity in this trade has very little to do with cutting technique.

This blog isn’t about trends, fades, or tools. It’s about the parts of the job that sit underneath and around the craft — the body that stands all day, the mind that listens and concentrates, the habits that quietly support (or undermine) a long career. It’s about movement, health, curiosity, mindset, learning, and the lessons that only show up after years behind the chair.

There’s no claim of expertise here. Just lived experience. Things learned the hard way, things that were overlooked early on, and things still being figured out. Some posts come from personal experience, others from conversations, observations, or questions that refuse to go away.

Still curious, still learning, and still standing behind the chair, Shane believes that looking after the person holding the scissors matters just as much as the craft itself.