For Kurvin Spence—known to many simply as “Hightop”—barbering isn’t just a trade. It’s a calling that began when he was just nine years old in Bermuda. Over 40 years later, that early gift has blossomed into international recognition, with Spence now an award-winning barber in England and a powerful example of what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.
“When I first came to the UK, I wasn’t even thinking about cutting hair again,” Kurvin shares. “I had stopped for a bit. I was doing some YouTube stuff, and some tech-related work. But something kept calling me back.”
It was around Christmas nine years ago when he picked up the clippers again—and it didn’t take long for his old love to return. By the following year, he was entering barber competitions in London. And not just entering—he was winning. Spence walked away with multiple trophies in 2017 and 2019, building not only a clientele but a full-fledged business rooted in excellence.
But nothing prepared him for what happened just a few months ago.
“I got a letter in the mail saying I was nominated for the English Business Awards in the category of Best Barber,” he recalls with a mix of joy and disbelief. “Then another letter came—saying I was a finalist. And finally, they announced that TopKuttz won Best Barber for Nottinghamshire. I couldn’t believe it.”
Now, Spence is headed to Birmingham this November to compete for the national title—Best Barber in all of England.
A Global Clientele, A Bermudian Standard
TopKuttz isn’t just a barbershop—it’s a melting pot of cultures and creativity. Spence’s clientele includes professional boxers, YouTube stars like Jordan and Tiana Wilson (with over 12 million followers), rising footballers, and international models who’ve posed for brands like Adidas, JD Sports, and Primark.
“I’ve got clients from all over—Africa, India, Pakistan, and of course, Bermuda,” Spence says proudly. “Some Bermudians travel all the way from London to Nottingham just to get a haircut. That means everything to me.”
His success abroad is deeply rooted in the standard he built in Bermuda—where communication, professionalism, and cultural pride shaped his early years behind the chair.
“We don’t realize sometimes, being from Bermuda, how high our standards are until we leave. I brought that standard here with me, and it’s taken me far.”
A Legacy Carved in Clippers
Kurvin credits much of his success to his father, Eugene Spence—the “ultimate Spence barber”—who gave him his first shot at cutting hair nearly four decades ago.
“He planted that seed,” Spence says. “And now look at the fruit.”
His uncle Ricky continued the family tradition, helping cement the Spence name as a generational legacy in barbering. But it’s not just about haircuts—Spence sees his journey as a platform for inspiring others, especially young Black men who need to see success modeled with humility, faith, and hard work.
With his wife of 24 years by his side and his faith at the center of it all, Spence is grateful—and still dreaming.
“I just want to thank everyone who’s been part of this journey—from my early customers in Bermuda to my loyal clients in the UK. This isn’t just my win—it’s ours.”
And for anyone wondering when he’s coming home?
“I’ll be back. I don’t know when yet, but I’ll be back. And even if you don’t have hair, I’ll still find a way to freshen you up—maybe a nice eyebrow trim,” he laughs.
Until then, Spence invites everyone to follow TopKuttaz on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. And if you’re ever in the UK, make an appointment—because once you sit in Spence’s chair, you’re part of the legacy.
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