The American Crew All-Star Challenge highlights the outstanding world class talents in men’s grooming. The competition combines the art and science of men’s grooming and creating authentic style – the cut, the model and the photograph – to deliver the ultimate interpretation of the American Crew man.

Country competitions have already taken place and their winners named. Now those fifteen finalists will compete in Brussels with two days of competition photo shoots on May 4 and 5, during which each will cut and style their model, then work with American Crew Founder David Raccuglia to shoot and select the photo that would represent their final look. The winner will be announced on May 8th in the joint event with  Revlon Style Masters.

Meet the Australian finalist, Ben Kane: 

Describe your professional career path.

At the age of 15 I started my apprenticeship alongside a traditional barber, learning a variety of old school techniques. From the beginning of my career until now I’ve pushed myself to learn as much as possible, combining traditional barbering and modern men’s hairdressing. Education is a passion of mine, so for the past three years I’ve been teaching Cert 3 in hairdressing and my own non-accredited barbering courses for those wanting to enhance their skills. I have been a part of Rokkman Barbers from the very beginning and now I am the proud owner of Rokkman Barbers in Toorak.

Do you have any influences from your life that motivate and inspire you artistically?

I just feel like I’ve found my niche –this is something I’m really passionate about and constantly strive to do better.

What are your grooming must-haves and favorite American Crew™ products?

Alternator changed my life with the way it can build texture, body and create a great foundation.

What does the AmericanCrew™ All-Star Challenge mean to you?

Since I was 15 years old, I always wanted to become an American Crew All-Star Challenge Finalist and have my work featured in a magazine so to win the American Crew competition in Australia blew me away.

Tell us in a #hashtag how you felt when you learned you won.

#speechlessfordays

What advice would you give to anyone looking to pursue a career as a stylist?

A career as a barber is like hanging out with your close friend each day whilst making people happy and creating pieces of art.

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