Precision, artistry, and unwavering dedication—these are just some of the words that come to mind when describing #ItTakesAPro Team Artist Isaiah Taylor (@zayfades). With 14 years of experience, this Los Angeles-based barber is more than a master of his craft; he’s an industry leader in textured hair and precision fades as well as mentorship and education.
We sat down with Taylor to learn more about his passion for barbering and his journey of perseverance and evolution. Read on to discover how this talented artist is shaping the future of barbering, plus get the lowdown on how he avoids burnout as a highly sought after artist and suite owner in West Hollywood.
Get To Know Isaiah Taylor
Taylor’s journey began in Bluefield, WV, where he started cutting hair as a teenager. What began as a side hustle quickly evolved into a passion and, before long, he made the decision to leave college and fully commit to his craft. This transformational moment laid the foundation for the successful career that followed soon after.
Upon earning his barbering license, Taylor began working in a high-volume, traditional barbershop. Less than a year later, he was recruited to be part of a luxury barbershop’s inaugural Los Angeles location—an opportunity that elevated his skills and propelled his career forward.
Today, Taylor has his own private suite in West Hollywood, just steps from the Hollywood Hills, where he offers a refined and personalized grooming experience. His diverse background has given him a deep understanding of client relationships, service, and the artistry of barbering.
Known for his precision and meticulous attention to detail, Taylor takes pride in elevating the barbering experience. His dedication extends beyond the chair—he’s committed to developing his craft and passing down his knowledge to shape the next generation of barbers.
SalonCentric: What’s one thing that people should know about you?
Isaiah Taylor: I’m a very mild mannered person who’s fairly easy to get along with. I’m also a person who’s committed to growing in all aspects of life. I want to be a better husband to my wife, a better barber to my clients, and a better operator in my business.
SC: Did you always want to be in the hair industry? What led you to this profession?
IT: Growing up, I was always intrigued by hair but never thought to pursue it as a career. What led me into the profession of being a barber was actually learning how to cut my own hair. At 13 years old, my mom bought me a clipper to cut my hair in between barber visits. Once I started cutting my own hair, I couldn’t put the clippers down. As time progressed, I started doing cuts for friends and other people I went to school with. And here we are 14 years later and I’m still just as fascinated as when I first started.
SC: What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that's impacted the way you approach your craft?
IT: One piece of advice that has impacted the way I approach my craft is that people aren’t just coming to you for a haircut. That advice has influenced the way I see clients on a human level rather than just another transaction. Cultivating relationships with the people I’m servicing has greatly impacted the way I view and see the craft as a whole.
SC: What does a perfect day off look like for you, and how do you recharge your creativity and avoid burnout?
IT: The perfect day off for me is being able to spend time with my family while also sneaking in alone time with myself. Being able to recover mentally and physically on my off days helps me to stay fresh for the upcoming week.
To avoid burnout, I take a mandatory off day every week where there is no work involved in any capacity, with no exceptions. As much as I love my profession, this is a day that I look forward to because I get to take a breather from it. I’ve experienced burnout in the past and this has helped me to sustain the level of productivity needed to achieve my goals.
SC: What’s next for you? Are you working on anything exciting personally or professionally at the moment?
IT: Professionally speaking, I want to start teaching and educating barbers in a larger capacity. A small goal of my mine is holding my first in-person class this year. I really want to grow as an educator in my industry, which will require me to do more in-person classes with barbers who want to learn from me.
From his ultra-precise fades to his commitment to education, Isaiah Taylor embodies what it means to elevate the craft. Keep up with him on social media @zayfades for more barbering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes moments.
Image credits: Courtesy of Isaiah Taylor (@zayfades)
