The Hague (known as ‘Den Haag’), steeped in rich history and renowned for its diplomatic prominence, stands as a testament to the Netherlands’ enduring legacy. Just an hour’s train ride from Amsterdam, this city has transformed from small beginnings to its current status as the seat of international justice. Against this backdrop of tradition and innovation, Jamaica Cuts has etched its own chapter in the city’s narrative as the first official Jamaican barbershop in The Hague. Meet Recordo Bauld, the visionary behind this cultural oasis and grooming landscape, whose journey from the inner-city community of Mount Salem to the luxe rooms of the Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel then to the cosmopolitan charm of The Hague is nothing short of remarkable.

Establishing himself as the premier barber in The Hague was no easy feat for Bauld. From battling the language barrier to getting used to the Dutch climate, he faced obstacles head-on. With resilience and determination, the discerning entrepreneur immersed himself in the local community, forging connections and adapting his skills to suit the diverse clientele.

His interest in becoming a barber started early. “At the age of 17, I started working directly in the popular barbershop known as ‘Tip Top’ in Montego Bay. I had a wonderful mentor, Alva Jarret, who taught me the skills of barbering.” In a profession steeped in tradition, Bauld seamlessly blends classic techniques with modern flair. The result? A fusion of style and contemporary finesse.

What sets this barbershop apart is more than just impeccable fades and razor-sharp lines. It’s a celebration of Jamaican culture – from the vibrant décor to the infectious rhythms of reggae. Clients are transported to the shores of Jamaica. “The building itself screams ‘Jamaican’. I amalgamated our Jamaican cultural background by adding our fashion and style, broadcasting our accomplishments in track and field including music.” Indeed, the Jamaican flag literally flew high from the moment I crossed the street through the Leeghwaterplein station to the time I entered the shop. Then when I sat down, the flag was a drapery of colour in all directions.

This is barbering beyond borders and building community the Jamaican way. Once a month, there is a good old-fashioned cookout with chefs Rikardo Bailey and Kevin Christie providing their community with everything from rice and peas with fried chicken to escoveitch fish (using Dorado, a popular choice at Dutch markets). The community of Jamaicans I met ranged from retired lecturers to caregivers. One chef, Richard Wedderburn, took me around the city as I discovered the historical components of The Hague in research for this article.

For Bauld, barbering is more than a profession; it’s a platform for fostering community spirit. In his chair, clients find not just a barber, but a confidante and friend. The informal scissor-friendly therapist. As the Brand Jamaica torchbearer for barbers in The Hague, Bauld’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: Work hard, follow your dreams, and never give up. He also started building a family legacy by allowing his daughter Rickayla to practice her beauty skills in the expanded beauty salon section of the business. Bauld is also a podcast host and storyteller. “We have a podcast, known as
Barbershops Talks TTY TV on
YouTube. These tools help us bring all the Jamaicans together in the country,” he noted.

As a gift from Jamaica to the Netherlands, Jamaica Cuts embodies the spirit of generosity and openness, offering not just grooming services but also a warm embrace of diversity and inclusion. In celebrating Jamaican traditions while embracing the Dutch ethos, Bauld’s barbershop becomes a catalyst for fostering understanding and appreciation across borders, showcasing the beauty and vitality of multiculturalism in today’s interconnected world. Historical Hague has a historical Jamaican to be proud of.

For more information visit: www.instagram.com/jamaica_cuts and https://jamaicacuts.com/