Barbershop crafts viral look

A Gateshead barbershop gains attention as Jack Kay’s viral Ibiza Final Boss look was created there, spotlighting how craft and proximity can ride a digital wave.

The Gateshead barbershop where Ibiza Final Boss' viral haircut was created

A Gateshead barbershop has become an unlikely anchor in a viral moment surrounding Jack Kay, the online figure known as Ibiza Final Boss. The look was crafted about two years ago by Danny Karimi at B&D Barbers in Swalwell, with co-owner Ali Kurbani saying the routine is kept sharp by regular visits from Kay. The signature cut is a medium skin fade with length kept on top, paired with a beard that completes the face frame. Kay reportedly visits roughly every two weeks to maintain the look.

After a TikTok clip of Kay in Ibiza racked up thousands of views, he returned to the region briefly—landing at Newcastle Airport before heading back to the party island. The shop’s role in shaping the look is central to the story, with Kay’s team crediting the two-year-old style as the product of Danny’s decision rather than Kay’s explicit instruction. Ali notes that the beard is an intentional match to the hair, a detail he says helps Kay keep the overall silhouette sharp as the moment grows online.

The episode highlights how a local business can ride a global wave when craft meets social media. A skilled barber’s work—precise fades, tailored facial hair, and the ability to adapt a look to a client’s face—can become a brand in itself when amplified by platforms like TikTok. The arrangement also shows the strength of long-term client relationships; a partnership built over seven years with Danny helps Kay sustain a consistent appearance that travels beyond the barbershop chair.

At the same time, the moment exposes potential fragility. Relying on a single high-profile client for attention can bring volatility if the look shifts or the viral spark fades. The shop must balance pride in craft with the realities of online fame, including the pressure to keep delivering a signature style while avoiding privacy intrusions or misinterpretation of the business as a one-hit wonder.

Highlights

Craft and community can travel farther than a single moment.