“Sam Rascals” isn’t just a name—it’s an emblem of a new, dynamic approach to men’s grooming. Born Samuel A. Bentham in Newcastle, England, he has built a buzzing empire around barbering, product innovation, and digital content. This article delves into the extraordinary journey of Sam Rascals, exploring his rise from apprentice to multi‑business entrepreneur renowned worldwide.
From Aerospace to Artistry: Early Life & Career Shift
Originally from North Tyneside, Newcastle, Sam began studying aerospace engineering after leaving school. Yet, academia failed to capture his spirit. Instead, he found inspiration in his mother’s hair salon, recalling the auditory allure of scissors meeting hair. He says the barbering world “always tried to reel me in”.
After a year studying engineering, Sam dropped out and began assisting a hairstylist friend. Observing techniques and innovations in product formulation, he realised the impact a barber could have on a client’s confidence and appearance. It prompted a radical career pivot: he would own his own barbershop.
Establishing the Rascals Brand
The First Barbershop
In October 2018, Sam launched Rascals Barbershop Ltd, based at Unit 42, Hoults Yard, Walker Road, Newcastle (NE6 2HL). From the outset, he aimed to blur the lines between urban barbershop and high‑end salon — offering scissor-precise cuts alongside deep client engagement. His philosophy: barbering isn’t merely a haircut, it’s an experience.
Expansion and Growth
His first outlet gained a loyal customer base eager for his attention to detail. By late 2023, he inaugurated a second salon in central Newcastle. This quick expansion validated his vision, demonstrating that attentive service can drive rapid growth.
Corporate Foundation
As of July 2025, companies linked to Sam include Rascals Products Group Ltd (2022), Rascals Newcastle Ltd (2023), and Rascals Education Ltd (2024). These reflect a deliberate move into brand management, product development, and education beyond just barbering.
A Digital Powerhouse: Audience & Influence
With over one million followers on Instagram, Sam combines sleek visuals showcasing his cuts, candid lifestyle snaps, and client transformations. His account is peppered with scissor-snapping videos and authentic storytelling that resonate with his audience.
TikTok
His TikTok persona, @samrascals, boasts over 2.1 million followers and more than 48 million likes. From rapid-fire tutorials to engaging barbering challenges, Sam delivers sharp, high-energy content that both educates and entertains. One particularly viral video showcased the “Sam Rascals haircut”, garnering over 368,000 likes and reinforcing his influence in the digital grooming space.
YouTube
On YouTube, his channel has around 217 000 subscribers and almost 90 tutorial-led videos . He focuses on detailed techniques—such as textured quiffs and precise scissor cuts—offering professional-level insight tailored for serious barbers and enthusiasts alike.
Strategic Partnerships & Product Innovation
Fresha Ambassador
In April 2024, Sam was named an official ambassador for Fresha, a salon booking and business management platform. He credits Fresha with streamlining operations across his salons—stock control, appointment scheduling, commission tracking—and even managing “Team Pay”, helping him minimise tax liabilities and reinvest profits wisely.
Chris & Sons UK Collaboration
Serving as an ambassador for Chris & Sons UK, a clippers and tool brand, Sam reinforces his image as a master craftsman. His endorsement carries weight in the industry thanks to his reputation for precision and quality.
Rascals Co: Home Grooming, Redefined
Product Line Vision
Frustrated by subpar styling products, Sam in early 2023 launched Rascals Co, a line of hair-care products tailored to textured looks and re‑workable hold. The range includes styling clays, pastes, salt sprays, and powders—all designed to complement his cutting style and meet client demands.
Innovation & Aesthetics
Sam applies the same rigor to product development as he does to barbering: meticulously crafting formulas that deliver and designing packaging that speaks to both barbers and consumers. This dual focus on function and form helps his brand feel authentic and relevant.
Education & Mentorship
Rascals Education Academy
In 2024, Sam founded the Rascals Education Academy, offering hands-on training in advanced barber techniques. Students learn not only cutting and styling but also client consultation and brand building—the holistic skills Sam deems essential for modern barbers.
Digital Learning
His online presence acts as an informal school. Aspiring barbers consume his detailed YouTube tutorials and short TikToks to learn nuanced skills—transforming his digital platforms into virtual classrooms.
Philosophy: Experience over Transaction
From the outset, Sam emphasised an ethos: barbering is not just technical, but experiential. His salons greet clients with a warm welcome, trust-based consultations, and relaxed ambience—all fostered by intelligent workflows enabled via Fresha .
By integrating digital efficiency with human warmth, he secures loyalty and repeat visits—a business model many strive for.
Business Performance & Financial Insight
According to Companies House data, Rascals Barbershop Ltd has operated as a micro‑entity since 2018, with turnover under £1 million and net assets around £54 000 as of October 2023. Though small in size, its steady profitability and potential for scalable growth are clear indicators of a robust and well-managed enterprise.
Future Plans & Wider Impact
Manchester Studio
Sam has expressed intentions to relocate and open a studio in Manchester—while maintaining his Newcastle branches remotely via Fresha’s dashboard tools. This expansion hints at a multi‑city, digitally managed grooming network.
Global Brand Vision
With his product line and educational programmes, Sam is laying the foundations of a brand that transcends geographical boundaries—positioning Rascals as a name synonymous with quality, innovation, and immersive barbering experiences.
Why “Sam Rascals” Works in the Digital Era
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Authentic narrative: His transition from engineering student to barber‑entrepreneur makes for an engaging story.
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Multi-channel content: Tailored platforms for different purposes—Instagram for visuals, TikTok for quick tutorials, and YouTube for deep dives.
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Tech-savvy operations: Partnering with Fresha to handle backend details while he focuses on creativity.
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Cohesive brand: Salons, products, and education come together under a unified aesthetic and philosophy.
All these elements align harmoniously to create a cohesive, powerful brand identity.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Sam Rascals
Sam Rascals represents more than a person—it is the embodiment of a spiritual shift in men’s grooming culture. From Newcastle’s urban streets to global digital screens, Sam Bentley transcends the role of barber—becoming entrepreneur, educator, and brand icon. Through dedication, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to genuine client experiences, he has cultivated a model for modernisation in grooming: human connection blended seamlessly with technological innovation.
His story remains a blueprint for how a professional can evolve with purpose—leveraging social media, product development, and service excellence to redefine success. As he expands into Manchester and beyond, the Rascals narrative is poised to inspire a generation of stylists and creatives worldwide.
