HE found fame within the barbering industry last year after being crowned Britain’s Best Wet Shaving Barber 2015, and was even made official barber for Rangers Football Club.

But it seems things are about to get all the more exciting for Galashiels man Luigi Caterino, who is set to return to defend his Best Shave title for 2016.

The 38 year-old will revisit this year’s Barber UK trade show to take on some of the nation’s finest up and coming barbering talent at the Birmingham NEC on Sunday May 22 and Monday, May 23, facing razor sharp competition from seven rival finalist from across the UK.

Run by the British Barbers’ Association and men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge, for whom Luigi is now an ambassador, the competition is set to be bigger and better than ever before, and once again promises to be a true celebration of the nation’s rising standards in barbering.

Quarter finals are set to kick off inside a specially-designed boxing ring from 10am and will continue to take place throughout the day, culminating in the nail-biting grand final at 4pm.

Luigi, who stunned judges with his near-perfect 2015 appearance, has had a busy year.

“Last year’s win was a huge honour, and it has done wonders for my career. Working with Rangers FC as their official barber has been a dream come true, and my passion for my own barbershop, The Italian Job, has continued to grow.”

Saturday's event is not the first appearance of the year for Luigi, who recently took up a position on the judging panel for the first ever Scotland’s Best Barber final, held at this year’s Scottish Barber trade show on April 24.

Since making the move to the UK back in 2003, Luigi has carved out a highly successful career for himself, opening his own shop – The Italian Job, on Market Street – back in 2013.

Luigi is originally from Naples, but has been living in Galashiels since 2003. Having learned the art of barbering under the expert tutelage of his father Alfonso at the age of ten (who in turn had learnt from his father Francesco ), he briefly left his chosen career path behind. His early years in Scotland were spent working in his brother's restaurant in Melrose.

“It wasn’t easy at first, because I didn’t speak much English. But I never gave up trying, and after nine years I was finally given a chair in a local barbershop, Gentlemen Please.

“From there, I built a name for myself, and some while later, The Italian Job was born.

“I am representing my family’s business and carrying on the traditions my family started in Naples. It is where I grew up, and barbering is in my blood – I learned from my father, who still runs his own barbershop in the city today.”

During his time in Naples he regularly competed in competitions in Rome and Milan. So he is no stranger to the spotlight and the pressure it can bring.

“The day I was crowned Best Shave 2015 champion is one I will never forget," he explained. “And it’s an experience I am keen to repeat. Once you have won the title, you have to hold onto it, and to do that, you have to keep moving with the times and perfecting your skills."