A DINAS Powys barber is in contention to be named the best wet shaver in the UK.

Sean Sweeney, 35, from Sweeney’s Barbershop at 5 Castle Court, will face-off against other top barbers in the Welsh regional final of Britain’s Best Shave 2018 at James William Barbershop in Neath on Sunday, March 18.

If he secures the top spot in the regional heat, Mr Sweeney will face the most crucial shave of his life at the national final, which will take place inside a boxing ring at Barber UK at the Birmingham NEC on Sunday, May 20

Mr Sweeney is the previous Welsh champion, winning in 2015 and 2016 and is returning to try and reclaim his crown.

He said: “The wet shave has become more and more popular the last few years, and so I’ve been practicing more than ever, so that I can come back and claim the title.

“I’m excited to be competing in the regional heats for Britain’s Best Shave once again, and I can’t wait to meet the other contestants, and what talent they have to offer.”

Now in its fifth year, the annual competition, run by industry watchdogs the British Barbers’ Association and premium male grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge, is fast becoming the most coveted competition of the barbering industry.

Finalists must impress judges on a number of criteria, including shave preparation, razor technique, post-shave routine, health and safety and overall efficiency.

Nick Gibbens, spokesman for The Bluebeards Revenge, said: “Each year we’re blown away by the level of talent out there, and this year we’ve had a record number of entries. What this shows is that competitions like this, along with the good work of the British Barbers Association, help to drive up standards in the barbering industry – that’s the overall objective.”