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Each year in the UK, over 19,300 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, and most cases can be successfully treated if detected early. In men, about 1 in 4 melanomas develops in hard-to-spot areas such as the scalp, neck and ears. That’s why they’re sometimes called “invisible killers”. 
However, some people check our scalp regularly: barbers. They are in a unique position to notice these hidden spots during everyday haircuts. For skin cancer awareness month, we designed a free guide for barbers that offers simple and practical guidance to help them recognise possible warning signs of melanoma, so they can advise their clients to be checked by a doctor, if needed. Turning every haircut into a regular check.
Because a haircut can do more than change a life. It can save one.
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With the design of the handbook, we aimed to create something eye-catching and striking — bold and independent, like a contemporary magazine. The photography captures barbershops across the UK, immersing the audience in the authentic culture of barbering. The illustrations are inspired by Victorian medical books, reinterpreted with a modern twist. We also created a bespoke “Hair Font” for the Alphabet of Melanoma section, designed in collaboration with British illustrator David Callow.
CREDITS
Creative Director: Michele Bona
Creative Director: Chiara Biondi
Creative Director: Michael De Piano
Producer: Lauren Payne
Producer: Sam Ojari
Film Director: Courtney Hopkins
DoP: Andrew Thomas
Camera Assistant: Paige Fisher
Gaffer: Yoann Desmoyers-Davis
Video Editor: Valentina Grossi
Assistant Editor: Antonio Canestri
Colorist: Valentina Rutigliano
VO Artist: Dave Hartley
Editorial Consultant: Margherita Rubini
Typography Illustrator: David Callow
Post Production: CUT& editing & more
PR Consultant: Claire Foss
Senior Barber: Richard Tucker
Senior Barber: Jaymarie Buckingham


Ruffians Marketing Manager: Elliott Pritchard
Melanoma Focus CEO: Susanna Daniels
Communication Consultants: Louise Akers, Ian Morton
Talents: Aaron Harris, Maasai Starlight Dearlove, Rufus Hunt, Alfie Thompson
Special thanks to:
Ruffians Barbershop
Fella Barbershop
East Central Barbering Co
London Beard Company
No Bad Days Barbershop
Huckle Barbershop
Jak Howell, Andrea Amighetti, Lewis Gumbrell Aka Sid Da Barber, JJ Savani, Giulia Campana, Miguel Gutierrez, Guy Kleinhaus, Sean Moore, Michael Holm, Savills Barbers & Academy, Anthony Hutton, Ky Wilson and Anthony Laban.
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