Santiago Sessions: Uppercut Deluxe Hits Chile
October 2025, we packed our bags and headed south for Santiago Sessions - a whirlwind trip to Chile with our local distributor Gimeco, connecting with barbers, checking out the local scene, and celebrating the incredible culture that fuels the Chilean barbering community. Here’s how it rolled out…
Day 1 – Hitting the Ground Running
We touched down in Santiago just as the sun rose above the Andes, met by Gimeco Head Honcho Felipe Contreras (@fcontrerasa) and his crew in his epic Ford Econoline. After a quick breakfast with the Gimeco team, we were straight into it. Fifteen barbershop visits. One day. Zero time wasted.
From slick modern spaces to traditional, old-school setups, and the unique Chilean fusion of art-meets-barbershop culture, every stop showed a different side of the craft. Art-lined walls, custom fit outs and endless creativity – Santiago’s barbershops have personality by the bucketload, and every barber we met brought serious passion to their craft and love for the Uppercut Deluxe brand.
Day 2 – The Pacific Run
Day two took us west, to Chile’s Pacific Coast. We dropped in on more shops along the way and wrapped up in Valparaíso - a colourful, hilly port city that feels like an open-air gallery. Every street corner is covered with creativity, an incredible backdrop to sample the local Pisco spirit – a fermented grape juice that tastes a little like whiskey.
Two days deep, multiple product coversations had, and one Uppercut Deluxe product emerged as a clear favourite for Chilean Barbers – EASY HOLD. Its low hold, natural matte finish was the product of choice for the natural flowing styles seen across the country. Of course, staples like Deluxe Pomade, Matte Pomade, Styling Powder etc. filled every shelf, but Easy Hold reigns supreme in the South.
Day 3 – Look & Learn with Steve Purcell
Back in Santiago, we set up camp at La Ratonera Barbershop, Gimeco’s home base, for a closed-door Look & Learn session with the Gimeco community of barbers. Uppercut Deluxe founder, Steve Purcell, did a two-cut demo, punctuated by Smashed Burgers and Pisco Cocktails (because education is nothing without some celebration).
First up was a Low Taper Blowout brought to life with Styling Powder, before rounding out the education with a Feather Razor Cut, finished with Clay Spray.
Easily the highlight of the day - watching our newest Uppercut Deluxe Collective recruit, Carlos Figueroa (@car_figue), light up as Steve awarded him his UCDC tee and pennant flag. Bienvenido, hermano!
Day 4 – The Main Event
Chile saved the best for last.
Hosted at Alameda Beer Co., the final event went off. Over 300 barbers, friends, and brand fans packed into the venue for a night of cuts, community, and chaos (the good kind).
Steve took the stage for another live demo with two cuts - a Textured Mod Cut styled with Salt Spray and Clay, and a Classic Throwback finished with Texture Cream.
The Gimeco crew showcased their skills, with styling demos on stage while some local cats session a mini ramp inside the event.
Chile truly showed up.
