How Tottenham barber became Doctor Who actor’s hair stylist

A Tottenham hair stylist who cut the new Doctor Who actor’s hair has recalled how the connection helped boost his career.

Silas Baiden says Ncuti Gatwa – who was announced as the new Time Lord this week – is “one of his best friends” having first him in 2013. The pair even once lived together at Silas’ mum’s house.

The connection with Rwandan-born Ncuti helped Silas, who runs Ama Hair Salon in South Tottenham, land the role of a TV hairstylist for the Netflix hit series Sex Education, the show which was also Ncuti’s big break.

“Ncuti is one of my best friends,” explained Silas. “We met at a party in Glasgow and I cut his hair when he moved to London and lived with me and my mum for a couple of years.

“When he got a part in Sex Education, he told me that they were looking for a barber. I was fresh out of college at the time and didn’t feel ready to work on a production, but I nervously went to the set, made some connections and they gave me the job.”

Silas also cut and styled hair for other Sex Education cast members including Asa Butterfield, Kedar Williams-Stirling, George Robinson, Chinenye Ezeudu, Jonny Amies and Olive Gray.

“I remember having a bit of imposter syndrome, like I’m not supposed to, or don’t deserve to be here, but now I feel I’ve reached another level.

“In addition to barbering, I can do braids, cornrows and locks, which are still quite niche things in the TV industry.”

Silas has since go on to to work on Halo, a TV series based on the video game of the same name, as well as The Mosquito Coast. He has now had other famous clients at his salon, including actors Yasmin Finney, Clifford Samuels, Morgan Rees, Ariyon Bakare, Karla Chrome and singer Henry Dell.

Silas trained as a hairdresser at College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (Conel). His salon specialises in afro-Caribbean hair and Silas works there with his mum Ama, who also trained at Conel and started the family hairdressing business in 2001.

“Working with my mum is awesome,” says Silas. “I’m proud that I’ve been able to continue the business and raise the salon’s profile with new ideas and clientele and put it on the map.”

Ama, an advocate of natural hair, said: “Silas has made so many wonderful changes to the business and we have been able to grow and increase our turnover. We’re now busier than ever.”