Barber's background gives him cutting edge over rivals

"I come here at least once a month, because I like the cleanness and the atmosphere of the shop. Moreover, I cannot find the same skill as Ren's, and his wrist kung fu," says a customer surnamed Ma.

Ren now makes over 15,000 yuan a month, higher than the average barber. He also maintains a loyal VIP clientele of over 100 people.

His success has also drawn the attention of other barbers, with some of them seeking his advice and even asking to be his apprentice. However, Ren remains selective.

"I don't accept employees or apprentices, because they lack the calligraphy training and therefore the wrist skills like mine," he says.

Even his two sons, who run a beauty salon, choose not to replicate their father's model. "They have their own pedigree in the trade," Ren says.