JJ Savani releases book 'Positioned' and reveals the story behind his glasses

London (UK) — Renowned barber and men's stylist JJ Savani is preparing the release of his new book, titled Positioned, for next month. The publication is relevant to the barbershop community because it reveals, for the first time, the extraordinary story behind the sunglasses that have become his trademark.

Although the accessories give him an unmistakable style, Savani explains in the book that they serve a practical purpose: he has a visual impairment. After his condition worsened, he was diagnosed with keratoconus, which led to a series of losses in his personal and professional life.

The author describes this period without beating around the bush: "I'm not going to sugarcoat what that time was like. I isolated myself from my family and friends," Savani states. The crisis cost him his house, his relationship at the time, and his previous business. He needed specialized support, including assisted living, and restarted life with a sofa bed and government assistance.

After undergoing treatment at Moorfields Eye Hospital, which included a corneal transplant, part of Savani's vision was restored. However, he remains partially blind and sensitive to bright light, justifying the constant use of dark glasses during his career.

The search for a new direction led him to work behind the barber chair, a natural path considering that he grew up frequenting his mother's salon. His training was made possible by an anonymous benefactor who paid for his studies at the London School of Barbering. "To this day, I don't know who it was," Savani recalls. "Whoever you are: that gift changed everything".

Despite starting with a wage of only 100 pounds per week, he progressed to become an educator and opened his own salon in Wellingborough. His career gained new momentum when rapper Divine reached out after seeing his work on Instagram, attracting famous clients and international opportunities at fashion weeks.

The book functions as a mix between memoirs and a practical manual, offering lessons on overcoming adversity and building a reputation. Savani will donate all profits from the work to the Moorfields Eye Charity, supporting research and eye health care.