28-YEAR-OLD Josh, also known as 'The Tourette's Barber', was 14 years old when his life changed forever. On a ski trip with his school, he had a "minor fall" which triggered his first ever "tic attack" out of the blue. Josh told Truly: "I started convulsing, involuntary movements, I couldn't control my arms or legs... I felt scared, I felt angry at myself, I felt guilty, I felt confused." And Josh remembers how his family at the time were "just completely gobsmacked with what was actually going on... I also had family and friends asking, 'Can you not just stop?'" But it soon became clear that he couldn't and within 6 months, Josh had been formally diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome. Josh's early tics were more physical, so his future career prospects were unclear - but when he "made a big decision" to leave the family business and set himself up as a barber, Josh had no idea that would lead him to where he is today. 3 years ago, Josh set up his own barber shop and began building a loyal, local client base - then, about a year ago, his fiancée, Lucy, suggested that he record his haircuts and post them to his TikTok. Josh has now gained a huge following on social media, where he posts clips of his tics whilst cutting hair and answers questions from followers about his condition. His content receives a huge amount of love and support but has also attracted negativity: "people have accused me of faking it." But the one thing that Josh says "really gets me going" is seeing that his videos are reaching other young people coming to terms with Tourette's syndrome. Josh witnessed how much of a "toll" it took on his family in the early years and hopes to prove to others going through similar circumstances that "you can be successful with Tourette's and be a well-rounded person". With the support of Lucy, Josh's sister and fellow barber, Mia, and her partner Caolan, the success of Josh's barber shop is just the start - as he told Truly: "I'm not done yet."
Follow Josh on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetourettesbarber
Follow Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetourettesbarber
Follow Lucy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lucyrosefitz
Follow Lucy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucyrosefitz
Follow Mia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miajanehughes
Follow Caolan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pnky_barber
With thanks to Hughes & Co Barbers: https://www.instagram.com/hughesandcobarbers
