Want to get smoother than Clooney between silk sheets? Dive into these dapper dude sanctuaries – they’ll have you slick and manscaped at the flick of a straight-razor.
Fellow Barber, New York
They reckon this is where the barbershop revival began, back in 2006. Whether that’s true or not, downtown sophisti-cats swear by a snip and shear at this throwback institution where vintage chairs and a handsome hipster clientele deliver on ambience. Find them in SoHo, West Village, Williamsburg and Chelsea Market for the usual grooming services, or a signature ‘hangover treatment’ facial that’s more effective than a slap of aftershave in the face. Pwoah!
5 Horatio Street, West Village, +121 2929 3917 (+ branches). fellowbarber.com
See the Big Apple in LUXE-certified style by nabbing a LUXE New York Guide
The Mandarin Barber, Hong Kong
Shuffle your Gucci loafers into this old-school, clubby Shang-chic head-to-toe groomer and be prepared not to want to leave. The marvellously masculine fit-out – replete with dark teak screens, red leather armchairs and original 60s fittings – is the city’s most debonair den for trims and wet shaves, massages and waxing. There are in-mirror TV screens for keeping an eye on the stocks (or that all-important ball game), a dedicated pedicure room and VIP vault for ultimate privacy. Positively spiffing.
5 Connaught Road, Central, +852 2522 0111. mandarinoriental.com
Find more HK hotspots in our LUXE Hong Kong Guide.
Pickings and Parry, Melbourne
Posi’d on alternative Gertrude Street, this Edwardian-esque repository of stylish men’s workwear has an onsite barbershop offering cut-throat shaves and old-school coiffing. Have a scotch or craft ale while the blade-handlers expertly shape your ‘tash, though with only two chairs, you’ll want to book ahead.
126 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, +613 9417 3390. pickingsandparry.com
Read up on marvi Melba in the LUXE Melbourne Guide.
Rudy’s Barbershop, Los Angeles
It ain’t Vidal Sassoon, but Rudy’s pulls in the Cali dandies that seek more swagger than swank. They’ve got shops all over La-La-land, including the flagship on Sunset, plus a perma-packed petit downtown outpost tucked into the Standard’s lobby. No appointments necessary and seriously no-frills, but it’s the tops for colour, cuts and blow-outs. Go before 4pm to avoid the post-work rush.
4451 West Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake, +323 661 6535 (+ branches). rudysbarbershop.com
Get the LA lowdown – pick up a LUXE Los Angeles Guide
Akin Barber Shop, Dubai
In a city known for its bling, Akin’s pared-back, white-tiled Scandi-sleek digs are a refreshing dose of minimalism, and the Dubai heat won’t touch you after you’ve done a round with their cooler-than-thou master snippers. Sip a cold brew or espresso as they tend to your barnet, beard or shave, then check out the on-trend concept shop for a curated stash of luscious lock-smoothing prods and dude garb. Peepers peeled for their seasonal pop-up at OTB Market in Burj Park.
Burj Al Salam Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 52 364 7092. akinbarbershop.com (bookings via website)
Deep dive into Dubai with the LUXE Dubai Guide
– posted 26th August 2016
