FLAIR
Amirul, or fondly known as O’oi among family and friends, started barbering in 2009. He used to run Hot Hot Cut Hair Salon in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur and O’oi & Comrades Mansion barbershop in 2010 and 2013 respectively before opening Debutscissor in Jalan Sultan Idris Shah in 2016.
”I think the evolution comes naturally as men too have become more aware of the importance of grooming to project a positive self-image at work or for socialising.
”Most customers (aged between 20 and 45) do not merely want to imitate footballers’ hairstyles — they’re wellinformed and already know what suit their style and personalities,” he says.
Apart from the comfy atmosphere, a wide range of salon-like barbering and grooming services at affordable prices are the main attractions of modern barbershops.
(The price of a haircut by a senior barber at a high-end hair salon can cost up to RM250 while the same job can be done for RM20 or less at most hipster barbershops).
”Although the revival is good, not many players truly understand the concept. But one thing’s for sure, this modern version of barbering is meant for those who are into fashion and music, as they go hand in hand,” says Amirul whose shop also offers grooming services for bridegrooms. WHAT Founded in 2015, Ramlee’s Sport Barbersclub is known for its sports-themed premises. With the floor resembling a football field painted in green and white, the shop’s identity also includes its barbers’ sporty uniform: Black baseball jerseys.
WHERE Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam, Selangor FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ ramleebsc
WHAT It’s a barbershop (with a Hard Rock Cafe feel), music store and academy for dance and music, all under one roof. Formerly known as Amplitude Barbershop, the business was co-founded by chief barber Lex Low and Amplitude Music founder Jonathan Lim.
It’s a favourite hangout of music enthusiasts. It also retails its own water-based pomade, LeQuiff & Co. WHERE Subang Jaya and Tropicana Avenue, Selangor
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ OthrsBarbers
WHAT This barbershop takes pride in its eye-catching interior of black and white chequered flooring against exposed brick wall and British-inspired decor in firehydrant red.
WHERE Dataran Palma, Ampang, Selangor
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ pages/EDD-the-Barber
WHAT Established in 2015, this barbershop chain exudes an old school, familiar vibe through its minimalist decor. With a team of sharp-dressing barbers with neckties, the shop offers extensive services ranging from haircut and haircare to facial treatments and ear therapy.
WHERE Kajang, Selangor
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ royalebarbershop.official
WHAT Thinking of changing your hairstyle into a sleek hairdo like a cool cafe racer, a British mod or a 70s rocker? Zenon is known for redefining both classic and modern styles, apart from the traditional trim and shave. Despite its low-key, simple ambience, long queues are a common sight. Perhaps, a clue that the place is worth checking out?
WHERE
nadia_badarudin@nst.com.my