The Basics: For men's haircuts in Shanghai, you've got three options: do it yourself, go to Wenfeng or some back-alley salon and hope they get it right, or pay an exorbitant amount at one of the high-end salons. Now there's another 鈥撀燼 proper barber shop on Kangding Lu where you can chill, have a glass of whiskey, and maybe even talk about your problems while they give you a straight-razor shave, a fade, or just a trim up, while some rockabilly, country, and blues plays in the background. It's not cheap, but worth checking out if you've got some coin to spend and care about looking clean.
is a collaboration by Dylan from Shanghai Tattoo and Anna Elliott, a barber formerly of , who you may remember from . The name comes from Anna's grandfather, the real Doctor Guthrie, who was born in Arkansas and went on to fight against the Japanese in World War II. Hmmmm...that back story sounds like it might work pretty well in China. Apparently this guy was a big supporter of women's rights, even in conservative 1950's Arkansas.
Anyway, Chinese New Year is coming up next week and I don't want to show up to my girlfriend's parents house looking homeless, so this was the perfect time to test drive this place.
The Process: Right now they're only accepting clients by appointment (185-1600-3079). We made one and were immediately offered a "complimentary" glass of Buffalo Trace bourbon on arrival. They hope to have Jameson as the house whiskey and will carry some top-shelf options as well. Looking ahead, there are plans to have a whiskey tasting club. Thankfully, Anna didn't partake before she took a straight razor to my throat.
This was my first straight razor shave. I usually just use a Panasonic trimmer for my beard and head. The whole process is luxurious without feeling girly.
First step was a haircut. Anna can do fades, flat tops, and even shave some basic patterns. I wanted a little ghost shaved in the side but apparently my hair is too light for that. They can also do children's cuts, and butch cuts for ladies, but no perms, no dye jobs 鈥� none of that fancy shit.
After that, some moisturizer. Then a beard trim with the electric razor to take the longer bits off.
I GOT A BROKEN FACE!!!! No no, just a hot towel sesh.
Then I got lathered up for the first shave. Anna tells me that the bristles on the lather brush were plucked from a badger. I had never felt badger hair on my face before. It's quite lovely.
Next came the razor. This was smoother than I expected, probably because I've only shaved with disposable safety razors. The razor handles come from Germany, and the blades are all disposable and purchased locally. Hygiene here is serious 鈥� they've got an autoclave for the brushes and they don't reuse razors. Coming from a tattoo background, Dylan said that the health inspection for hair salons is more difficult than that for tattoo parlors. Think about that for a second.
Off with the first layer, then some more cream and a second shave. While a closer shave is possible, that would mean scraping off some skin. Badddddd.
After that, some more moisturizer, and a bit of styptic pencil for the two little nicks I got.
The whole process took about thirty minutes and didn't feel rushed. Super comfortable chair.
This is the same brand of chair that Barack Obama gets a haircut in, allegedly. But his has bulletproof glass. This one has an ashtray, but no, you can't smoke in here.
The Results: Well, I don't look homeless anymore. There have been times I've shaved myself with a razor and my face felt raw after. Not the case here. Feels like a newer, better, faster, stronger face.
Final Thoughts: So, including the haircut, straight-razor shave, and complimentary whiskey, the bill was 498rmb. The service was great, the place is hygienic, and the whiskey was really nice. Here's their price list.
So, really nice place. Cool people running it. That said, 498rmb for a shave and a buzz-cut, something I'm capable of doing myself? Even when you take into account the whiskey that goes with it, that seems a bit steep. It's a price more suited for special occasions, rather than routine maintenance.
Still, the barber shop has long served as a social gathering space, a place where boys become men and men become gentlemen, and that's part of what you're paying for. This could be a fine place to stop by in the evening before heading out, to have a proper haircut and shave, a bit of spa for your pollution and cheap cigs-ravaged face, and a splash of whiskey. It could also be good for those weekend mornings full of regret and PAIN. For that, there is "The Cure", a straight razor shave and a Bloody Mary for 318rmb.
Hours, And How To Book An Appointment Once they fully launch, they'll be open from noon-8pm on weekdays and 10-6pm on weekends. Right now they're only available by appointment, so you'll need to hit them up at 185-1600-3079.
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