A haircut is more than just a haircut. It can spell the difference between a new job and a resume in the bin. It can make a man feel like the king of the world or a miserable failure.
A barber shop, therefore, should be treated as something more than just a place for cutting hair. A monthly trim session shouldn’t feel like a bothersome chore.
Enter the Urban Barber, a hip new barber shop in Quezon City.
With its modern industrial design, repurposed furniture, bursting colors and spacious area for hanging out, it is clearly something different from your typical neighborhood grooming place.
One of the owners, Chad Africa said that there was a conscious effort to create space that will “speak to millennials.”
“It wasn’t an afterthought. It was intentional because we wanted to differentiate the interiors. We wanted the space to feel young and hip,” he said.
The focal point of the shop is a graffiti mural created by Gori and Hilo Bautista. Inspired by the “Urban Jungle,” the artwork is loud and edgy, but strangely warm and calming.
It’s a good touch because it made the barbershop less intimidating. Clients by the way, are encouraged to hang out and enjoy a bottle of beer or cup of coffee after a groming session.
Chad and his business partner Darrel So met at culinary school. They bonded over their common interest in follicular fashion.
Over lunch, they casually talked about opening a barber shop that will give men a complete pampering experience, MANpering as they called it. They thought that it was less tedious and more achievable than opening a restaurant right away.
Dennis has his own business and Chad is an employee at a local conglomerate. The Urban Barber sort of allows them to pursue their passion while creating an impact in the community.
“We want to take it a step further because we feel that if you look good, you feel good — That’s a basic equation. It really changes your confidence level,” Chad explained.
They’re trying to send a message to men. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be pampered. There’s nothing wrong with taking a selfie after a good haircut.
Their most basic service is called A Cut-Above (PHP350). The service includes 1. A precise cut, 2. After-cut rinse, 3. Facial massage, 4. Upper body massage, and 5. A choice of coffee or beer to cap off the experience.
A session usually takes about 45 minutes.
As Darell said, no matter how busy you are, you deserve 45 minutes of pampering.
The Urban Barber also offers facials, hair treatments and other packages.
The Artsy Buzzcut (PHP650) is particularly interesting. It is a service that will allow the barber to shave an artwork on the client’s head.
“We haven’t found a brave soul to take on the challenge,” Chad said.
Like in any other barber shop, the barbers play a key role in the business. Andrew, Niel and Marco don’t just cut hair, they give pulse to the place.
“We want them to fit in the whole concept of the barber shop. They must be in-the-know, they must know how to build rapor… very trendy, very edgyy,” said Chad.
Andrew is an 18-year-old barber who learned the tricks of the trade from his father. He may look young, but he has received praise for his incredibly light hands.
Niel has years of international experience. He worked in the Middle East prior to joining The Urban Barber. He has tons of experience in sculpting beards.
“We want to encourage the young clients to trust our barbers and have a relationship with them, just like how the older gentelemen often do it,” Chad said.
The Urban Barber is also a lifestyle shop. Curated local items like shirts, socks, leather goods, hats, bracelets and watches for men are also available for sale.
Chad and Darrel emphasize that anyone is welcome in The Urban Barber: Even women (They’ve had 6 female clients), Even older gentlemen (The oldest client they’ve had is 67), and even kids (They’ve had one toddler client).
The plan of opening a restaurant still lives, but for now Chad and Darrel are focused on making the world a better place, one haircut at a time.
2/F CKB Center Tomas Morato cor. Scout Rallos, Quezon City; +63917 8239975, +639088629857, Facebook. Daily 10AM-8PM
