Thankfully, Hong Kong is currently in a better position than most of the civilised world when it comes to lockdown restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to regular haircuts have become a privilege that many would have otherwise taken for granted.
A collective sigh of relief can be heard around the fragrant harbour that many call home, knowing that a fresh cut is still on the cards. Though most men would not like to admit that regular visits to the barber are crucial in maintaining sanity and composure, there is an abundance of truth to that statement. The process of receiving a trim will inevitably require a level of hand-to-face contact, so stay vigilant and refrain from removing your face mask if possible during the grooming session.
Handsome Factory Barbershop
Best feature: convenience
Originating in the hip Haven Street in the busy Causeway Bay area, this black and white tiled shop has been serving customers for years. With a legion of loyal clients and a plethora of services available, the next logical step would be to expand the empire. With a whopping five locations in Hong Kong, including the enviable pop up space inside Lane Crawford IFC, it seems there is no slowing down this train. If one happens to wander over to Haven Street to satisfy a sweets craving, pop in to request a haircut with the very competent head barber Ball. With a roster of experienced barbers in each location, dependable skin fades and beard trims usually aren’t far away.
HK$180 for a beard trim; HK$380 for a haircut
Handsome Factory Barbershop, 27 Haven Street, Causeway Bay, +852 2320 9976; additional branches here; click here to make an appointment
Hair House Barbershop by Adam Chan
Best feature: ambiance
Started in 2013 by — you guessed it — a chap by the name of Adam Chan, this rustic shop quickly became a favourite amongst well dressed men in Hong Kong. The second shop is nestled in an urban oasis in the Admiralty area, and is hard to stumble across without knowing of its existence. What this offers is a chance to step away from the surrounding skyscrapers without venturing too far. The venue exudes a charming old Hong Kong atmosphere sparingly blended with modern sensibilities. Not one to rest on his ongoing successes, Chan also introduced a line of products under the brand ‘Fade Jai’ ranging from pomades to cold brew coffee, which for lucky customers is sometimes served whilst waiting their turn.
HK$170 for a beard trim; HK$340 for a haircut
Hair House Barbershop by Adam Chan, 28 Sau Wa Fong, Admiralty, +852 5595 3976; click here to make an appointment
The Mandarin Barber
Best feature: luxury
The year is 2020 and no one should be ashamed to admit to enjoying a bit of pampering every once in a while. For those looking to truly enjoy the experience of getting a haircut or wet shave, look no further than the Art Deco drenched clubhouse situated in the historic Mandarain Oriental Hotel. Sit back and relax, and feel free to splurge on the special treatments on offer like the Shanghainese pedicure or reflexology to melt away the stress of the day. Patrons can expect flawless barbering skills from the masters at the Mandarin Barber, many of whom have even mentored up and coming barbers who have gone on to open up their own shops.
HK$440 for a wet shave; HK$460 for a haircut
The Mandarin Barber, 2/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, +852 2825 4088
Homies Barbershop
Best feature: value
This cosy shop does not receive the attention it deserves. Tucked away on the first floor of a nondescript building near Kau U Fong, the quaint barbershop has everything it needs — namely three very capable hair wizards. Resident barber Jayme has a confident but gentle touch when it comes to trimming beards with a razor, and is able to create soft angles to enhance the jawlines of customers. Given the central location of the store, it is perhaps surprising that very reasonable prices are offered. Come for the haircut and shave, but stay for the old school arcade game stationed next to the door.
HK$200 for a beard trim with razor; HK$320 for a haircut
Homies Barbershop, 166 Wellington Street, Wellington Street, Central, +852 2797 9288; click here to make an appointment
Too Far East Barber & Co.
Best feature: service
Walking into Too Far East Barber & Co. is an experience unlike any other. Customers are greeted with a choice of beer or bottled highballs. The friendly atmosphere is welcoming and feels like a place where people from all walks of life — from besuited bankers to tattooed artists — can come to hang out (and get a haircut). The furnishings are simple yet impactful, with much of the decor paying tribute to the bygone era of Shanghainese-style traditional barbers. Of course, the services here are also excellent. Cuts strike a pleasing middleground between hyper stylised rockabilly pompadours and timeless military inspired fades rooted in functionality.
HK$260 for a beard trim; HK$380 for a haircut
Too Far East Barber & Co., Unit 15C, 4/F, 15 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 9337 9868; click here to make an appointment
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