You miss your barber more than you miss your mama. Reopening is still unclear. You just want a hot towel.
From the fresh smell of eucalyptus to the steaming towels to the warm greeting, it was all you imagined gearing up for a haircut. Now we’re confined at home with nothing but the imagination of the traditional barbershop. It’s during this pandemic we’re reminded how much our barber stylist means to us. As we look ahead, there are still a lot of unanswered questions including when your next haircut will be in a normally operated shop. The normal errand of visiting the shop was a wonderful interruption to your day. Here’s a small opportunity to revive that magical place of tonsorial craftsmanship and an environment that always gave you peace of mind once entered. While some of us may not have access to the industry’s top-tier equipment, below is a quick tool selection you can gather at home to recreate the whole shop experience.
BARBERSHOP ART
Most barber shops are not only packed with patrons but displays. Many sections are equipped with walls showcasing famous portraits or art that reflects the creative direction of the brand. Old or new, black or white, these pieces add some personality and maybe even inspire you to grab some stashes for your own “cave” at home. Sites like eBay collect vintage portraits that sell for under $10 and sites like Michaels carry affordable frames. Popular barber shops icons like The Rat Pack, Jimi Hendrix, Muhammed Ali, and even James Dean are examples. I grew up noticing historical barber shop images like the classic barber pole, razor, chair, or signage that bring shop nostalgia stemming from childhood.
BARBERSHOP CAPES
These are the official uniform of the modern barber-stylist. MJ had the number “23” on the Chicago Bulls while barbers have capes that have been institutionalized worldwide shops since the 18th century. Comparable to athletes, hairstylists need this to get on/off their field. Traditional capes can be found online or customizable ones are quite popular on sites like Etsy. You can simply design your name or logo on a cape and store it for traveling purposes or any home grooming duties. Be sure to confirm the correct length you wish to order. You don’t want to end up ordering a short cape that looks like a baby bibb.
OILS (EUCALYPTUS)
This is probably one of the first smells that get greeted to your nose when you step in. The oils are a part of the shaving experience that adds immediate comfort and aromatic pleasure. They’re equipped with properties that stimulate the body, increase blood flow, and temporarily resolve any acne-prone areas by soothing the skin. Eucalyptus oil is a popular one in most shops since it’s paired with hot towels and even paired with an oil diffuser. Traditional candles smell great but run the risk of hot wax spills, potential fire starters, and possibly transmitting black smoke.
HOT TOWEL MACHINE
The holy grail of the barbershop is this bad boy here! You’ll become acquainted with these before a beard trim or hot towel shave in the shop. Infused with oils like eucalyptus, it’s icing on the cake for many clients as a welcomer and a finisher. If you have the space, you can order this machine at home for your friends. There are added responsibilities like remaining equipped with a handful of towels, over-burning, and cleaning the machine. Hot towels are perfect for that shave experience and overall stress reliever. Don’t spend more than $100 or so on a machine that gets the job done.
BARBER CHAIR
They’re prestigious, dashing, handsome and so welcoming. Barber chairs are hailed as symbols of the workforce economy in American society. Popularized in the early 1900s by German inventor, Ernest Koken (Koken Chairs), his signature chairs and many global companies have revolutionized the business with the engineering of comfort and flexibility. The sizes can vary based on the construction and material. Like boxing, there are different weight classes so be mindful of what you can convince your partner or roommate to put in your place together. If you’re solo, then the world is yours on a barber chair that can be a perfect home decor for guests!
