From back alley to barberdashery, the metro is now teeming with options for the discerning man who wants the best cut and shave. Here are three establishments set to redefine the barbershop experience by offering top-tier grooming (plus more!) for all you gentlemen.
At Back Alley, you are invited to rediscover old school. They make use of refurbished 40 year old barber chairs and have images of vintage, obsolete spaces (like an old post office) hung on their wall. Completing the 'old school, but never old fashioned' theme is their lounge area with magazines, where you can hang out and enjoy good tunes from vinyl records.
Rates: Every service, such as a Haircut or a Haircut & Wash, comes with complimentary coffee, hand-brewed. The modern man can opt for a Shave (P450), Shoulder Massage and More (P450), and even a Hungover Treatment (P750), a refreshing facial treatment that includes a recovery mask and moisturizing products (using all imported brands). They also sell grooming products like Baxter of California (pomade, moisturizer, and shampoo), and The Truman Set by Harry's (P850, includes a tube of shaving cream, the Truman shaver and 3 razors).
Location: Unit 1D, Alpha Salcedo Condominium, Salcedo Village, Makati. Open Mon – Fri from 11am to 9pm, and Sat – Sun from 10am to 9pm.
Connect: Facebook.com/backalleybarberandshop, @backalleybarberandshop on Instagram
What do you get when a traditional barbershop meets a modern haberdashery? A barberdashery, by the name of Felipe & Sons. Built for modern gentlemen, it houses all your grooming and styling essentials in one roof: get a shave and cut, and order a well-tailored shirt and suit. Relax and lounge with some whiskey or coffee while you're at it.
Rates: Have a Cut & Rinse (P250) or Touch-Up (P150) and top it with a Barber's Massage (P300 – 30 mins., P500 – 60 mins.). They also have Hot Towel Shave (P350) and Luxury Shave (P800). Grooming packages are offered, such as Two Bits (Cut & Shave – P490), Two Bits Special (Cut & Luxury Shave – P950), and The Felipe (Cut, Shave & Drink – P590, choice of beer or wine). Father and sons get 10% discount on all services. End your Felipe & Sons experience with a classic Shoe Shine (P150). And since it's also a haberdashery, you can also customize clothing to your fit and style; prices are based on fabric available in store. Fancy taking home a Custom Shirt (P1,850) or Dress Trousers (P3,550) to complete your GQ look?
Location: Mezzanine A, LPL Manision, 122 San Agustin Street, Salcedo Village, Makati.Open Mon – Fri from 11am to 10pm, and Sat – Sun from 11am to 9pm. (note: Store is closed Thursday, May 22, but will be back to normal operating hours on Friday, May 23)
Connect: Facebook.com/felipeandsons, @felipeandsons on Instagram
Premier barbershop plus a basketball specialty concept store equals Titan. On its store side, footwear collectors can check out their showcase of performance basketball footwear and limited edition sneakers. Within the walls of the basketball-centric establishment, one can make a reservation with a barber for some much needed top quality grooming. Customers seat themselves on refurbished Takara-Belmont chairs circa 1970s, and while they wait, can keep entertained with basketball games shown on television or browse through baller magazines. A well groomed baller is what you'll be (or what your arm candy will be–hello ladies!) once you step out of the store afterward.
Rates: Ballers and basketball lovers can buy their premium apparel at Titan 22, then get a Cut (P200) or a Shave (P150), or both (Cut + Shave, P250). They also offer Scalp Massage (P150) and Full Massage (P300), even Color (P700, P400 for service only) — because hey, some guys are particular with their 'do's hue. Calling in advance is highly recommended to reserve your preferred barber, while chair slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location: Titan 22 has outlets located in Fort BGC, Ronac San Juan, Katipunan QC, Taft, Glorietta 5, and Alabang.
Connect: @titan_22 on Instagram, and follow on Twitter (@titan_fort, @titan_alabang, @titan_taft, @titan_g5, @titan_katipunan, @titan_ronac)
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Images taken from the official website and/or Facebook page of Back Alley Barber Shop (www.facebook.com/backalleybarberandshop), Felipe & Sons, and Titan 22.
