Owned by veteran architect and A49 design studio founder Nithi Stapitanonda, Blue Harbour was perhaps the first standalone men’s grooming venue to put the focus on classic treatments in an equally classy environment. Aside from the meticulous shop design with private cut and shave rooms, the real draw is barber Sawas Saard, who claims to have more than 45 years’ experience in men’s cuts. Perfect whether you want a classic shave with a straight razor or a modern pompadour. Shampoo and cut starts from B1,000, shave from B450.
2/F, K-Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-661-2901/2. Open daily from 10am-9pm. BTS Phrom Phong
The retro-styled David No. 5 on Soi Thaniya is the new spot for street barber Yothin “Yo“ Kulsamrong. It opens during the unusual hours of 5pm-4am and any rockabilly style will set you back B200: no shampoo; just cut, razor, set and dry. Yo can design your look or you can choose from the shop’s picture menu of classic cuts. Reservations are recommended as there are only two seats and two barbers.
Soi Thaniya, Silom Rd., 093-001-2371. Open daily 5pm-4am. BTS Sala Daeng
The trend has even spread across the river to Pinklao. Good Old Days Barber is run by Prasert “Sert” Techamaneevat, who has two years’ experience in the pomade import business. His retro-style haircut service is B350 and includes shampoo, cut and styling, while shaving costs B300. Sert and his barbers specialize in the “executive contour” style (think George Clooney’s red carpet look). They also stock pomade from Layrite (B690), Murray’s (B300) and Dax (B520), alongside the local brand Pomade Thai. Closed on the last Monday of every month.
Opposite Pata Pinklao, Somdet Phra Pin Klao Soi 19, 02-408-8464. Open Mon-Fri 10am-9pm; Sat-Sun 9am-9pm
Three Brothers stands out for its raw and rustic atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re dropping by a retro Thai barber. The experienced hairdressers offer up equally classic cuts with a focus on 1950s-style quaffs and undercuts— think Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and James Dean. A shampoo and cut starts at B450. The shop also sells imported men’s pomade Suavecito, Layrite and Murray’s.
Metro Mall Room 34, MRT Chatuchak Exit 1. 080-970-0216. Open daily 11am–9pm
For all the British-at-heart dandies out there, here’s one more place where you can get a modern take on traditional men’s haircuts. Styled with wood paneling, brass fittings and chocolate leather, Barberford provides each of its customers with a private room furnished with a custom-made barber chair designed to be bigger and more comfortable than usual. All of the barbers have over 10 years’ experience, and offer Korean and Japanese styles alongside vintage European and American cuts. Prices start from B1,100 for wash, cut and set.
Grooming products come from JS Sloane and Kiehl’s. 4/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-251-0422. Open daily 11am-8pm. BTS Chidlom. www.fb.com/barberford.bangkok
Run by the guy behind the Circus Bangkok absinthe bar, Chavin “Kwan” Nantaterm, Black Amber integrates the idea of a gentlemen’s club into its setting, with complimentary single-malt whiskey offered to those getting their hair cut and the option to smoke cigars inside. Cut and shampoo costs B700 (B300 for kids), while a hot towel shave will cost you B500. There’s great attention to detail, with each cut taking up to 45 minutes, and a range of big brand pomades available to purchase like JS Sloane, Trix O’ Treat and Murray’s.
Black Amber Building, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), between sois 5 and 7, 081-869-9393. Open Tue-Sun from 1pm-9pm. BTS Thong Lo
The city’s first branch of England’s oldest barbershop at Central Embassy has recently been joined by a follow-up at Emporium. Both offer old-school services in a fittingly handsome setting. A shampoo and finish (20 minutes) starts from B550 while a Royal Hair Cut is B1,100 (45 minutes) and includes shampoo, cut and styling. A traditional hot towel face shave and head shave is B1,000 for 30 minutes while facial hair wax jobs start at B300. Manicure (B550/30 mins) and pedicure (B1,100/60 mins) are available, too, as are men’s grooming products and tools. Do note, you need to make a reservation at least three days in advance.
4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploen Chit Rd. 02-160-5755. Open daily 10am-10pm BTS Phloen Chit
2/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-259-9159. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong
BK ASKS
Yothin “Yo” Kulsamrong, 34, barber at David No. 5
Are retro barbershops just another come-and-go trend?
Barbershops have never just been places where people go and have their hair cut. They’re places for conversation. Trends change but I have been following the derivative styles of haircut a long time. I always try to catch up with the trends for every age-range, from teenagers to middle-aged men.
What makes a great haircut?
A perfect haircut is a combination of facial structure and hair type. It requires experience to become a good barber. For me, I want to ensure the customer receives my personal service from the moment they set foot in my barbershop. It’s something every barber should adopt as a skill. For one customer I spend approximately 40-50 minutes. I always encourage my customers to try something new. You have to dare to change your hairstyle—I sometimes tell my customers that.
