They’ve done that, and more. O’Connor says, “The feedback we’ve received about the space is amazing and rewarding to hear. People talk about the shop in such high regard: they feel welcome, they like the atmosphere in the shop and they end up staying longer to have a beer or whisky [while they] chat. It makes us feel like we achieved what we set out to.”

Currently, they're working on hosting educational workshops to teach the public about barbering, as well as planning future events. 

Located in a sprawling 1,800-square-foot space in a heritage-protected townhouse in Singapore’s central business district is Jermyn Street. With its custom wallpapers and frescos blending British and Singaporean motifs, leather furniture in jewel tones and a stunning bar, it resembles more suave gentleman’s club than barbers—and that’s the point.

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As a young man in the Eighties, Keith Power worked in London, selling fine foods to luxury establishments in London. Coming from an industrial town in Wales, he was intrigued by the gentleman’s clubs near these shops; their genteel nature and attention to dandy details made an impression on him, and in 2014, he brought that vibe to Singapore, opening Jermyn Street, named after that historic gentleman’s tailoring district.

“Everything we do is about quality. The people who come in are quite a sophisticated bunch: creative industries, finance, banking, lawyers and entrepreneurs. What all of them have in common that they need some chill-out time,” says Power. “Our services last around 45 minutes, but oftentimes our customers hang about for longer. It’s a place to feel comfortable and part of a gentleman’s community. We’re creating an environment where clients can relax.

“When clients arrive for the first time, they’re surprised to find the full bar—not just a drink out of the fridge. We have single malt whiskies and different gins. All our staff are trained to make a cup of coffee from our barista machine; it’s not just pushing a button,” says Power, emphasising the importance of the art of service.

Haircuts, of course, are also taken to the next level—as is the pre-cut consultation. Power says, “Many are surprised when we asked them about their lifestyle, such as what sports they play or how often they wash their hair, because those things matter. Is the cut something that they’re going to have the time to style themselves, or will they want to wash and go? All these factors are considered in the first consultation and from then on.”

Beyond elevating grooming standards, Power also wants to create a space to talk about personal issues men may not usually discuss. “We are extremely tuned in to mental health issues, especially during the last two-and-a-half years, and we intend to get the staff properly trained to ask questions if we suspect that someone is suffering and give them permission to openly talk. Unfortunately, men have always been expected to be strong, whereas inside, we might not feel that way.

“Part of being in this community is looking after your own. We want to link up with mental health professionals within Singapore to refer our clients to, because we’re not psychologists, psychiatrists or counsellors, but we are a safe space [in which you are] able to speak.”

Read more: 5 Mental Health Advocates Pushing for Change in Asia

Meanwhile in Taiwan, Sunrise Barber’s three locations are bright, minimalistic and reminiscent of old-school diners, with their black-and-white menu boards and pomades sold in retro pastel cabinets. The Taipei shop adds a second hipster obsession adjacent to the space, with ABG Coffee allowing customers to get their coffee fix before or during a cut.

When he was scouting locations for the barbers, Shin Wang, one of Sunrise Barber’s co-founders, had a lucky break. “It was total a coincidence that the space next door was empty too, so I decided to rent them both. A barbershop next to a coffee shop is a great experience for our customers, because if you get a trim, you can go next door and enjoy a cup of ABG Coffee, too.”

Shin took inspiration from American and European spaces, explaining that on his travels he enjoyed visiting local barbershops to try different experiences. He says, “I loved those genuine, neighbourhood vibes. Our barbershop is for the everyday man, but we offer quality haircuts and shaves from the best barbers in town.”

Sunrise Barber’s clientele includes rappers and accountants, doctors and designers, and professional basketball players; Shin has an affinity for basketball culture, and it inspired some of the services offered, including braids and “hair tattoos”, which are words, logos or graffiti-like emblems shaved into the hair.

The environment they’ve cultivated has inspired a strong sense of community. Shin says, “There’s never a dull moment at work. [Many of us] have become friends and have entered each other’s lives. One of our clients is a boxer, and one of our barbers became interested in the sport. They started training together, and he got in such good shape that he could participate in competitions. That’s how real our interactions are.”

The goal is to have a place for customers to hang out, have genuine conversations and eventually connect customers with legendary barbers. Shin says, “I do what I love, and I love what I do, and we hope to bring positive energy to everyone who sits in our chairs.”

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