Well-groomed in style; How The Barber Salon is upping the game for men everywhere

Words by Jumana

Over the years, the men of this nation had become accustomed to keeping well away from quality grooming and beauty services in lieu of fast and cheap deals at local barbershops. It was then, on 22/12/22, that one obvious truth was highlighted; it didn’t have to be this way. Enter! The Barber Salon.

“The name speaks to men’s grooming. We wanted it to be clear-cut from the signage itself; it’s a special men’s grooming place. The name also blends well with the design and the concept of an American style barber shop”

It was an average Tuesday as we made our way towards the beckoning dark gray doors of the salon and rang the bell. We followed the smooth sound of blues echoing off the deep brown wood paneling up the stairs to be warmly welcomed into the fold. Rustic warm light from black sconces lit down upon two gentlemen in leather barber chairs that looked like they belonged in Queens. A suave oxblood quilted sofa atop old British-style herringbone floors and promised its companion a sophisticated service.

We were half expecting a gentleman in a suit to arrive any second at the door and whisk us away to early 19th century New york. This was the kind of place where Mr.Gatsby would have nodded in approval and Hemmingway may have been sipping away in chats with Fitzgerald while dressed to the nines. We at Kaleo Media spoke with the team at The Barber Salon and found what makes this wonderful concept and unique identity thrive.

The team at The Barber Salon noted how every little detail has been considered when it comes to the customer’s experience. From premium products and well-trained and experienced staff to holding keen reins on hygiene, you can expect the salon to be forthcoming. Each thin sanek strip that goes around the necks of the groomed, are disposable. Extra care is given to sterilize and clean all trimmers and tools used for the next customer. This is typically hard to find in small, pop-up barber shops scattered throughout the greater Male’ region.

The Salon also offers a stellar manicure and pedicure with discounts and offers ringing off the hook. Seriously! check out their social media @the.barbersalon for an update. Their current Spa Pedicure is available for 10 percent off till the month of June. Don’t even get us started on their special kits inside brown, leather-clad boxes and goodies inside this past February. The package made us especially want to gift ourselves first. Expect to glance over your shoulder during pedicures onto the lively street of Majeedhee Magu, beyond black paneled windows with the smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.

“Looking good isn’t self-importance; it’s self-respect.”
~ Charles Hix ~

We at Kaleo were lucky enough to be privy to the amber hued glass bottles that lined neatly on shelves. The Barber Salon is a sole distributor of Morgan’s Products in Maldives. One does not have to dive much further in their imagination to place themselves where the story of Morgan’s began. It was 1873 in London’s bustling West End when “Marie Antoinette Eucalyptus Egg Julep Shampoo” lit the spark that became Morgan’s Pomade. It was the early days of the industrial revolution that happened within a flash. Industries were popping up practically overnight. A well-groomed gentleman of the day would consider the new mail-order purchases of Morgan’s Pomade just as important as their coats and hats.

With the retro Morgan’s sign, the formula in these bottles held the same promise as back in 1873. Morgan’s Pomade works its magic with Vitamin E and the telltale wheatgerm oil. We smelled hints of spice and clove there. Some of the most popular products currently flying off these charcoal shelves are the Morgan’s tonics. With the enticing scents of Menthol wafting through, the cooling tonic is especially relaxing. Our favorite may also be the shampoo that is used for customers at The Barber Salon. This basil and grapefruit scented concoction leaves an unforgettable impression.

As special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and Father’s Day loom around the corner, it is not uncommon to hear woes of “how difficult it is to gift some people”. Look no further than The Barber Salon’s gift cards. These black cards with gold lettering look just as beautiful in a gift box, as it does in the envelope it comes in. The packages available especially welcome any indecisive mind, and help get a taste of what will become regular services for sure. Even without gifting, this is the perfect spot to grab a buddy and head on down for some good old “me time”. It is high time that men indulged in some healthy indulgence of the former; and The Barber Salon will provide! Keep an eye out for their loyalty program slated to be introduced within the year.