Mosman barber shares secret of ‘safe place’ designed for men to unwind
A MOSMAN barber says he has filled a ‘gap in the market’ for men seeking vintage-style beautification, as well as camaraderie.
Mosman
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MOSMAN’S Luke Benicky has resurrected the lost art of barbering.
The 24-year-old, who started trimming hair as a favour to his mates five years ago, dabbled with the idea of learning the specialised service of the early 1900s abroad, and said he was surprised with the community’s interest when he opened Benicky & Sons Barbershop 17 months ago.
Mr Benicky, whose favourite service to offer was a fresh haircut and “hot towel shave”, said he was inspired to pursue a career in barbering by the look of a few artists — in bands including The Devil Wears Prada and August Burns Red.
“A lot of the artists and vocalists, from about 2010 to 2014, had cutting edge hair cuts and styles, which were really fashion forward,” Mr Benicky said.
“I’m a big fan of the side parts, slick backs and pompadours, which are traditional haircuts of the early to mid-1900s.
“Barbershops were the place to go for a lot of men, and I wanted to recreate that safe place and camaraderie.”
Mr Benicky added he wanted to create a space for men to escape, relax and open up, as they don’t generally have or feel like they have that option.
“Guys aren’t really ones to open up and chat to their girlfriends, wives or even family, because as a man, you might feel like you’re being judged if you become emotional,” he said.
“Here, with the barbershop, men can come in, relax and feel like they’re in control, and that’s the environment I wanted to create.”
Mr Benicky, who followed in the footsteps of his business-owning parents, said having a team of six rotating barbers, along with installing three more vintage chairs, was the next goal on the cards for the business.
“I have two full-time barbers with me at the moment, who also trained at the London School of Barbering, like I did, and two apprentices,” he said.
“The dream is to have a bigger shop with 10 chairs, but who knows?
“I’m just taking each day as it comes and working with what I’ve currently got.
“I am super humbled to be where I am today, especially in such a short time, and I am so grateful my clients followed me to Mosman.”
DETAILS: benickyandsons.com.au