By Rodrigo Diaz Guerrero
More than 3,500 years ago, during the Bronze Age, sharp stones were used as blades to shave certain parts of the body. This was the origin of barbershops. Later, the Egyptians perfected the methods and tools because full body shaving was in fashion among the pharaohs and in high society. During the Middle Ages, the most enlightened priests were in charge of handling blades and scalpels, combining surgery and barbering. It was not until around the year 1450 that the British Parliament limited the surgical skills of barbers to tooth extractions, bloodletting, and trimming men’s beards and hair.
In 1924 in Chicago, the barbering trade had been coined as we know it today, and it reached its golden decade in the first half of the 20th century. For the past 10 years, we have seen a resurgence of barbershops, giving men the leading role in hair and beard care. The «barber pole» has also had a resurgence with its diagonal stripes in white, red, and blue.
Inspired by this upcoming Father’s Day, we took on the task of recommending three barbershops where gentlemen can go to indulge in the old-fashioned way.
Villano Barbershop: Calzada de la Aurora 11, Col. Guadalupe. Phone 415 688 5255; IG – @VILLANOSANMIGUEL. The architect Steffano Schiavon and his husband, the entrepreneur and restaurateur Pablo De La Torre, are the creators of the Villano world. It is a 100% Mexican barbershop with details, furniture, materials, mosaics, and finishes carefully curated by local artisans from San Miguel. The project was born in Tulum in 2016, inspired by the artisan tradition of this great profession. They offer the services of the traditional Italian barbershop: shaving rituals with specialized soap foams and hot and cold towel services with hydration essential oils. Their prices range between 300 and 500 pesos.
Hecho Hombre Barbershop: Ancha de San Antonio 57. Tel: 415 168 9678; IG – @hechohomre. This is an Antonio Cervantes project partnering with Jonathan Mellado «Puma» as lead barber. It began in 2015 as Hecho San Miguel with a line of body soaps, shaving soaps, balms, and beard oils made by hand. The Hecho Hombre Barbershop was born in 2016, offering cutting and shaving services done in the traditional way, with both scissors and a razor as well as a mixture of techniques for trendy cuts. It is worth mentioning that Hecho Hombre also offers delivery, hotel, and wedding services. Prices start at 350 pesos with VIP at 495 pesos.The Pixies Barbershop: Calle Ánimas 16, Centro. Tel: 415 138 3233; FB—ThePixiesBarbershopSMA. This is a small space but a great place for a good barbering experience. It is run by the owner and founder Ricardo Morales—who has received five recognitions and three titles in old barbershop, modern barbershop, and specialty barbershop. He says, “For me, the barbershop is sculpting. It’s a painting; it’s a song. It is a different work in each service, and for that talent, creativity, and discipline are required.” He started this project 10 years ago with the concept of the old school of Spanish barbershops. Among the services he provides are hair washing, beard and mustache grooming, and hot and cold towels. The services with razor and scissors stand out. His specialty is scissor cutting with a razor and hair and beard design as well as facials and pre-massage at the beginning of each service. He offers original products made by hand. The prices range from 360 to 460 pesos, and he can bring his services wherever you require.
