Since the day men’s hair stylists Barba opened its doors, founder Chetan Mongia’s mission has been to “make clients who trust us look a million dollars”.
Verve sat down with Chetan to find out how he and his team have gone about establishing one of the city’s coolest barber shops.
With so many barbers to choose from, what are Barba’s main points of difference?
We believe hair to be the biggest fashion accessory. As the owner and director of Barba, I work with my manager Matthew Griffin to ensure that the team is always equipped with the latest techniques and trends from around the world. We’re dedicated to creating bespoke hairstyles tailored to our clients and their lifestyles.
How do you select which products to use at Barba?
Barba’s personality is fashionably metro, excitement mixed with competence and sophistication. The products we offer resonate with this aesthetic and style, mesh well with our personality and attitude, and value the same things you do. Hence, we work with brands such as Triumph & Disaster, Seb Man, Reuzel, Slick gorilla and recently Two Dudes as well.
In what ways do men’s facials differ from women’s facials, and why are they just as important for men?
According to Matthew – whose mum is one of the top beauty therapists in Auckland – the most significant difference is that while both deep cleanse, they’re each done with different products. Women may use exfoliants or masks, but not scrubs. Men’s facials often include face scrubs to remove dead skin cells and dirt from pores. Environmental factors in NZ, coupled with the fields that most men occupy career wise, means it’s important that they take good care of their skin. Whether it be via home routines or popping down the salon to be pampered, the benefits are there for all and should be reaped by not only women but men, too.
Why have some men begun to turn away from a traditional razor shave for a straight razor shave instead?
Men face a dilemma with grooming regarding clean shaving, including skin irritation, excessive exfoliation via the razor, and ingrown hairs. The more blades you have doesn’t guarantee a cleaner shave and can cause more problems in the long run, especially regarding skin renewal. Opting for a cut-throat shave or single blade shave is not only an experience and artform but performed properly can have you feeling fresh while maintaining skin durability.
What advice would you give the modern metro man regarding his everyday beauty routine?
Wash your face daily and after exercise, using a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm – not hot – water.
Watch your shaving technique. For some men, multi-blade razors can work too well or shave too closely to your skin. If you often experience razor bumps, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, wet your skin and hair to soften it. Use a moisturising shaving cream and shave in the direction of hair growth. Rinse after each swipe of the razor and change your blade after 5-7 shaves to minimise irritation.
Apply moisturiser to your face and body immediately after bathing, showering, or shaving while the skin is still damp.
Wear sunscreen whenever outdoors.
464 New North Road Kingsland
09 216 5784
barba.co.nz
