A man’s hair is his crowning glory. The moment it becomes unmanageable — or when the Malaysian heat makes it unbearable — he knows exactly where to go. More importantly, he knows exactly who to go to. Ask any man and you will learn that he has a barber he trusts implicitly.

A haircut may seem like just another errand among many, squeezed in after work or between weekend plans. But when the moment arrives, that familiar red, white and blue spinning pole is like a beacon calling them back to the good old chair.

This is not a relationship born of chance. Most times, it is something cultivated over years. What starts out as awkward silence on the first visit can turn into a warm connection through the sheer familiarity of a repeated ritual — more so when men discuss hair ideas and issues, and bond over life anecdotes.

Unlike Sweeney Todd’s chair where customers meet their doom, the barber’s chair is not where men lose their heads but where they find themselves again. And in a few weeks, they will be back, ready for another reset.

For many, regular trips to the barber starts in childhood, dictated by strict school dress codes. Those old-school barbershops, often tucked between neighbourhood shop lots, have been community staples for generations. They are places that have shaped the hair of fathers, their sons, and even grandsons.

Going old school

Veteran barbers like Muhammad Tanveer from USJ 8’s beloved Rash Two Sam have seen it all. “I would invite friends to come for haircuts when I was starting out. And they would then bring their friends if they liked what I did for them. That is how I got to meet so many people over the years,” he shares, reflecting on his decades-long career.

The beauty of shops like his lies in their simplicity: you get in, get a cut or a shave, and get on with the day. No distractions, no unnecessary frills. Just a sharp trim from skilled hands and a familiar face who has seen you through the stages of life. The menu may be limited to classic cuts and guard sizes, but for loyal customers, that predictability is the value. It saves them the hassle of explaining what they want, often all it takes is a quick point at a photo on the wall.

It is no wonder these shops are still around after all these years, catering to those who value efficiency and trust in a familiar hand. If you have always had that level of reliability, why look elsewhere?

But as generations change, so do preferences. While the old-school barbershop remains a sanctuary for many, younger clients who once sat in those chairs are seeking spaces that align with their evolving sense of style and self-care.

The new wave

Modern barbershops focus on maintenance and experience. These spaces are curated for atmosphere, with a cosy ambience and an emphasis on personal service. At the forefront of this new wave is The Oven Cuttery, home to skilled barbers like Kevin, Naim, Ayie, Syazwan, Irfan, Emmanuel and Carissa, each with their own style and technique. Their clientele includes celebrities, athletes, musicians and creatives from across the country. Some international clients even return whenever they come through town, swearing by their service.

These barbers customise each experience, understanding that a haircut influences attitude and confidence. They are especially privy to how a bad cut can have a man reaching for a cap until it grows out. And so they take immense pride in their craft.

For younger or talkative clients, these barbers often feel like cool older siblings and good friends offering an ear, creating a comfortable space for the customer. “Hospitality is everything,” says founder Kevin “Cottie” Tan. “A great barbershop is not just about technical skills. For us, it is really about creating a space that keeps people excited to return.”

Despite their individual styles, The Oven Cuttery barbers operate as a close-knit team, united by their passion for hair and providing a service that reflects the quality of their cuts.

Which is better?

Men’s grooming is no longer an afterthought. Social media has propelled self-care into the mainstream, turning it into an essential part of modern masculinity. Slick styling tutorials and viral barber transformations rack up millions of views, not only driving men to book and look forward to their appointments but also inspiring them to pick up clippers themselves. The industry is evolving as it thrives.

The barbering industry today has grown. Classic barbershops and modern grooming spaces do not compete but coexist, offering different expressions of the same culture, each tailored to their clientele’s preferences. While their approaches may differ, both serve the same purpose, which is providing a space where men can destress and connect.

Barbers have become trusted confidants and even therapists. They understand that a great haircut is about feeling like the best version of yourself. These shops stand as one of the last true sanctuaries where men can decompress, connect and form bonds that last for years. It is why so many clients become regulars and why a barber often remains one of the most consistent figures in a man’s life.

Photography Aidan Tan

Styling Liew Hui Ying

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