Fish and chips. Pie and mash. Ant and Dec. If these dynamic duos give you a sense of longing for the UK, then we strongly recommend you head down to Julian Hairdressing for Men. Whether it’s for a haircut, beard trim, or a traditional hot towel shave, we advise you find an excuse to go. Located on the ground floor of Arenco Tower, directly opposite Dubai Internet City, eponymous owner Julian Colclough has opened up his second swanky hairdressers that delivers a distinctly British barbershop experience with a healthy side-serving of banter. This new outlet was launched as a result of the enduring success of the original location in Village Mall – an expat mainstay supplying a quality barbering experience to loyal customers in the emirate since 2003.
Esquire was lucky enough to have a trim and a chat at the latest branch, where traditional Belmont barber chairs and a throwback interior make you feel at home as soon as you enter the premises. With its tight-knit three-man team – consisting of proprietor Julian Colclough, head stylist Jerryco Cortez, and manager Mitch Kerley – the attention to detail is second-to-none, and the advice provided bracingly honest, as Sean Connery and Ernest Hemingway look on with approval from the walls. This hairdressers is truly a refuge for men, filled with cut-throat razors and a plethora of organic beard-grooming products that will leave you smelling and looking like a well-to-do lumberjack. The prices are also reasonable, with an adult haircut being priced at Dhs130 and a beard trim at Dhs90 – proving you won’t have to break the bank to look a million dollars.
When asked to describe the establishment in three words, Julian goes for “traditional British barbershop”: and he couldn’t be more accurate. Everything from the accents to the décor and the red, white and blue barber’s pole outside are reminiscent of a UK establishment without ever spanning into the realm of gimmicky. It’s all very traditional yet charming, just like Julian himself who has been in Dubai since the Jumeirah police did their local patrols on horseback, and navigates his way across the busy city on a 1974 Vespa.
The barbershop’s primary key to success lies in its impeccable customer service. I have my hair cut by Mitch, who hails originally from Essex, and has over twelve years’ experience from working internationally in an astonishing eight countries. Despite his vast knowledge, Mitch still remains refreshingly true to his roots with a hairdressing technique as thorough as can be. Every detail done is gone over with a fine-tooth comb. Quite literally.
This isn’t the sort of place where there’s a rush to get you in and out as soon as possible for a quick turnover either, as the team is more interested in quality over quantity. This laid-back atmosphere really adds to the overall experience. In fact, I think that’s the very best way to describe Julian Hairdressing for Men: an experience. You’re guaranteed to enter with a bad haircut and leave with a good one, but it’s the pleasant in-between bit that Julian handles so very well.
Julian Hairdressing For Men, Arenco Tower, Media City, 04 447 3188; Village Mall, Jumeirah, 04 3449006
