IN the five years since Tracey Luders started her “old school” Scarborough Barber Shop, the rise of hipster culture has seen many flocking to traditional barbers.
The Doubleview resident said the point of difference was her “powerhouse” all female barbering team and connection to the local community.
“We keep it really simple here without the gimmicks, we don’t do scotch or beers that you see at many other barber shops and we’re all really good mates,” she said.
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READ NOW“You can walk in off the street and just get a great haircut or hot shave.
“We only do men’s haircuts; barbering and hairdressing are two very different things.”
The Retail and Personal Services Training Council reintroduced a Certificate III in barbering as an apprenticeship last year, a move which received “overwhelming” support at the time.
For 30 years prior, the apprenticeship was only available as a combination of barbering and hairdressing.
Ms Luders said she took pride in the traditional barber coats, chairs and decor of the shop.
“We are on first name basis with lots of our clients and the locals,” she said.
“There is a real variety in our clientele, everyone is welcome.
“The white barber coats we wear are all about taking it back to grassroots and keeping it there.”
Locals may also recognise Phil, a life sized dummy which sits out the front of the shop.
“Phil is a replica of the days of old you see in the movies when barbers would sit out the front of the barber shop when they weren’t working, shooting the breeze, having a chat and saying hello to the local people.”
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