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If your image of a men’s barber shop is long queues and a sterile environment, then you are in for a surprise when you visit Drop Dead Handsome, which opened in Hillary Square Orewa, last month.
Business partners Andre Newlands and Huoy Ly have been meticulous in choosing not only well-trained and experienced barbers, but a shop fitout that is masculine, professional and relaxed.
“Drop Dead Handsome is a shop where men can book an appointment and feel confident that they will receive a premium experience,” Andre says. “We’re operating a high end establishment which, under Level 2, is just haircuts. But once we are in Level 1, customers will have a wide range of services to choose from including hot towel shaves and facials.”
While Houy is a barber who has a loyal following of customers from Auckland and on the Coast, Andre has a background in the motor industry, commercial finance and road transport.
He says that while owning a barbershop might seem an unusual choice, it came about because he found his perfect barber (Huoy), but couldn’t find everything he wanted in a barbershop.
“I decided the only solution was to set one up myself, one where I would love to be a customer.”
The shop is spacious with lots of natural light, and each of the four chairs has its own basin for hair washing and wet shaves.
“While we happily accept walk-ins, booking appointments means customers can avoid being forced to sit in a queue to avoid ‘losing their spot’. Regardless of how busy we are, our customers will never feel like we’re rushing them through to get to the next cut. They can sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.”
The shop uses Triumph & Disaster hair and skin care products, which are made in NZ.
“We chose a quality product to reflect our brand, and we are the only Triumph & Disaster stockist on the Coast.
“Men aren’t afraid to look after themselves, use product and try something other than ‘short back and sides’, and we’re catering for everyone, from children through to seniors.”
As well as Huoy, the other barbers are Molly Doodes and Joshua Mason, and a fourth barber will join the team in a few weeks.
