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CM Kwan | all galleries >> Galleries >> The Back Alleys in Hong Kong > Old-Shanghai-Style Barber’s
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29-MAR-2008

Old-Shanghai-Style Barber’s

Mongkok, Hong Kong view map

This kind of old-Shanghai-style barber’s in Hong Kong
has been gradually replacing by western-style salons.

Right after you sat down, the barber will start using an electric shaver trim off all your excess hair.
Then he will switch to a pair of comb teeth scissors and roughly cut out the shape with some layers.
Finally he will give a final touch with a smaller electric razor and if necessary give you a straight-razor shave.
It normally takes less than 30 minutes to complete the whole process.
This barber's charges you only HK$30 (US$4) for the service.

It is very different from the western-style salons,
which start with shampooing, head massaging and then bit-by-bit hair trimming.
The whole process takes much longer time than the Shanghai style.

Nikon D2Xs ,Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
1/10s f/5.0 at 24.0mm iso400 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
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endre novak11-Jun-2009 20:26
superb shot and about!
meekam tam26-Jul-2008 01:13
Hi, CM, This is a great shot. Its a time tunnel to the 60s. V
dawn13-Jul-2008 05:37
very well captured--tells a real story. The B&W conversions are perfect for these shots.v.
Guy Dube02-Apr-2008 13:44
A very nice shot again CM, I like a lot the complete description of the picture. V
Guest 31-Mar-2008 10:38
Great shot and narrative, CM! He looks like a surgeon about to make an incision.
Chris Spracklen30-Mar-2008 20:27
Another excellent B&W documentary shot, CM.
Best regards, Chris
TuTmin30-Mar-2008 16:24
interesting viewpoint of real life . wonderfully done dear CM :)
Fong Lam30-Mar-2008 14:45
That;s a close shave, Kwan.
And in the skilful hands of a hygienic barber too.
Nice comfort with the small fan :)
~V~
XiaoBernard9930-Mar-2008 14:42
One time I go to the Barber in Shnaghai.Terible,1 and half hour with a woman.3 times washing of the hair(after I get white hair...hi hi hi),massage of all,change of seat for water cleaning ,...at the end I say stop ...15RMB($1,5).
Last time in France 10mn 15€.I prefer definitvly the Chinese Way ...in HK also I like but China is veryt fun for the price.Thanks to share.
Nice capture in BW
2004 30-Mar-2008 13:37
Excellent shot !
Guest 30-Mar-2008 12:56
Excellent realistic capture, and a nice comparison between the different styles of life. V
Char30-Mar-2008 12:28
Hi CM,
This is a wonderful and interesting shot. Excellent black and white. Thanks for sharing the story. \/
Raymond30-Mar-2008 11:48
I'd take the old style anytime... the less time I spend sitting at the barbershop, the better. Why is he wearing a mask ? I love our visits through HK with you... that's the real HK... not the showcase and razzle dazzle of lights and chrome. Great daily shot CM.
DL 30-Mar-2008 09:09
I expect the hairdresser should be much older in this kind of Shanghai-style barber shop. Interesting shot! Looking forward to see more.