photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment
CM Kwan | all galleries >> Galleries >> The Back Alleys in Hong Kong > Old-Shanghai-Style Barber’s
previous | next
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
comment | share
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.