On the cutting edge of Asia’s style forefront, hairdresser and Paul Gerrard Hong Kong director Hamish Glianos talks hairstyling, grooming products, and Selvedge Barbers, his latest contemporary barbering experience with Nick Walton.
You knew you wanted to be a hairdresser from a young age – where did that motivation come from?
My best friend’s Dad was the godfather of hairdressing in Australia and we used to go hang out in his salon as kids. I was always inspired by his passion and his team’s commitment to their craft. I fell in love with the salon environment and thought “this is where I belong” so as soon as I finished school, I started my apprenticeship with Stelios Papas.
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You work across the sexes in Hong Kong – how different are gents from ladies when it comes to the saloon/barbershop experience?
My experience and training are in technical haircutting. The approach is very similar, and I apply the same discipline no matter what the gender. The main difference in the style of work in the barbershop is the use of clippers and straight razor blades for tighter shapes, skin fades and beard shaping. I feel having a technical background enables me to understand and control shape in my haircuts.
What’s the relationship between Paul Gerrard, Era Barbers, and Selvedge?
Paul Gerrard founded Paul Gerrard Hair & Skincare in 1996, in his flagship salon on Pottinger Lane, directly across the street from Selvedge Barbers. In 2014 Paul Gerrard wanted to diversify and saw the opportunity in the men’s grooming space and Era Barbers was born. We had a great experience trading as Era Barbers and it was mid-2017 when the Selvedge Grooming team approached us to assist in their product launch. We fell in love with the product and established an amazing working relationship. Fast forward six months and through a lot of exciting discussions, we decided to join forces, re-brand and launch Selvedge Barbers. This gave us the opportunity to redesign and re-introduce a reinvigorated brand.
What kind of experience can we expect at Selvedge Barbers?
The team at Selvedge Barbers are diverse and among us, we have years of barbering experience. Our point of difference comes from that experience, with technically and traditionally-trained barbers who understand head shape, good technique and versatility in style. Most importantly we create a calming, welcoming and relaxing experience for our clients. We are craftsmen when creating your identity and our team is friendly and down to earth.
What’s a bold look that gents can go for that’s also going to be acceptable in the boardroom?
We are noticing a shift in men’s haircutting with strong attention to detail, refining outlines and bolder shapes in hairlines. Men are used to using product and applying a tad more effort to achieve their style. We are working with fuller shapes and strong internal movement and texture.
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What are the most important factors when determining an individual style?
The most important considerations when deciding anyone’s look is face shape, lifestyle and how much effort they are willing to go to when styling hair themselves at home.
You’re in Asia full time now – what do you miss most from Sydney?
I miss my friends, salon team, and clients at People Hairdressing. Of course, I also miss my Bondi Beach morning training sessions, coffee with mates, finishing with a dip in the ocean. However, I know it isn’t going anywhere and I’ll always have the opportunity to return.
What have been the biggest style challenges you’ve come across in Hong Kong
To be completely honest, I love the business Hong Kong and find it an exciting and fun enterprise. Every day I see progression and I am surrounded by like-minded people. The only challenge is finding the space to grow, which I guess is a great challenge to have.
What are guys doing wrong when it comes to their hair?
There are some guys that just don’t care that much and are too price-conscious to consider paying that little bit extra for someone experienced. You can see the results of a well-cut hairstyle and someone that takes pride in their personal image.
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How are men’s hairstyles evolving?
Men have embraced their new fashion accessory, the beard. Whether it is full and defined or a short three-day stubble, it is a deliberate accessory and adds to their well-groomed image. There was a time when beards were not acceptable and would make a man look unkempt, but in recent times, with the rise of men’s grooming industry, it is now completely accepted and a fashion trend. Men’s hairstyles are evolving into well-groomed and detailed shapes and are now less textured and unkept for sure.
What products do you like to work with?
That’s an easy one, Selvedge Grooming of course. I love the wax and the balm for styling shorter textured shapes and the pomade for hair with more length. They are not too heavy and hold the style really well. The cleanse and shave is perfectly balanced for shaving and the moisturiser for the skin post-shave is light and calming. Our clients love the fragrance and the fact they are plant-based from naturally derived ingredients.
Sometimes gents are in a rush – which steps of our grooming regimen should be considered essential?
Step one is to create a hairstyle that suits your face shape and hair texture and is low maintenance – a haircut you know will hold shape well for the duration of the day. Step two is don’t let it grow out for too long or it will become difficult to style and maintain. We usually recommend three to four weeks for shorter hair and four to six weeks for longer hair. Step three is to use a styling product that holds the shape and washes out easily.
Can you explain the difference between shaving soap, shaving foam and shaving oil? Which works best for what skin types or beard types?
All shaving soaps, foams, and oils have their place. Gels are popular too. The difference is finding something that suits your skin, doesn’t dry out while you’re shaving and leaves the skin feeling moisturised and well balanced. When shaving it’s all about preparation to avoid any irritation. Using steam and a thick foam lather is important to keep the skin hydrated and soften the pores for a smoother shave. It’s best to be advised by your barber what is best to use for your hair texture and stubble growth patterns. Beard oils are great to add shine and soften the hair texture.
What are the styles gents are going for in Hong Kong and what do you think will be the styles for the year ahead?
Hong Kong corporate gentlemen love a short fade into a side part. This always looks well-groomed and stylish. We are seeing more crops coming in, so it wouldn’t surprise me if men move toward shorter sharper styles. Guys with long hair are playing around with hairline shapes to add some definition. This will certainly become a trend in the coming year.
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