A Cut Above: Grooming in Osaka
🌎 A GLOBETROTTER GROOMING TALE
My journey as a global nomad, moving from one city to another every couple of years, has uniquely shaped my lifestyle. For the past 12 years, having a regular hairstylist has been a foreign concept to me. This changed in Munich at Bullfrog, where a haircut costs 45€. Although the service was standard, the price made me ponder. Why not combine my routine haircuts with my travels, turning it into a global exploration of men's grooming? This epiphany transformed my approach to haircuts, leading me to the elegant Dear Barber in Kitahama, Osaka.
Securing an appointment at Dear Barber was my first encounter with the biggest barrier at Dear Barber. Their website, exclusively in Japanese, presented an intriguing puzzle. Thankfully, we live in a world with technology at our finger tips. With the website open on my phone, I used Google Translate's Camera feature on my girlfriend's device to decipher the text. This ingenious method of translating the different fields on the booking form was not just effective; it set the stage for what promised to be an experience filled with language-related adventures. It was a small victory, but it heightened my anticipation for the unique grooming experience that awaited me in Osaka. Below is the original and intimidating website “course” selection from Dear Barber.
👔 DRESS TO IMPRESS AND HAIRSTYLE
Upon stepping into Dear Barber, I was immediately struck by its unique ambiance, as if walking into two distinct worlds simultaneously. To the right, a tailor’s workshop beckoned with its array of hanging suit samples, a table adorned with sunglass frames and ties, and shelves lined with swatch folders showcasing various suiting fabrics. Directly opposite, an elegant wooden bar outfitted with black leather stools awaited patrons, merging the meticulous art of tailoring with the precision of grooming.
I was greeted by two stylists, Toki Nagatomo and Satoshi Yano, both impeccably dressed in sharp, tailored suits, resembling craftsmen more than traditional hairdressers. Their professional poise, accentuated by elegantly inscribed name tags, promised an experience unlike any other.
Nagatomo-san ushered me to the bar, which initially seemed more suited for a cocktail than a haircut, and presented me with a leather-bound hairstyling menu. The real challenge emerged as a questionnaire — entirely in Japanese characters. Cut off from the internet, and thus Google Translate, my basic (none) Japanese knowledge was of little help. Thankfully, Nagatomo-san’s patience and basic English bridged our communication gap. We painstakingly worked through the questionnaire, covering everything from hair type to skin concerns. This interaction, though challenging, was surprisingly enjoyable and set the stage for a tailored grooming experience. Finally, I was introduced to my master stylist, Satoshi Yano, who presented his credentials with a level of ceremony that spoke volumes of their dedication to their craft.
💈 THE CRAFT IN THE DETAILS
The attention to detail at Dear Barber was nothing short of impeccable. Yano-san guided me to what I would soon consider my “front-row seat” to a masterful display of grooming artistry. I regret not taking a picture of the moment. Before me, a tray displayed an array of tools, each laid out with the precision reminiscent of a surgeon. The instruments ranged from various scissors to blades, all meticulously organised, a clear reflection of Yano’s dedication to his craft.
With a hint of shyness, he asked, “Antonio-san, where come from?” I playfully responded, “Born and raised in Osaka,” eliciting a laugh from him before revealing my Spanish origins. His reaction was a friendly “Hola,” marking the limit of our verbal communication due to the language barrier.
Our conversation shifted to a dance of hands and feet as Yano-san inquired about my skin type and hair texture. I responded in kind, using gestures and body language. A picture of my desired hairstyle helped bridge our linguistic divide, giving Yano all he needed to begin his work of art. He then draped an apron around my neck, a precautionary step to keep cut hair off my clothing. In most barbershops, cut hair tends to slide down the apron onto your shoes, but not here. Yano ingeniously hooked the end of the apron to the bottom of the mirror in front of me, creating an “apron-rooftop” that shielded my clothing from stray hairs.
At first, I thought this clever setup was overkill, especially since hair washing was included in the “basic course” I had chosen. I assumed I would need to unhook the apron to walk to the washing station. But Yano-san didn’t respond to my fidgeting attempts to free myself from the apron. Instead, he walked away, leaving me both perplexed and bemused. At Dear Barber, it turns out, you don't go to the sink; the sink comes to you. A mobile washing station was wheeled in and positioned behind my seat, allowing for a relaxing shampoo session without leaving the comfort of my chair.
💇🏽♂️ THE ART OF GROOMING
The washing experience at Dear Barber was as unique as it was luxurious. As the mobile washing station settled behind my chair, Yano-san gently tilted the chair back, aligning my head perfectly with the basin. The water temperature was just right – a comforting warmth that relaxed me instantly. Yano's technique was thorough yet gentle, massaging my scalp in a way that turned a simple wash into a soothing ritual. The shampoo's fragrance was subtle yet refreshing, adding another layer to this sensory experience. This wasn't just a routine wash; it felt like a spa treatment, making me forget I was in a barbershop.
Once the washing was complete, the real magic of Yano-san's craftsmanship began. Unhooking the apron, he prepared his tools with meticulous care, selecting each instrument with purpose. The cutting process was almost hypnotic. He alternated between clippers and scissors with seamless fluidity, each snip and trim demonstrating his masterful precision. Despite the language barrier, Yano seemed to intuitively understand the look I was aiming for, working with a level of detail that was both impressive and reassuring. The sound of the scissors was rhythmic, almost musical, as he sculpted my hair into the desired style. Throughout the process, his focus was unwavering, a testament to the pride and skill he brought to his craft. The experience was not just about getting a haircut; it was witnessing an artist at work, transforming a routine grooming session into an exhibition of finesse and expertise.
🧨 GRAND FINALE: BEYOND THE CUT
After the meticulous cut, Yano-san didn’t immediately signal the end of the session. Instead, he offered a second wash, refreshing both my hair and face. The feeling of the steamed towel was both soothing and luxurious, a testament to his dedication to comfort and detail. This was followed by a gentle drying with a soft, dry towel, preparing my hair for the final styling.
Yano then presented a selection of grooming products. I was intrigued by the variety and opted for a Dear Barber matte wax, indicated by a simple point of my index finger. He applied it with a magical touch, transforming the wax’s application into a part of the artistry.
The moment of revelation was dramatic. Yano removed the apron and used a pair of mirrors to show me the final result from all angles. Insisting I remained seated, he took out and iPad his camera and snapped four pictures from different angles. Initially puzzled, I later learned about their practice of creating a personalised file for each customer. This experience at Dear Barber wasn't just a haircut; it was an immersion into a culture of precision, care, and personal connection that transcended language barriers and left a lasting impression.
