Man to Gentleman

Words: P.Ramakrishnan
Images: Sebastien Goyon
Location: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong






When graphic designer and part-time model Abram Hodgens landed in Hong Kong after riding his bike across the United States, it had been a while since he got a proper haircut, shave and by the looks of it, a hot shower. Just days before casting and job interviews he needed a place to clean up and look more professional, before plunking into employed status.

The Mandarin Oriental team came to the rescue. Their famed barber shop on the second floor of the prestigious hotel sees more VIPs and business tycoons than any world conference each year. Sophisticated with an old world charm, the way they still use finely honed knives to give an old-fashioned brush and lather shave, it’s a haven for many businessmen to come and relax. At the same time, they can get a professional hair cut, a crisp men’s manicure and pedicure (in a private room if need be), a relaxing shoulder massage, and come out looking and feeling like a profitable exercise in razor sharp deals had just transpired.

We introduced the young lad to Andrea Clark, the Creative Director and Salon Manager for Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. She had many tips and advice – while keeping in mind a look that he was comfortable with. Hodgens did not want too much of his hair cut, just trimmed and neat. Presentable for Asia’s fashionable folks for his partial gig as a model, and yet neat enough for when he had client meetings for his graphic artwork.

Says Clark, “Months of travel with no haircut and very little shaving has left the hair and skin dry and dehydrated. To merge back into an urban lifestyle Abram needed to tidy up his look while still keeping his own personality.”

In Hong Kong and in many Asian cities, a trend of following the styles of celebrities is very common but people should not always follow their idols. However, Angel Gonzalez, Artistic Director at the Mandarin Oriental, says, “People should get haircuts and colour according to their own skin tone, their face and head structure, something to enhance their own looks. Following star style is not always a good idea.”

Having worked with many celebrities in the US, he’s new to Hong Kong, but certainly not to style and grooming. “If the hair-dye colour does not suit you skin tone, then even the best dye in the world won’t help your look. Using the best products is also key – cheap hair products and chemicals can do more damage than good.”

How many businessmen and bankers go to the Mandarin for a quick trim? “I’ve lost count,” says Gonzalez. “But young guys, the fashion forward, will come for a quick fix too. Because of our location, convenience and tradition, a lot of the banking and financial community do come here.”


Of course in a busy city like Hong Kong, its all timing and location. The stylist agrees. “Time is of essence as everyone is rushing to go to meetings but when they have break, people do come in to relax, get our famous Shanghai pedicure, have a cup of coffee and then they are ready to hit Central again.”

So what did they do to makeover the hippie look of Mr Hodgens before he could hit Central? Here’s the process:

First came the Mandarin Shave where hot towels infused with essential oils are used to open up the pores and soften the growth. The barber then lathers and skillfully removes the facial hair revealing a much younger looking traveler.


The shave is not complete without a facial massage using True Gentlemen After Shave balm to sooth and moisturize the weathered skin. Thick long hair that suits Abrams style had no shape and was dry and untidy – so a few inches were taken from the hair, the added shape allows him to wear his hair longer while still looking groomed.

And after all that jazz, “Product and maintenance is key; using a good barber and stylist is essential for both hair and skin, now that he’s back in the city,” concludes Gonzalez.




The Mandarin Oriental Barber Shop

Telephone: +852 2825 4088
Email: mohkg-barber@mohg.com
Monday to Saturday 8am–7pm
Sunday 10am-6pm
Reservations are highly recommended


IMAGE CREDITS
Jacket: Emporio Armani
Shirt: Verri
Belt: Gucci
Shoes: Costume International
Jeans: Calvin Klein