Barbering is in the blood

Barbering is in the blood

By Sean Car

For the manager and “head barber” of Queen Victoria Market’s (QVM’s) new barbershop Edwin Squires, hairdressing runs in the family. 

It’s a theme engrained in Another Man Barber and Shop, which has recently established in one of the many bespoke shipping containers that make up the market’s funky new String Bean Alley. 

Open from Thursdays to Sundays, its presence as QVM’s only barbershop comes as welcome news for the market’s many gentlemen, adding to the already vibrant mix of new independent traders one can find along String Bean. 

Owned by third-generation Italian barber Amleto Mariani, who also runs a barbershop in Caulfield North, the business brings more than 70 years of hairdressing experience to the market. 

Adding to that experience is Edwin, a second-generation barber in his own right and man for all your grooming needs, who described Another Man’s service as a “real fine-dining of barbering.” 

“Making people feel good. That’s the goal,” Edwin said. 

“Giving someone a good cut is all about seeing the smile on their face and making them feel good about themselves. Getting to spend half an hour with someone every time you cut their hair means you get to know them really well too.”

“A lot of dudes also don’t have that knowledge of how to look after their skin, their hair or their beards so it’s great when you can teach them what would make them look best for the shape of their face, their overall silhouette or adding texture to their hair.”

Most blokes know there are few greater feelings than being looked after by a barber and few know how to do that better than Edwin and his team. Not only does Another Man provide the best tailored care for your head, but it does so in a unique open-air environment where you’re immersed in the colour and activity of the market.

Offering everything from hot towel face shaves, beard trims and head massages to haircuts, skin fades and mohawks, local gentleman seeking some “manscaping” needn’t look any further than Another Man. 

In addition, it also provides a wide range of its own organically and locally made grooming products, which Edwin said was another side of barbering that was becoming increasingly sought after by more and more men.  

“There’s that side of barbering that’s coming into play as well with the overall ‘manscaping’, by looking after your skin and moisturising,” he said. 

“So many dudes torture their skin all day, such as tradies, and they just rub soap into it at the end of the day which is just dehydrating it. You see the small differences and you get addicted to them whether it be having clear skin, a shiny beard or the right product in your hair.”

It’s all part of the barbershop’s motto that barbering shouldn’t just be about cutting hair but leaving every man feeling fresh, transformed and looking their best. And as Melbourne heads into the warmer months when the market takes on a new lease of life, there’s no better time to be paying Edwin a visit. 

“It’s exciting working in the markets. It’s an exciting part of Melbourne’s story,” Edwin said. “The food is amazing obviously so lunch breaks have been incredible. It’s just nice to be in an outdoor environment.”

“People at the market have been amazing and all the other stallholders are really supportive as we are of them. There’s the new Brick Lane Brewery opening directly opposite us soon as well and that will complement us a lot. Summer time will be fun time, we’ll have a cold beer for everyone so, life is good.”

Another Man Barber and Shop is located at Shop 24, String Bean Alley. 

anothermanbarber.com

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