Opened two years ago by one of San Francisco’s top stylists, Greg Griffin, The Barber Lounge is a modern hair salon, barbershop and spa housed in a sun-filled, airy and spacious loft. The salon has already won some well deserved nominations such as voted the #1 Salon in San Francisco by SF Weekly’s 2009 Readers Poll.

Greg has created a modern-day barbershop for the 21st Century that caters both men and women – from the local celebrity to the most intimidated in a unique setting. It is a hip yet unpretentious place with funky décor combined with mid-century modern flair and a relaxed vibe. This is definitely not your Dad’s barbershop or your Mum’s beauty parlor!

The staff is a cool and quirky collection, I was lucky to be in the hands of hair stylist Jonathan Baker. He is a haircutting prodigy who spent most of his life in the industry. At age 15, he started working in salons as a shampoo boy after school and on weekends. He started cosmetology school at age 16, and moved to London a year later to train at the Toni and Guy Academy. By age 19, he became Art Team Director at Toni and Guy, then eventually joined the team at Aveda for 6 years. With his sharp eye for fashion and editorial work, he brings a strong aesthetic to his craft. Jonathan has a BFA in Fashion Design, and is currently working on a double MFA in Fashion and Knitwear design. He also fuses his passion for cutting and his devotion to fashion by working as a stylist for runway shows. We had a great chat whilst he worked his magic through my hair and I am really looking forward to stay in touch with Jonathan to see his future works in the creative industry.

Products used at The Barber Lounge are Aveda, Davines, Cosmedix and Goldwell for services including Barber, Hair, Nail Care, Waxing, Spray Tanning, Massage and Skin Care.

Staying true to supporting the San Francisco Bay Area community, the salon regularly features artistry by local talent on the walls of its loft by rotating artwork every four months and hosting an Art Party each time to mark the launch of the new works. With its fabulous creative space, The Barber Lounge is also often used as a party venue for corporate events, bachelor and bachelorette parties, showers and fundraisers from intimate affairs to events of 300+ guests. Guests can eat, drink, socialise and even get pampered!

It is a shame this is not in Sydney or we would love to have a mecho party here. It is also somewhat typical that when I’ve finally found a welcoming and innovative salon with a hair dresser to trust, it has to be in San Fran…

Photos from The Barber Lounge, San Francisco

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Yen Huynh, Creator of mecho | the style black book

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