Cutting Edge Hipster Grooming

The essential men’s grooming services that will help you achieve that modern gentleman look.

By Alywin Chew        27 April 2018

Mr Gentleman (Above)

mrgentleman.sg

If you’re strapped for time and need a fitting done at your office, or would rather have someone come to your home, look no further than travelling tailors Gary Ong and Jonathan Wong. After realising that many Singaporeans travel overseas to find good-quality yet walletfriendly suits, the two former NTU students decided to bridge the distance by starting this company in 2014. While the duo take the measurements, production is outsourced to dependable tailors in the region, resulting in significant cost savings.

The Golden Role

66A Race Course Road, Level 2;
188 Race Course Road #01-02;
28 Madras Street
thegoldenrulebarber.com

These guys are good. If expanding to three locations since opening in May 2014 isn’t evidence enough, then perhaps their house call for Argentina’s national football stars (here for a friendly last year) might change your mind. They’ve even managed to work their magic on other sporting celebrities such as Aussie tennis player Nick Kyrgios and former Tampines Rovers hotshot Jermaine Pennant. Besides dishing out haircuts, TGR also offers barbering classes and merchandise such as hair products, apparel and barbering tools.

Empire Of Steel

220 River Valley Road; #03-19 OUE Downtown 2
empireofsteel.sg

Established by Sean Ong, a graduate of the Vidal Sassoon academy in California, this hip and modern establishment prides itself in tailoring each haircut to suit the client. With more than 10 years of experience under his belt, the ever-affable Ong is capable of crafting the perfect look for you. He’s also known to offer customers whisky from his personal stash. Empire of Steel offers barber cuts, shaves, beard trims and scalp treatments.

Premium Barbers

#04-12/13 Orchardgateway; #02-23 Wheelock Place
premium-barbers.com

One of the first modern barbers to hit the local scene, Premium Barbers is a one-stop shop for men to indulge in top-to-toe pampering at two downtown locations. Besides being adept at crafting classic hairdos like the pompadour and other contemporary styles, this American-style barber offers hair colouring, beard shaves and trims, head massages, foot spa and even shoe-shining services. Those waiting for their turn can consider heading to the cosy bar (only at the Wheelock branch) serving a variety of beers and whiskeys.

Ed Et Al

120A Telok Ayer Street, Level 2
edetal.sg

The brainchild of Edwin Neo, who was trained by Hungarian master shoemaker Marcell Mrsan. Ed Et Al offers customers a chance to create their ideal pair of shoes. While this service is not entirely bespoke, customers will nonetheless get to choose from more than 30 shoe designs, over 20 colours and four toe shapes. Each piece is made to order by highly trained shoemakers in Ho Chi Minh City, while the hand-dyeing is performed by craftsmen in Singapore. Ed Et Al also provides a wide range of shoe repair services, specialising in Goodyear Welt, widely considered to be the epitome of shoe crafting.