A visit at the Hare & Hound Barbershop
Yesterday I dropped-in for a visit at the Hare & Hound Barbershop on Preston Street in Ottawa. Hare & Hound opened up in mid July this year, so it’s still a new thing. This shop is everything one could hope for. It’s a cozy 2 chair establishment with a distinctive vintage core and a side of tiki. For a vintage buff like myself this was a treat. The effort and passion that has gone into creating this space is tangible. There are numerous little details here and there giving it authenticity.
During my visit, Tom the Master Barber and mastermind behind the operation was taking care of a patron but welcomed me in and the conversation was easy. A Barber’s personality is just as crucial as his skills. Clearly there are skills as the patron in the chair was getting a top notch undercut and personality made it such that everyone was having a good time.
Hare & Hound has that old-school feeling that so many barbershops attempt to recreate, but few succeed. Putting up a few vintage pieces here and there might be good decorum but the spirit of the Barbershop goes well beyond that. It’s a humble and down to earth setting where time stops until you leave. A place that is totally chill where guys go to get groomed. And yes, the furniture is and should be old-school. Tom explained that all of the memorabilia pieces throughout the shop were things he collected along the way to the great dismay of his wife. We should thank her for her patience and supporting Tom in his endeavor as it give charisma to the shop.
I was in there to see the place in person, but also to pick up a bottle the Humphreys Facial Toner (aftershave). This is a new brand for me and when I saw it in the Hare & Hound Instagram posts, it gave me yet another reason to drop in. FYI – Tom also carries the Shiner Gold pomade range. As you know, Shiner Gold fits among my favorite for both it’s perfectly edgy retro-Greaser vibe and real performance. Stay tune for an up-coming review of the Humphreys toner.
I am a little disappointed with my pictures as they don’t entirely do justice to the the place, but I wanted to post them anyway to share the positive vibe of the shop.
Looking forward to my next visit.
