...
I feel like a new person. As I turn the corner of Church Street, entering the busy Rose Street, I mainly think about how often we as individuals don’t listen. We might hear others, but do we selflessly place our own problems aside to listen actively and help others?
...
I will never forget the first time I received a barber’s haircut. I was about six years old, and my father took me to one of those container shops on The Deck – the taxi terminus in the Cape Town CBD. The buzzing sound of the barber’s machine reverberated through my skull and shattered throughout my whole body, and as I inspected my head in the mirror, I watched my hair wave away. That day, when I returned home with the South-Easter brazing on my scalp, my neighbour bellowed, “You look like Geodude from Pokémon!” and through her laughter, I held back my tears and disappointment, and I swore I would never cut my hair with a machine or at a barber again.
Fast-forward to 10 years later; I was then 16, contemplating whether I should swap my mushroomesque hairstyle for what was current at the time – a mullet. “There’s a Jordanian bra that cuts gevaarlike mullets. Just come with me to the barber, you’ll like it there,” reckoned my close friend, and thereafter his pleading turned into forcing. I had mixed emotions, but that was just after Jaynap Higgins (Rahmatulla Alay Ha – may God’s mercy be upon her) snipped a tip of my right ear, and I knew it was time to return to a conventional barbershop. What my friend failed to mention was that the gevaarlike Jordanian couldn’t help us both at the same time, and due to my impatience, I landed in the chair of Abbaas Sylvester.
Abbaas and my hair have been through it all over the past 11 years. I’ve had mullets, pompadours, quiffs, slicked backs, undercuts, side parts with low fades, straight crops with heavy fringes, Caesar cuts, a failed attempt at a man bun, semi-long John Wick-style blowouts, and, quite recently, a fader. The fader surprisingly requires more maintenance than any of the aforementioned styles, because to keep the “die fade is in” tagline, one needs to get a fresh cut every two weeks. My facial hair has also gone through different iterations, such as goatee beards, petite goatees, royale beards, short boxed beards, balbo beards, recurring stubble beards, annual movembers, and a failed Taliban-like style – all making the cut. But one thing that hasn’t changed is Abbaas’s dexterity for cutting hair.
...
While I was training, I used to blow up balloons, tie them to a barber’s chair and practise my shaving. That helped with learning to control the pressure of my hand – if I pressed too hard, the balloon would burst, and it meant that I had just cut the client.
...
“I started in this trade nearly 20 years ago at Harry Nathoo’s barbershop – a second-generation barber originally from District Six,” explains Abbaas, after I enter Sleek Barber Shop and proceed to sit on his vintage Theo A Kochs barbershop chair that was originally made in Chicago, USA. “I had just completed high school, and while sweeping at Mr Nathoo’s shop, I would watch him cut, and I would steal with my eye. Then, one day in December, a barber never came to work, and Mr Nathoo just gave me a machine and said cut.” Abbaas reaches for the first of three machines he uses to cut my hair. He clicks on the number one clip to his Wahl machine, and begins my haircut, as he continues to tell his story. “While I was training, I used to blow up balloons, tie them to a barber’s chair and practise my shaving. That helped with learning to control the pressure of my hand – if I pressed too hard, the balloon would burst, and it meant that I had just cut the client. I would also stand against the wall, with a comb in my one hand and a scissor in the other, running my hands up and down the wall for hours.”
Abbaas Sylvester and his mentor, Mr Harry Nathoo
In October 2020, last year, Abbaas decided to pursue his dream of opening his own barbershop. Initially, he was nervous, but it was a risk he needed to take. “When lockdown started, I realised that I couldn’t provide for my family,” continues Abbaas, as he removes the number one clipper, cleans the machine with a brush, and begins to comb my hair. “It was no work, no pay, so I considered opening my own shop. I was long enough in the trade, and after working for a boss for over 20 years, I needed to go on my own. I wanted to create something for myself and have something to leave for my family. You see, a barbershop is not just a barbershop; it’s a community, and I wanted to create my own community.”
Aside from his inviting smile and warm nature, there is a melancholy behind Abbaas’s eyes – a melancholy that only I, along with those who have had similar experiences to him, can see. Throughout our many chats over the years, he revealed that he suffered from issues relating to his mental health, and at the time when I, too, struggled, I realised that I needed to think less about myself and listen to him. “For many years, I have struggled, and I impart what I’ve learned about myself to my clients. People don’t just come here to cut their hair; it’s also a sense of therapy – they are able to get things off their minds. For me, as a barber, I can see when my clients are down or not feeling well; if they do decide to talk about it, I try to give them advice.”
Abbaas, an advocate for mental health, and a man who has helped me understand my own inner demons, hasn’t always had it easy. “When I first discovered that I had mental health issues, life became difficult, because I still had to go to work because I had to provide for my family. Other people didn’t understand. They would joke and ask if I had already taken my mal pille when they saw that I wasn’t being myself.
“Things got so bad that my father had to go with me to work, because I was scared to be alone or scared that I would mess up people’s hair. I was also scared that something would happen to me or that I would have a breakdown. But, ja, I never took it hard when people made comments, and being in the barbershop indirectly helped me; it took my mind off everything. Sometimes, when I feel down, talking to my clients helps.” It was then that I realised that in this world we are all interlinked, because just like Abbaas, I too suffered deeply due to my mental health. Since the age of 13, I have struggled with anxiety and depression; however, over the past two years, I’ve been in a good space.
Abbaas places a thick black comb over the top of my hair and does the final fade with his machine-over-comb technique. A clean blade gets placed into his cut-throat razor, and he intricately trims my edges. After a quick clean of his hands, with effortless precision Abbaas takes his high-quality scissor all the way from Solingen, Germany, and completes his scissors-over-comb technique to blend in my fade on the sides. “Finishing is the most important part of the job. How do they say it, now … a barber is only as good as their last cut?” He scoffs and trims my now mini fringe, before adding his final touches of American bay rum for the aftershave, and Brylcreem to moisturise my scalp — once again for that old-school barber feel.
I leave Sleek Barber Shop not only feeling fresh; with every haircut, along with chatting to Abbaas, I feel like a new person. As I turn the corner of Church Street, entering the busy Rose Street, I mainly think about how often we as individuals don’t listen. We might hear others, but do we selflessly place our own problems aside to listen actively and help others? Abbaas has taught me to stop and listen. Because, when we take the time to listen, we will all realise that we are all on this earth, trying to figure out our paths in life.
Visit Sleek Barber Shop at:
97 Church Street
Bo-Kaap
Cape Town
8001
Contact information
- Phone/WhatsApp: +27 71 486 1698
- Email: info@sleekbarbershop.co.za
- https://www.sleekbarbershop.co.za
Kommentaar
Lovely !
It was a lovely essay ❤️
It was a lovely essay to read❤️
This is a very beautiful article. I love that this shines a light on the hair community in other cultures other than mine because usually its only black people who have a story to tell about their hair, barbershop and hair salons so it is really refreshing getting to know about other peoples experiences with hair and getting to know their journey. LOVE IT!
Of Abaas vroue doen of nie, ek gaan na hom toe vir my volgende sny. En luister. Well-written, Zubayr, and sommer happy birthday too.
Nicely written 🥰
Beautiful. Never been so captivated by a piece of work such as this. Very talented writer indeed. 👏
It is a very inspiring story and gives us a point of view of people who struggle to show themselves to the world because of comments people make. He made a great example of a barber and including his own experiences.
Great essay.
I genuinely love it, it took you to a place you could vividly see. I would love to see that Mr Charles pieces be published one day!
A good read, mental health is real, and giving us an insight and perspective of how we all wired, interlinked with one another.
Congratulations is definitely in order.
DYNAMITE !!! what a great story , looking forward to many more .❤️❤️
Love it ! Keep on pushing ❤️
Mr Charles, I am so inspired and motivated by your writing, I have always been. I really loved the ending, it had me thinking quite a bit.
This essay has an absolutely wonderful lesson behind it. Thank you for sharing.
Excellent! Very well written and structured!
This was a beautifully written article by Mr Z Charles. I really like the fact that I could relate, on some level, to this article. It made me really think about how just really listening to someone can impact not only their life but yours as well. It was really encouraging to see that Mr Abbaas's hard work paid off.
This is a truly wonderful article. I loved the fact that while reading this article, I could be on the same wavelength. This article made me remember the times when I visited the barber with my brother for his haircuts – All the different types of haircuts being mentioned. It also taught me that in some way, we, as humans, are all related. Listening to the problems of others can inspire us to overcome our problems as well.
"I’ve had mullets, pompadours, quiffs, slicked backs, undercuts, side parts with low fades, straight crops with heavy fringes, Caesar cuts...." This sentence has swing, and so does this piece! Lovely read and a timely reminder that community is everything, no matter where we find it.
Great read ... i love reading your stories.
Great interpretation of our modern day jungle we live in. Totally agree. Will pop in soon, my boys look like skapies 😉
Salaam
I'm "old school". In my time you had no choice of hair styles. It's schoolboy cut or bles.
But nice it was nice reading.
Interesting. Makes one think.
Zubair ek is Baie beïndruk met jou artikel. Hou aan met die goeie skrifte, mag die pad vorentoe alles wat goed is vir jou. Al my liefde.
Wonderlik.
Beautifully written and yes I agree with every last sentence.
It's a very good story.
We all are connected.
Thank you so much Zubayr, you are a great writer.
Great storytelling. One can feel the energy and emotion of the writer. Any easy yet interesting read which is both entertaining and thought provoking.
Pragtig geskryf. Ek het hierdie lees terdeë geniet. Welgedaan Zubayr Charles!
Beautifully written Zubair. I'm so proud of you. You managed to capture the essence and nostalgia of our colourful community while appealing to our youth and the plight of mental health👌
We move through life trying to find our purpose. And most of the time our purpose is right in front of us, but we fail to see it. God has a beautiful way of showing us how, when we give part of ourselves to help or just listen to others, we are actually helping ourselves. May your path ahead be filled with love and happiness and your future endeavours be filled with success.
I enjoyed the essay very much. Zubair painted a very vivid picture of the barber shop. As I read, I could hear and see in my mind's eye as if I was present and looking on as people get their haircuts.
True to the word that we need to listen more to what people have to say and not hear.
In this way we might be able to help each other.
Absolutely inspiring ... Keep it up 👌
Wonderful article. Very nostalgic and informative. I'm living in Bo-kaap and never knew of sleeks. Happy to be informed.
Well written, captivating. Zubayr, your writing skills makes the reader stop and "listen".
We all need to know what the challenges are that others face, and how they manage through our lives. Brings about a sense of empathy and care.
Very inspiring.
Excellent piece, Mr Charles. I hope you will get more opportunities in future to showcase your writing skills. ❤
Tapestry weaved in words, the colours a snapshot of Bokaap's long history. Great way to tell its people's story.
Wow, beautifully written, Zubayr. Knowing you personally made be go back to when you had all those hairstyles and every last one suited you. Thank you for sharing the work of the people in our community.
Well done, baby bro! You make us all proud! Keep it up!
Well written and a thought-provoking piece.
Beautiful prose.
Coming from a family dominated by women, this is a very informative piece about men's hairstyles I was oblivious of.
The deep connections of community told by the writer so sensitively and personally, including issues of mental health - an excellent piece of writing.
Kon nie ophou lees nie. Lekker leestof. Het dit geniet.
Dit was 'n indrukwekkende, eerlike weergawe. Baie inspirerend en maak ons bewus on meer te luister na ander se gevoelens en aspirasies.
Welgedaan en voorspoed vir 'n rooskleurige toekoms.
What a lovely article, it's touching. And your writing skills? Top tier!
The life of a barber … well written and explained.
Well done. What an interesting story with beautiful descriptions that take me right to the place and people described. I loved it and really enjoyed this beautiful experience.
Written beautifully. I remember most of your hairstyles. I enjoyed this and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Having my family being kicked out of Bo-kaap during the group areas act, this is a breath of fresh air.
This is such an insightful read. It felt as if I was there in the moment – very relatable as I too work in the hair industry. Zubayr, you took us on a journey through the different haircuts representing different phases of life. Such a beautiful piece, my friend, and what a day to get published – your birthday. You are very special and have so much talent and I'm so proud. To many more.
Brilliant.
Amazing article my friend👌🏽👏🏽👏🏽
So beautifully written, very informative and interesting at the same time.
Well written, thank you for always sharing a part of yourself with us as readers, makes your article soulful and real, love it 💕 Great stuff Zubayr!! Looking forward to your next one 🙂
Wow! Baie mooi geskryf! Inspirasie! Thank you for sharing your story!
Zubayr, this sensitively written piece is testament to your growth as a writer. You take your reader on a journey during which I discovered the names of hairstyles and equipment used in the hair industry, but, more importantly, I went on an inner journey of discovery initiated by the stories of the people you write about. You write lessons into the story so that they are not preachy. I am enjoying your writing evolution, Zubayr. Doen so voort.
Amazing! Such an authentic narrative. Keep it up, Zubayr.
Very well written 🙌
Happy Belated bday 🎂 nice read, well written and 100‰ agree everyone has a story.
Beautiful piece, Mr Charles. Your writing skills are excellent! I loved the message as well.
A lovely piece of work. Its very inspiring, touching, and eye opening. We all so busy with our own lives, it makes you realise that sometimes others' problems can be worse than our own. Like it was said, we never find the time to really listen to each other.
Ek is jou moeder, trots op jou weergawe van jou komieklike oombliklike weergawes van jou "haircut journeys" wat ons almal laat saam lag.
Trots, dat jy deel jou geestesgesondheid geskiedenis sodat almal wat kan verband hou, weet dat dit ok is om te praat daaroor en dat jy beter is.
Shukran my Geliefste seun. Ek is Super Trots!!!
Nicely written, descriptions give me the feeling of being present in the story.
Amazing! Don't give up, I can't wait to see Mr Charles future works being published!
Really well done! 🎉 Loved it!
A captivating and thought-provoking read. Thank you, Zubayr. I particularly enjoyed the third sentence.
On the theme of listening, I have had my hair cut by the same person for over 30 years. She knows all about my depression, my family, my work (gave me discount when I lost my business), etc. I know her story, too, and paid double for a cut while she was trying to save for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Mauritius. I'm in constant contact with her as she struggles with cancer right now. It really is a friendship one builds with one's barber.
I love the story and the way it grabs your attention and keeps you holding on to read more. Beautiful story and the way it was written xxx
Great essay👌👏 loved it, keep on writing.
Wow what a lovely essay.
This is article is eye catching well written. Keep it up.
History, culture and community happen in the most humble spaces. Thank you for this gem, Zubayr.
The only dude I trust to cut mine and my sons hair ... Totally at ease in that chair. Customer for life!
Amazing barber!
Awesome article! Such an amazing barber! It’s a pleasure to be one of you long standing customers! I won’t go anywhere else.
Great story, really enjoyed reading it.
I won't mind going to the barber shop every second day the service is exceptional friendly with no complaints from myside 5 out of 5.
I've been cutting my hair with Abbaas for a good couple of years. Always a smile on his face, making all his clients feel at home and like they are in good hands. He'll be cutting my son's hair one day too, Insha Allah 🙂
Well Done.. Wishing you all the best in your business insha Allah ameen 🙏
Myself and Abbas also come a long way, going back to 2009. 13 years on, I can't picture going to any other barber. He will continue to cut my hair for years to come and now my son's hair. Well done.
Such an interesting read!
One needs to change perspective and realise that we’re all just walking the same path, some more difficult than others. This has taught me less talking and more listening. Brilliant!
Great work and very inspirational ABBAAS and even your writer,this is definitely a great article
Abbaas is excellent at his trade and has the personality to take his business very far! A true artist and a gentleman.
Very inspirational to always remember any goal can be achieved with mindset and eagerness....
What an authentic story. Well done Abbaas. You are the best.
Kyk, ek sukkel nie met haarsny nie. Ek sit op my stoeltjie, heg no 6-kammetjie aan my haarknipper , en daar gaat ek. Kruis en dwars en voor en agterstevoor oor my kop vir so 10 minute, en siedaar! Almal bewonder my haarstyl en wil weet watter haarstilis so 'n kunswerk kan knip.
Amazing barber with an eye for style! I know people who go out of their way to go to him over anyone else.... myself included 🙌🏽🙌🏽
Amazing and talented.. Always goes that extra mile and don't leave a hair too long.. Well done Abbas and may your business prosper
Great!
Great Story👏
Really good structure as well!
What a wonderful essay. Sensitive, emotional, amusing, thought provoking "en alles en nog wat". You are a skilful writer and I look forward to reading more of your work.
Wow! Amazing story! Hard work pays off!
Well done.
Great essay and great barber too!
I've been checking out Abbas's barber skills on social media and so as soon as I landed in Capetown from Durban, I made a booking!
His style, skills and attention to detail was just superb! He gave some good advice on managing my beard and mustache.
Reading his story made me appreciate him more.
Stay well boet!
Always keep up the good work and stay humble as you are, Boeta.
Love the journey you always take your readers on. It was as if I was walking along with you through your varied visits to the barbershop and all the highs and lows you've had, both with your hair and the unselfish sharing of your mental health issues, which so many tend to hide. Over and above all else, your stories are so real and unpretentious. Great piece of writing Zubayr. 👍☺
Very insightful essay, Zubayr.
Great essay !
As always, your stories are captivating! Your pieces are always authentic and brilliantly placed! Love it, love it, love it ...
Well written as always. A real feel good piece. You make me want to visit this barber myself, haha.
This was well written! Coherent and nice flow and language usage! Loved it
Wow! This piece is brilliant. Definitely a trip down memory lane. The writer captures the true essence of emotion and experience in relation to getting a “fade”
Well done Zubayr, keep inspiring !
Well done, enjoyed the read great article.
There's a depth of emotion within the sentences that allows the reader to relate with the multiple topics addressed; mental health and being receptive to people's emotions, just to name a few. The level of description takes the reader on such a pleasant and insightful journey. Great read🥂
Well worth it, a good read. Insightful.
Well done... May the business grow from strength to strength, inshallah ameen.
My No.1 barber!
Hierdie skrywer het groot talent. Hy woeker met woorde!
Abaas' warm personality, calm and collectivesness, and humor makes him stand out above the rest. Silly when needs to be, but mature beyond his years. He will always go the extra mile. I know. Before he went on his own, he was already the only preferred barber for me and my boys. No one touches those boys' hair, besides Uncle Abaas ... they protest.
Well done my brother! You can only grow from strength to strength!
Talented.
Beautifully written and inspiring to (see) read what Abbass has achieved - and to have seen the silver lining with the Covid pandemic. Abbass, being out of sight doesn't mean out of mind, and keeping you in mind means that I'm always wishing you the very best for you and your family! The article brings back great memories of sitting in your chair, soon to be re-ignited again 🙂
Amazing haircuts. Even better vibe.
Wow🤩! Absolutely amazing! Love the storyline. You are an amazing writer, Mr. Charles.
Wow wow wow Mr Charles! This article kept me captivated! It is so well written and descriptive to the point it provides vivid imagery! I hope the barber's business continues to grow and prosper!
I enjoyed reading this and can't wait to read more of your stories!!
Narrator of note, Zubayr!
What a great read Zubayr. You truly captured the experience with your words (as always).
Abbaas has been looking after my mental health (and my beard) for almost 15 years. Every single week. I’ve cut my hair / beard in many places in the world and no one comes close to Mr Sylvester. He’s got that rare combo of the magic touch, excellent #skillz and real empathy.
Well done Mr Charles, this is yet another awareness of being selfless and lending an ear to the next person. The whole world is going through the most with this pandemic. It is people like Mr Abbaas who doesn’t just offer a service of cutting hair but also emotionally engages with every person that walks in his Barber. Beautiful story and keep up the amazing work that you do Mr Charles.
Story has great life lessons whilst also explaining it in a broad way. Really enjoyed it.
Enjoyed this essay, takes me back to growing up in bokaap 😊❤️
Great stuff, Zubayr! Beautifully written - insightful, brilliant and lovely flow. Keep the pen moving, writer!
Beautifully written. Well done to the writer.
Excellent essay, Zubayr! I enjoyed reading about Abbaas' journey.
Super nice article 👏🏼
I loved it. So well written and I hope to sit in Abbaas' chair someday. Thank you for shining a light on mental health.
Zubayr, I so enjoyed reading this essay/short story. You have the courage to reveal your own struggles. I have witnessed you grow as a teacher and by the looks of this story, you are growing into the kind of author who will write life-changing stories. Keep them stories coming!
As a child I used to go with my brother to have his hair cut and I really enjoyed watching him have his hair cut compared to me having to go to the hair dresser. Till this day for some odd reason, I find it very therapeutic watching a barber cut hair.
Great article! Keep up the good work my friend ❤️
Wow! Well done! Keep up the inspiring and motivational work, Zubayr.
Well done on this, Zubayr! I enjoyed reading every word. The flow of your writing is always so captivated.
Great job on this piece, Zubayr! I always enjoy reading your writing, your storytelling skills are unmatched! Well done to Abbaas as well! A truly talented barber.
Beautifully written❤️. Abbaas' journey has been wonderfully conveyed through your words. "... I mainly think about how often we as individuals don’t listen. We might hear others, but do we selflessly place our own problems aside to listen actively and help others?" and this is so true!
Written with passion and love. Funny and poignant. Wishing you well Zubayr and Abaas.
Zubayr, you getting better every time. It was enjoyable reading it. Keep up the good work.
Ek het jou skrewe baie geniet, Zubayr! Puik stukkie werk en inderdaad interessant!
Hou aan met die goeie werke!
You know something is great, when you left wanting more. Thanks for sharing *****
Daar bestaan nie veel haarkappers met tradisionele rooi en wit neonpilaar buite nie en stoel nie.
Deesdae moet man twee weke vooraf afspraak maak vir 'n knippie by 'n haarkapster.
What a great story, Zubayr! Thank you for sharing.
Superb!
An important topic by an important writer
Well written and a beautiful story about relationships with your barber build up during the years. Super proud of you, Mr Charles.
Well done, Zubayr. Super proud!
Well written Zubayr. Love how you move between your story and his and bring it together at the end. Wow!
I enjoyed reading this piece. Well done Zubayr. It also allowed me to reminisce on past experiences at my barber! We need more of these.
lovely
Congratulations on both the writer and the barber … both are artists of their craft. Great minds think alike. Well done guys. May you grow from strength to strength in your aspirations.