Calling all people of the African diaspora as well as my other curly, nappy, kinky haired people of the world! Worry no more! I’ve found the answer for you! Trust me. You will be able to survive and thrive in Seoul without your trusted bosom buddy from back home who lined you up. Yes, you will be able to continue to turn heads and look like you just finished a GQ photo shoot. Let me introduce you to Gabby’s Barber Shop, located in Itaewon-dong, Seoul, South Korea.
Most African American men know that a fresh haircut is of the upmost importance to their overall look and presentation to the world. The hair of Black people can come in all types of textures, lengths, and manageability, which leads many to keep their hair short, change the texture with chemicals, or just let it roam free into the sky. As you can understand, this has created a special bond between a man and his barber exhibited prominently in various movies and documentaries, such as Barbershop 1 and 2 and Good Hair. South Korean society, just like any other society, is highly driven on appearance. The SoKo native population isn’t exempt from making comments about a black person’s hair based on stereotypes and preconceptions. It’s a necessity to have a barber here in South Korea that possesses the skill, knowledge, and care to get you looking right. That barber is Gabby.
To get a little more in-depth I will describe Gabby’s based on four criteria: skill level of barbers, timeliness, hygiene, and atmosphere. Skill level is obviously the most important factor to pay attention to when choosing a barber. The barbers at Gabby’s vary on different levels, but all of them can give you a decent haircut. The barbers will tell you up front that they cannot do fancy designs, however they excel at basic haircuts such as fades, bald taper, and “low and even” cuts. If you are person who likes designs, the most you are going to get is a straight part. The barbers try their best to give you what you ask for, but you should know that some, including myself, have walked out unsatisfied. The haircut I was given was not what I asked for but was far from horrible. With that said, always after a day or so, I find myself liking my haircut a lot. At the end of the day, I can’t complain about a $10 haircut. I have not had a $10 hair cut since 1998, so a basic cut has quickly become my friend.
Next on the list is timeliness. Usually, a normal haircut takes about 20-25 minutes. I have noticed that many guys go for a basic cut, which can take an even shorter amount of time. Growing up in a predominantly black neighborhood, I’ve had my fair share of wasting away hours for the barber to cut my hair, but at Gabby’s I have never waited more than 40 minutes. I will admit this is because I go at odd hours like 10:30pm on a Thursday night. However, this is what makes this shop an oasis in South Korea. Their business hours accommodate people who may work strange hagwon hours. Gabby’s usually opens up around 2pm on any given day and I have seen them there as late as midnight.
Now onto hygiene: basic! I noticed that the barbers clean their clippers by using disinfectant after every cut. They use rubbing alcohol and Kleenex to clean around your hairline after they give you a lining. This method seems a little basic, but I never had an experience with keloids or an infection. Hair is very hard to clean up, and requires tedious care. However, coming from barbershops in America, I noticed hair was usually swept up quickly by the apprentice barber of the shop. Yet, that is not the case at Gabby’s. Hair is everywhere! In the nooks and crannies, you will find chunks of hair. You remember those tissues they used to clean your hairline? Well, you can expect those to be thrown around on the floor.
The atmosphere of the barbershop is the most overlooked factor. No one wants to be in a place they don’t feel comfortable, especially when you are in your most vulnerable state right before getting a haircut. Most of the barbers are from the African continent. Many languages are spoken all at once, including English. At times, it can get loud, and, you might say, a little rowdy. What can you expect at a barbershop though, a barbershop quartet? No way! The men talk fervently about various topics that range from politics around the world to sporting matches. Of course, there is some joking among the patrons. Some would call it jiving, roasting, or just plain out making fun, but, I must admit, I’ve had some good laughs there. Just witnessing friends talk about each others’ hairlines, or their lack of hair, I try not to laugh too hard just in case the attention shifts to me. Let me reassure you though, the joking that happens is all in good fun and I’ve never seen someone verbally attacked by a stranger. If you are worried just bring some headphones and zone out. Also, there is usually a lot of African rap/reggae music playing on the TV. That is another reason why one may want to bring headphones.
Looking back, one of my biggest concerns when I first moved to Seoul was finding a barbershop. Once finding Gabby’s I knew I no longer needed to worry. Like I mentioned before, South Korea cares so much about appearance that I would go every week to get a trim. However, I was being foolish.
Gabby’s barbershop is located in Itaewon near the Mcdonald’s on the main street going towards Noksapyeong station. If you are facing McDonalds it will be to the left in a small alley in between two buildings. The alley/walkway is directly below the The Crabhouse sign. Once you enter the alley the barbershop will be just ahead of you.
He’s open 7 days a week. His numbers are TEL: 02-794-2590 and Cell- 011-9680-7504
Yes, I was there last week. It’s still open! I would just go by late afternoon early evening.
I’ve been here the last few times I’ve needed a cut since my clippers were out of commission. I don’t think I’m going back to clippers since nothing I can do can beat getting lined up the right way.
Is Gabby’s still open? My son needs a cut…he is calling but know one answers.
It’s still open!