Mojo for men

Cassy Song photos courtesy Mojo Barbershop
Guests at Mojo Barbershop's grand opening enjoyed mustachioed donut from Regal Bakery.

It was all about the mustache, or lack thereof, at the grand opening of Mojo Barbershop on First Friday, Nov. 4. I couldn't make it that night, but the barbershop shared photos by Cassy Song, which tell the story of the evening, which seems to have brought both men and women out in droves. More photos can be viewed on their Facebook album.

I had interviewed Marian a week prior to the event and after my story appeared in the paper last Thursday, she said their phone began ringing nonstop.

"They have been all men!" she said. "It's been fascinating to see how thrilled they are after the straight razor shave! Most of the men that come in have never had one in their life but say they've always wanted to try it!"

A couple of calls did come in from women who wanted to purchase gift cards for their husbands, she said.

I knew the old-fashioned barbershop would be popular as part of the old-is-new movement that's not limited to fashion, but all of what it means to be civilized. As society and business as evolved proves to be untenable and unsustainable, I think everyone is looking back to when businesses were smaller and more intimate and you knew the principals by name, vs. an interchangeable corporate suit. To reinforce the idea of community and relationships, they're known on Facebook as Mojo Barbershop (& Social Club).

Mojo Barbershop owners Marian Lee and Matt Leo, with artist Kamea Hadar between them. Kamea created the artwork behind them.

And yes, I'm sure men will welcome pampering as much as women. They'll now have access to the luxurious ritual of sitting back, being treated to a warm towel and straight-razor shave and/or haircut, hand-and-foot detailing or detox facials.

Women are welcome too, but just as men may have been uncomfortable sitting in a salon full of women in the past, be forewarned that this is a space designed with the male species in mind. There is a trunk full of vintage surf and Playboy magazines as reading material, and a man cave where customers can plop into a La-Z-Boy in front of a flat-screen TV. A liquor license may soon materialize.

If you want to delve into this world, Mojo Barbershop is at 1157 Bethel St., open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. Call 927-8017.

The Barbershop will be offering a 30 discount on cuts and shaves for all veterans and military service members on Nov. 10, 11 and 12 in honor of Veterans' Day.

Mojo's style team, from left, Solosolo Kahili, Jendale Kahuanui, Rodney Ballesteros and Kaliq Rashad.

I think every woman will appreciate, this sentiment, admonishing men to "Stay Handsome, Not Hamajang." What's funny is there's a generation who'd never heard the pidgin "hamajang" before and are getting a kick out of the meaning.

Nadine Kam photos
The Mojo menu. In the background is a vintage barber chair that was found on Maui.

A vintage suitcase holds vintage reading material.