Your New Neighborhood Standby: Chelsea's Made Man Barbershop
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If Fran Lebowitz’ words are true, that “you’re only as good as your last haircut,” then we suggest heading to Made Man Barbershop in NYC. Thirty-three-year-old owner Sam Chulpayev doesn’t cut any corners (his family has been in the barbering biz for over 100 years), even when it comes to replicating the authentic barbershop experience. If you’re one of those guys who can’t ever decide on a hairstyle, look no further than our ten favorite cuts from fashion week—the guys at Made Man are well-equipped to pull off any one of them.
“Pretty much everything in the shop is an antique, from that golden age of Hollywood when barbering was a huge deal,” says Chulpayev. “All five chairs are in original condition from 1901. I don’t think they make them as comfortable for shaving today.” You’ll also find a 1950’s black-and-gold rotary phone, an 1880’s brass cash register and a 1930’s soap machine that’s still fully functional.
The Vibe: “Everyone is welcome, but most of my customers are people who don’t just want something basic. We come off as a shop that has direction and style.”
The Cut: “We do a lot of one fades with long-top pompadours, faux hawks, and full scissor trims.”
The Cost: $15 for a crew cut, $22 for longer styles, and $35 for a full scissor trim.
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A Few of Chulpayev’s Favorite Things:
Lay Rite Super Hold Pomade: “This product won’t damage your hair. There are a lot out there with high acidity and you can feel how brittle your hair gets after you use them. This lasts all day and rinses out with water, which is good because I don’t shampoo everyday.”
Malin + Goetz Sage Styling Cream: “This has more of a flexible hold, doesn’t have too much shine, and it smells fantastic. We call this the ’sexy cream’ in the shop.”
Barbasol Shaving Cream: “This has been around for ages and I really believe it’s still the best beard buster.”
Queen Helene Cucumber Scented Massage Cream: “All of their products are basic, non-expensive or overly scented and do the job well. There’s nothing better after shaving than this cucumber cream—it has an extraordinary ability to make skin feel comfortable and non-irritated.”
Made Man Barbershop
WHERE: 170 West 23rd Street New York, NY
HOURS: Monday-Friday 8-8; Saturday 8-7; Sunday 10-6
APPOINTMENTS: (646) 634-2232
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