Haircuts On The Go at Tatekulu’s Trailer

The coronavirus pandemic has brought many changes to the way things used to be.

In a world where people are urged to stay at home and minimising contact is all the rage, the Tatekulu Barbershop team established a trailer barbershop to expand their business and adapt to change.

The trailer has been operating for about three weeks now.

It is mainly located in front of Dros Restaurant and Wine Cellar in Windhoek, but is also available for events and special occasions.

The hair salon offers a variety of gentlemen’s grooming services, such as hot-towel shaves, haircuts, beard grooming, massages, manicures, pedicures and shoe polishing.

Co-founder Matthew Jackman says the trailer has enough space and resources for two barbers to work on two customers at a time.

“Many of our clients have been asking for branches in their areas, but doing this is very costly, so a mobile service was the best option. We have seven barbers and a lady who does treatments such as manicures and pedicures. We have an online booking service, and clients can book an appointment with their favourite barber,” Jackman says.

The Tatekulu Barbershop opened its doors in 2017 in Independence Avenue in Windhoek.

“I am an entrepreneur and travel a lot. Thus far I have travelled to countries such as Morocco, Hong Kong, London and all over Africa. When I travel, I often go to various barbershops. I am also a barber myself. In Namibia I saw that there was a demand for a good barbershop. Most of the good barbershops have long waiting lists, and most men don’t have the patience to wait,” Jackman says.

He says the shop has been successful thus far, because they believe in offering excellent services.

He also recounts that they brought in a well-skilled barber from Europe to train staff.

Jackman says his barbershop caters to various hair types.

“We encourage diversity, and this is what people love. When they see the different cultures they feel free, cared for and loved. This is what brings people together,” he says.

“We want people to come and unwind, relax and forget all about the challenges they are facing, at least for a little while. After the treatment they can happily look at themselves in the mirror and feel just like themselves,” Jackman says.

He says working from a trailer comes with several challenges, such as maintenance and travelling expenses, and repairing wheels and wheel bearings.

Jackman says some some clients can be difficult, but urges barbers to never give up and to always work hard to keep clients happy.

He also urges clients to never shy away from seeking professional assistance.

“Yes, we know many people are trying to save costs and like doing things on their own, but when it comes to your hair it is always best to seek a professional. We have had plenty of incidents where men would come to us to fix the mess a wife or mother has made. At that moment you may think you are saving money, but this may not be the case,” he says.

Jackman says clients shouldn’t go for a celebrity hairstyle, but rather for something that suits them.

“If you need advice on a good style for yourself, ask the barber. Our barbers are well trained and know what styles would suit you. First impressions last a lifetime, so make that lasting impression with a great hairdo,” he says.

Eddy Boer, a client of Tatekulu’s Barbershop, says he likes the idea of the trailer barbershop.

He feels it is also a much safer option during the Covid-19 pandemic since it involves fewer people.

“The trailer is so convenient. I urge barbers to come up with ideas to still stay relevant during the challenging time of the Covid-19 pandemic instead of giving up. Many men now want quick service. Everybody’s in a hurry nowadays. Nobody wants to wait, so you can call and they come to you,” Boer says.

Book online at http://www.tatekulu.com/ or contact 081 846 9910.

@Tatekulu Barbershop on Facebook

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