Street Barber

Origins of street barbers in the 1950's

Street barbers were commonly found along Singapore's streets and back lanes. In the 1950s, the bustling side lane in Bugis was dubbed as the“Barber Street" because many barbers vied for customers there. They were also found along a cobbled lane that served as a link between Jalan Sultan and North Bridge Road. This trade of street barbers became popular because it was convenient and cheap.

Street barbers

Being a street barber is no easy feat. They usually have their stalls set up at back alleys or small streets. They would also have with them mirrors, barber chairs and, of course, their tools. They include hair combs, hair clippers, hair shears, straight blade scissors, towels, cleaning brushes and many more. A street barbers, they also have to master many techniques such as combing, razoring, shaving, ear-waxing, cutting, dyeing, joining, patching, relaxing the muscles and stimulating the blood circulation. Such unique techniques are really rarely seen now.

How did this once famous trade arrive at the verge of extinction in merely 70 years?

Have more advanced and attractive trades taken over the spotlight?

Hair salons seem to be superior as compared to street barbers. Not only are they air-conditioned and more comfortable, they also provide extensively different services such as perming, dyeing and popular wash-and-cuts eg. Street barbers are also commonly viewed as a downgraded hair salon which provides limited services. Unfortunately, this may be the cold, hard truth. However, street barbers make up through for their shortcomings through other means. (More Information below)

PLACES TO EXPLORE

Uncle Tan, the last remaining street barber in Singapore

  • Nestled in a narrow alleyway between the Alsagoff Arab School and a bright yellow shophouse is a small shanty structure. It is at this open-air spot where Tan Boon Kee, also known as Uncle Tan to friends and customers, plies his trade of giving haircuts five days a week. After the death of the only other street barber in Singapore, Lee Yong Tong in 2020, he is the last remaining street barber in Singapore. Besides, he is the only barber that offers economical $6 haircuts. Apart from the merdeka generation, Mr Tan's barber shop does not attract many young customers.

  • Address: Aliwal Street, Bugis (Nearest MRT station: Bugis)