Whether you are a resident of Armenia or a tourist visiting the country, Gyumri’s famous barbershop is a place you simply cannot miss. Gyumri, known as the cultural capital of Armenia, is a city filled with unique architecture, rich history, and a vibrant artistic scene. And Luxe Barbershop is no exception to the city’s charm.
Let me share with you all the fascinating details about this iconic establishment located in the heart of Gyumri. And if you’re planning a trip to Gyumri, be sure to add this barbershop to your list of must-see places. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of Gyumri’s oldest barbershop. And if you find this post useful, let me know on Instagram or Twitter, with #ArmeniaTravelTips.
Luxe Barbershop is a historic barbershop located in the city of Gyumri, Armenia. It was established in 1941 and has maintained its retro ambience since then. The barbershop has become an important cultural landmark in the city and is popular among both locals and tourists who are looking for a unique grooming experience.
A glimpse into history of this barbershop in Gyumri
So, did you know that the Luxe Barbershop in Gyumri has a super interesting history? It’s actually been around for over 80 years and was first opened in 1941 as a traditional men’s barbershop. Back then, it was the go-to spot for local guys to get a shave or haircut, read the newspaper, and catch up with their friends. The barbershop was also known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, which made it a real fixture in the community. Interesting fact: there was a women’s hair salon next door to the barbershop, but it’s closed now.
Over the years, the Luxe Barbershop has seen its fair share of changes and challenges, including the devastating earthquake of 1988, which shook the city to its core. However, the place has remained a staple in the community, providing a reliable and high-quality grooming experience for generations of customers.
Throughout its long history, many famous figures, including Armenian artists, composers, and writers such as Hovhannes Shiraz and Frunzik Mkrtchyan visited the barbershop. They most probably wanted to get a sharp haircut that would make them look like one of the cool guys in town. 🙂 Today, the barbershop continues to offer a unique blend of tradition and hospitality, welcoming customers with a warm smile, a retro interior, and expert services.
The barbershop’s interior
It’s pretty amazing, but even after all these years, the Luxe Barbershop has hardly changed a bit. The same red chairs that have been there for over 50 years are still there, and the barbers use a lot of the same old tools that they’ve been using for decades, like classic combs and razors. According to them, the quality of today’s tools just doesn’t compare to the good old ones they’ve been using for so long.
And the floor? Well, let’s just say it had better days. But you know what? That’s all part of the charm. The round mirrors and old-fashioned sinks in front of each chair are pretty unusual compared to what you see in modern barbershops, but they really add to the old-school atmosphere. When you step into the Luxe Barbershop, you do feel like you’re stepping back in time to the mid 1900s. It’s definitely not your typical barbershop, but that’s what makes it so special.
The men behind the scissors
But as fascinating as the decor is, the real draw of the Luxe Barbershop is the barbers themselves. They wear the classic white coats that barbers used to wear, and this “uniform” makes them look like they’re some characters straight out of an old Hollywood movie. 🙂 The oldest practicing barber, Khanayev Aristakesyan, has been working here since February, 1956. And he is just one of the many skilled barbers you’ll find here. With a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor, they love to chat with their customers while they work. Check out this interview with him (turn on subtitles).
So if you’re in the area and looking for a unique experience, make sure to stop by the Luxe Barbershop. You’ll get a great haircut from skilled professionals who are passionate about their craft. And, on top of that, you’ll get to soak up the local culture and make some new friends along the way. Note though, in the past they didn’t let women in at all. As far as I can tell, in recent years they started allowing accompanying women into the venue, and those who come to praise the place’s design choices and maybe to take pictures. But they still only service men.
Another interesting thing that you can observe at Luxe Barbershop is that during their breaks the barbers often have fun playing Armenians’ beloved board game called Nardi. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even ask one of the barbers to teach you how to play. What a great way to connect with the community and make new friends!
The Gyumri barbershop nowadays
It’s now considered an important cultural landmark in the city and attracts both locals and tourists alike. You can easily find reviews and informational videos about it online. In the past years it’s been getting a lot of attention of visiting bloggers and journalists, and it shows.
Oh, and let me tell you about one of the best parts of the Luxe Barbershop experience – the hot towel ritual after a shave! It’s so relaxing, and I actually found out about it from a foreign blogger’s video! I mean, who wouldn’t want a nice hot towel after a fresh shave, right? It’s just one of those little details that make the whole experience feel extra special.
The barbershop doesn’t run any social media pages. So, if you have any questions you need to visit them and ask on the spot. As they’re located in the very heart of the Gyumri, in Gayi street, 7, finding them won’t be a problem for you. A standard haircut costs around 1000 AMD (roughly 2,5 USD), but I recommend you clarify the price with your barber. I think it’s ridiculous that they charge that little, when in Yerevan I pay 10-15K AMD visiting a regular barbershop in the city center. So, probably, they will soon start raising prices.
Wrapping up
I hope you found these facts and insights about Gyumri’s oldest barbershop interesting. However, I must admit, nothing beats experiencing the place yourself. So, if you’ve been there, please share your thoughts and impressions with me. I’d love to hear more about your personal experience! Simply tweet or post on Instagram using the hashtag #ArmeniaTravelTips.
Lastly, if exploring Gyumri is on your bucket list, be sure to check out my post on facts about Gyumri. I’m confident that you’ll find it an enjoyable read! By the way, you might be wondering how to get to Gyumri from Yerevan by train. Follow that link to find the answer. Gyumri is often overlooked by visitors of Armenia. But I think it’s totally worth visiting, even if Yerevan is your main base during your trip.
Featured image credit: Photo by Agustin Fernandez on Unsplash
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