Barberella

It pains me not to give this place 5 stars because it is everything a hairdressers is not — and that’s why I love it. Top of the Pops vinyls from back in the day line the walls and music from the 60s fills the air. There’s no hair washing or boring conversation as the lady who cuts your hair with her silver rings clinking in your ears talks to you about anything and everything.
Situated in the back room of the shop Pop Boutique in the Northern Quarter, both guys and gals can get their hair cut for £17.50.
I have had a few hair cuts here mainly as it’s cheap, quick and quirky but I have to admit, chatting away too much to the hairdresser left me with a very definite wonky barnett which was only visible once I had got in to the better-​lit area of real life, i.e. out of Barberellas and back at work! It may have been an off-​day for her, I don’t know. Don’t let it put you off giving it a go… but I won’t be visiting again.

Hidden away at the back of the longstanding retro haven of Pop Boutique, Barberella fits the mood of the shop to a tee. If you’re after an affordable, retro haircut that you’ll actually enjoy getting, this is the place.
It must be pointed out, this is a barber’s shop first and foremost. No Toni & Guy up to the minute cutting techniques are used here, and you won’t be receiving a wash and massage either.
But if you’re looking for something affordable and specific it’s ideal. I’ve had a variety of cuts done here, from a 60s bob to a mod-​style pixie cut, each one with great results. I’ve always gone an exact style in mind, and that’s where Nicky excels. She knows her vintage references, and has good taste in both boy’s and girl’s cuts (in my opinion).
For a full cut it’ll set you back just £17, an absolute bargain in the city centre, and though that doesn’t include getting your hair washed it does leave you with a blowdry and styling. If you’re a girl looking for a complex restyle you’re probably in the wrong place, but for reliable trims and simple styles it’s a total bargain.
The music playing is always great, and the charming collection of odd little mags and old Beano issues there to read is a cute touch too. Oh, and the resident stylist is incredibly speedy to boot!

So many hairdressers in Manchester (or anywhere in the world for that matter) are a constant source of unrelenting misery. Banal smalltalk coupled with dismal music, followed by a person with scissors seemingly incapable of understanding or following your instructions.
However, in Barberella, we have none of these things.
Nicky/​Nikki (I’m not sure which) is a wonderful hair snipper and with chat to you about mad films she’s been watching, actually useful tips about looking after your hair and she’s completely at ease when laughing at my crap jokes and anecdotes.
In a quiet moment, the silence is covered with some seriously good music tootling out of her stereo (Betty Davis, Nick Cave, ‘60s psych, rare funk… she’s got the lot) and walls covered in ace pop-​cultural trinkets. I like looking at the wall of Top of the Pops LP sleeves from the ‘70s.
What I like most about my visits there are that she understands what you mean when you say «I want my hair like [Insert Obscure Celebrity Here]» or if you wanted ‘a rockabilly haircut’. She’ll help you out no end and has some cool products to keep your bonce looking ace (it’s where I buy my pomade from).
In short, after messing about with various hairdressers over the years, Barberella is the one I’m sticking with for life now. The price is always good too.
Find her at the back of Pop Boutique.