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'Men only' barbershop owner says women are welcome to 'sit outside or go shopping' while they wait

The owner of a "men's only" barbershop in Sydney's inner-west has defended his decision to keep women from entering the premises.

Julian Wallace has told women they can "go shopping" or sit outside while they wait for their friends or family members to have their hair cut.

The owner of Hawleywood’s Barbershop at Newtown, Mr Wallace said the policy is an “old tradition” that they continue to stand by.

“No women are allowed in the premises because we cater for men only,” he told Sunrise. “We do not cater for women we cater for men only.”

The shop’s stance has created a backlash online after one woman shared her friend’s experience on Facebook.


Julian Wallace defended the store's policy. Photo: Sunrise
Julian Wallace defended the store's policy. Photo: Sunrise
Mr Wallace said women were welcome to sit outside while the men had their hair cut. Photo: Sunrise
Mr Wallace said women were welcome to sit outside while the men had their hair cut. Photo: Sunrise

"A guy came in for a cut," Kelly Jeanious wrote. "He was told his girlfriend could not wait 'cause it is a men's only space. Then the guy proceeded to talk about the inequalities of men for the next half an hour and how unfair Fernwood gym is."

But when asked if women were allowed to simply read a magazine inside the shop while they were waiting, Mr Wallace said there were no women’s magazines on the premises.

"I wish we had magazines here for women, but we don’t," he said.

“We have nice comfortable chairs outside, we have nice coffee shops, we have shopping that they can do but they just cannot be inside the barbershop while we are providing the service,” he said, while maintaining the treatment was “not a discrimination thing”.

The period-style barber shop specialises in hot towel, straight razor shaves and the 'high and tight' haircut. Source: Facebook/Hawleywood's
The period-style barber shop specialises in hot towel, straight razor shaves and the 'high and tight' haircut. Source: Facebook/Hawleywood's

Hawleywood’s has been in operation for five years and Mr Wallace said he has no plans to change the policy, comparing it to beauty services for women.

“This isn’t a typical barbershop. It’s not a typical look. It’s about providing a service but most importantly an experience. It’s like when the women go and get their nails done, its not catered for men.”

The barbershop is ranked one of the top five of its kind in Sydney, by the Urban List. It also has three stores in California.

News break – September 7