The Rise of HANZ DE FUKO

BY LOUISE MAY

In the vibrant city of San Francisco, the roots of HANZ DE FUKO run deep, tracing back to its inception in 2009. A brainchild of visionaries David Alfonso and Christopher Zent, the brand emerged with a mission – to curate distinctive styling products tailored for the discerning individual.

Picture this: the early days saw Alfonso and Zent diligently filling and labelling bottles in the confines of a modest one-bedroom apartment. From this humble beginning, their passion for crafting unparalleled grooming essentials ignited a journey that would soon transcend borders.

After two years of making waves in high-end salons, the duo strategically leveraged the power of social media. The result? In just six months, HANZ DE FUKO emerged as the leading grooming product on the vast canvas of the internet. Responding to the overwhelming surge in demand, the founders aligned with the largest all-green solar manufacturing plant in North America in 2012.

From the iconic landscapes of San Francisco, the HANZ DE FUKO wave surged across Europe, gracing the shelves of the world’s most prestigious retail establishments in over 40 countries. Notably, the brand found its way into the hands of none other than style icon David Beckham, a testament to its universal appeal.

Today, HANZ DE FUKO stands as a globally cherished brand, a beacon of excellence in the realm of grooming.

To delve deeper into the brand’s journey and its impact on the world of barbering, Barbershop Editor in Chief, Louise May, recently sat down with Hakota, affectionately known as Hux, a senior barber at MEN’S BIZ in Sydney.

MEN’S BIZ has been an authority in Men’s Grooming in Australia since 2006. Awarded ‘Best Retail Destination’ at GQ Australia’s Grooming Awards and ‘Best in Class Barbershop’ by Monocle magazine.

MEN’S BIZ online store launched in 2006 and is now supported by four stores and barbershops in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. Their headquarters and warehouse are based in Northcote, Melbourne.

They believe in ethical practices and minimising our impact on the planet. Men’s Biz stores, headquarters and warehouse run on 100% Greenpower and their deliveries are carbon neutral. They recycle and reuse almost all packing materials in their warehouse.

Over to the chat with Hux…

Can you tell us about the Men’s Biz Brand and its unique approach to barbering and grooming in Sydney.

Men’s Biz Barbershop stands out with its fusion of classic barbering expertise and modern grooming trends. A haven where tradition meets innovation, offering precision cuts and grooming services tailored to every man’s style, ensuring a timeless and individualised experience.

What is your role within the Men’s Biz Brand?

As a senior barber at Men’s Biz, my role entails delivering expert haircutting, grooming, and styling services whilst also mentoring and guiding junior barbers to help them develop their skills and expertise.

Why did you choose to get on board and partner with the HANZ DE FUKO brand?

We choose to partner with HANZ DE FUKO because they bring you phenomenal hair and grooming products, ensuring outstanding styling outcomes. Their line offers versatile looks, strong hold, and hair nourishment that we can use to give our clients the best possible results.

What HANZ DE FUKO product are clients loving, and what’s flying off the shelf?

HANZ DE FUKO’S Claymation stands out as the most sought-after product in their styling collection, offering a strong, textured hold and a natural matte finish for a distinctive look.

Can you tell us about the men’s dry shampoo and what makes it so good?

HANZ DE FUKO’S Dry Shampoo distinguishes itself with its lightweight, non-greasy formula that effectively absorbs excess oil, refreshing and rejuvenating your hair.

What is your personal favourite HDF product and why?

As previously discussed, I find Claymation to be exceptional for the same reasons it resonates with our customers. Its popularity is rooted in its outstanding qualities.

What trends are you seeing in the Sydney CBD currently, and what HANZ DE FUKO products suit?

Men’s hairstyling trends have shifted towards textured, relaxed looks, undercuts, and beard grooming. HANZ DE FUKO’S product range caters to these trends with versatile, high-quality products that offer strong holds, matte finishes, and sustainable options, ensuring a perfect match for evolving men’s grooming needs.

How does the HANZ DE FUKO brand support you?

HANZ DE FUKO has shown a commendable commitment to providing comprehensive product knowledge. This knowledge equips us to effectively guide and educate our clients on the proper application and advantages of their diverse range of grooming products, ensuring a well-informed and satisfying customer experience.

What is the point of difference with HANZ DE FUKO?

HANZ DE FUKO sets itself apart by mixing classic grooming with a modern twist. They’ve got a bunch of top-notch, versatile products for different styles, and they’re big on being eco-friendly too.

Are there any trade secrets for using any of the products? I.e., intermixing etc?

I prefer applying a modest quantity of HANZ DE FUKO Hair Oil to damp hair prior to blowdrying, as it effectively adds moisture and enhances texture. Subsequently, I utilise Claymation on dry hair to achieve a firm and enduring hold for my desired style.

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