EL REAPERS BARBERSHOP AND SHAVING PARLOUR

WHO: DAN JAMES LLOYD

WHERE: 1/391 THE ENTRANCE RD, LONG JETTY NSW 2261

Although my fascination with barbering started at a young age my career as a barber started with the man who is one of the biggest pioneers of the modern industry Donnie Hawley of Hawleywoods Barber Shop. (California USA) I first came across Donnie in a tattoo magazine in 2008. It was like looking at an older accomplished version of myself. Donnie and his barbers had slick back hair, tattoos from head to toe and represented Cali culture with their swag, lowriders and hot rods. At the time there was no one in Sydney doing this 50s/ Alternative style barbering. So, I managed via email and Skype to get a hold of Donnie and invited myself over to Orange County Cali to meet the man. Stepping into what can only be described as Barber Heaven aka Hawleywoods Barber Shop, I was blown away and overwhelmed by the culture and passion. I decided then I was going to bring this home with me to Sydney. Donnie agreed and gave me his blessing to take his name to Sydney and pioneer a culture. In 2009 Donnie flew to Sydney where he gave us training in proper barbering, dapper dressing, how to run a barber shop and school of Cali culture began. After a few trips from Donnie, I was ready to open and put my passion into my own barber shop. It was a huge success. Many magazine and newspaper articles, radio interviews and tv interviews. The five years I owned and cut in that shop where the best years of my barbering carrier. I then moved to Europe into a different culture of barbering altogether. I spent three years learning and teaching barbering in Budapest. Upon moving back to Australia, the barber culture had dramatically changed. It was extremely flooded and a watereddown version of what I knew as barbering.

A RARE BREAK

BLAKE

EASY PARKING

OWNER DAN

INSIDE

Our Creative inspiration generally comes from a modern spin on 40s, 50s hairstyles and hip-hop culture.

JUICE

So, I went in search of a place where barbering had not yet been flooded and where there was room for a strong barber culture to be built. In 2017 I came across a town called Long Jetty. It had an alternative vibe and a lot of energy. I was lucky enough to find a shop for lease on the corner of a busy intersection. I signed the lease that week and started the fit out. 6 weeks later I opened El Reapers Barber Shop. I infused my love for traditional Chicago barber shops and LA barber shops. The locals having never seen a barber shop like it where intrigued and within a month I was over run and hired my first barber Kiera. The workload was still too big, so I took on my apprentice Ethan and shortly after Blake. The four of us have a strong passion for perfection and quality service. Together we have created a new culture of barbering for the Central Coast that the community loves and supports strongly.

THE NAME INSPIRATION AND VIBE INSIDE

The Long jetty area is a hive for alternative people and was in serious need of a fitting barber shop. The name came about from my love for Chicano culture and the strong imagery of the Reaper. The vibe inside is like no other. The classic Art Deco lighting with the dark timber work and mosaic tiling, a long side the street art style of LA makes for an intriguing visual.

ETHAN

THE SUCCESS YOU HAVE ENJOYED FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY/ YOUR CUSTOMERS

Long jetty has an awesome community. I’ve never experienced one as close and friendly anywhere else. Myself accompanied by my three amazing staff have connected strongly with the customers to the point where it’s rare you’ll drive through long jetty and not see our merch on someone’s back. We’ll be around for a long time to come.

DAN

A LITTLE ON THE TEAM

The team comprises of myself, Kiera, Ethan and Blake. All different personalities and all special some more special than others ha-ha. Learning the different services, cuts, beard trims and shaves is my highest priority when starting in the shop. I’ve been lucky in which my staff all have a big passion for barbering and learning the culture around it, so it wasn’t a hard job for me.

KIERA

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU LOVE AND WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR CREATIVE INSPIRATION FROM?

The only hair product I use is Layrite. This is a product created by my Master Donnie Hawley. It’s been around for a long time and I’m yet to find a product to match it. They have everything from Matt to Shine for hair and the best smelling bay rum on the market. Our Creative inspiration generally comes from a modern spin on 40s, 50s hairstyles and hip-hop culture.

WHAT IS THE EL REAPERS SIGNATURE CUT?

When you come to El Reapers you can get whatever you desire. Every base is covered in here. If I had to express El Reapers in a cut and service, I’d say low skin pompadour into a ducktail and a relaxing hot towel shave.