In the Middle Ages, barbers shaved your beard, cut your hair and leeched your blood. In fact the red, white and blue striped pole that signals shops these days had a very specific meaning back then. The red symbolised blood; the white, bandages; and the blue, veins. Barbershops have come a long way since then.

Shops like CBD mainstay Uncle Joe’s have re-established the boundaries of your local cutter. It’s just as much a hangout as it is a traditional barber; the convivial atmosphere aided by the complementary beer (or softie) included with every trim. The hot and cold towels, comfortable leather-bound chairs and iconic barber's pole are all classic touches.

Originally opened on King Street, Joe’s moved just around the corner to a more spacious digs inside the Arts Centre building in 2021, with its cult-like following of creatives and suits in tow. Month later, a second Joe’s opened at the FOMO development in Fremantle, delivering the same high-quality cuts, shaves and haircare products as the Perth original.