Wolverhampton based Vaal & Vaal and Birmingham based Barberology had both been short-listed in the category of Barbershop of the Year, at this year’s Barber Awards. The barbershops are two of only three establishments from across the country to be shortlisted for the honour, marking a turning point for gents grooming and style in the West Midlands. The award recognises institutions that have performed exceptionally well in 2016 and those that have pushed the boundaries in male grooming and customer services.
Wolverhampton-born Raps Gill, Managing Director at Vaal & Vaal said: “The West Midlands has had a bit of a quiet renaissance as of late, with shows like Peaky Blinders re-defining gents style and haircuts – and so it’s about time that our region got some recognition in this area!
“A lot of people still ask me why I decided to launch our latest concept in Wolverhampton and my answer is that after all the big cities that I have worked in, why would I not want to bring something back home?”
Having only opened in October 2015 by husband and wife duo Raps and Harper gill, Vaal & Vaal has quickly created a name for themselves as the place to go for relaxed self-indulgence.
Part old school barbershop and part swanky salon for the ladies, Vaal & Vaal offer a fully stocked drinks and coffee bar, throwback music and stacks of inspirational reads, alongside a team of expertly trained staff who have worked alongside the industry’s most influential award winners.
Since opening, Vaal & Vaal have bought two internationally renowned brands to Wolverhampton – professional styling and hair care range Electric London, available in Fortnum & Mason and Harvey Nichols, and the often controversial gents grooming giant Reuzel. Both have signed exclusive brand partnership deals with Vaal & Vaal ensuring that they will be the only hair salon in Wolverhampton to stock the exclusive lines.
Harper Gill, Managing Director at Vaal and Vaal said: “It is important for us to agree these exclusive deals, as we feel the premium nature of the brands fits in well with our ethos and our own plans. We have really enjoyed bringing a sense of exclusivity to Wolverhampton and as a result have experienced customers travel from across the Midlands to our hair shop. It is clear that the demand for individuality from independent businesses, who can offer something bespoke, is rising in the city.”