Originally from Eritrea, Hogos aka “Barya” has been cutting and styling hair for over 20 years. A certified barber and hair colourist, he started in Brooks in 2016 in a shop on Sutherland Drive and has since opened up his very own space, A&B Barbershop, at 712 2^nd Street West.

Barya and his team of five other barbers/stylists work hard to create a spa experience for everyone and want to make sure their customers feel extremely special. Their waiting room is beyond what anyone would expect: there’s a chill atmosphere, a PS5 (he says it’s for the “kids” but there were a lot of grown-ups playing it!), a virtual reality system, and a pool table. Once you make your way to a chair, you’ll be treated to a warm towel, scalp, and shoulder massage, followed by a professional cut or style.

Although they’re certainly experienced and familiar with black hair, absolutely everyone is welcome and their clientele is diverse. They’re family-oriented and cater to plenty of families and kids, plus offer women’s haircuts/styles and have a nail tech available. This neutral environment and positive experience is exactly what Barya is aiming for, and as one happy customer says “in my belief I think A&B brought back an experience that the community has been waiting for.”

Walk-ins are welcome, so stop by to check it out and see what they have to offer! They’re open 7 days a week, from 9:30 am until “whenever everyone leaves.”