Joel Martell was never “a dude that was addicted to his grooming,” but when he needed a change-up, he found a passion for barbering, and all its traditions and fine details. He’s returned to Halifax from Vancouver, after honing his hair-chopping chops at JD’s Barbershop and Barber & Co., and opened his own spot inside Pro Skateboards & Snowboards’ space at 6451 Quinpool Road. You’ll go to Oddfellows Barbershop for the haircut, and stay for the hangouts (and the hot-towel service). Walk-ins are always welcome, or you can book an appointment at oddfellowsbarbershop.com.
1.“I want people to feel like it’s an extension of their living room, or maybe an extension of my living room. As soon as people are at ease they can concentrate on the conversation and the experience,” says Martell, who’s decked out his spot with a record player and pinball machine. “There are lots of conversation pieces in here, it’s a place to hang out, and that’s what barber shops have traditionally been.”
2. This sweet skate ramp is what Martell calls a “total bonus” of Oddfellows’ new digs at Pro, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be put to good use. OK, we won’t guarantee you’ll get a front row seat to this kind of action every time you get a haircut, but there are plans in the works for some friendly competition in the form of the first Oddfellows Invitational on Saturday, October 5.
3. “The amount of detail that goes into a men’s haircut is unbelievable,” says Martell, but it’s not all fades and buzz cuts in his seat—he’ll take care of your face, too. “Straight razor shave is a service that’s really tried-and-true in classic barber shops. I’m really proud of my skill with the straight razor. I really want to up the shave service.” If you’re not willing to take it all off, Oddfellows also offers beard trims.
