Photo Exhibition: Barber Shops & Hair Salons of Dalston

The objective of this project is to gain an insight into these intimate spaces with their very specific rituals, equipment, cultures, languages and perspectives. There is a vulnerability exposed when someone sits down for a hair cut that makes the subject both fascinating and challenging for a photographer.

Dalston’s diverse cultures are extremely well-reflected in its barber shops and hair salons. Although Hackney is a harmonious environment, the individual ethnic groups within it show their independence through patronage of their own barber shops and hair salons. Many people though may be quite unaware of aspects of life of other communities.

In addition, the project seeks to celebrate the diversity of Dalston’s community before gentrification changes the character of the area for ever. There is a contrast between the strong communities with deep roots in the area and the more recent influx of hipsters and city gents. This gentrification is a topical issue across London and is likely to change fundamentally many communities in Hackney, most immediately perhaps Ridley Road Market and the rest of Dalston. Already one can see that the rising rents are forcing many local traders to question whether they can continue to operate in the area.