Karachi has seen a massive rise in men’s grooming and salons in the last decade, and today, it is not an uncommon sight to see every other man turn into the ‘metrosexual’ man. This suave gentleman of the metropolis is someone who loves getting hair fades, those perfectly-geometrical beards styled and those mani-pedis done with all that jazz as well.

Dancing to that tune once again is Zair Maqsood (the brainchild behind N-Gents) with Nabila, all set to innovate yet again, with Factory Barbers. Touted to be the next big thing in Nabila’s already illustrious empire, this low-cost affair might just bring the perfect respite and rejuvenation from the drudgery of a 9 to 5 routine for the common but style-conscious man.

Read on to discover why…

First Impressions

Located quite centrally on one of the most buzzing roads of Defence Housing Authority’s Khayaban-e-Ittehad Commercial Area, Factory Barbers is hard to miss. Its charcoal gray façade and distinct triangular logo is visible from afar. Upon closer look, it becomes even more soothing to the eye with its bright lights, happy smiles, and an air of inclusivity – all done up in leather, wood, and cemented greys, giving it that signature Nabila ethos.

Once You’re Inside

Done up in a style that separates the reception and lounging floor from all the work station related floors, Factory Barbers will never make you feel claustrophobic or gasping for air, which one has often felt at the smaller but more exclusive N-Gents on E-Street. The open spaces in Factory offer work stations that are not only well-placed, but also give you enough distance from the next customer that you could feel comfortable in your own seat. In a post-pandemic world, social distancing is of utmost importance.

Who Would You Be Bumping Into

Although it isn’t being branded as an exclusive grooming experience (like N-Gents), Factory Barbers still holds an important place within the styling game that Zair Maqsood has established. The concept here is to accommodate anyone, from students on a budget, to men looking for a stylish space closer to their homes for a haircut and beard trim. You’d be able to find people from all walks of life – including models, actors and the youth. Factory Barbers is designed for men who cannot give their loyalty to anyone but Nabila and her professional staff and yet felt N Gents was too premium (read expensive).

What We Loved

There’s nothing like a salon that lets you be yourself and doesn’t have an air of pomposity and Factory Barbers seems to have understood that. Where it still gives you a space that is aesthetically designed and has the sophistication that one would naturally expect out of the team behind this project, there’s a much more welcoming vibe enshrouding this space. For any man out there who wants great services and no nonsense, would agree that this is the place of perfection for them.

Apart from the general air of serenity, there’s also a fraternal air at Factory Barbers, which makes it yet another interesting space for men to hang out, enjoy that one-off conversation and get onto an advice session with their staff while sipping on their cup of jo’ or tea or getting a head and shoulder massage.

What’s On Offer

There’s a standard array of services available that ranges from hairstyling and massages to facial treatments. It’s all the usual salon basics but then there’s nothing wrong with getting just the basics, when the job is done to perfection.

The Price Tag

Creating a space that is pocket-friendly and classy at the same time was definitely need of the hour. The price tag at Factory Barbers makes it clear that this place won’t cost an arm and a leg, and for many people that means everything. Expect to get a haircut for PKR 1000, and grooming services ranging between PKR 500 to PKR 2500. That’s pretty amazing for the experience and standard of work done.

The Final Verdict

Factory Barbers is a cost-effective extension of N Gents; it therefore comes as a very welcome step in making great styling and aesthetically-pleasing spaces accessible for just about everyone who would want premium services at a market-friendly price range.

Instep Rating:

Atmosphere: ****

Cleanliness: *****

Friendliness: *****

Service: ****

Value for Money: *****