Throughout my teenage years, I’d always dreamed of having a beard. Alas, it wasn’t until a few months before my 21st birthday that I was finally able to (just about) grow one — not a long and bushy one by any stretch of the imagination, but there was enough fluff on my face for it to count. A short while later, I moved to Morocco and decided to commit full-time to the beard life, growing out my face forest. With the Arab world having a surprisingly metrosexual attitude towards male grooming, taking care of my beard was very easy: every street corner had a master barber. It was extremely cheap, too, with each shave/trim costing no more than 15 dirhams (4.14 GEL), and 100% pure argan oil costing a pittance of its price on the western market. I would go every week (sometimes twice if I was really bored) to get it touched up. Unfortunately, three and a half months in, I was the victim of deforestation as a result of cheating on my barber and my instructions being lost in translation…
Half a year later, I relocated to Tbilisi, intent on a second-coming in the beard life. Yet, I knew practically nothing about Georgia, never mind how hirsute their men were, or what the male grooming culture was like and how expensive it was. I decided to confront my laziness and narcissistic fears, buy a trimmer, and teach myself the art of firsthand beard care. Said life decision was short-lived as, on a hot August afternoon, while searching for tattoo parlors in Tbilisi, I was mistakenly directed to Camora Barber Shop by the ever-reliable Google Maps. The tattoo may have been postponed but a lasting bond was established.
With an international staff of highly-trained professional barbers, Camora offers a truly unique and relaxing experience. They really do live up to their website description:
“Camora is a men’s-only old-school barbershop based in Tbilisi, Georgia. Specialized in classic haircuts & hot towel straight razor shaves. Blending a relaxed & mannish atmosphere, we provide a fresh take on traditional barbering that keeps the tradition but also mixes it with the new and interesting that inspires and sometimes surprises!”
While they aren’t as cheap as my barbers back in Morocco, they are still affordable and you don’t run the risk of your beard being the victim of a mistranslation. Indeed, the one and only time I cheated on them, it cost me a month’s worth of growth. Located in central Tbilisi, just next to the Opera House, they are a must-visit during your time in the capital to ensure that even during your travels you stay fresh.
ADDRESS: 23 Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi
TEL (+995) 555 12 22 79
Email: camorabt@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CamoraBarbershop/
Instagram: @camorabarber
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzt1H0LElSby8WBGZ49Db0g
Photos by Billy Bilikhodze Photography