Gents & Rascals is an independently owned and operated barbershop founded in 2018 by acclaimed barber Josh Pfaff, who brings over 15 years of industry experience. Located in the HSBC Tower on Quay Street in Auckland Central, the shop blends traditional barbering techniques with modern trends, offering a relaxed environment run without egos.
Now operated by Josh alongside his brother Roo, the shop brings together a close-knit team of experienced barbers and emerging talent who share more than 50 years of collective cutting expertise. From precision scissor cuts and flowing tapers to classic zero fades and straight razor shaves, the team focuses on genuine care, style advice, and sharp, dependable craftsmanship.
Perched on the waterfront concourse of Auckland Central, Gents & Rascals BarberShop at HSBC Tower brings together classic grooming heritage and forward-looking hair design. Established in 2018 by master barber Josh Pfaff, the shop is independently owned and operated, built on an ethos of warm hospitality, technical mastery, and an environment completely free of pretension.
Josh Pfaff began his grooming career in 2011, initially training and working as a stylist across some of Auckland’s most well-regarded hair salons. When the resurgence of traditional men's barbering gained momentum in the mid-2010s, Josh pivoted fully into the craft. After years spent honing techniques across high-volume Auckland CBD barbershops, he founded Gents & Rascals in 2018 to offer both corporate professionals and everyday locals a reliable standard of grooming.
The venture has since grown into a family affair, with Josh teaming up with his brother Roo Pfaff. Across its locations, the crew brings together more than 50 years of collective barbering experience, blending seasoned veterans with fresh talent who share a collective dedication to the trade.
The team at HSBC Tower is known for handling a diverse spectrum of haircuts, bridging corporate neatness with modern street trends. The barbershop's talent includes store manager Emily, who transitioned from styling to barbering after graduating from the London School of Barbering, blending intricate scissor skills with clipper tapering. Senior barbers like Mike bring years of experience crafting modern mullets and custom fades, while Piripi specialises in detailed blowout tapers. For those seeking traditional straight razor work, barber Tomi brings over a decade and a half of razor mastery to classic beard grooming and traditional wet shaves.
Whether clients are booking in for a seamless zero fade, crisp lineups, scissor work with natural movement, or a full straight razor shave, every cut begins with a proper consultation to ensure the final result fits the individual's routine and aesthetic.
Gents & Rascals is designed to be an accessible, unpretentious retreat in the heart of downtown Auckland. The shop culture rejects barber shop tropes of cold exclusivity, focusing instead on camaraderie, good conversation, and attentive customer service. Clients are encouraged to relax, talk sport or style, and walk away with a cut that holds its shape long after leaving the chair.