Shelby's Barber Gang

About Shelby's Barber Gang

Shelby's Barber Gang brings the time-honoured barbershop tradition back into the modern era from its central New Plymouth location on Devon Street East. Led by Kelvin and the crew, the shop delivers classic barbering services with an emphasis on craftsmanship, community, and an easygoing vibe.

Specialising in everything from precise fades and contemporary cuts to traditional wet shaves with hot towels and cut-throat razors, Shelby's is dedicated to sharp grooming without the pretension. Whether visitors are stopping by for regular maintenance, a complete style overhaul, or bespoke beard grooming, the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, making everyone feel like part of the gang.

Shelby's Barber Gang: Modern Grooming with Old-School Soul in New Plymouth

There was a time when the traditional barbershop seemed like an endangered species, replaced by unisex quick-cut salons and minimalist styling suites. Shelby's Barber Gang on Devon Street East in New Plymouth stands as a counter-revolution to that trend. Founded on the belief that men's grooming should be an unhurried craft, Kelvin and his team have created a space that celebrates heritage barbering while staying tuned to modern street styles.

From the moment you walk down the steps into the shop below Brothers Ink, the atmosphere hits you. It is warm, unpretentious, and distinctly communal. With skull iconography, vintage styling touches, and the ambient hum of clippers and chatter, Shelby's feels less like an appointment and more like catching up with mates. Regulars know the barbers by name, and first-time walk-ins are greeted with genuine Kiwi hospitality.

Precision Cuts and Masterful Fades

The team at Shelby's approaches hair with an open mind and meticulous clippers. Their cut repertoire covers the full spectrum of masculine style: from crisp Buzz and High & Tight military cuts to tailored Manhattan, Business, and Ivy League cuts. Those looking for vintage flair can get a proper Pompadour, Side Part, or Slick Back, shaped with the right balance and hold.

Fades are an art form here rather than an afterthought. The barbers understand that no two head shapes or hair types are identical. Whether you want a discreet taper around the sideburns and neckline, a temple fade, or a dramatic high fade cut right down to the skin, the transitions are executed cleanly. For clients who like a standout look, fades are often paired with custom razor patterns or blended seamlessly into existing facial hair.

The Warm Towel Ritual and Beard Craft

Beyond scissor and clipper work, Shelby's preserves the ultimate barbershop luxury: the traditional warm towel shave. Carried out with a cut-throat razor, this multi-step wet shave softens the skin, opens the pores, and leaves an extraordinarily close, smooth finish. It is an enduring ritual dating back generations, giving clients a chance to lean back, switch off, and experience pure grooming indulgence.

Facial hair of all proportions receives equal respect. Whether you are maintaining a neat corporate beard, growing out a historic full beard, or sculpting an iconic moustache, the barbers shape lines and balance bulk to complement each client's face. Walk away feeling sharp, refreshed, and well taken care of.

Signature items

• Traditional Warm Towel Shave
• High Fade
• Pompadour
• Fade & Beard Blend
• Classic Short Back & Sides
• Hair Design Fade

Menu

Cuts

• High & Tight — Classic close military-style crop
• Crew Cut — Traditional short, clean scissor and clipper cut
• Undercut — Disconnected cut with short sides and longer top
• Pompadour — Voluminous classic cut swept upwards and back
• Caesar Cut — Short haircut with an even, horizontally straight fringe
• Side Part — Timeless neat parted hairstyle
• Slick Back — Polished back-swept hairstyle
• Faux Hawk — Modern tapered style styled toward the centre ridge
• Spiky Cut — Textured hair styled upright
• Flat Top — Boxed, level horizontal haircut
• Manhattan — Tailored classic gentleman's cut
• Buzz Cut — Uniform close clipper shave
• Business Cut — Tidy, professional short haircut
• Ivy League — Smart, slightly longer variation of a crew cut
• Classic Short Back & Sides — Staple barbershop short back and sides cut

Fades

• Sideburn & Neckline Fade — Subtle fade detailing around sideburns and nape
• Temple Fade — Tapered fade focused cleanly around the temples
• Low Fade — Gradual taper starting an inch above the hairline
• High Fade — Dramatic clean fade transitioning high up the sides
• Fade with Hair Design — Custom artistic line work and razor patterns paired with a fade
• Fade with Beard Blend — Seamless transition from skin fade into styled facial hair

Shaves

• Traditional Warm Towel Shave — Hot towel prep, lather, and cut-throat razor wet shave

Beards & Moustaches

• Beard & Moustache Styling — Trimming, detailing, and shaping for all styles of facial hair

Frequently asked questions

Where is Shelby's Barber Gang located?

The shop is situated at 51 Devon Street East in New Plymouth Central, located directly below Brothers Ink.

Do I need to make an appointment or can I walk in?

Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments can also be secured online in advance via Fresha.

What grooming services are offered?

Shelby's provides men's haircuts, specialty fades, beard and moustache shaping, and traditional hot towel cut-throat razor wet shaves.

Can I get custom hair designs with my fade?

Yes, the barbers can combine high, low, or temple fades with custom razor designs and blended beard styling.

What kinds of haircuts do they do?

They cater to all styles, including crew cuts, pompadours, undercuts, slick backs, high & tights, flat tops, and classic short back and sides.

Tips

• {"body":"Look for the shop at 51 Devon Street East situated right underneath Brothers Ink.","title":"Locating the Entrance"}
• {"body":"While walk-ins are invited to join the gang, booking in advance via Fresha ensures you skip the queue during busy shop hours.","title":"Book Online for Peak Times"}
• {"body":"If you have extra time, try the traditional cut-throat razor wet shave with hot towels for the full vintage barbershop experience.","title":"Treat Yourself to the Hot Towel Shave"}

Good to know

• {"payments":"Online bookings and in-store payments accepted via Fresha"}