Roly Cuts, Barber Shop

Roly Cuts is South East London’s newest and probably smallest gender neutral barber shop, nestled between Honor Oak Park and Forest Hill stations.

Opened in October by Rodney, better known as @rod_the_barber_, this tiny little barbershop is offering traditional and modern barber style cuts, beard trims, hot towel shaves and facial waxing to anyone who wants them, regardless of gender or orientation.

According to Rodney, “Traditional barber shops can be intimidating to members of the queer community, so I wanted to open my own shop and make everyone feel welcome, so many people want barber style cuts but feel worried about going into main stream barber shops. I want my shop to feel like you are getting your hair cut at a mate’s house”.

Walking into this small space actually does feel like you could be in someone’s home, from the family picture wall to the pot plants, it feels more personal than most shops.

Originally from Australia, Rodney has been cutting hair in London for almost 10 years and has built a loyal customer base, but assures us that he will still have spaces for any new clients looking for a fresh trim.

If you are not sure that a barber style cut is for you or you just want to have a quick chat about the services he provides you can contact Rodney via his shop Instagram account @rolycuts51, Rodney will be more than happy to answer any questions.

Each client at Roly Cuts is given enough time to have a consultation and talk about what they want out of their haircut. Rodney tells us “the more questions I ask the closer we get to what the client is imagining for their hair”.

Rodney is a barber who is fluent in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and has a good understanding of BSL (British Sign Language), making him accessible to Deaf or hard-of-hearing clients who use these sign languages. This ensures that clients who communicate via Auslan or BSL can enjoy a more comfortable and inclusive experience when getting a haircut. Rodney’s ability to sign is a great asset for his business and helps foster a welcoming environment for the Deaf community.

Check out Roly Cuts and when you are there ask Rodney about the documentary he was in! It might make you laugh.

Roly Cuts, 51 Brockley Rise, Forest Hill, SE231JG.

Contact: @rolycuts51 on instagram.

By Zac Monsoon