Sure Thing Barbershop - Interview

Behind the doors of 84 Harrington Street lies a little slice of Hobart history.

These four walls have been home to barbers for over 60 years, witnessing the rise and fall of crew cuts, pompadours, mullets, mohawks, and everything in between.

Today, it’s the home of Sure Thing Barbershop, where owner Finbarr is keeping the legacy alive with fresh fades, hot towel shaves, and a whole lot of heart.

How it started

Finbarr, like many Tasmanians, moved to the ‘Mainland’ in search of something different. He landed in Melbourne, picked up the clippers, and learned the art of barbering. After deciding to move back to Tassie with his partner in 2021 during lockdown, fate stepped in with two simple words: ‘For Lease’.

“I just happened to be driving past this space one day. I’d been thinking a lot about doing this and saw a ‘For Lease’ sign on the window. I called the number, and two weeks later I was in the shop.”

Sure Thing Barbershop on 84 Harrington Street. Photo Source: Ryan Slater

Little did he know, Finbarr was about to take on a legacy of barbershop history,

“The space we’re operating out of has been a barber shop since 1958. People know this space as a barber shop, they remember coming here as kids”.

Locals still pop in with stories of their first haircut here, or even their dad’s. From Pat Donovan to Les Potter, the shop has been looking after Hobartians’ hair for generations.

“It’s cool having such a rich history and upholding the legacy of this little shop”.

Pat Donovan (second from the right) was the first owner in 1958. A receipt (pictured) from his time was found while moving.

More than just a trim

A little barber shop with a big heart, Sure Thing are an all-inclusive space where everyone is welcome.

“We’re trying to create a comfortable and positive place for people to come, often coming into a barbershop can be quite intimidating for some people. So, we aim to create a welcoming space where people immediately feel comfortable”.

Traditionally only a space for men, Sure Thing are fighting those lingering gender stereotypes.

“We are a barbershop, so we focus on barbering services, not hairdressing – but everyone is welcome here. We have a versatile and broad clientele here, we’ll cut anyone’s hair”.

Sure thing are more than just a haircut, it’s a full service. Hot towel shaves, beard trims, and good old yap.

“For a long time I was working on my own in here, so it was really a one-on-one service. I’ve had a lot of people open up to me, and I don’t take that kind of responsibility lightly. I feel quite privileged to be allowed into people’s lives in that way”.

Meet Will

Finbarr was working solo up until recently when he recruited one of his old clients, Will.

“Finbarr was the first barber I saw consistently, and he always encouraged me to get into barbering. It’s a bit of a full circle moment, ‘cause that was 4 years ago and now here I am working in his shop”.

Only weeks into his time at Sure Thing, Will already knows the lay of the land.

“I’ve been getting my haircut here for a while, so I feel right at home here”.

What’s in a name?

“We really just wanted to come up with an affirmative name, hair’s a sure thing, right?”

What’s Hot?

We asked Finbarr and Will what Hobartians are asking for in the barber chair, and you guessed it, mullets baby!

Will says, “The mullet has been pretty popular, there’s a million ways you can do ‘em. I reckon I was doing 5 a day! But mullets are eternal though, they’ve been around forever, and I don’t think it’s going anywhere soon”.

*Image Source: Sure Thing Barber Instagram*

With the rise of social media trends, hairstyles are coming and going in waves,

“A lot of the trends in barbering are driven by social media. Back in the day, you’d go to your barber for back and sides, short on top, and maybe a shave. But nowadays we have to be able to do a million different styles – but that’s cool because you can kinda be creative and have fun with it”.

Barbering Community

Having worked at other barber shops in Hobart, Finbarr established a good link with the other barbers in the community,

“Most of us know and support each other. If I can’t fit someone in here, I’ll send them to the shop down the corner or down the street – we all look after each other as much as we can. I really love that about Hobart.”