It isn’t too often that a barber wins an award for being the best in Hampshire, but that was what took me to AK Grooming Room.

A victory in the Hampshire’s Best Barbers category of the England Business Awards 2024 meant that I scheduled an interview with the man behind the letters, AK Serdar.

The 36-year-old has run AK Grooming Room on Above Bar Street since 2017 and I came to ask what he does to make this the best barbers in the region.

But after a brief chat, AK’s passion possessed him, and I was being directed to the chair to find out first-hand.

An AK Grooming Room haircut starts with a quick rinse in the sink.An AK Grooming Room haircut starts with a quick rinse in the sink. (Image: Newsquest) I had never had an authentic Turkish haircut before, and AK took me the full distance, starting with a hair rinse and a high skin fade on the sides.

READ MORE: AK Grooming Room barber shop named best in Hampshire

AK explained what he was doing each step of the way, painting a picture of the art behind the haircut by explaining he had 23 years of experience after starting out as a tea boy for his father.

The devil is in the details at AK Grooming Room – I was offered a drink as soon as I walked in and off the bat not many barber shops can say they do that.

AK Serdar with the famous ear flaming, which singed the long hairs around the hair.AK Serdar with the famous ear flaming, which singed the long hairs around the hair. (Image: Newsquest) A cut-throat razor shape-up on the back of my head came next to remove the stubborn stray hairs at the bottom of the fade.

After that was the famous ear flaming, which sees the barber use a flame stick to quickly singe the long hairs around the ear.

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I felt spoilt as my hair was rinsed again and then the hot towel to the face was next, where I was wrapped in a warm, damp cloth.

One of the last steps is a hot towel wash - something definitely not found at most barbers.One of the last steps is a hot towel wash - something definitely not found at most barbers. (Image: Newsquest) There are some who would find this massaging, but I definitely felt restricted – AK made sure I could breathe but I didn’t find this the most comfortable step.

The hospitality at AK Grooming Room was unbeatable and everyone who came in was greeted like family, myself included.

One child even came in to give their famous cat “Wiggle” a few treats.

There is a strong sense of family in the shop, who now go on to compete nationally with other regional winners of the “Best Barbers” award.