This old salon has been around as long as I can remember. A gang of hairdressers operating out of three small rooms on Vajira Road, with a branch in Mount Lavinia.

A recent refurbishment means the rooms are clean and well lit but somehow the place seems smaller than it was before. A handful of barbers’ chairs means that at peek times- evenings 6-8, there can be a bit of a wait (max 15 mins) for a cut, but at other times (they are opened till midnight) you can walk in and be attended to immediately.

Once inside you have a choice; either allow any of the idling hairdressers to get to work or select a favorite. Over the years you tend to pick out the one who best understand the contours of your skull. The various practitioners are arranged by number- I recommend number 8, Kulasekera.

Once your chosen hairdresser has sat you in the barber’s chair you explain what needs to be done. Again, remember this is Sleek so nothing too fancy. Short on the sides long on top, or the classic tikak kota karanna (make it a little shorter) are good choices. Anything more complicated and you're entering dangerously innovative territory.

Note- As a much younger buck I bleached my hair for the first and only time at Sleek Salon- this was a mistake.

After your styling selection you can chose whether you want a shampoo cut or any other additional trimmings. I always take the full works- shampoo, cut, shave and massage. This is when the fun really starts.

The Works