TOP 7 Barbershop Chains in Ukraine: Brutal Aesthetics of Loft Spaces and Choice of Finishing Materials

Macroeconomic Context and Architectural Evolution of Commercial Spaces

The modern market of commercial real estate and interior design in Ukraine is undergoing a stage of unprecedented transformation, adapting to complex macroeconomic and social challenges. Analysis of statistical data demonstrates significant structural shifts in the construction industry. While in the pre-war year of 2021, the total area of residential projects launched exceeded 10.7 million m², there was a sharp decline in subsequent years; however, the figure stabilized in 2024 and showed growth in 2025. In the non-residential segment, particularly commercial development, even more dynamic fluctuations are observed: in 2024, there was a sharp jump in commissioning to 3.29 million m², and in 2025 the trend stabilized at 3.22 million m². In total, the construction market grew by 24% in monetary terms in 2025, reaching approximately 248 billion UAH.

Despite the fact that total investments in Ukraine’s commercial real estate in 2025 decreased slightly to 10 billion UAH compared to 12 billion UAH in the previous year, the niche retail and service sector segment demonstrates phenomenal resilience. This resilience is largely due to a shift in the paradigm of commercial space perception. A vivid example of such transformation is large-scale revitalization projects of industrial zones, which set the tone for the entire commercial architecture of the country. Projects like the renovation of the “Arsenal” plant in Kyiv by A Development or the transformation of the “Promprylad” plant in Ivano-Frankivsk prove that preserving the industrial spirit, exposed brickwork, and metal structures is not just a temporary fashion, but a fundamental approach to modern architecture. It is from these large-scale projects that the aesthetics of the industrial loft are extrapolated to smaller commercial formats.

Barbershops in Ukraine have become one of the brightest reflections of this architectural evolution. They have long outgrown the status of ordinary hairdressers, transforming into full-fledged socio-cultural centers, men’s clubs, and so-called “third places,” where spatial aesthetics play a critically important role in shaping the Customer Experience. According to design trend research for 2024-2026, commercial interiors are gradually moving away from cold, sterile minimalism towards “warm minimalism,” dopamine decor, biophilic design, and emphasized tactile materials. Clients subconsciously seek psychological and physical comfort, which forces architects to work with deep terracotta, caramel shades, natural stone, travertine, and textured metal.

Designing a modern barbershop is an extremely complex interdisciplinary task. According to basic design standards for commercial spaces of this type, at least 1.8 × 1.5 m should be allocated for one workstation to ensure unobstructed logistics for the barber. Lighting at workstations requires a color rendering index (CRI) ≥ 95 and a temperature of 2800–3200K, which approaches surgical standards for visual control. In addition, the specificity of working with chemicals and large volumes of fine hair requires the implementation of unprecedentedly powerful ventilation and air conditioning systems, which must be harmoniously integrated into the interior without destroying its integrity.

The situation is complicated by the labor crisis in Ukraine’s construction industry: the shortage of skilled construction professionals reaches approximately 30%, which has led to a rapid increase in wages. Under these conditions, developers and architects are forced to optimize construction processes by choosing high-tech materials from the prefab segment, which minimize the impact of the human factor during installation. This is where the Ukrainian plant “Mehbud” — a leading manufacturer of modern architectural metal solutions — becomes a strategic partner for many companies. With over 20 years of experience, the company produces facade systems, metal ceiling constructions, and fencing, which are distinguished by flawless geometry, reliable anti-corrosion protection, and the possibility of individual design for the most complex engineering tasks.

Below is an exhaustive ranking of the top 7 barbershop chains in Ukraine. Each company is analyzed through the prism of its architectural profile, construction challenges during space realization, engineering solutions, and optimal integration of innovative products from the “Mehbud” plant.

Company Ranking

1. Frisor Barbershop: Cinematic Shadow and the Evolution of English Classicism

The Frisor chain is the absolute leader in brand awareness in the Ukrainian market, generating a phenomenal 29,700 brand queries monthly. Founded by Dmytro Verkhovetskyi, the company has scaled to 37 locations today, covering not only Ukraine but also entering the international arena (Poland, Lithuania).

1. Architectural Profile: Frisor’s visual identity is deeply rooted in the philosophy of a traditional British gentleman’s club, filtered through the prism of a modern loft. The design code is strictly regulated: deep emerald or anthracite wall colors, solid oak wooden flooring.
2. Construction Achievements: The expansion strategy often involves the revitalization of complex street-retail objects in historic city centers. Removing dozens of layers of old plaster to expose authentic Kyiv brick has become the network’s signature style.
3. Engineering Systems: A unique lighting system that forms a dense, yet diffused light flux that eliminates any shadows.

Conceptual Design by Mehbud: To create deep, structural overhead space, the optimal architectural solution is the Cubic-shaped ceiling from the “Mehbud” plant (priced from 800 UAH per 1 m²). The variability of slat heights and the ability to change their mounting pitch allow designers to create a dynamic relief that perfectly masks massive ventilation ducts and cable bundles, ensuring durability thanks to the polymer coating.

2. TsyrulnyK Barbershop: Large-scale Ergonomics and Evolution toward Hi-Tech

The brand is the record holder for market density in the capital (21 locations in Kyiv). A team of over 150 professionals makes this mechanism unprecedented.

1. Architectural Profile: A radical turn towards a symbiosis of hi-tech and loft styles. Domination of cold shades of gray and black, large glass planes, and hidden neon lighting.
2. Construction Achievements: Use of large-format commercial porcelain stoneware (1200×600 mm), which requires a perfectly level screed. Barber workstations are designed as unique custom metal structures.
3. Engineering Systems: Implementation of “smart home” systems, climate control automation, and industrial air recovery systems.

Conceptual Design by Mehbud: To emphasize high-tech aesthetics and create a recognizable exterior for locations in a hi-tech style, the optimal tool is the cassette facade produced by “Mehbud.” Metal facade cassettes allow for the radical transformation of entrance groups and exterior walls, giving them a modern, urban look.

3. Solidol Barbershop: Spatial Maximalism and Acoustic Challenges

A powerful representative of regional leadership with its center in Lviv. Over 8 years, the company has provided about 220,000 services.

1. Architectural Profile: A unique hybrid of a barbershop and an urban Mitte coffee shop. High ceilings, patinated mirrors, and massive furniture.
2. Construction Achievements: Large-scale raising of the floor level (technical podium) around the entire perimeter of the hall for concealed routing of communications for 13 sinks.
3. Engineering Systems: Designing a mini-pumping station inside the premises to maintain stable pressure and combat excessive reverberation (echo).

Conceptual Design by Mehbud: To ensure durability and flawless aesthetics in a hall with complex hydrology (constant operation of sinks), an ideal tool is the Rack ceiling produced by “Mehbud” (priced from 880 UAH per 1 m²). Thanks to the use of steel or aluminum panels, this suspended system fundamentally solves the issue of operation in a humid environment.

4. FIRM: Uncompromising Brutalism and Monolithic Purity of Lines

A brand focused on premium quality, minimalism, and a complete lack of artificial pathos.

1. Architectural Profile: The height of architectural purism: exposed reinforced concrete, rough plaster, gunmetal. The geometry is subordinated to strict straight lines.
2. Construction Achievements: The absence of baseboards and decorative profiles requires the highest skill in drywall work and microcement application.
3. Engineering Systems: Power supply networks are routed openly, and large-diameter ventilation ducts become sculptural elements.

Conceptual Design by Mehbud: For decorating strict transit zones and work halls in such uncompromising interiors, an ideal choice is the Rectangular ceiling from “Mehbud” (priced from 1600 UAH per 1 m²). Its laconic design is mounted to create a perfectly flat, monolithic plane, delineated only by clear geometric lines.

5. Lumberjack Barberhouse: Biophilic Coziness and Environmental Sustainability

A brand that gambled on a radically different emotional experience and the archetype of the Canadian lumberjack.

1. Architectural Profile: Biophilic design, domination of natural wood (oak, ash), and earthy shades.
2. Construction Achievements: Installing heavy wooden structures on walls requires a reinforced metal frame inside partitions during the rough construction stage.
3. Engineering Systems: Strict fire safety requirements due to the large amount of combustible materials. Use of certified flame retardants.

Conceptual Design by Mehbud: To balance the presence of wood and add structural rigidity to the interior, a T-shaped suspended ceiling from “Mehbud” is used (priced from 1600 UAH per 1 m²). This solution allows for the aesthetic integration of all necessary fire safety sensors and water sprinklers, contrasting cold metal with wood.

6. Tommy Gun: 1920s Retrofuturism and Complex Eclecticism

Immersing clients in the theatrical atmosphere of speakeasy bars from the Prohibition era.

1. Architectural Profile: Black and white palette, checkered floor, vintage weapons, and English subway tile.
2. Construction Achievements: Complex patterns of small-format tiles and decorative portals that require specialized restoration craftsmen.
3. Engineering Systems: Climate control is implemented exclusively through hidden ducted split systems, and air is supplied through stylized brass or cast-iron grilles.

Conceptual Design by Mehbud: To maintain a strict geometric rhythm, a classic Cassette metal ceiling from “Mehbud” is installed on the ceiling (priced from 600 UAH per 1 m²). It forms a flawless modular grid and completely hides all modern communications from view.

7. MR.COLT: Quiet Luxury and Premium Service

An ambassador of the “quiet luxury” concept, focusing on the depth of service.

1. Architectural Profile: Complex palette of natural colors, marble and travertine, accents of bronze and matte brass.
2. Construction Achievements: Filigree stone trimming at a 45-degree angle and deep sound insulation of walls using viscoelastic membranes.
3. Engineering Systems: VRF systems that operate at the edge of audibility, and multi-level air purification using HEPA filters.

Conceptual Design by Mehbud: For decorating large panoramic windows, Blinds facade systems from “Mehbud” are ideal. Metal slats work as an architectural screen with one-way transparency, providing clients with absolute privacy during procedures.

Summary Statistics: Competitive Matrix and Design Trends

A deep analysis of seven leading barbershop chains in Ukraine demonstrates a fundamental shift in approaches to commercial real estate design. The era of standardized, uniform renovations has irretrievably passed. A modern commercial space is a complex psychological, engineering, and architectural product. In conditions of macroeconomic instability, rapidly rising construction costs, and increased demands for the speed of commissioning, the use of high-tech materials becomes a matter of business survival. Products from the Ukrainian plant “Mehbud” are the perfect tool for realizing the most ambitious ideas with a guarantee of up to 30 years, raising Ukrainian commercial spaces to the highest global level.