Barber Shop Makes Waves as ‘Best in West End’

Waves Barber Shop (also known as Langanis) has been completely overhauled as a nod to the evolving diversity and popularity of West End.  In an effort to stay true to its roots, Waves will also be the brand’s very own practical hub where apprentice barbers gain experience with the tools before making their way up the ranks as qualified barbers. 

One of them is Jasiah Mackie, an Indigenous Aussie who works as the Store Manager, alongside a host of other young and dissimilar barbers who all have one thing in common – they love what their company is bringing to the local community and they’re proud to be working for the ‘best barber shop in town.’ 



Waves Barbershop West End
Photo Credit: Supplied

“Waves is a great example of how the Langanis brand is growing with their clientele and, as an indigenous Aussie and lead barber, I’m pumped to be a part of it,” barber Jasiah Mackie said. 

Jasiah Mackie, store Manager at Waves Barber Shop
Jasiah at Waves. Photo Credit: Instagram/Waves Barber Shop

Here are Jasiah’s thoughts about what it’s like as a young barber in West End.

How did you get into barbering?

I cut hair at Langanis once a week while I was in high school. I’ve been working with Langanis for four years now so I’m really happy to step up and take the lead at Waves. 

What do you love most about the job?

Every single day is different – you never know what you could be doing or who you might be servicing. West End definitely keeps things interesting. There’s always something going on in the area and the vibes are really high around here lately. It’s a great spot. I also really love meeting new people. A lot of my friendships have been formed while barbering – it’s the best thing in the world. At the core of things though, I’ve always had a passion for art. I love painting, and cutting hair is just another expression of art for me. 

Tell us a bit about the people you work with at Waves? 

They’re a really diverse bunch, which is great. In store we around a dozen staff total, two others are also First Nations. We all get along really well and love what Langanis is doing at Waves and it’s awesome to be a part of it. 

Photo Credit: Waves Barber Shop

What makes Waves different from other barbers? 

We really aren’t your average barbershop. We’re trained by the best to provide the best, and Waves is cool because we can still do what we do but at a lower price point, making our service more available to everyday people. Our company really cares about providing that quality service and haircut for everyone, which I love. 

Waves Barbershop West End
Photo Credit: Supplied


Total Grooming Experience

Photo Credit: Waves Barber Shop

Customers of Waves love the unique Bohemian-Moroccan décor and four different kinds of delicious coffee served whilst they wait. The shop offers a total grooming experience, with loyal customers coming in for the men’s style cut, full facial shave, and eyebrow shaping.

Popular cuts include the razor head shave, buzz cut, undercut, and men’s style cut. Children can get the “Little Man’s Cut” and they also have a special “Student’s Cut”on offer.

Beard trimming and waxing services are available as well.

Located at 173 Boundary Street, the Langanis group services Brisbane via four locations and employs over 30 staff collectively. 

To learn more about Waves you can follow their journey on Instagram at @wavesbarbershop_.

Published 21-July-2023

Landmark Barber Honours NAIDOC As They Reveal New Look

Waves Barber Shop, one of Brisbane’s best, is celebrating in pairs this week, offering FREE services to First Nation’s peoples for NAIDOC Week whilst also revealing a vibrant new hub that’s meant to be a melting pot for youth and culture. 



In true West End style, the new Waves Barber Shop has been designed solely to be more accessible for younger and more diverse demographics and they’re kicking things off this Saturday, 8 July, with FREE haircuts for all National Aboriginals and Islanders. 

Located at 173 Boundary Street, Waves occupies the previous Langanis Barber storefront and will be the brand’s very own practical hub where apprentice barbers gain experience on the tools while bringing the latest in styling trends to the people of West End. 

Waves Barber West End
Photo Credit: Supplied

Waves Barber Jasiah Mackie said that as an Indigenous Australian, he can’t wait to see the hype throughout the community as this innovative new space comes alive this weekend. 

“It’s cool to be a part of a brand that’s really staying true to its roots,” Jasiah Mackie said. 

Waves Barber West End NAIDOC
Photo Credit: Supplied

“This weekend will be an opportunity for us to introduce Waves and to show our fellow NAIDOC’s the respect they deserve in our own unique way.”

Waves NAIDOC barbers

Twenty-eight-year-old Director Michael Langanis said that this location has received immense support from locals since it opened in 2016, welcoming 30,000 people through the doors over the past seven years. 

“We’ve got such loyal customers here in West End so we wanted to give the shop an overhaul while staying true to our customers and giving something back,” Michael said.  

Servicing Brisbane via four locations and employing over 30 staff collectively, the Langanis brand also launched On the Rocks late last year – a city-based barbershop designed for gentlemen to gather, enjoy a glass of whiskey and get a haircut. 



  • WHAT: Free haircuts for all First Nation’s peoples in celebration of NAIDOC Week and Waves launch
  • WHEN: Saturday, 8 July. 9 am – 4 pm
  • WHERE: 173 Boundary Street, West End

You can also follow the journey of Waves on Instagram at @_wavesbarbershop.