by Jack Morgan

After more than half a century cutting hair, a Warragul barber is hanging up his clippers and entering retirement.

Henny Schreyer last week closed the doors of his barbershop in the Warragul Shopping Plaza after 52 years in the industry.

The much-loved barber remembers when haircuts cost 50 cents as a 17-year-old apprentice in his father Theo’s salon and has heard his fair share of stories over the years.

“I don’t mind cutting and talking to clients.

“We had a fella come in who’s actually 95 (years-old) and believe it or not, he started going grey at 93,” he said.

After working alongside his brother and father, Henny began operating the men’s salon 30 years ago after the family salon closed on Victoria St. The Warragul local has always operated a men’s salon and has built a following of loyal clients over his career.

“There’s not many men’s salons left anymore, it’s more unisex. A lot of fellas want to get a haircut, but they don’t know where to go,” he said.

The Schreyer family immigrated from Indonesia after WWII, when the country sought independence following Japanese occupation. 

Henny then met wife Maryanne Schreyer and has lived in Warragul ever since.

“It’s been an experience, especially when he was on his own because our home life revolved around his work life.

“Occasionally he had a home visit if one of his clients were ill, he would go home to their house or if they were in hospital,” Maryanne said.

The 70-year-old is looking forward to taking up bowls again and travelling around Australia with Maryanne.

A new unisex salon is planned for the same location.