Brisbane barber Joseph La Motta has drawn praise online after placing a poster in his store window announcing that he will not cut mullets, mohawks or undercuts.
The notice was raised in the window of his shop, La Motta's Hairstyling for Men, located on Adelaide Street in the central business district of Brisbane.
Writing on the sign, Mr La Motta cited his extensive experience in traditional barbering to explain his decision. "Over my 50 years of Men's Hairstyling I have been trained in all types of men's classical cuts," the sign read. "As such I DO NOT do any forms of Mullets, Mohawks or Undercuts."
A photograph of the window message was shared on the social media platform Reddit, where users praised the business owner for his straightforward approach.
Social media reactions
Many online commentators commended the barber for stating clearly what services he offers. "It's actually refreshing seeing a business be upfront and honest about what they'll do/specialise in," one user wrote.
Others described his service as ideal for everyday customers. "For a standard guy needing a standard haircut, he is perfect," a second commenter stated, while another added: "Love a barber who knows his lane."
Former clients also praised his work ethic. "When I lived in Brisbane I used to go to him. No fuss, no fluff, quick and efficient service," one past customer shared.
However, the announcement surprised some social media users who pointed out the long history of the banned haircuts. "Never would have imagined a barber in Australia not doing mullets," one user wrote. Another added: "Mohawks have been around for like 70 years." A third commenter wrote: "Glad his business is good enough that he can pick and choose which haircuts he gets, I guess."
The styles banned by Mr La Motta are vintage cuts that gained mainstream popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, but have experienced a resurgence in recent years.
Customer feedback and trade background
Despite the online debate, La Motta's Hairstyling for Men remains popular among local customers in Brisbane. The shop holds a 4.8 star rating out of five on Google reviews.
Patrons on Google praised both the quality of the haircuts and the atmosphere of the store. "Very cosy place, but one of the best barbers around," one review stated. A tourist who visited as a walk-in while on holiday wrote that the shop provided "really good service and quality."
Mr La Motta opened his Brisbane barbershop in 1976 and comes from a family tradition of barbering. His grandfather previously operated a studio in Italy, and Mr La Motta entered the trade at age 16.
Previous media attention
This is not the first time Mr La Motta has attracted media interest. Fifteen years ago, in 2011, his barbershop drew attention when he claimed to be operating the smallest barber shop in the city.
The custom-built shopfront featured just two barber chairs and covered a floor area of five square metres.
When contacted by Daily Mail for comment regarding the window poster, Mr La Motta declined to speak.
