The Hairdresser Who Flies: How One Austrian Stylist built a World within His Salon
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A unique blend of artistry, adventure, and feline companionship draws customers from across Vorarlberg to the unassuming salon of Rene Goger in Lochau, Austria.This isn’t just a place to get a haircut; it’s an immersive experience where drone footage, travel vlogs, and a resident cat create an atmosphere unlike any othre.
From Electrician to ‘Tactical Beard Hair Cutter’
Rene Goger’s path to becoming a celebrated hairdresser was anything but conventional.After exploring careers as an electrician and considering military police work, he took over his mother’s salon at the age of 21, finding himself amidst a cohort of much younger apprentices.”It was funny,” Goger recalls. He quickly discovered a passion for men’s haircuts,a specialization he’s honed for nearly three decades,building a loyal clientele willing to travel for his expertise. he’s even earned the playful moniker “tactical beard hair cutter.”
One Haircut at a Time
What truly sets Goger’s salon apart is the constant stream of travel content playing on a screen visible to every customer. What began as a solution to repeated inquiries about his adventures – specifically a diving trip to Mexico – has evolved into an integral part of the salon experience. Faced with answering the same questions dozens of times a day, Goger began editing his trips into films, wich he then played for his clients. “People look directly at the screen in the mirror,” he says, “They get travel tips from me or wait for the next episode to come on.”
He now maintains a silent YouTube channel showcasing his adventures, including:
- Drone flights over Sardinia
- Safaris in kenya
- Diving in Mexico
- Trips to Burgenland
- Little everyday vlogs with grandson “Bazooka”
Regular customer Wastl embodies the salon’s atmosphere, frequently asking, “So what’s going on today?”
The thrill of FPV Drone Flight
goger’s passion extends beyond simply documenting his travels; he actively seeks out unique perspectives through FPV (First Person View) drone piloting. Controlling small, fast camera planes with goggles, he navigates through challenging environments like buildings, waterfalls, and even cable car gondolas. His latest project involved flying through the Pfändebahn gondola, capturing stunning footage of Lake constance shrouded in fog – a view he describes as “not as a postcard, but as a perspective that you don’t know.” he shares these breathtaking aerial views both on YouTube and within the salon walls.
More Than Just a Haircut
Despite his diverse creative pursuits, Goger remains, at his core, a hairdresser. He emphasizes that most clients visit for his skill and the familiar,welcoming atmosphere. Coffee is offered, laughter is abundant, and Goger has even assigned nicknames to many of his regulars. He rarely accepts walk-ins, preferring to maintain a agreeable “vibe” with his clientele – whom he affectionately refers to as “friends.”
Goger distinguishes between work and passion, stating, “Cutting hair finances my travels,” while “Making films is what I really enjoy.My passion.” After 30 years, he acknowledges the physical toll of the profession, but remains committed to the human connection. “The fooling around, the conversations – that’s the beauty.”
A visit to Goger’s salon offers more than just a haircut; it’s a glimpse into a world of adventure, storytelling, and genuine connection. It’s a chance to experience a little bit of Kenya, Mexico, or Lake Constance, all while enjoying a perfectly executed trim and the comforting purr of a salon cat.
