There is something vintage when one enters an old-school barber shop. The gentle whir of clippers, the acute crackle of scissors, and the strong odor of aftershave hanging in the air all remind one of an old-school charm missing in newer parlors. Old-school barber shops are popular today because men desire something more than a swift shave. If you’re looking for a new barber shop in Denver, Colorado, let’s consider why traditional options are winners!
The Art of the Traditional Shave
There is no substitute for the art of the traditional straight razor shave. It’s a luxury in this day and age, but its outcome is unparalleled. The traditional barber’s touch and the straight razor produce a silky, smooth, fine cut that leaves your skin clean and refreshed. The indulgence is capped with hot towels and rich creams, another luxurious touch to the experience. Barring the nuts and bolts, the everyday process is an art, one that transforms a banal drudgery into an act of serene gentleness and peace.
Excellent Technique and Competence
The vintage barbershops are differentiated by the excellence of the skill of the barbers. The barbers have worked toward decades-long learning and practice under apprenticeship in order to develop sharply precise hair cuts with careful tailoring to the individual person. Whether a fade, classic pompadour, or a trendy cut, a skilled barber can make your dream come true. Barbers who work at places like these take an interest in details and insist that your cut is correct for your face, lifestyle, and personality. For them, the tools of the trade are livelihood, and they express their craft in each shave and trim.
Community and Camaraderie
Other than the actual grooming, old-fashioned barber shops are fraternity societies. Barber shops have been shave parlors above all else for generations—public gathering places where stories are shared, arguments put forth, and camaraderie built. Guys even refer to the barber shop as a “third space,” separate from home and work, where they can just be themselves and unwind. Barbers are often close friends too, offering not just a makeover but also a sense of belonging. It is this sense of belonging which separates the old-fashioned-style barber shop from bigger, more impersonal salons.
Personalized Grooming Advice
Unlike chain barbershops or fast food restaurants, old-fashioned barber shops are all about individualized service. Your barber knows you, so they can give you tailored advice on beard maintenance, hair maintenance, and hairstyle products. They’ll make product recommendations suitable for your hair or offer tips on how to take care of yourself between visits. Individualized service has you out the door not only looking great, but with tips on how to keep your look up to date.
Step Back in Time and Relearn the Barber Shop
Traditional barber shops are a destination rather than just where a person has their hair cut and shaved; they’re an experience founded on craftsmanship, camaraderie, and concern. From master craftsmen’s expert fingers to floor fellowship, a trip to a traditional barber shop is about much more than the cutting of a person’s hair. It’s a reminder that slowing down, taking the time, and spending it on you is something we all need to do. If you haven’t been to one yet, take the time and go to your local barbershop. You’ll see that it’s not just a haircut—it’s an experience to be had again.
