THCS.INFO - REVIEWS

CALIFORNIA

Bill's Barber Shop
12012 Rosecrans Blvd., Norwalk CA
Hours: Tues-Fri 9 AM - 6 PM; Sat 7 AM - 4 PM
Phone: (562) 864-8407

This shop is located about 15 Miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles off the 5 Freeway. Been going to this shop for years every couple of weeks. This shop is about 40 years old 2 chair shop which is now owned by Mike who was Bill's son ( now retired). Mike is in his late 30's and sure has learn how to cut hair as many will wait for hours to get in his chair. On Saturdays the shop opens around 6:45am with a few early birds outside the shop waiting to be the first in the chair. Mike sure knows his haircuts, he will spend at least 20 to 30 minutes on each cut from tapercut to flattop each cut is a comb over Oster clippers, comes out perfect as guys will wait for him for as much as 2 to 3 hours. The other barber is a younger Latino guy mid 20's also a good barber, guys in a hurry will go to him, as his clients are now bulding. Haircuts are 11 dollars. (Review by Steve)

Chuck's Old Fashioned Barber Shop
3514 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA
Open: Tues-Friday 8am - 5.30pm; Sat 8am-2pm
Phone: (818) 846-7537

Although Chuck has been the sole proprietor for a number of years now, the shop is still listed as Newt & Bob's Barber Shop in the phone book. Be that as it may, Chuck's, located just W. of Hollywood Way down the street from Burbank Airport, is one of the neatest oldtime shops left in the area and lives up to its name (gotta love those sturdy old chairs!). They don't make them quite like this anymore! Chuck, a friendly, low key kinda guy, is close to or past retirement age and seems to cater to a mostly older clientele who come in for a trim and shoot the breeze, talking everything from fishing to politics. Tuesday through Thursday, Chuck gets help from another oldtimer, Gary, who had his own one-chair shop down on Burbank Blvd. for close to 40 years before semi-retiring and selling the place to the business next door. Both barbers are good at everything from regular taper cuts to crewcuts, and Gary (chair closest to the door) especially isn't shy about going short and taking it down to the skin for a high and tight, but do not expect the 5-ought treatment. Still, the overall shop atmosphere, slower pace, and throw-back-to-another-era vibe make Chuck's worth a visit for any barbershop enthusiast. Haircuts are $10. (Review by HTH)

El Toro Barber Shop
23789 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, California
Phone: (949) 768-4619

This shop has been in the area since the sixties. The area is that of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station that closed last summer. Got a new security job that a group of three retired Marines owned. The ad in paper said Strict Military appearance required. I was interviewed and hired with the stipulation that I got a strict, maximum, High and Tight Marine corps reg. cut. Tim even wrote out the address on his former Corps engraved notes and put down what i was to get haircut wise. I went here a little nervous and showed the barber the note. He looked approvingly and said that I would look great! I was also told no facial hair allowed and had a mustache. I told the barber that and the first thing he did was 0 clipper it off. Next came the clippers to about 4 inches of hair all over. It fell off in moments and i was surprised. The finishing touches were done by the old fashion hot lather machine and a straight razor!!! This is probably the only Calif. shop that still uses it. He recommended a closer facial shave and to get the mustache stubble off. He also said the walls needed cleaning up!!! The result was a hot lathered ,shaved cleanface, back and sides of head, and then an extra precision, ultra short top and front!!! The job is great, and my boss approves!!! Three months now, and I have had about 10 high and tight experiences since!!!! (Review by RH)

Lincoln Barbers
2208 Lincoln Ave.
Santa Monica
Phone: (310) 314-1719
Hours: Tues-Sat 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

This is an awesome shop. The shop owner, Chino, last chair in the back, did a superb job on my High 'n Tight Flattop. Not only did he cut it short, he hot lathered and shaved the sides and back. I also requested that the flattop be taken very short. He took his time and not only is the top flat and crisp, but I have a nice landing strip showing. I only had to wait about 20 minutes, but it was well worth the wait. The other barbers in the shop also seem to know what they are doing. There is no shortage of clipper action and each barber has a hot lather machine and straight edge. It is one of the only shops in Los Angeles that I have found that will actually shave the back and sides or just edge it. (Review by HNT Recon)

Gil's Barber Shop
18146 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA
Phone: (818) 705-9913
Hours: 7 days a week 8am-6pm

Gil's Barber Shop, just W. of Lindley Ave., has been voted 'Best Barbershop' by the readers of the local 'Daily News' numerous times, making it possibly the most high profile traditional barber shop in the San Fernando Valley. Gil himself does not cut hair anymore - he delegates waiting customers to the next open chair and collects the money afterwards - but he's got a small armada of barbers doing it for him. This is a well-kept classic 6-chair shop, with 2 more chairs in an ajascent back room, making it a very busy place indeed. Clipper cuts are the name of the game here. Saturdays and Sundays are always bustling with activity and chances are there will be a bit of a wait - and a chance to see the hair fly and watch the game on TV - with everyone from local jocks, to dads and their kids, to seniors coming in for a cleanup. The haircuts at Gil's are generally well executed - lots of tight fades, tapers, crewcuts, high and tights, and flattops, too - but with that many (rotating) barbers (…and, yes, there is a lady barber in the bunch), some are bound to be better than others. Haircuts are $9. (Review by HTH)

Joe's Barber Shop (different shop from the one listed below)
19801-B Vanowen St. Canoga Park, CA
Phone: (818) 992-9871
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm; Sat 8am-5:00pm

With the recent retirement of longtime owner, Joe Mayer, another local barbering institution looked like it might come to an end late last year. Luckily, one of Joe's young barbers, Luis, is keeping the tradition alive. He took over this 4-chair shop when Joe decided to hang up the clippers after six decades; incidentally, the shop still carries his name. Although the slogan on Joe's old business card, "you can't get a better haircut at any price", may not be quite that accurate anymore since haircuts are now $10 rather than eight dollars - still a good bargain - this continues to be a great shop for a good old fashioned haircut. Joe's, located one block W. of Corbin Ave., attracts a good mix of young buzz heads, middle aged blue-collar guys, and seniors, and short cuts are very much the norm here. Frank, who has given me most of my haircuts, is the lone holdover from the old days and he knows how to give an authentic high and tight. A friendly fellow who takes his time, he first peels sides and back with his trusty Osters, then scrapes those whitewalls clean with the edger, if so desired, and will finish the cut with an outline razor shave and a nice splash of aftershave lotion. Nothing like that tingling sensation to get the cranial blood circulation going! All the other barbers are equally proficient and make Joe's one of the best places in the San Fernando Valley for anyone in search of a traditional barbershop experience. (Review by HTH)

Joe's Barbershop (different shop from the one listed above)
681 West Arbor Vitae Street, Inglewood, CA
Phone: (310) 674-3655

(Inglewood is near LAX on the border of Westchester, Hawthorne, and Inglewood. This shop is located just minutes off the 405 Freeway and La Cienaga.)

This is a great shop. I used to go to a barber near my house only blocks away, but now I drive 15 minutes to get one of the finest and best shave fades ever. Each of the barbers takes at least 30-45 minutes to cut hair. I go to Joe's every week, to get my shave fade tighten up, and man do they ever do a wonderful job. The barbershop is a house that was converted into a four-chair shop. The shop reminds me of going to an old-timer's barber shop. This shop has one of the largest pairs of scissors, and comb hanging on the wall. I recommend going early in the morning, around 8:30am, as there is a very long wait otherwise. For $9.00 you get a fade shave with razor, and a massage. After each haircut you'll get about a 5 minute massage. No matter if you are a new customer or old customer they will make conversation, and make you feel at home. (Review by Wayne)

Pat's Barber Shop
12437 1/2 Victory Blvd. North Hollywood, CA
Phone: (818) 769-8268
Open: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-5pm; Sunday 8am-4pm

Another hidden treasure that's not listed in the phone book - probably because they have all the business they can handle and don't need the phone ringing off the hook (so don't bug the fellas!). This is a small, cozy 4-chair shop, located just E. of Whitsett Ave., that's been churning out classic clipper cuts for many years. Evenings, Saturdays and Sundays are especially busy, and since the shop attracts a lot of younger, mostly Hispanic guys from the area, along with its fair share of oldtimers, short and shortest cuts are all the rage. According to Pat, who no longer cuts hair himself but comes in bright and early every day (there's usually a barber on call as early as 7.15am), skin cuts account for up to 3/4 of the business at the shop. High and tights, bald fades, and tight flats are definitely the specialty of the house. All the barbers are very adept with the clippers and will go as short as you ask them to, but from my own experience, John is the best barber in the bunch (he will shave sides and back at least part of the way up with a disposable razor upon request; not sure if this is general shop policy). I've been on the receiving end of some fantastic high and tights - John is very precise and gets the sides and back nice and tight, and his clipper-over-comb work is su perb. All haircuts are finished with an outline razor shave, which many other shops won't do anymore. At $8 (flattops are $10) a pop, haircuts are a bargain - seniors pay $6.50 only! A great place to get buzzed. (Review by HTH)

Bills Barber Shop
12012 Rosecrans Blvd., Norwalk CA
Hours: Tues-Fri 9 AM - 6 PM; Sat 7 AM - 4 PM
Phone: (562) 864-8407

This Shop located about 15 Miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles off the 5 Freeway. Been going to this shop for years every couple of weeks. This shop is about 40 years old 2 chair shop which is now owned by Mike who was Bill's son ( now retired) Mike is in his late 30's and sure has learn how to cut hair as many will wait for hours to get in his chair. On Saturdays the shop will open around 645am with a few early birds outside the shop waiting to be the first in the chair haircut. Mike sure knows his haircuts, he will spend at least 20 to 30 minutes on each cut from tapercut to flattop each cut is a comb over Oster clippers, comes out perfect as guys will wait for him for as much as 2 to 3 hours. The other barber is a younger latino guy mid 20's also a good barber, guys in a hurry will go to him, as his clients are now bulding Haircuts are 11 dollars (Review by Steve)

Maureene's Barbering for Men
1339 Pine Street #C
Walnut Creek, CA
Phone: (925) 934-2002
This a very traditional barbershop setting with vintage furnishings (maybe early 60s). It is a one-barber shop, with Maureene doing all the cutting. I had been growing my hair out, so it was a bit shaggy when I asked her to neaten it up a bit. She took off a lot more than I expected, but the haircut was great (a medium businessman's CUT). She uses a traditional clippers-over-comb technique with the Oster 76's, and is not shy about cutting with them. I dropped a hint about my Summer flattop coming soon and she said, enthusiastically, she loves to do them. If you don't mind a femal barber, this is a great place!

Rios Barbershop
10434 National Blvd., West Los Angeles, CA
Hours: Mon-Sat 8 AM - 6 PM
Phoe: (310) 558-0189

Rios is a 4 chair shop opened maybe 10 years now, I have only gone to the owner as his work is the best of all the other barbers in the shop. He also is a major Oster clipper guy. Rios is work is super at good High n Tights and Flattops or shaved heads. He gives a mean taper as the Oster blades get switched as many 6 times in one haircut. Give Rios a try but be prepared to wait in line for him as the shop always has a line waiting for this shop to open. (Reviewed by Steve)

S. Vincente's Barber and Hair Styling
13608 1/2 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys, CA
Phone: (818) 997-9656
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5:30pm

Somewhat deceptively listed as 'Hairstyling Barber Shop' in the phone book - if listed at all - this place is a no frills traditional 3-chair shop, situated across the parking lot from Circuit City near the corner of Woodman Ave.. Vince, an older Latino, and Mike, a balding white guy in his 30's, are the barbers; a third barber works part time only on Thursdays and Saturdays. I called in advance and inquired about getting a high and tight and got an enthusiastic "Oh yes - we do plenty of those!" over the phone. I knew I had definitely set foot in the right place when upon entering I saw skin cuts in progress in both chairs and that sweet sound of the Osters filling the air. Both Vince and Mike are very skilled with the clippers and love to take it 'down to the wood'. Precision military haircutting! Vince (chair by the door) was busy giving a guy a combable HT while Mike finished up a great looking HT flat on his customer. According to Mike, flats and bald fades/high and tight crewcuts are by far the most popular cuts among their clientele - "you can't tell who's a Marine and who isn't anymore!" I ended up in Mike's chair and he proceeded to give me one of the best HT crews I've had in a long while. He was very meticulous and made sure I got exactly what I wanted. About the only drawback was that he did not finish the cut with an outline razor shave. Haircuts, including flattops, are $10, and if my personal experience at S. Vincente's is any indication - this shop's the real deal and one of the best places for short cuts in the L.A. area. Highly recommended. (Review by HTH)

CONNECTICUT

Lafayette Barber Shop
1012 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT
(203) 334-9725

This shop caters overwhelmingly to Bridgeport's large Latino community. A lot of these guys seem to favor very tight haircuts, and this is the place where they go for the best. It's a huge shop, and employs least 8 barbers at a time; I am only familiar with the work of the first five (male) barbers on the right as you walk in, and they do exceptional work with high and tights. If it's a great h&t you want, with a GREAT blend, you can't do much better anywhere. Most will take the sides down with the electric, and go as high as you wish.

My own barber, Freddy, is the very first barber on the right as you walk in. I've found him to be incredible: he'll do his best to give me exactly the cut I want, and will take his time while he goes as short as I like. He's the best barber I've found since Ron's, at Parris Island, SC! (Review by BuzzCT)

''Mr. Flattop''
at The Barber's Nook
972 Quaddick Town Farm Rd., Thompson,CT
Call for hours: 860-963-1009

''Mr. Flattop''
at Don's Barber Shop
1066 Main St., Worcester, Mass.
Call for hours: (508) 791-7861.

REVIEW ONE: "Mr. Flattop" is a Master Barber in his 32nd year this year (former USAF) and has a home-base shop in Thompson, CT. called the Barber's Nook. Mr. Flattop has clients that travel up to 2 hours just to see him! He gives awesome military flattops, as well as other great short cuts. Try him out --- you won't be disappointed, TRUST ME! I am former USMC and I know what I am talking about.

REVIEW TWO: I've reviewed a lot of shops here. Two stand out above all the others I've been to over the years: Paul, in Ayer, Ma; and, of course, the great barber in Beaufort, SC - home of the USMA. Well, now there's one more: Mr Flattop, in Thompson, CT. As already mentioned, he takes the utmost care in giving all short cuts, and flats and brushcuts are his specialty. His price is $10 for a flat, and $3 extra for shaving the sides and back with a straight razor. Adding to this is the fact that he's an exceptionally nice guy, as well as an especially gifted barber! Later this summer, he will also be opening his own shop in Webster, MA, which is right over the CT/MA line, of I-395. But I wouldn't wait that long, if I were you: yes, he's THAT GOOD!

Professional Barber Shop
212 Trumbull Street (across from Civic Center), Hartford, CT
Phone: (860) 247-3795

This shop was recommended on The Buzz a while ago, and I finally got to try it out; I'm sorry I waited! Sal and Joseph are the recommended barbers; I got Joseph, whom I found to be personable and professional.

Armed with pictures of the high-and-tight flattops featured in the Buzztown Gallery, I showed them to Joe, who spent some time with me discussing what he thought to be best cut for me, and why, and he welcomed my input. He sounded like he really knew his stuff, so I let him go ahead and do it as he suggested. The results were, simply, the best haircut I've ever gotten. He did a tremendous job shaving the sides and back, and the blend to the corners was perfect. I was so relaxed I felt as though I'd been to a spa!

I began to sweat the bill, expecting it to be far more than the $11 I usually pay for a haircut. The tab? $12, and worth twice that! I made an appointment for the same time, next week before I left the shop. And believe me, I'd recommend Joe to anyone; he's one great barber! (Review by BuzzCT )

Rocky's Barber Shop
878 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT
Phone: (203) 874-9602

For some reason, Milford boasts a HUGE population of young people into very short hair, and Rocky's is where they all seem to go. The shop is BUSY. Two female barbers in the rear of the shop do an excellent job on very short hair, but Rocky (owner, first chair) and Ronnie (second chair) are outstanding. Ronnie is usually a VERY long wait, but he really takes his time and the results are excellent. Haircuts: $11.00. (Review by BuzzCT )

Silver Lane Barber Shop
283 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT
Phone: (860) 569-2042
Shop hours: Tues-Sat 9-5

Well, I FINALLY have a new Connecticut barber shop to post, and I'm really pleased with it! The shop is the Silver Lane Barber Shop. Although it was recommended to me here by another poster some time ago, I hadn't managed to get there. Recently, however, while talking to a Marine recruiter, he mentioned that the owner of the shop, Sebastian, did a great Marine haircut. So, I HAD to try it out this time. The results were great! Sebastian somehow assumed I was military of some sort, and really went to town. He made a point of telling me that he's been cutting the hair of lots of the area Marines for many years, and told me all about the new #00000 blade he was using. The overall shape of the cut was great; hadn't had one so "active" looking since the cut I'd gotten at Parris Island last fall.

Bottom line? A very good Marine high and tight horseshoe flattop! The one drawback might be that he doesn't shave the sides as I like with the razor, but I felt that quality of the overall cut was so good that I didn't mind at all! George, the other barber, is just as good as the owner! So, I'd rate BOTH barbers as A-1! If someone is looking for a great high & tight, it would be hard to miss with either George OR Sebastian! And they're both personable and very accommodating. Haircuts: $10.00. (Review by BuzzCT )

The Village Barber
265 Main Street (CT Rt. 70), South Meriden, CT
Phone: (203) 235-4666
Shop open Tuesday-Saturday

This is a real, old-fashioned barber shop with a twist: the owner is a guy in his 20's. All the equipment appears to be original, and there are lots of old barbershop pictures on the wall. Glenn, the owner, does an excellent job with short hair, including great flattops and razor shaves with high & tights (if requested) The wait might be a bit long, but it is worth it, and the price of a cut is reasonable. An older barber works there too, sometimes, but I haven't seen him give any short cuts.

Update - April 2, 1998: Although this remains an old fashioned shop at heart, it has been recently remodeled in a beautiful, classic style, with lots of solid red oak paneling and wainscoting. All of the fixtures are still vintage and authentic, but the feeling one gets now is that this must have been what a topnotch shop looked like 50 or so years ago. Glenn, the owner, continues to give great short cuts, and will shave the sides of a high & tight if asked. His older partner, who formerly owned the shop, also does a fine job with short hair. This is a shop that is not to be missed if you're in the area; it's a little out of the way, but well worth finding! (Review by BuzzCT )

Village Barber Shop
107 Water Street, Stonington, CT
Phone: (860) 535-2241

This is a one-barber shop in the center of a very beautiful, upscale town. Doug, the owner, used to be a barber at the Coast Guard Academy. He is very familiar with all military haircuts, and does a GREAT job. He is not far from the sub base in New London, and many Navy personnel go to him. It is not unusual to watch four high-and-tights as you're waiting. Doug is very personable. High and tights are done with the edger, but Doug DOES have the Norelco shaver, and will use it if asked to.

Summary: I'd probably rate Doug as the BEST flattop barber in Connecticut, if you don't feel the need for having a straight razor used. If you happen to be in the area to visit the casinos, a visit here is a MUST! Haircuts: $11. (Review by BuzzCT )

"Y" Haircutting
49 High Street, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 562-5623

Having lived in the New Haven suburbs for 5 years, I'd pretty much given up the idea of finding a good flattop barber in the area; but, after getting a great cut from a Massachusetts barber a few weeks ago, I was determined to try again. I'd visited a few "promising" shops with my hair almost in need of recutting, and asked if they cut high and tight flattops. When I got an enthusiastic "YES!" from Tony, the owner of this shop, I decided to let him try it - and have b een really happy with the results!

Tony (he's the oldest barber, and his chair is the one nearest the door) doesn't shave, but was not afraid to take the sides "to the wood" with the edger; he cuts a table-flat deck, with a very nice landing strip; and the blend with the corners is perfect! He finishes the top with the scissors, but his overall flattop skills are superb. In short, I'd
definitely recommend him!

Also, while waiting, I noticed that the other, younger barbers, also do GREAT ivy leagues. I hadn't thought about it before, but this seems to make perfect sense: the shop is located just off the main Yale campus; what better place to get a REAL ivy league!

The shop is VERY popular; the sign says it has been in business since 1909! Originally located in the basement of the Yale Co-op, it was relocated - twice - during the latest university reconstruction. The clientele is a mixture of Yale students and "townies;" and the waits can be fairly long - but the haircuts you see are worth it. The posted haircut price is $14, but I have been charged $12. (I usually give a $3 tip, which seems to please Tony.) All the barbers are friendly, and the atmosphere is very relaxed in the shop. (Review by BuzzCT )

FLORIDA

Art & Renovation
4545 Forest Hill Blvd. (across from K-Mart), West Palm Beach, FL
Phone: (561) 642-7001
Open seven days a week

Lots of hair on the floor. I go just about every Sunday for at least a shave. Jose gives a great shave, always seems busy on Sundays. (Review by BUZZ~N~SHAVE)

Boots Barbershop
Six-Gun Plaza, Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Florida
Shop Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00am to 6:00pm

This barbershop is owned by Boots. His daughter and his grandson are both barbers in the shop. It's a 6-chair shop with a country setting. They specialize in high and tight flattops, and they take the hair right down to nothing on the sides and back, with the shortest landing strip flattops I have ever seen. They cut hair for a lot of the local police, and do allot of young peoples fades, tapers shaved heads, etc. This barbershop is truly traditional, and has been in business over 25 years.

Carl's Barber Shop
13180 W. State Road, 84 Fort Lauderdale, FL
Phone: (954) 475-9277

Recently I visited a great barbershop in Davie, Florida named Carl's Barber Shop (Fort Lauderdale) which had over 15 barbers and a great ambiance. They specialize in H&T, Flattops, Fades, Tapers and Radical Cuts. Most of their clients are between the ages of 16 to 30 years of age and the preference is getting very short hair cuts. The most popular haircut they give in this shop is the Davie Flattop, which is great since I have been using this style for the last 3 weeks. (Review by Xavier S)

Joe's Barber Shop
922 N. Fed Highway (Moving soon to Hub Plaza), Ft. Lauderdale FL
Phone: (954) 764-7960

Specializing in Fades - Flat Tops. Currently has four barbers, all do great cuts. They also do H&T and will shave the sides w/straight edge razor. They also do facial shaves.
This is a great shop his new shop which I believe is going to be a 10-chair shop. Highly recommended. (Review by BUZZ~N~SHAVE)

Larry's Barber Shop
517 Belcher Road, Clearwater, Fl
Phone: (727) 799-1861

This barbershop is located in the Publix shopping plaza off of Belcher Road and
Gulf-To-Bay Blvd. There are six chairs in this shop. As of this date, all six
chairs are occupied. I have listed the barber names in order from the first
chair closest to the door to the chair further away: Chair one - Larry (owner); Chair two - forgot his name; Chair three - Franco; Chair four - Chad; Chair five - Lady; Chair six - new older guy (avoid him)

All six barbers give decent haircuts but if you are looking for something particular certain barber specialize in certain cuts. The first barber in chair one is Larry the owner. Larry is older and gives the best tapered haircut. He cuts the tightest taper around the ears and the nape of the neck. It is not your usual blended fade as you can really see the close taper. This type of cut reminds me of a more traditional barber haircut. I personal love it. Larry is not shy to use the clippers. If you tell him you want a close tapered sides and back, you are going to get it. He cuts fairly fast but if you want an authentic looking barber cut, he is the guy to go to. Larry is the best. He usually has a line but you can request whatever barber you want. If this is your first cut in this shop I highly recommend asking for Larry.

For the life of me, I can't remember the barber's name in the 2nd chair. This barber takes the longest time out of anybody. Most haircuts last almost 30 minutes. He is also the only barber to use aftershave and applies it with his hands after he straight razors the sides and back of your neck. He also does a complete outline shave. Most barbers just shave around around the sideburns and barely the back of the neck. I wasn't as impressed with this cutting style; but he gives a very relaxing haircut experience. I still go to him occassionally when I just want to enjoy my haircut.

The third chair is occupied by Franco. Franco gives great blended fades. In fact he just cut my hair last week. His haircuts are very trendy and he knows how to use the clippers to fade the sides and than blend in the top with scissors. Franco is probably the best barber in the shop if you want your hair cut but not have it look like you just got a major short haircut. I usually ask him to taper the sides and back with a 1.5 and and keep the top about 1.5" long combed forward with the banges brushed up. It is very popular cut these days; and Franco does a great job. He also outline shaves the sideberns and neck. He is a great conversationalist and will talk to you through the entire haircut. Don't go to Franco if you want to close your eyes and and not talk. He is a talker.

The fourth chair is occupied by the youngest barber, Chad. Chad has cut my hair more than anybody. He also sports a fairly closes Ivey League cut himself. I also ask for a close 1.5 taper (keeping the taper lower) and ask him to go over the nape of the neck and the edges of the ears with a 1.0. This leaves me with a nice tight taper but very blended. Chad just gives a great haircut period. He takes his time and knows how to use the clippers. I never worry about getting a bad haircut with Chad. He also remembers your name and the fact that he has cut your hair before. Something that many barbers forget. A lot of the younger professional guys go to Chad for their haircuts. I would consider Chad my primary barber.

The fifith chair has been recently occupied by a female. I have never used her. I was quite frankly disappointed that Larry allowed a female barber in the shop.

The six chair has been recently occupied by an older barber. I can't remember his name; but I have seen a few of his cuts. He usually squares the back and raises the hairline too high. I would never let him touch my hair. But you never know, maybe he was having a bad day. (Review by TaperedTight)

Nenes
1612 SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho), Miami, Florida
Shop Hours:Tues - Sat 3pm-7pm; Sun 12- 4pm; Closed Mon
Phone: (305) 643-9006

If you are visiting Miami, you don’t have to go to Deerfield Buzz for a great buzzcut. Roger, at Nenes in Little Havana, is a master of fades and buzzcuts. I was in Little Havana several weeks ago and saw a guy with a great high and tight walk out of Roger’s shop. He told me Roger has cut his hair for years, and cuts his teenager’s hair as well. Only one small problem: Roger does not speak English! Since I am from LA, I speak "haircut Spanish," and got the best fade I have had for years. Highly recommended. I went back the following week on a weekday, and Roger gave me a face shave.

Rick's Barbershop
2400 SE 36th Ave, Ocala FL
Shop hours: Mon-Fri 8-6; Sat until 1:00pm
Phone: (352) 624-2577

The owner, Rick, has been cutting hair in Ocala for years. 2 years ago, he opened his own 2-chair shop. Usually it's just him working in the afternoons, when you will find lots of high school students getting tightened up — fades crewcuts, short tapers and even bowlcuts, but his best and most popular cut is a high and tight flattop. He takes pride in skinning the sides and back of heads in his quest for the tightest flattop in the Marion county area. Rick will razor-shave the sides and back if asked, and I assure you it will be a great haircut. Give him a try. (Review by a recruit)

Roberts Barbershop Mens Hairstylist
2692 North University Drive, Sunrise, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Phone: (954) 746-8886

I like Robert. He gives a great haircut and a shave, and is not in a rush. He does the word barber a great justice. (Review by BUZZ~N~SHAVE)

Stacy's
4626 26th St.West, Bradenton, FL
Phone: 758-8601

This barber shop has been in this same location for over 20 years! They must be doing something right. Stacy's gone now, but his style of good, close haircuts lives on. Flat-tops, Hi&Tites, Gentlemens cuts ... $7.00. (Review by JC)

Walt's Barbershop
441 S. Belleview FL
Shop hours: Mon-Fri 7am - 6pm; Sat 7am to 3pm.

Walt's barbershop has been located in the Belleview Shopping Center for 22 years and is owned and operated by Walt Reeves, a belleview resident. Walt employs two other barbers, Mack and Joe. Both have been serving belleview residents old and young for many years. Afternoons the shop is filled with teenage boys getting tightly shaved cuts for football, basketball or other sports. Saturdays the shop is full of dads with sons needing to be tidyied up. Mornings the shop is filled with the older Belleview residents, and the gossip is thick. I've been getting my hair cut at Walt's since Middle School, and I've had everything from a bowlcut to a high and tight flattop to a recent head shave. If you're looking for a fade, taper, flattop, buzz or a basic trim in Belleview Florida, Walt's barbershop is the place to go.

HAWAII

Michael's Barber Shop
1660 Wilikina Dr Wahiawa, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 621-0052

This shop is in the Kemoo strip area, almost directly across the highway from the McComb Gate of the Schofield Barracks army post. It is a walk-in, take-a-number shop that cuts the locals' hair, but also caters to the Schofield soldiers, and to those from adjoining Wheeler Army Air Field. A good high-and-tight costs, last time I was there, about $6.25 - I believe that was the military rate though no one asked for my ID.

There are both male and female barbers - the owner is a man - but the majority are female, some Asian and quite attractive. Language accents can be a slight problem, but I've always found THEY can understand what the customer says without difficulty. They've always gone as short on an Army high-and-tight as I'd like, which isn't as short as the Marines get at Kaneohe across the island, but I didn't ask for that either. At Michael's of Wahiawa I've seen them do a full lather shaved white-wall flattop (don't know if there was an extra charge).

The shop has recently been remodeled and looks more like a style shop than a barber shop now, and the back chair has a very nice view of an inland tropical lake up there in the center of Oahu. This is the best off-post military cut I've found in Hawaii, though others might have additional suggestions to add or review. There's a shop called The Regulation in Kailua/Kaneohe near the Marine Corps base that I have not used. (Review by Keith)

Regulation Barber Shop
25 Kaneohe Bay Dr.,131 Kailua, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 254-4111

This is apparently the closest off-base barber shop to Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and as its name implies it specializes in military cuts. It's open full days daily - even for short hours on Christmas - and, typical of a Marine shop, with even longer than normal hours on Sundays. There is absolutely no problem getting a short Marine-style cut, and a lot of Kaneohe Marines do just that. Rates are $7 for active duty military, $9 and up for Seniors, $10 for civilians.

Having said all of the above, I am still not real wild about this place. It is an Asian-owned shop, Korean I think, and while the barbers (many of whom are female) can understand you, the language barrier is evident. And when no one is waiting, they go into an adjacent room and jabber in their native tongue and play with their children.

I've been there twice and gotten a decent look both times, but they apparently won't razor shave -- and as a result in order to get the sides and backs down to a true Marine look they get pretty direct and brutal with the clippers. That may sound good to some of you, but I mean, REALLY STRONG! And I have a mole or two on my head which I ALWAYS point out in advance. On the last visit she nodded and took care to avoid the largest of the moles on the first few passes, and then with one last HARD set of strokes to finish up the cut . . . WHAM! (and a soft Korean-accent "oops sorry").

Yes, it's a true Marine-cut shop. But Quantico it ain't.

Elswehere on Oahu, try Michael's of Wahiawa across from Schofield Barracks army post. Also Asian women, but a better experience, in my opinion. (Reviewed by Keith )

ILLINOIS

Banana Joe's Barber Shop
718 N. Raynor Avenue Joliet, IL
Phone: (815) 722-9851

Every Cop, State Trooper, Correctional Officer, Military (Recruiter, Active Duty and Reserve), high school and college athlete and coach in the Joliet and Southwest Chicago area goes to Banana Joe's. This is an old fashioned, no nonsense, man's-man kind of place. Banana Joe and his brother Banana Bob are the two full time barbers supplemented by one to two part-timers to handle the crowds. Their official hours are 08:00 to 18:00 but brother Bob usually opens up the shop at 05:30 to handle the cops that are waiting out on the street for the place to open up! While they will do any traditional type of haircut, the short, military styles are their stock in trade. And everyone who wants an absolutely perfect flattop waits for Bob or Joe. Whether regular, or high and tight, their flattops are perfect or you don't walk out the door. Any regular haircut is $9.00 and this includes a hot lather straight razor shave around the ears and neck. For an extra $3.00 they will straight razor shave the entire back and sides of your high and tight so that it gleams! They also do full straight razor head shaves - again only $12.00 for the full deal. Bob does several head shaves every day! Unfortunately, the place is so busy that they don't have time to do face shaves anymore. If you wear a flattop you must go here and you must wait for either Joe or Bob. They don't take appointments and the wait can sometimes be more than an hour. The best times are very early any morning (like before 08:30) or late on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons, (like around 17:00). (Review by Chicago Cop)

Barrington Square Barber Shop
Hoffman Estates, IL.
Thought I'd try a shop closer to home and found Barrington Square. This is a three chair shop hidden in a strip mall behind the Menard's store. I got a H&T flattop, and it's awesome. The guy in the middle chair is the best. He freehands it all the way with a nice landing strip. He commented that Barrington Square gives a ton of this kind of haircuts. A cut is $12 and you get a neck and outline shave too. Well worth the trip for a great H&T flat!! (Review by SLEUTH 70)

Frank's Barbershop
19 Spring St., Cary, IL
Phone: (847) 516-9615

Frank's is a one chair shop that has been in existance since 1993. Before that Frank barbered all over downtown Chicago, and in some of the Northwestern Suburbs for the past 30 years, so he has a lot of experience. His specialities are flattops, crewcuts, and regular haircuts. Prices are resonable for the area. $10.00 adults, $9.00 for Senior Citzens and Children 12 and under. One of the most famous people that came into the shop where he worked downtown Chicago was Richard J. Daley, and another was Art Carney's father. Frank is an easygoing type of a guy, who loves to talk with people and makes everyone feel at ease. If you are ever in downtown Cary stop by and visit with Frank. (Review by kb9qap)

Hair on Westmore REVIEW ONE of TWO
Westmore Avenue (Just South of the prairie path), Lombard, IL
Phone: (630) 705-1230

Vince is the barber and he does great short cuts from Ivy League's to HnT's. He takes time and has pride in his work. He doesn't have a clock in the shop because he believes people should enjoy the experience and not be clock watchers that are in a hurry. If you are looking for a good precision haircut, then Vince in Lombard is your man. If you're ever in the West burbs of Chicago, you should give him a try. it will be worth the trip. (Review by a recruit.)

Hair on Westmore REVIEW TWO of TWO
Westmore Avenue (Just South of the prairie path), Lombard, IL
Phone: (630) 705-1230

I know this shop has been reviewed here before but I have to tell you about the best experience I have had in a barbershop in a long time. I was in the shop one Saturday in July (I noticed it as I was driving by on Westmore Ave. In Lombard). Needing a haircut, I parked in the lot in the back and went in the shop was busy four guys ahead of me. That's okay, this way I got to see what kind of work the barbers did.

Well, there are two barbers there on Saturdays -- Vinnie & Mark. They get along great, and keep the banter in the shop going very well. Customers were entertained by the barbers and the game on TV. Vinnie gave two of the best flattops I have ever seen -- I mean they were FLAT. He did it by eye. One had shaved sides while the other, I would guess, was done with a 1 on the sides and back. Mark, on the other hand, gave one of the best Ivy League haircuts I had ever seen. He was meticulous in his work, as both barbers were. He took a teen with shoulder length hair down to very short tapered stylish businessmen's cut that looked great.

I myself wear an Ivy League. When Mark was available, he greeted me and as he was placing the cape around me said, "Ivy?" and I said "Yes!" He began cutting and didn't say much unless I interjected a comment, then he responded. When he was done with the cut, he turned me around and it was the best Ivy I had ever received. He finished up the cut by vacuuming my neck and the giving me a neck shave with a hot lather and a razor. This was the best barbershop experience I have had in ages, and I will definitely be a regular customer.

Vinnie, the owner, and Mark are two friendly barbers who make the atmosphere friendly. There's even a play area for younger kids, to use while they are waiting for cuts or Dad to get his haircut. Ig you're in the vicinity of Lombard, IL and want to know the best place to go to get a great haircut, from two of the best barbers I have seen, you need to try Hair on Westmore. (Review by a Recruit)

Model Barber Shop
Irving Park Road at Kimball Avenue, Chicago, IL
Phone: (773) 583-7834

Model Barber Shop is a shop that specializes in strictly Military cuts. The sign in the window states specifically "Crewcut, Flattop, Roundtop, Fades, High and Tight, Marine cut, Regulation cut." Jun is the barber, and his motto is "Especially Flattop Style." He's very quick and efficient. If you go there on a Saturday, it's busy so you have to take a number. There are lots of young guys there getting all kinds of very short buzzes. Prices are $12 for a cut. Lots of clipper action. If you're in Chicago and want a good short cut, get over to the Northside and check it out. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. (Review by Sleuth70)

Mort's Barber Shop
214 West Washington Street, Ottawa, IL
Phone: (815) 433-5366

Mort Cooper's little one-chair shop is located just off of Illinois 23 behind the Ottawa Funeral Home. (No, this is not free advertising since I am also a funeral director!!) I have been going to Mort for haircuts now for over 10 years, and let me say, he is the best in the area for flattops. When I return home for visits, the first place I stop in is Mort's. He is nicknamed the 'flattop king" because everyone in town that I know that gets or wants a flattop, goes to Mort. He usually starts out with a #1 blade, but myself and most of my friends that go to him prefer a #000 or shorter. He uses the Oster 76 clippers, and is very precise with the flattop comb. His touch up work is done free handed, followed by a hot lather and razor shave around the ears, and neckline. I come from a smaller town of about 17,000 people, so not seeing Mort for longer periods of time is not uncommon, but the service is great. I get called by name, and the same question ... "short flattop?" I always respond with a simple "You got it!!" His haircuts are reasonably priced, $8 for adults and $7 for kids and seniors. Ottawa is nestled in the heart of Starved Rock State Park, so if you are ever visiting Starved Rock and want a good flattop, drive on over to Ottawa and see Mort. It is definitely worth your investment. And, better yet, if you do that, e-mail me at SLEUTH70@aol.com and I'll go with you!!! A good flattop is hard to find, but this, I guarantee, is worth every buzzing moment!! (NOTE: Shop is now under new management.)

Plaza Barber Shop
700 W. Jefferson St., (Just off Rt. 52 & Rt. 59 outside Joliet), Shorewood, IL

Awesome fades and flats. 3 chairs, younger crowd, great cut for $9. Beard trims too. No lather and razor shave however. Friendly environment and there is a younger guy in his 20's who barbers there. Overall I was pleased with my fade and by the 3rd time they knew my name! Tues-Fri. 8-5, Sat, 9-4. closed Sun./Mon. Worth the visit if you're in the area. (Review by Sleuth70)

Plaza Barber Shop (Another Review)
700 W. Jefferson St., (Just off Rt. 52 & Rt. 59 outside Joliet), Shorewood, IL

I recently have become a customer of the Plaza Barber Shop in Shorewood, Il. I just finished a four year stint in the army, and throughout my time in the military I saw a lot of barbers. The PBS has three barbers which are all good, but Louie the barber gives the best fades of the three, hands down. If you ask him, he’ll even give you a neck shave with hot lather. I suggest getting there by 9:30 am if you want Louie to cut your hair. Before I left for the army, I thought Banana Joe's was the only place in town, but I was wrong!!!!
The PBS charges $11.50 for an average haircut. (Review by DJ19)

Sam's Haircut's
2951 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL

A salon type atmosphere, but great clipper action. After getting my flattop tightened up at another shop and being dissatisfyed, I went to Sam. He did not hesitate to see the mistakes that were made and correct them with a haircut that was very short and flat. Only $7 for a haircut, and open Sundays!! Worth checking out if you're in town.
(Review by a recruit)

INDIANA

Alfie's Barber Shop
3081 N. High School Rd., Indianapolis, IN
Phone: (317) 329-9677
Open Mon-Sat 9-5
Haircuts $10

This is both a Barber and Beauty Shop, but the barbers are right up front by the door. There are two lady barbers but the best was Alice. She's been in the business awhile and is in no way afraid to go short! She says she is "the fastest barber in the Midwest" and I must agree! She took my hair from your basic short layer cut to a short businessman's in about eight minutes flat! And the haircut is great! She also is very fun and "into" cutting as a girlfriend of mine took me in under the ploy that she wanted my hair cut short, Alice told me (playfully) to "sit down and don't say a word" and proceeded to plow her clippers right up the back of my head. Later when my friend called her to thank her, Alice not only suggested that next time we go into a "Princeton" but then proceeded to try to talk my friend (whose hair is gorgeous blonde, silky and to her shoulder blades) into coming in and letting Alice cut HER hair into a short cut, clippered up the back and sides!!! I'll definately return! (Review by a recruit)

Just Hair
133 East Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN
Phone: (317) 634-4737

A salon that can do short hair styles as easily as longer styles — and do them well. Most of the stylists are gay and will make helpful suggestions. The atmosphere is upbeat and modern, but the service is old-fashioned (and expensive). The best stylist is the owner, Zach, who is very good looking (worth the expense of a trip). Guaranteed to please the most fussy hair fetisher. (Review by Indianapolis man)

Mullins Barber Shop
Otisco, Indiana
Directions: Take I-65 to the Henryville exit, turn right (if going north) toward Stuckeys and Bigfoot Gas Stations. Follow road to the bottom of the hill and a 4 way stop. Proceed straight through the stop, cross the railroad tracks and travel about a half mile until you reach Henryville-Otisco Rd. turn left (Tallent Lumber is on the right side of the road) onto Heryville-Otisco Rd. continue on Hen--Otis Rd. about 2-3miles until you reach Zollman Rd. Turn right onto Zollman Rd. go to top of hill. At the top of the hill will be a small, short driveway to shop.

Shop Hours: Monday 7am-7pm; Tuesday 7am-7pm; Wednesday 7am-7pm

Small one chair shop ran by "Dee" Mullins, he is a gentleman in his late 50's or early 60's, a former military barber that has been barbering over 30 years. I have been going to his shop for the past two years (amazing for me!) I have received perfect high and tights, buzzes, burrs, butches, flattops, and near headshaves. All of his haircuts are done to perfection and to your satisfaction. His customer base rages from construction workers to police officers and back so no one should feel out of place. No haircut is ever rushed, and the shop is very well kept. When asked he will straight razor shave around ears and neckline.
But, the ultimate reason to go to his shop is that he is one of the few Barbers in Indiana that still performs old fashioned STRAIGHT RAZOR SHAVES-- Yes, You heard me right STRAIGHT RAZOR SHAVES. I have received shaves from him on several occasions and he is truly a master of this art, not one nick ever, he gives the closest shaves I have ever received followed by a very soothing facial massage.

You're probably thinking this kind of treatment costs an arm and a leg... but no. Haircuts are just $6.00, and shaves only $6.00. Dee is, hands down, the best barber I have ever been to, and I have been to a lot. (Review by Digital Shave)

Wolf's Barber Shop
46 South, 700 East County L Road Valparaiso, Indiana
Phone: (219) 733-2764
www.wolfsbarbershop.homestead.com

As you may know, I (Chicago Cop) am an absolute PERFECTIONIST about my high and tight flattop — and the cut I got on my first visit to Wolf's was above my expectations. I told him that I wanted it "high, tight and brutal" and I didn't even have to ask him to razor shave the back and sides of my head! Wolf is a newly licensed barber who is already an instructor in the barber school from which he graduated! Wolf has set up a first class barber shop in a renovated former barn located on an idyllic farm outside of Valparaiso which looks like a Currier and Ives picture postcard, (rolling pasture, white post and rail fence, horses in the paddock, the works!). The view from Wolf's barber chair is truly relaxing. Wolf will do any kind of haircut that you can dream up but his personal specialty is in short, military hairstyles. Wolf's hours are limited but he will gladly spend a full hour on a high and tight flattop! Wolf's farm and barber shop are located only three miles away from Porter County municipal airport and only five miles from Valparaiso University. Wolf is open Monday and Wednesday evenings from 15:00 until 22:00 and on Saturdays from 08:00 to 18:00. Haircuts are are only $9 with price breaks for senior citizens and kids and special deals for cops, etc. You can make your own appointments by Internet. Just go to his website and follow directions. (Review by Chicago Cop)

KANSAS

Bob's Barber Shop
3122 E. Harry St., Wichita, Kansas 67211
(no listed phone that I could find)

This is an interesting one. Bob Bain opened the shop in 1964, and has been the sole proprietor and operator of the shop for most of that time. From the looks of the shop— the worn flooring, the taped crack in the front window, etc.— there's been very little done to the place since 1964. The portable TV is snowy black and white, tuned to "Hollywood Squares" and "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," and the phone is an old black rotary-dial model, apparently with an unlisted number. Bob is semi-retired now, on Social Security so deliberately keeps his earned income down, works 2 p.m - 6 p.m. Tues - Sat except when he chooses not to, and keeps the shop closed at all other times.
He charges only a flat $5 for a haircut, and I've never seen the place without a significant line. Quite a conversationalist, he admits he's not fast, that he averages about 20 min. on a cut, and if there are four or five guys waiting, you might well be there a couple of hours. Bring something to read — the shop doesn't always draw the most conversation-inspiring clientele, and the magazines are VERY old. I found the shop by asking a Wichita cop with a very tight cut who his barber was. I asked for a USMC-style high-and-tight and got one - 000 on the sides and back, faded into the top, top trimmed (he asked if I wanted the top shorter, I said yes, and he obliged). He trimmed my eyebrows and said he'd shave the outline (behind the ears) with lather unless I objected. I didn't, so he proceeded to do so. He made no offer to shave the entire back and sides of the head, though - either to me or to another customer who got basically the same cut.
Wichita is a metro area approaching a half a million people, but I've found only about three shops other than the barber school that will do a good military or police cut without hesitation. This is one of them, and by far the cheapest price I've found among the licensed shops. But the atmosphere is old, cluttered and slow. If that doesn't bother you, hop on in. (Review by Keith)

KENTUCKY

Hi-Acres Barber Shop
1786 Bryan Station Road, Lexington, KY
Phone: (606) 299-7066

Recently business took me to Bluegrass Country. I had Saurday free, so I spent it enjoying the scenic country roads and limestone-walled farms of throroughbred country. Unfortunately, it was a drizzly gloomy day so I could only do so much sight-seeing. How to spend such a Saturday morning? As readers of this site need not be told, there is but one place to be on such a morning. And fortunately I found it --in a fading strip mall on the outskirts of town: Hi-Acres Barber Shop. The joint was packed. Standing room only. A full range of guys: older locals getting a trim, kids with their moms, and of course lots of the young crowd getting buzzed.

Three barbers that day: a 40-ish owner, and two young dudes with tight crew cuts themselves. The waiting actually went quickly, because I think some of the oldsters were a little afraid of the buzzcut barbers. So I got to skip ahead in line (Now THAT's a change from when I was young ... the young folks wanting radical short, the oldsters afraid of losing it...) Anyway, the dude who cut my hair was precise and thorough. It had only been a week since my last cut (basially a tight crew) but he wasn't fazed at all. Told him to take it down close on the edges, let the top grow in some.

Now some dudes will just do a quick buzz when you go this short, but this dude took his time and did an artistic fade. Bare blade. Tight graduation. Saw some great flats and regular short cuts in progress all around. Cost was $9. Only drawback: no lather neck shave, and the other two barbers had vacuum clippers. Hate those. Like to see it fall on the cape. Anyway, a great shop and a great cut on a lazy gray Saturday morning in Bluegrass country. (Review by Henry Z)

South Way Barber Shop (Frank's)
1200 S Broadway,Lexington, KY
Phone: (606) 254-8322

His health hasn't been good of late, but Frank is one of the Greats. Gives everyone a close taper, and one of the best lathered neck shaves around. A huge Wildcats fan, Frank used to do a lot of the UK athletes and coaches. The shop itself is a bit jumbled (his wife runs a tailoring and alteration service out of one side), but Frank still attracts a lot of cops, college guys, and long time regulars. He is committed to the classic ways, and does SHORT with the best of them. Back in the day, when I had a regular taper, he used to taper me tight and THEN finish off the haircut by wetting me down and plastering the top in place with tonic. (And then the "vibrating" shoulder massager, but I haven't seen that lately...)

Recently I went back for a flattop. I was just planning on a regular flattop, but Frank asked me if I wanted it high and tight. Who was I to refuse? So he went to work. It was tight, it was high, and it was flat. But then it got better. He fired up the lather machine AND LATHERED UP MY WHOLE HEAD! And then massaged the scalp. I was thinking he would straight razor all the way UP, but he proceeded to do the standard outline shave only (though he may have gone higher had I asked...) A great experience and a great haircut. GO NOW, I don't know how much longer until he retires. (Review by HenryZ)

Tipton's Barber Shop
Governor's Square Shopping Center
US 60 & KY 53
Shelbyville, Kentucky
(502) 633-1735

I’ve gone to Tipton's Barber Shop in Shelbyville in years past, but had not had a haircut there since 1997. Not much has changed in seven years. It's a basic two-chair shop -- nothing pretentious, just great haircuts. The main barber is a gentleman in his 60s. He trimmed up my high and tight perfectly. He was careful not to let any hair fall down the back of my shirt, for which I was grateful. He specializes in flattops. I received one from him back in 1996, my first and only. All haircuts are $11.00. One word of caution: the shop is small, and many of the customers smoke. Directions: I-64 to exit 35, north one mile on KY 53 to Governor's Square. (SW corner of intersection of KY 53 and US 60)

Zandale Barber Shop
2220 Nicholasville Road, Lexington, Kentucky
(606) 277-9022
Shop Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm

This place has been open since the sixties, and they know how to buzz heads! If you say "skin it," you won't have a hair in sight. The shop is usually packed, and there is a long wait. The guy in the back of the shop (Billy) is great. Very friendly, and will do whatever cut you want. You can't see the mirror while in his chair so you also have the surprise factor going. The other guys give great cuts as well, I've seen great H&Ts, flattops and crewcuts, as well as longer business cuts being done. They razor shave your neck and around the ears before you go. If you are in the Bluegrass this place is worth a visit. I received my first H&T there and loved it. (Review by JS)

LOUISIANA

Carl's Barber Shop
1102 Main Street, Pineville, Louisiana
Phone: (318) 449-1331
Shop Hours: Tue-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm, Sat 8:00am-12:00pm

A one-man barbershop. Carl is ex-military. He does all kinds of cuts. If you want a short "High & Tight," or a shaved head ( he uses hot lather and a razor), he is the one for you. His shop is about one mile from Louisiana College. Young and old use him!!!!! (Review by Cen32080)

Barber Shop
La.
Phone:

A super-clean, one-man-barber shop, and the one GREAT barber even uses white-striped capes. I went there for a cut, and he said he had seen me walk up and down the street before, and that he could not wait to get his hands on me. I told him to do whatever the hell he wanted. Totally dry cut. Started in the back with the shears and took off a good six inches. Left three inches on top. Maybe two. It looked so cool that I asked for it shorter. He made an incredibly cool "fade" that goes from totally shaved at my neckline - then buzzed all the way over the crown. Super buzzed on the sides. Slight bangs left. But I mean SLIGHT. No happier moment than when he turned me around to the mirror. I went from looking like I was stuck in the 70's with a blow-dry poof, to looking like I walked out of the 50's -- just like my own dad or Ward Cleaver!

Don's Barber Shop
773 Shreveport-Barksdale Hwy, Shreveport, La.
Phone: (318) 861-2453
Shop hours: 8:00am - 6:00pm, Mond ay-Saturday.

A one-barber shop. This an excellent shop for a short haircut, H&T, flattop,crewcut, razor shaved head, and all other cuts. Late appointments are available. All haircuts are only $5.00. (Review by a recruit)

Troy's Barbershop
2297 Hollydale Street (behind Bolton's Drug Store near Perkins Road Overpass), Baton Rouge, LA.
Phone: (225) 383-5587
Shop hours: Tues-Fri 8:30-5:30; Saturdays 8:30-Noon

I've been going to Troy for years. He's a great young barber in his mid-30s. Outstanding short cuts...crewcuts, high & tights, flattops, and yes, traditional haircuts. Tremendous traffic through shop, particularly on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. You see alot of reservist, police, fire, and state troopers come through for their short cuts. His flattops are the flattest...short or tall...does both the boxy and the high & tight types. If you want a landing strip, he'll peel the wood off. He listens to the customer. No razor shaves, however, and the shortest blade he uses is the 0000. You won't regret it! (Review by Jaime)

MARYLAND

Hillendale Barbershop
Hillendale Shopping Center (off the corner of Loch Raven & Taylor Ave., next to Salvo Auto Parts) Baltimore,MD
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 8-5pm

The first and second barbers do it all. H&T's, Flats, Skin shaves with razor, the works. I have never left this shop unsatisfied!!!!! The second barber, Paul, has been cutting my hair for quite a while. I usually get a Flattop with high clean razored sides and back. That is considered my usual. He asked me if I wanted the usual and recently I have declined just to do something different. He will always respond with, "Well next time." Recently I got a High & Tight crewcut, sort of long on top. Before he skinned the sides he applied this smooth shaving lotion from a short but wide white jar, and then hot lather. Baby butt smooth!!! If you ever get the chance to visit Baltimore, check this shop out. You will not regret the decision!!!

MASSACHUSETTS

The Barbers Nook II
79 North Main St., Webster, Mass.
Telephone: (508) 943 - 6200

A one chair shop with Mr. Flattop, a license MMB (USAF). A fine-tuned MMB with over 30 years experience and specializes in Brushcuts, Crewtops, and Flattops. To the BONE on the S&B, no problem, just ask. The barbershop is very retro (nicely nostolgic) with an old to new feel. A area of the shop is dedicated to all who are or were in our US Armed Forces with uniforms on loan from his clients. Excellent with children (even has a kids fun waiting area). Has a vast array of dedicated travling clients for this barbers way of percision and accurate cutting from the Clark Gable to the Howie Long look. A no-rush, sit and relax type of setting the clients enjoy. Trust this ole U.S. Marine -- a very satisfied customer for 16 years now.
Review by JD (USMC, Rtd.)

Bill's Barber Shop
24 Rt. 134, So. Dennis, MA (Cape Cod)
Phone: (508) 398-3632
No appointments that I know of.

Only one barber. Bill is a flattop specialist. He's good but quick. And he faces you away from the mirror. Be specific when you give him instructions and pay attention. I like him because he assumes short unless you tell him otherwise. Edger is the shortest blade he has, I believe, and no lather or razor. (Review by DR)

City Barber Shop
Taunton, MA

Just $12.00 for regular cut and $15.00 for a head shave. Yes, they go the extra mile and do head shaves, as well as razor shaving the sides and backs of cuts.

Erik's Barber Shop
Main Street, Melrose, MA

Melrose Mass. is blessed with two outstanding barbershops, Mike’s and Erik’s. Erik operates a 3 chair shop in a restored, very traditional 1950s-era barbershop. All of the mirrors, sinks and chairs are original, or are of the period and some old barbershop paraphernalia decorate the walls. Erik himself is 30-something and sports a shaved head (so you know already you’re probably onto a good thing!). One woman barber occupies the middle chair and a 20-something guy occupies the last chair. All 3 pump out good work and are pleasant to be around. At least on Saturdays, a lot of young kids come with their parents and there are lots of high school kids waiting as well. Following a recommendation posted on this board, I have been to Erik’s twice now and each time I have got a precision cut, short flattop.

The last time, (last weekend) he asked if I wanted the back and sides shaved and proceeded to do so first with a straight razor (fitted with a disposable blade) and then used a regular Schick disposable to repeat the process. Eriks’ cuts take about 30-40 minutes and while he cuts the first swathe of a flat freehand (to create the landing strip) the rest of the cut is done with clippers over comb. Erik is a perfectionist. He uses several sprays and hair dryer as well as a traditional wax stick to make the flat stand to attention. At the end of my haircut, the top was billiard table-flat and very smoothly blended into the back and sides. The only request I will make the next time is to have him round the edges slightly, as I prefer it this way to the more “boxy” appearance that straight edges impart to a flat. A week later, the flat is still looking good, which I consider to be a good test of how well it was cut. It cost $14, I left him $20. To sum up: if you want precision cutting, go to Erik’s, if you want a real extreme cut, visit Mike. Both are outstanding in different ways.

Family Hair Care Barber Shop
210 West Main St., Ayer MA

I've been to barber shops from Quantico VA to Oceanside CA but I had to come to Massachusetts, of all places, to find the very best barber for us compulsive, scalp-shining,"down to the wood" flattopped fanatics.

Located directly outside the Verbeck Gate of Fort Devens, a downsized military base which still operates as a reserve training command, Paul the barber works just a few days a week at this shop owned by his older brother. All the barbers who work here can give a decent high & tight, but Paul is the very best and is worthwhile for devotees of this web site. The shop is listed in the phone book as Family Hair Care Barber Shop and has a painted sign atop its strip mall site stating "Barber Shop Regular Cuts Hairstyling" but these outward trappings are merely a throwback to the '70s when certain Army wimps were afraid of the typical PX haircut on base. I've never been in a shop where standards are as high and only in the greater DC area have I seen these standards equalled. The interior of the shop is strictly "no frills" and utilitarian. The clientele consist mostly of clean-cut military/law enforcement types so if you have to wait more than a half hour, you will probably see a few good haircuts.

No appointments are necessary and there is no problem with the other barbers if you want to wait for Paul. Paul likes to know who referred you to him so it is easiest to tell him that you asked a Marine on the base for a recommendation. When you ask Paul for "white walls", you will not be disappointed- no #1 pussy fuzz masquerading as white walls here. Paul will clip very patiently and methodically and will follow up with a Norelco taken carefully around until "baby butt" smooth. Paul has several fanatical customers who come in twice a week so he would not bat an eye at the extremists among us. As my fellow extremists will know, the shortest haircuts require more developed barbering skills and one of Paul's best retorts to a customer who might underestimate the degree of difficulty is that "it's harder to cut this hair 'cuz I have to hunt them down and find them first". His flattops are perfect—he'll take the airstrip right down to the wood (even the airstrip will get a bit of the Norelco treatment) and will wax and scissor cut the remaining horseshoe until it looks just right.

If you want a regular high & tight without the flattop, Paul still gets out the Norelco. Just in case he doesn't get out the Norelco, don't be afraid to ask— his regulars know that it is part of his usual routine so as long as you have asked for it as short as it goes, you should get the "Norelco short" treatment. Paul is not one of those hair hating Nazi types so if you want to leave some stubble on the sides, he will cut it as you have requested. Paul is a retired cop and Army vet in his mid-50s. He has an emotional and good-natured personality. He's a tough Sicilian who would probably cry at a movie about a golden retriever in peril. You may be better served if you have a military or law enforcement background, but Paul is good to everyone. His flattops are $12 and other cuts are slightly less- I would suggest at least a $3 tip.

If you are as pleased as I would expect, hand him a $20 for the first visit—that should help establish your status as a memorable customer if you intend to return. Currently, Paul works Tues., Wed., Fri. and Sat., 9 to 2 on Saturday, 9 to 5 during the week—I will update if his schedule changes. In a pinch, his brother Phil is a good barber who uses the Norelco, too, but his flattop skills are more inconsistent- his regular high & tights, though, are as good as Paul's. By the way, they have a phone but do not appreciate the disturbance so, unfortunately, I wouldn't bother.

Paul does not like his whereabouts to be checked upon so calls are treated suspiciously- it's an ex-cop thing. I know of a few buzzboard contributors who are Paul's satisfied customers so I am sure that this is a steer in the right direction. I hope that all you jarheads don't rush right over, though—I still want to be able to get through the mob for the weekly maintenance of my big ugly gyrene jughead. Trust me— your search for the perfect barber will end here. In Massachusetts, of all places. (Review by Scalper)

JT's Barber Shop
70 James St., Worcester, MA
Phone: (508) 752-6870
Appointments strongly recommended. Open Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Be sure and ask for Paul. He's a buzzcut specialist. He takes a lot of pride in his work and doesn't ever want anyone to leave dissatisfied. He does lots of flattops and is excellent. Patient and painstaking. He will ask for lots of feedback from you as he goes along, to make sure you get what you want. He goes as short as 00000 or will use the Norelco Triple Header if you like. No lather or razor. (Review by DR)

Mike's Barber Shop
Main Street, Melrose, MA

Melrose Mass. is blessed with two outstanding barbershops, Mike’s and Erik’s. Each can give an extreme military cut, but their approach and end result is rather different. I learned about Mike’s shop on the internet, and Mike gave me my first HnT with shaved sides and back (he was the one to suggest the shaving). I was a faithful customer for several years, and still return to him occasionally. Mike’s approach is to clip short on top and shave high on the back and sides, with little or no blending. His idea of a “regular” HnT is what many of us might consider to be a recon, you should see his idea of a recon, now that’s one extreme cut! and I wore it like that for one summer. Mike’s idea of a HnT flat is to mow a tight landing strip down the center and then buzz the rest of the top of the head. The top is not flat, there is merely a very visible landing strip on an a buzzed top. Mike does rather better with longer flats as I noticed while waiting for my turn once, but if I am going to wear a flat, it’s got to have skinned sides and landing strip. Mike is in his 70s and has, I believe, been in his traditional barbershop for many years. He's a very courteous, gentle guy. Cost is $10, and a bargain if you like your cuts extreme.

Ricardo's Barber Shop
303 Huntington Avenue, #A, Boston, MA
Phone: (617) 247-7774
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 AM – 5 PM (Probably the only shop in Boston open on Mondays )

This "review" is more of a report. The information was provided by another recruit ("John" on the Board); but he told me he doesn’t object to my compiling it for everyone’s benefit.
I knew the original Ricardo, who was doing HTs in the late 70’s an d early ’80’s. As the name suggests, he was an Italian-American. His shop was always a home for jocks and ROTC guys from Northeastern University. (The Symphony stop on the MBTA Green Line is actually slightly closer.) It’s a small, traditional looking shop. In the ‘90’s, it changed hands. It is now staffed by a 40-something and a 20-something, both of Middle Eastern or North African descent. They haven’t changed the name. I’ll let John’s own words take over here. He knew it both under the old proprietor and has tried it under new management.

"They still do lots of extreme cuts cause they’re right on the Northeastern campus and that's what most students want. Just about everyone that goes there gets extreme haircuts and they assume you want it very short unless you say otherwise.
Yes, I've seen them do straight razor shaving on the back and sides of a high and tight (still 10 bucks — a good deal!). They also do straight razor head shaves for 10 bucks which is the best price I've come across."

Having a fair knowledge of what’s available in Boston, this place sounds like almost a miracle – combining traditional atmosphere, low price, extreme cuts, and straight razor shaving. It's also the only shop that does shaves in the Boston area that I know of which would be readily accessible to a visitor staying at a downtown hotel. (Review by Gunny)

MICHIGAN

Windgrens
Royal Oak, Michigan (It's on 11 Mile, just east of Main street)

An older guy in a one-chair shop who does mostly face (but of course also head) shaves. I've never gotten one from him but he does just fine with my neck shaves.
(Review by JA19)

Bosco's Barbershop
Inside Oakland Mall
Troy, Michigan

They have 10 chairs and all of them are manned by high quality barbers who are precise and have given me an absolute perfect cut every single time. All but two of the barbers give neck shaves with every haircut. I once had the sides and back buzzed all the way up with a 000 and I still got the neck shave. They do have face and head shaves, but only one barber does them. Luckily, he's there on a regular basis. These barbers know how to cut hair short and aren't afraid to do so because they see men with these cuts walking by their window every day. Highly recommended. And all this for just $9.50, no matter what the cut. (Review by JA19)