Barber Shop Listing - US - North East

Is your state listed here? If not, why not?

Thanks to those who have already sent in their recommendations.

Connecticut

New!Mount Carmel Barber Shop,
3568 Whitney Ave, (Rt 10) Hamden, CT
Phone: (203) 281-9826.
Shop hours: Tuesday - Friday, 8:30-5:00, and Saturday, 8:30-2:00

I found a real good shop; I've tried it enough times to know that he does consistently good work, too. The barber's first name is Pell, he's the only barber there - a guy in his 30's who wears a high and tight flattop, himself. He's very personable, and really tries to go out of his way to do an especially good job! He understands that a great flat should be cut weekly, and does so with his own. He has all the shortest blades, and has shaved my sides with the razor, after I asked him to. (By the way, it's a new shop, but in an old, free-standing building; and it's immaculate!)
 
Listed: Jun 20, '99
 Thank's to BuzzCT for another great recommendation.

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 assummed 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 GREAT 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! (The other barber also seems very competent and pleasant, too, but I didn't get to see him give any short cuts, so I can't say.) I WILL be a regular here!!

Thanks to BuzzCT for this contribution.
Update: (Dec 24, 1998)
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 accomodating.
Thanks to BuzzCT for sending this update..

Professional Barber Shop
212 Trumbull Street (across from Civic Center) Hartford, CT 06103
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!

Thanks to BuzzCT for this contribution.

Rocky's Barber Shop
878 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460
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.

The Village Barber
265 Main Street (CT Rt. 70), South Meriden, CT 06451
Phone: (203) 235-4666
Shop hours: Open Tuesday-Saturday, Call for hours

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 - Apr 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 wainscoating. All of the fixtures are still vintage and authentic, but the feeling one gets now is that this must have been what a top-notch 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!

Thanks to Buzztown regular Steve for the original recommendation and the update.

Village Barber Shop
107 Water Street, Stonington, CT 06378
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.

Delaware

Scotty's Barber Shop
280 N. Rehoboth Blvd. Milford, DE 19963
Phone: (302) 422-9407

Scotty does a great job on any style flattop. I wear a high-and-tight, recon, horseshoe flattop and he takes his time and does it right. He starts by applying Krew Comb and then tightens up the sides. After he has done his initial flattop, he applies a bit more Krew Comb and does his finishing touches. Overall he goes over the top 3 to 5 times to get it just right.

District of Columbia

8th & I Barbershop
749 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Phone: (202) 544-2541

A Buzztown Barber Shop visitor sent me details of this shop, which he found on the Hairnet Hotline. On the hotline, the shop was referred to as "Sneeds Barber Shop" and the address was 8th Steet NE. But the other details apparently match 8th & I in the Yellow Pages.

According to Steve P, who posted a message on the Hairnet Hotline, this is another great barber shop. "They're right across the street from USMC HQ in Washington and are the barber for the Corps. They specialize in buzz cuts, flattops, and of course, high and tights. What's nice is that they're open to the public and also do civilian business cuts. When on business, I alwasys stopped in to see Bob Sneed -- he's a expert barber. But his other two barbers are also very good. One tidbit, Bob only takes walkins, but if a General walks in, he goes to the head of the line."

Maine

The Yankee Clipper Hair Center
114A Oak Ridge Road Biddeford, Maine 04005
Phone: (207) 282-9020; E-Mail clipper@lamere.net
Shop hours: Tues. 12-8PM; Wed. thru Fri. 9-4; Sat. 9-2; Closed Sunday & Mondays

Bob of the The Yankee Clipper Hair Center sent me details of his shop. He is a licensed cosmetologist (rather than a barber), but he uses barbering techniques in his shop. 40 percent of his customers are men. He says that he does very good clipper cuts and offers a wide range of styles (flattop, crewcut, the fade, buzzcut, butch cut, gentleman's cut and bowl cuts).

Bob charges a very reasonable $6.95 for a clipper cut. So if you live in southern Maine, or next time you're travelling through, check out Bob's shop.

Maryland

Monti's House Of Styles
4507 Annapolis Rd, Baltimore, MD 21227
Phone: (410) 789-1874

"Best baltimore area barbershop for fades and flattops is without a doubt Monti`s House of Styles in Baltimore Highlands. Ask for Jean."

Seabrook Barber Shop
9424 Lanham Severn Rd, Lanham, MD 20706
Phone: (301) 577-5056

"Far and away the best flattop barber, in the world if not just the Washington, DC/Baltimore area, is Seabrook Barber Shop in Lanham, MD. Located on Lanham-Severn RD in the Seabrook Shoping Center, the shop has six barbers. Each is suited to cutting flattops but the best is the owner whose name is Carlo. His is the first chair as you enter the shop and he has been cutting my flattop for over fifteen years now. He was busy cutting flattops even in the long haired 70's so he quite experienced with a pair of clippers."

Update: From The Buzz, Buzztown's question and answer forum:

Toby's Barber Shop
21797 North Coral Drive, Lexington Park, MD, 20650
Phone: (301) 863-8733

Buzztown regular Steve found Toby's Barber Shop while surfing on the web. Toby's Barber Shop's website has been listed on the Buzztown's Links page for several months now. However they have recently added a Flattop Gallery to their site to feature some of their work. Although we don't have a review from anyone who has visited the shop, their flattop gallery shows that some very good flattops walk out of that shop. As Steve says "The shop is next to a navy base, and appears to specialize in flattops. As proof, there were included about 20 of the sharpest flattops I've seen in a while."

Massachusetts

Louie's Hair Cuts
712 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-2414
Phone: (617) 262-1980

One of a number of contributions made by "Gunny" a regular contributor to both the Buzztown and Hairnet Hotline sites. He's a former marine and knows exactly what he wants in a high and tight - very high and very tight.

Across from Boston University and recommended by a ROTC cadet. This is a full fledged salon, and the prices match (unless you're a student). It does not look like a place for a man to get his haircut - it's unisex and most of the patrons, other than the ROTC guys, are there for "fashionable cuts" - but owner Louie, chair nearest to door, is either a former Marine or cut hair for the Marines. On "high n' tite " he actually asked for blade number, and while surprised by 0000, did it well. Short of shaving the back and sides, he gives the closest high and tight I know. For me, living out of Boston, the drive, parking situation, price, and salon atmosphere do not make it worthwhile. It could be a good lead, though, for someone living in downtown Boston.

Ricardo's Barber Shop
303 Huntington Avenue, #A, Boston, MA 02115-4401
Phone: (617) 247-7774

Recommended by "Gunny".

Near Northeastern -- Got my first high n' tight from him after moving to Boston -- it's been fifteen years -- but I assume his skills have not diminished -- did an extraordinarily good job of duplicating a high and tight from a magazine picture I had -- shaves an outline but no whitewalls, though he will use the finisher up high if that is what you want --

Rooney's
40 N. Main Street (Route 58), Carver, MA

Rob Rooney, the owner, has just opened this shop.  Rob is in his early thirties, and cuts all styles.  But, his first job was cutting hair at Otis Air Force Base, and he therefore understands both flats and high and tights.  Personally, I didn't find him willing to go close enough with the clippers, but then I'm an extremist.  I'd still recommend him as a good bet for military cuts.

The other thing is, he is one of the few young barbers -- maybe the only one I know -- who still says he will do facial shaves and will straight razor shave the back and sides of an HT.  I didn't get to experience that, though, because he was having water problems in his new shop, and also had run out of disposable blades for his razor.

He might need a push for a radical HT, but all of the elements are there provided you take control and he has refreshed his inventory of tools.

Directions:  From Route 495, at Exit 2, take 58 North. Rooney's is located about five plus miles on the left, in the middle of a strip mall.
 
Listed: Dec 31 '98
Thanks to Gunny for sending details of this newly opened shop.

Mike's Barber Shop
Main, Dennis Port, MA 02639
Phone: (508) 394-5326

Mike, the owner, is only in his late twenties, early thirties. Former Navy, I think (we talked, but it wasn't clear). This is one of those shops that sort of bridges the gap between traditional male barbershops and salons. The atmosphere is essentially, the old -- lots of autographed pictures from NHL, NFL, and NBA players are displayed -- short of the sinks before each of the three barber stations, you'd call it an old fashioned shop. During the summer high season, he works with two other men. December, he still had one other. Mike, who, winter, wears a long, styled cut and gotee, is the chair to your far left as you enter. He told me he, personally, goes "skinhead" from May to August. So, I'd suspect, you can ask him for anything and he'll comply. Was not a problem getting a high and tight from him, though I did say, as I sat down, "you can't cut it too short for me." But this is a flat top, military haircut, place, if you ask for it. I watched four dudes get buzzed while I waited. Ended up seeing one of those "haircut video transformations" in real life. Most people still working on the Cape at this time of year are construction workers. A 20 something man came in with his ball cap covering hair that looped in curls at the neck. He goes to the second barber, not the owner. I watch him get transformed from what I sorta call "scruffy hippie" to a right on regulation Army cut. In my head, I'm saying this is super cool. The man looks like he's different -- very different --- than when he walked through the door. "Clean cut" --- I'd guess.

But the kicker. Guess he and the barber did not communicate well. 'Cause, just as the barber is finishing up --- you know, the last strokes of the comb, checking the edges --- making a nice GI cut. The dude tells him he wanted a flat top and shorter!! I get to see a second haircut (no problem from the barber's standpoint, but a second haircut) where regulation Army is transformed to landing strip high n' tight flat.

This is definitely a place for men into short hair to visit. I plan on keeping Mike and his shop on my list.

Good place, too, as I told a friend, for people who are "wondering". Both barbers seem, as best I could figure out, to go "extreme" if that is what you want, but not to go that way if you're not ready. Both, seem ready, to do it all "again" if you think the first was too "conservative". Super great place for "ambivalent" folk.

Gunny
The MA Correspondent

Georgetown Barbers
West Main Street, Georgetown, MA

Georgetown, MA is a real small New England town in Northeast MA -- about ten miles south of New Hampshire and twenty miles west of Gloucester.  The shop is on West Main Street, at the intersection
with Rte 97.  Right in the center of town.  Find the center of Georgetown and you'll see the shop.

This place is "secretive" in the sense that the barber, Gino, a former Marine, and, I'd guess in his late 40's, is himself a skinhead, (despite the name, the shop is a one man operation)  and is overwhelmed, as it is, with military and cops who come to him from all over New England. He says he doesn't advertise, and the atmosphere is sort of like a club for the cops. His walls are completely covered with Corps/cop photos, memorabilia, insignia.  The clientele is about the same.  Although he does cut long tapers and burrs -- he's a HT specialist -- if you want it as close as an edger will "scrub" it (his word), ask him to give you a "hard corps white" clip.  He's very fast -- it's military in atmosphere in all respects.  The cost is $7.   If timid, beware.  He assumes that if you're there you want to be CUT -- he tends to recon HT, going up over the crown, leaves a "demarcation line", and will err on the side of taking off more rather than less.

M-F, he's open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM -- I don't know Saturday hours.  The atmosphere is very "basic", "blue collar", "cop/military" -- don't go there if that would make you uncomfortable.  Expect to wait.  He told me he often ends the day at 4:30 -- closes the doors that is -- with fifteen or more men in line.
 
Listed: Dec 31 '98
Thanks to Gunny for sending another great barber shop listing.

John's and Son
288 Plymouth St., Halifax, MA (Intersection of Rt. 106 and Rt. 58)
Phone: (781) 293-2140

Two chair shop. John, the owner, was the team barber for the LA Dodgers. Does a great waxed flattop and I've seen lots of guys getting high 'n tight with the edger. Outline shaves and face mirror. Don't know if they will shave sides and back. Closed Mondays. $8.
Thanks to Leo for this review.

Jack Barca's
228 Columbia Rd., Hanover, MA (on Rt. 53 at the intersection of Rt. 139)
Phone: (781) 826-4666

Cool 6 chair shop. Wait for either of the two guys with the chairs left and right of front door. Left chair is owner. You face the mirror and outline shave with a straight razor. Have gotten great tapered cuts there. Heard the owner ask one guy if he wanted skin. Don't think High 'n Tight would be a problem. Don't know if they shave sides and back. Closed Wednesday. Price a little steep at $12.
Thanks to Leo for this review.

McDonough Square Barbershop
857 Western Ave. (Rt. 107) Lynn Mass.

Usually there are three barbers on duty (Saturdays they have four). The owner of the shop, a 50's-something guy, does an unbelieveable flattop. The younger guy (he sports a flattop) also does an exceptional high and tight, lather shaved on the sides and back, flattop!

This barbershop does every sports team in Lynn, and I think that every clean-cut police officer in the area also gets their hair cut here.

All the barbers take their time, and make sure that your flattop is as flat as a table. If you want it shorter, just ask and they will run the #00000 up the sides and back of your head!

And when your done with the lather shave, hang on to the barbers chair, the aftershave lotion will give you the sharpest sting of your life!

So, if your in the Boston area, a trip to Lynn should be in your plans!

Thanks to the reader who sent in this review.

Denny's
Rt. 139, Marshfield, MA (next to Papa Gino's)
No phone

One chair shop. Denny is the owner. He does great flattops and tapered cuts. Old place and unkempt. Outline shaves and face mirror. Haven't been there in a while and Denny was closed or sick for a while. Very cool guy. Sure he would do anything.
Thanks to Leo for this review.

Mike's Barber Shop
419 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176
Shop hours: Tues. thru Sat. 9-5:30

This shop previously had a brief entry on the Buzztown "Barber Shop Listing" on the advice of Gunny, who had not been to this shop for some time. Now Gunny has been back there and wrote this enthusiastic recommendation:

Mike is in his 70's. He charges $8. But, those of you who want precision will not be disappointed. He takes his time. Which can make for long waits, but he is a detail man. He does every kind of cut with the same "devotion". I've seen him spend a long time cutting the hair of an apparent homeless man who came in. He just takes pride in doing it right.

Mike's claim to fame, as far as this writer is concerned, is his skill with a straight razor and with short haircuts. He does super facial shaves, too, and takes a long time doing it - with all of the extras - but the razor is a part of every haircut unless you say "No." With your basic businessman's/regular cut, he does the outline with the razor. With shorter, crews, unless you refuse, he shaves about an inch over the hair line. With a high n' tite - generic - not specified to be super short - he will tend to shave a third of the way up the head.

Today, starting with instructions, " I want the back and sides (of a flat) cut as close as you can get them", and a his confirming, "as close as I can?" - this is what happened -it was written as a personal message to a friend, so it needs to be appreciated in that context:

HURRY, these old guys are going fast. Though I've not done it, I'm certain, after today's experience that if you said you wanted to go bald and asked for a head shave that he'd have no problem.

Update: Thanks to Steve, who took Gunny's advice, and is very happy with the results. Here's what Steve said:

Brant Rock Barber Shop
263 Ocean St. (Ocean end of Rt. 139), Brant Rock, MA (area of Plymouth)
Phone: (781) 837-2567

One chair shop, somewhat modern. Barber is a former cop. Told me he does guys from Weymouth Air Station. Face away from mirror. Offers straight razor facial shaves but have never seen one. I'm sure High 'n Tight is no problem. Different guy is there part time in winter as owner goes to Florida.
Thanks to Leo for this review.

Eddie's
Rt. 3A, North Plymouth, MA
No phone

Two chair shop. Father and son. Ask or wait for Kevin (the son). I think Kevin is a cop and only works part time. Does great low 'n tights and high 'n tights. Fair flattops. Outline shave with a razor. Don't know if he will shave sides and back. Face away from the mirror. $9. Closed Mondays.
Thanks to Leo for this review.

Dennis' Olde Time Barber Shop
Rt. 3A, North Plymouth, MA
No phone

Very old one chair shop. Dennis recently took over shop. Does OK tapered cuts. Told me he has a guy who comes in once a week for a shave high 'n tight. Shaving cream comes out of a can, not a hot lather machine, but he does use a straight razor. Face mirror. Closed Mondays. $9.
Thanks to Leo for this review.

Fast Eddie's
Rt. 3A, Plymouth, MA (South of Plymouth center)
No phone

Great circa 1940 shop. Two chairs. Father and son. Do incredible waxed flattops and high 'n tights. No shaving. Ask for skin or down to the "bone" if you want no hair left. Only problem here - incredible waits. Great if you want to watch lots of buzzing and cool cuts, but we're talking an hour and a half plus sometimes. Do lots of cops, guards from jail, kids. Other downside, very clique like and you can feel like an outsider if you're not a regular. Closed Monday. $8.
Thanks to Leo for this review.

Del's
Plymouth Center, Plymouth, MA (across from fire station)
No phone

Great circa 1940 shop. Del is about 80. does great flattops and high 'n tights. No shaving and face away from mirror. Best thing is that if you go on a weekday, he uses a vibrating massager on your head and shoulders. Closed on Wednesday. $8.
Thanks to Leo for this review.

Michael's Barber Shop
508 Sea Street, Quincy, MA 02169
Phone: (617) 471-8831

Thanks to the reader who sent in these details about this interesting barber, in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Bill's Barber Shop
Rte 134 South, at Junction with Rte 28, South Dennis, MA
Shop hours: Tues.-Fri. 8-5;Sat. 8-4

Another recommendation from Gunny. Even on vacation, Gunny still sends in recommendations for great "high and tight" barbers. Thanks Gunny!

Another one man shop. Not spartan, but basic. Bill's about 45, so he should be there for a while yet, I'd guess. He advertises in the local church bulletin as a specialist in flattops. I was pleased to find that he lived up to billing - had two flattop combs and several tubes of wax right out within easy reach. Only drawback - he works with adjustables, not the Oster interchangables, so you can't do it "by the numbers".

He gave me the full high n' tite I'd asked for (0000 equivalent) --- and, because of that, I can recommend him as a supreme flat top barber. It is very difficult to combine going high to the skin with a real flat as opposed to a "standup crew/burr". He managed both, right down to getting the sides of the flat to taper inward from the crown to the point where they join a very, very ..... VERY ..... precise "deck". He waxed, brushed, combed and cut three times before he was satisfied.

My "deck" is so flat you could land an F-16 on it. What is most remarkable is that it is so precise and balanced that the deck is there whether the pilot is making the approach from front, sides or rear.

Doesn't get much better. Wish I lived in his neighborhood. So, if anyone is vacationing on Cape Cod, I'd say it's worth going out of your way - in particular if you like both FLAT and high n' tite.

West Dennis is on Cape Cod, not far from Hyannis - as you approach the intersection there's a strip shopping center on the left, called Cobblestone Court. Bill's shop is at the far righthand end. Price: $9.

Phil's
3 West Main Street, Westboro, MA
Phone: (508) 366-7399
Shop hours: Call for appointments - 6AM to 7:45AM Tue - Fri only. Open for Walk-Ins - Tue to Fri 8:00AM - 5:30PM and Sat 6:30AM to 3:00PM.

Thanks to "Gunny" for this information about Phil's. "In Westboro, center of town, right at the principal intersection, there's Pete's -- sort of a salon look, lots and lots of kids (takes forever), sign in window is that he sells baseball card collectibles. His claim to fame is that he for several years gave high n' tights at the State Police Academy --- still gets a fair smattering of cops. His high n' tight, though, tends to be #1, maybe a bit shorter 0? around the edges. He is, however, a stylist and skilled, so, if your not looking for the crude "warrior" look, you might find him interesting."

Update: This shop was previously listed at Pete's on this listing. The correct name of the shop is in fact "Phil's".

Update: "Phil has experience doing military cuts and that is his preference, although, based on my observations, he is excellent at all types of men's (and boy's) haircuts. One barber shop. I have curly, wavy hair and he very carefully explained to me the consequences of what I was asking (flattop). He said it would take at least two cuts to look right. Only then did he pick up the clippers and do what I asked. He was right. The first haircut was OK. The second haircut was BOSS. He's a great haircutter." Thanks to Tucker who sent in this information and the address, phone and hours details.

Update: Another update from Gunny about Phil's:

Bob's Barbershop
1140 Grafton Street, Worcester, MA 01604
Phone: (508) 757-3960
Shop Hours: Mon., Tues., Thur., Fri. 8-5; Sat. 8-3; Closed Wed. & Sun.

Contributed by Buzztown and Hairnet contributor "Gunny".

One man shop. Bob would probably be many men's delight -- instinctively, he blends -- works extraordinarily well with adjustable clips (personally, I prefer the austere men who understand 0000). His tendency is to turn a high n' tite into an extreme taper cut if you insist on being cut to the max --- he will "taper" from 1/4/1/8 at the crown, all the way down through 1/16 or 1/32 to 1/64 before reaching 0. You have to repeatedly remind him that you want it smooth clipped to the skin and don't mind the demarcation line. He also tends, over time, if not reminded, to let pure skin back and sides "grow out" to his standards. Since my standards are Oceanside standards, I'm not sure this would be all that much of a problem for most guys. No shaving cream shaving -- but he does the equivalent on the high n' tight with a deftly handled finishing clipper. To be fair, I'm a bit of an extremist (from a distance of 10 feet, I probably look high n' tite to most folk, but I can still go to the mirror and see that the tighly clipped area ends at least an inch short of the crown - this bothers me). Bob will do a straight up to the crown high n' tight if you'll settle for a #1 -- he's just not fully attuned to clipper shaving beyond about the 3/4 way up level -- seems to hate leaving a line at crown level on an otherwise tight clipped head.

Bob, however, is, if anything, an easy going guy. Push him a bit, perhaps, but he'll get you where you want to go; he's one of the best we still got around. For all my criticism, I'd rate him as a for star buzz barbers in Worcester. Don't hesitate. Asking for a second go round, higher, or tighter, or both, poses no problem. I think you could do it for hours with this incredibly evenly dispositioned guy.

Tommy M's Barber and Styling (formerly Emanuelle's)
339 Shewsbury Street, Worcester, MA 01604
Phone: (508) 752-3250

This shop was originally listed by Gunny as Emanuelle's, and was recommended as a good old-fashioned barber shop and one where you could get a good high and tight. At age 87, Emanuelle decided to sell his shop and carefully chose a new owner - one that would still meet the needs of his customers. Emanuelle found a 24 year old barber - Tommy. This is an excellent story about the handing over of a business from one proud owner to a new proud, young owner, who will provide good service to Emanuell's traditional customers while breathing new life into the business and attracting a much wider range of customers. Read Gunny's article The Make-Over of a Barber Shop for more information.

JT's Barber Styling
70 James Street Worcester, MA 01603
Phone: (508) 752-6870
Shop hours: Tue,Fri,Sat 8-5; Wed,Thurs 8-8 $9
Appointments Only

Here's another recommendation from Gunny:

Specifically, the recommendation is for Paul, who is the manager, but not the owner of the shop.

I had some correspondence with another of the contributors to Buzztown, Tuckfarmboy, who recommended Paul. He's been seeing Paul, he tells me, for several months, and getting a precise flattop despite having thick, wavy, almost curly hair --- hair other barbers had told him could not be flat top cut. From what he described, conservative by my standards, with #1 sides.

And, I'd checked out the place from the street. Didn't look like a skin cutting place. Although there is also a JT's Salon next door, even the "Barber" side, looked a bit on the upscale, too bright and modern, with contemporary stylist's stations. There's a woman in the contingent of four barbers. They only take appointments, And one time, when I called, hoping to talk to Paul, I was told he couldn't come to the phone, "because he has his hands in the shampoo." All of this added up, in my mind, to a place where skin tight would be scoffed at.

However, Tuckfarmboy kept insisting that Paul was always urging him to go shorter, and that he liked going short. The chance to find a barber who'd cut the way I'd like and who was available on an appointment basis was intriguing. Like all of us, these days, time is at a premium. Spending two or more hours each time to get a haircut, particularly on a weekly basis, seemed a major loss of time. So, taking Tuckfarmboy's advice I decided to give Paul a shot.

Like I said, add another barber to my list. Paul's another young one --- early 30's would be the guess. I'd felt sort of ambivalent even as I walked through the door; I thought I'd be the first person he'd ever encountered who wanted a high and tight. Wrong!! I sat down and used my usual line of "get the back and sides as close as you can". I was taken aback when he then proceeded to offer me three choices: 00000, Norelco electric shaver, or straight razor. Tossed it back at him, a bit, by knowing immediately what a 00000 was. And, he'd smiled on the straight razor, thinking that I'd be blown away by the idea; I was able to tell him that I'd been there, done that. Anyway, I was definitely in the right place for a military cut.

I settled for the 00000. If it worked, that is, if the flat top was as good as the high and tight, I figured I'd be back and we could work into the shaving. Correct thought. Paul used the 00000 with a heavy hand, but a deft one at the same time. It's clear he has no problem with skin. His refrain, throughout the haircut, was "short enough? I can go shorter." --- both with reference to the sides and the top. On those parts of the sides --- the upper portion in my case --- where the hair did not follow an up/down growth pattern --- he turned the clippers and went around sideways in order to cut against the grain. Result --- best ever clipper cut high and tight by a civilian barber.

But, he also did a fine job with the flat top. And, though we did not get to a full horseshoe, he had no hesitancy about flattening by attacking the landing strip. My thought is, that I will in future visits, work on this with him. He did, to be fair, offer to re-cut --- to go shorter -- "the one thing I've learned'", he told me, "is that hair can always be cut shorter." Since most barbers are usually afraid to "scare off" someone by going too close, it was a remarkable first time visit. I opted to be conservative (by my standards) until I feel him out a bit. But, with summer coming around the corner, I suspect one day, in the next month or so, I'm going to let him do a 3/8"-1/4" flat (or is that a "stand up crew'?) and let him razor shave the sides.

Paul also told me that if I want to come in weekly, he'll drop his price to $7!! Seems Massachusetts may be Nirvana land in terms of relatively low priced haircuts.

Anyway, there's absolutely no reason for anyone here in Central MA to have long hair anymore unless they want it.

Thanks to Gunny for another MA recommendation
Update - May 3, 1998

"I've tried the new shop in Worcester Ma, which Gunny recommended, and I've found him to be the best, just as Gunny said he was! Eighty miles is a long way to go for a haircut, but he is the first barber to cut my hair exactly the way I want it, and I like the idea, so I'll go as often as I can!"

Update - Dec 31, 1998

I am a young Marine from central Mass, Paul at JT's barbershop has been giving me my crewcut since I was in high school.  When I am home on leave I always be sure to stop in and get my extreme H&T redone by JT's.  They do an excellent job!!

Always asking "Is this short enough?, I can go shorter!"

If you want your H&T flattop to be as short as possible make an appointment at JT's in Worchester Mass.

Please do not be afraid of making an apointment-- no matter how short your hair already is  The barbers at JT's will square you away!!!

Thanks to the Marine who sent this information about this highly recommended barber shop.

Reidy's Barber Shop
716 Southbridge Street, Auburn, MA
No phone

This shop was recommended by "Tucker" on the Hairnet Hotline on March 21, 1997. It was specifically recommended for its good high and tight cuts.

Other Massachusetts Recommendations:

Another two recommendations for Massachusetts barber shops made by Gunny.

In Malden -- Joe's (if he's still around) -- on Main only a half block from Rte. 60 -- he's an old man, in ill health, but he's a former Marine, with Leatherneck on the magazine table and a huge Corps logo in front of the chair -- he knows high n'tight, but no shaving.

Also in Malden -- on Rte. 60, just after the junction with Fellsway (heading W) -- Valley Barbershop -- the barber is part time -- his real job is as a Malden fireman -- younger man (40's?) -- had no problem giving me a 000 high n' tight --

New Hampshire

Frank's Barber Shop
14 West Street, Keene, NH 03431
Phone: (603) 357-3538

Frank's Barber Shop. He won't be here forever, or too many more years, But Frank does a great Flattop, His standard is a #2 on the sides, and a extreme landingstrip. Located in the center of Keene, NH

Bishop's Lady Barbers
Manchester, NH

I stumbled onto Bishop's for several reasons. I like short hair, barber shops, lady barbers and because I needed to find a shop opening early enough that I could stop on my way from Boston to ski in NH on my weekdays off.

Joanne is the best in the shop and at last note was actually buying the shop. I came in as a walk-in the first time and when I asked if they did short hair cuts including flat tops, crew cuts, high and tight and shaving - Joanne answered yes to all.

The shop is not traditionally old fashioned and lends itself to her answer being "no" because it does have a spacious modern salon appearance to it. But my first cut was a perfect flat top with sides and back triple zeroed and then straight razor shaved about inch above the ear and down the neck. A few visits later I was up to a high and tight shorter flat top including landing strip and straight razor shaved up to the crown which I kept for several months.

Joanne shaves men's hair as an experienced professional. She said she always preferred the straight razor shave for optimum results and although had not done so for a while - had always shaved her legs with a straight razor to keep in practice as well. Well after she met me she went back to doing her legs with the straight razor and gave in to her nephews request to shave his head with the straight razor which she does frequently now for him and now many other clients in the shop.

Although she doesn't have a traditional hot lather machine - she does have an exceptional technique that results in the most comfortable shave I have ever had. She uses a warm facecloth as in traditional face shaving for sections of the head at a time then lathers up with regular shaving cream and shaves with a kind of high tech straight razor that is the most comfortable. She continues this process around the head until complete and then does the usual tonic and powder brushing for cooling. She also does a perfect square flat top and then leans the chair back to the sinks that man each station and shampoos out all the little hairs that usually stay on top despite the most furtive brushing out.

Although I have not had the opportunity to be back in a while - I suggest a visit if you are anywhere in the Manchester, NH area. I've experienced a number of New England barber shops and barbers and I highly recommend Joanne for the cut as well as the experience. She is not shy about short hair and will do just about anything you request in hair or lack thereof styles.

Thanks to the reader who sent in this detailed review.

The International Barber Shop
26 Manchester Square, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: (603) 431-4153
Shop hours: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00, Saturday 09:00-13:00

This is a barber shop on the former Pease Air Force Base at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here's what a contributor to the Buzztown Barber Shop wrote.

"Former Barbers to the Air Force when Pease was here. Now open to the public. The best flattop I ever got. Ask for Sal or Mr Bill. $7.00"

Update: Thanks to the reader who sent in this update. "I visited there 7/19/97 and sat down in Henry's chair to get my flattop 1 week old updated. He asked how short and I said short and tight. He got out the 00000 blade and went to work. Short and tight it was. A great buzz for $7. I wish he was closer so I could sit in his chair every Saturday. 5 minutes off I-95 follow signs for Pease AFB. M-F 9 - 17:00 Sat. 9 - 13:00 closed sunday. Great Shop."

Update: (Jan 12, 1998)"My last trip to see Sal at the Barber Shop, I found that the price has gone up to $8.00. Still a good shop to go to. Other than Mr. Bill, Sal & Henry, try Tammi. Had a print out of "Del's "picture from the flattop page in my pocket. Did not even pull it out, to show Tammi & got a cut just like it."

Update: (Dec 24, 1998) "Mr. Bill, Sal & Reo have gone up on their price, $9.00. Still a good price, and you might get some good conversation about the Pease Tradeport too..."

Update: (Dec 24, 1998) This shop has certainly received some good reviews, however, one long-term Buzztown reader had a bad experience with one barber in this shop, Reo.  The reader says that he asked Reo not to touch the front of the flattop, but that the barber ignored this instruction, and cut the front of the flattop down to about 1/4", leaving it as a crewcut.

New Jersey

John's Barber Shop
16 Main St, Eatontown, NJ 07724
Phone: (908) 542-9428

John, the former owner of this shop, was the BEST barber I've ever seen for short hair. He had been there for many years, and was proud to have cut the hair of commandants and enlisted men for generations. (Many of their pictures are prominently displayed.) The shop has such a huge following that it supported lots of great barbers, all specializing in the shortest military cuts. The shop boasts an overflow crowd of military, police, troopers, etc., mostly all with very short cuts.

John retired in 1995, and sold the shop to an Asian lady, who also does a great job on short cuts. I haven't been back since, but I would assume that the other barbers have done a real good job of following in John's excellent footsteps.

(This shop is two blocks south of the main gate to Fort Monmouth, opposite side of street, middle of block, parking in rear.)

Thanks to BuzzCT for this recommendation

Boro Barber Shop,
72 Broad St., Keyport, NJ (in the Bayshore Region of New Jersey)
Phone: 908-739-0449

An old fashioned barber shop with a twist. Two barber chairs in the front section manned by older no nonsense barbers. There is a seperate entrance to a back section manned by two women hair stylists. The main action is always in the barber section. Al has the chair on the right and John has the chair on the left. John does an excellent high and tight flattop. Al is famous for cutting it very short. Both are pros, with over 20 years experience each. And on Saturdays, the queue runs out the door in front of the shop.
Thanks to the reader who contributed this review

Crazy Johnny's Barber Shop
183 Main Street, Port Monmouth, NJ (in the Bayshore Region of New Jersey)
Phone: (908) 495-COMB (495-2662)

Located a block in from Route 36 East, the shop is owned and run by Crazy Johnny McGowan. It's the neighborhood barber shop serving men of all ages. The three barbers specialize in clipper cuts, buzzcuts, military cuts (all the guys from Earle Naval Weapons go here and are looking more like Marines than sailors due to his influence), and more. Every type of guy can be found getting a haircut here. There is always an extreme cut going on every time I come in. Once you are in the chair, all three of the barbers take their time and cut it right. McGowan's is the first chair by the window. Usually, he gets most of the younger kids and teens, because he is a whiz with the clippers. Bobby is very good at a high'n'tight, and a definite shave master with the straight edge. The third chair in back is now manned by a guy with a full beard and a shaved head. I saw him do a perfect Mohawk on a young kid. He seems to have the GIFT! All three are in their 30's are can truly be called masters of their trade. This shop is the reason why you don't see many guys in the strip clip joints any more. As an added bonus, the shop's open until 6:00 P.M. every day of the week, and on Sunday's from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon. A definite must visit for anyone in the area.
Thanks to the reader who contributed this review
Update - Sep 3, 1998

Recently I noticed a new post about a couple of shops in New Jersey. Although I live in Connecticut, I was raised in NJ, and decided to check them out on a recent trip to the New Jersey Shore, since they were located along the way. The shop I chose was Crazy Johnny's, in Port Monmouth. They didn't open until 10:00 on Mondays, so I had a bit of a wait, but Johnny himself arrived on time, and, since I was first in line, he cut my hair. The shop itself is really neat, obviously quite old, with a HUGE number of pictures of buzzes done in the shop posted on the walls. Johnny himself seems like a nice guy, and, upon surveying my slightly-grown-out high and tight flat, said, "Skin, right?" When I replied in the affirmative, he went to town, doing a really good job on the cut, although leaving the sides a bit fuller than I'd wanted. No problem! When the cut was mostly finished, he headed for the lather machine and proceeded to give the sides the best straight razor shave they've had since Mike's in Melrose. (Even used Polo after shave!) So, I was VERY pleased with the cut, and would HIGHLY recommend the shop to anyone who is passing through the area. Score another one for Buzztown's list of winners!!

Thanks to Buzztown regular BuzzCT for this update

 

New!Maple Barber Shop,
4 South Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Phone: (201) 652-6595

"There's a great shop in  Ridgewood, NJ that all who can should defenitely check out.  A small shop, no nonsense atomasphere, and five very capable barbers.  I stumbled upon it by accident, went in for a trim, and came out with the best flattop I ever had (go see Tony, he seems to be the best). It's called Maple Barber Shop, near the center of town in Ridgewood NJ (about 10 miles north on Rt 17 from Paramas)."
 
Listed: Jun 20, '99  

New York

Gregory's Barber Shop
282 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY, 12054 (just 3 miles from downtown Albany, NY)
Phone: (518) 439-3525
Shop hours: Mon,Wed,Fri,Sat 8-5; Tue&Thu 8am-8pm

For the past six weeks I have paid a weekly visit to Gregory (the son) for my 00000 high&tight short flat top. He takes his time and always asks if it is high enough, short enough. He understands my desire to keep my cut crisp. This shop has four chairs and all are capable of cutting for a range of customers, from business men to the college men. So far I have stuck with Greg to do my H&T and always look forward to my Thursday night visit.

C & M Haircutters (aka Manny of Fishkill)
164A Main Street, Fishkill, NY 12524
Phone: (914) 897-4114

A Buzztown reader wrote "I haven't met "C" yet, but Manny is a real master with the scissors for short hair. He usually doesn't bother with a clipper blade longer than a #1, because he uses the scissors to shape even the shortest parts of the cut. ("C" must be pretty good too, because Manny's wavy, graying hair is always perfectly cut.) I went late on a Friday afternoon for the first time today, and he cut my hair very hastily and it's *still* better than any other barber has done for me in a good 10 years."

Jack's Barber Shop
8 Main St., Highland, NY 12528
Phone: (914) 691-3631

I didn't realize how big a deal hair was in Highland - in the tiny hamlet there are two unisex shops and two one-chair barbershops, Joe's and Jack's. Both barbershops looked likely to be good, but Jack looked particularly at ease doing short cuts so I decided to try him out, and I'll definitely be back! He does very quick and precise work with clippers over comb, and he asked me at least half a dozen times for details of what I wanted. That's especially important to me because I change my hairstyle all the time, and I hadn't found anyone who really paid attention to exactly what I wanted in years.

One caveat: This is not a place for guys into the sensuality of the overall barbershop experience. Jack focuses on the cut itself and no pampering, not even brushing you off carefully afterwards! He just cranks out lots of good cuts quickly for an embarrassingly low price of five bucks.

Thanks to "Not R" for this contribution.

Delux Barber Shop
NY Route 51, Otsego St., Ilion, New York (10 miles east of Utica)

An old-fashioned type, two chair shop with one barber. The barber's name is Ted and I've put him through his paces through the years... he does a great high-n-tight, complete with whitewalls shaved with shaving cream and straight razor. Flattops are the best I've ever had. Does a great shave for $6.00. And yes, he does complete head shaves, with shaving cream and straight razor as well (as I recall, for the price of a regular haircut - $7). The shop is fairly busy on Saturdays, and he's closed on Wednesday. He's also open until 6:00 p.m. on weeknights. He good at trimming facial hair too, and will go as short as you wish. I've seen customers of all ages in there, and he does a good job on all of them. Shop is in a small town, and has an "old-fashioned barbershop" feel to it.
Thanks to J.P. for providing this review of a classic small town barber shop.

Astor Place Hair Designers
2 Astor Place, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 475-9790

"Advice Guy" on the Hairnet Hotline says "the Astor Place is THE place for buzzcuts. It's in NYC, in the Village. It looks small from the street, but inside it's huge. Three floors, appx. 50 barbers, EVERY ONE great. Go there and feel free to look around and watch the barbers (they don't mind), then pick your favorite. Prices are relatively cheap, too!" If that sounds just too big, Advice Guy says that "despite its size, the Astor IS fairly intimate. Its sectioned of quite a bit.". A number of other Hairnet Hotline contributors also recommend Astor Place.

Update: Although the overwhelming number of comments on Hairnet about Astor Place are very positive, there have been a few criticisms. Generally, they refer to the size of the shop and criticize it as a "factory" environment. I am not aware of any postings on Hairnet with specific criticisms of the haircuts at Astor; they seem to have a lot of satisfied customers there.

Nick's Hair Stylists
5 Horatio St New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 929-7559

I'd also like to suggest an alternate recommendation, in case one is intimidated by Astor. Nick's at the NW corner of Horatio and 8th Ave., has been around for at least 40 years. (One of their styles from the 50's is featured on Flattops On The Web.) I received my first post-teenage flattop from Nick about 10 years ago, and have stayed with the style ever since. Nick costs a bit more, but he really takes his time and HE KNOWS SHORT HAIR! He even gave Matt Dillon his flattop for "Flamingo Kid," a movie that helped bring back the style.

If Nick is booked (appts suggested) his other barbers are almost as good, well worth it!

Actually, nostalgia might have drawn me back there had it not been for the great new barber I found through Buzztown!

Thanks to Steve for this contribution

Royal Unisex Hair Style
16 Saint Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 473-8791

The shop on St. Mark's Place in New York City is open seven days a week. They specialize in short hair and will do straight razor work, including total head shaves and facial shaves. They have pictures in the window of a lot of good short haircut work. I discovered this shop from a fellow haircut fan from American OnLine. While I live in California, I recently was in NYC and got to check this shop out. I definitely think this place deserves to be on your list because my friend from AOL, who is a major haircut afficionado, picks this shop over any other in New York City (better than the much-hyped Astor Place, he says).

Ciro's Barber Shop
153 Medford Ave, Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: (516) 475-4762

Here's a shop located in Eastern Suffolk county, Long Island New York. Thanks to Freddy for sending in this strong recommendation for his barber Phil at Ciro's Barber Shop.

Phil, who is in his late 20's, excels in the art of old fashioned barber cutting. He is artful with buzzcuts, flattops, military high and tights. And he will do white walls - the only way - with hot lather and a blade.

Phil will take his time to describe and show you what he is talking about. He will always take it longer before going to the scalp without a misunderstanding. "Do you like the length? Do you like the points on your flat top or shall I round it off a bit?"

Ciro's barber is always busy. Young and old. All types of haircuts from the business cut to the landing strip. All haircuts are finished with a chilling neck shave. Also, you can buy Krew Comb wax at this shop.

So, if you are in the Patchogue area, gateway to the Hamptons, stop in and ask for Phil.

Joe's Barber Shop
Skyway Shopping Center, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 561-9173

Joe's is in a strip mall at the entrance of the old Air Force base. The two older guys do great flats. The younger guy is getting there. (Source: "Flatter" on Hairnet Hotline)

Langlais Tonsorial Parlor
41 Clinton Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 561-5055

A great place for flats, and he does a $6 shave, too. (Source: "Flatter" on Hairnet Hotline)

Nick's Barber Shop
506 Oswego St.. Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: (315) 479-2142

"A traditional shop with a friendly father-son barber team (Nick and Dan). Both do amazing work and take their time in getting cuts just right regardless of how busy they are (usually very). The clientele ranges from kids with elaborate hip-hop cuts to old timers getting their weekly trim. I've noticed that some guys will wait for the more experienced Nick, but Dan has given me (and then maintained) the best flat top I've ever had. If you see a perfect flat top or really great precision fade in Syracuse, chances are it came from Nick's. No request is considered strange, they will do exactly what you ask for. Prices seem to be on a sliding scale ranging from $6-12, apparently depending on the difficulty of the cut. A full head shave just cost me $10 (the most I've paid there so far), but Nick spent about a half hour making sure my head was smooth and shiny. It's in a really scary neighborhood, but the trip is well worth it."
Thanks to "N" for this contribution.

Salvatore's Barber Shop
6288 Thompson Rd Syracuse, NY 13206
Phone: (315) 437-1323

"A really fun place to get a good haircut. Salvatore and Frank are real characters. Sal is especially attentive to what the customer wants and will go to great lengths (no pun intended) to make sure he gives you just what you want. They deal with a generally more conservative clientele than Nicks, so I'm not sure if they do any of the "fancy" stuff. Both barbers give great crews, flats and ivy leagues."
Thanks to "N" for this contribution.

Fred's Barber Shop
Main Street, Syosset, New York
(located on Long Island, right next to the Syosset railroad station)

For you barber fans I have another great shop that has every bit of that old time 1930s flair.  The shop is called Fred's Barber Shop. Fred's is located on Main Street in Syosset, Long Island, New York.

If you like to do a little sight seeing and don't mind the wait, Friday evening or Saturdays bring standing room only. Fridays you can grab a trim till 7pm. Syosset is a bedroom community for business men working in the city. It seems as though you can always spot a Fred's barber haircut locally because the cuts are usually short.

The shop is a four chair shop with the old time tin ceiling for flavor. I prefer the first chair which belongs to Tony. Older gent who loves to dance the two step with his gal in off hours. All cuts are finished with an edge shave the old fashion way. Straight razor. A little tonic or gel and off you go. If you become a regular Tony will always say hello by your name and he will take you progressively to a low and tight taper slicked down and tight. I think this is Tony's favorite. Flattops, ivy league, tight tapers are the best. I have never seen Tony shave white walls and I am sure he would upon request. If ya like, just sit in the chair and Tony will tell you what you need. He'll mumble OK lets see... regular taper in the back and a little trim to the top. That's the time to speak up. Request will be honored. When Tony cuts your hair it's like he is making love. He whisper great stories in you ear and has a true love for people. He takes you away for a few  moments as he dances around the old barber chair performing his special ballet. Great views with mirrors all around filled with guys who love real man's haircuts. Try it you will like it.

Cuts are $7 dollars. Bead trim $4 and face shaves are available.
 
Listed: Dec 31 '98  

Bill's Barbershop
4337 Route 150, West Sand Lake, NY 12196
Phone (518) 674-3346
Hours Tuesday-Friday 8-6, Sat. 8-5.

Bill is an ex-marine about 35 or so and really understands short haircuts. The shop was packed when I was there, so I got to watch him give a few haircuts before he got to me. I saw him give a young guy with fairly long hair a great flattop. When he was about half-way done he asked the guy if it was short enough and the guy asked him how much shorter he could go. Bill responded that he could go a LOT shorter. This scared the guy a little though I think and he decided it was short enough.

When I sat in the chair with my three week old flattop (from the Deerfield Buzz if you remember) he seemed almost happy to know he would be giving me a good short haircut. I asked for a horseshoe/landing strip and he asked if I wanted zero on the sides. I said yes and he went to work. Let me tell you, zero to Bill means USMC zero. This is the best flattop I've ever had and so short on the top that the landing strip is only about 1/8th inch long. He told me that this is his best haircut and the one he first learned. When he was almost done, I watched as he went to the hot lather machine and filled one hand with what I thought was a lot of shaving cream to edge around the ears and neck. He proceeded to cover the sides and back of my head up to the crown with the hot lather. Now, I had heard about this in the Buzztown website, so I knew what he was about to do. He began lather shaving the lower 2/3rds of the sides and back. I had wanted to ask for this, but was a bit shy to ask for it. He did it without even asking. I knew he knew I would appreciate this extra service and I sure did. Now I'm sold on this and flattops will never again be the same for me absent this. He told me that he has about 7-8 customers that like the sides/back shaved. I've never had such a good close haircut. Gunny in Mass. might want to consider a drive over to try out Bill's Barbershop in West Sand Lake. It's about 5 miles east of Albany, New York. I plan on being a regular. Butch.

Thanks to Butch for this detailed review.
Update - Apr 2, 1998

I just wanted to add my comments regarding Bill's Barbershop in West Sand Lake, NY. I went because of the review that Buch had written, and I wasn't disappointed in the least.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see Bill's work in advance, as I was the only customer when I walked in. Too bad, as I would have loved to have seen him at his craft with other guys.

My hair was in a pretty short flattop when I walked in, but nonetheless, he looked at it and asked me if I wanted a "repair job." This flattop was short, but obviously not short enough for Bill. I told him I heard his specialty was short cuts, and he showed me a printout of the Buzztown Barbershop printout on barbers.

I got the same zero cut that Butch must have gotten. I hemmed and hawed for a second or two, but Bill's advice was to go for what I wanted. "It's your f***ing head," he said. "Then let's go for the high and tight flattop" was my almost instant reply.

And just like in Butch's case, Bill went to work, taking real good care to give me a regulation USMC haircut. It was a great experience, and I'd go back anytime. Bill took his time, shot the breeze with me, all the time buzzing away. He didn't hurry, and paid very close attention to what he was doing. He was friendly and talkative, and seemed pleased that I was asking for a "real" haircut.

A half hour later, with Bill buzzing very carefully to blend the top in perfectly, I finally got the hot lather and a nice, clean shave up the sides of my head. "Now you're a classic jarhead" said Bill, and he couldn't have been more right. It looked great.

Bill's extremely proud of the short cuts he gives, and it shows.

Thanks to Tom T. for his review of Bill's Barbershop in West Sand Lake, NY.
Update - May 3, 1998

After reading the previous two reviews of Bill's work I decided I had to try it out for myself. My longtime barber sustained a heart attack and needed to take a sudden leave of absence. I had been unable to find anyone who would take it as short as I wanted to, let alone shave the sides and back with a traight razor. When I arrived in Bill's shop, I was frustrated with weeks of bad haircuts, and ready to go for it! As I sat down in the chair I told Bill of the past few weeks bad haircuts. He resopnded by saying "I guess you want the zero,", and before I knew it he was off...and so was the mangy mess that other barbers had left behind. Where others hesitated, Bill enthusiastically went to work to give me the best high and tight I 've ever had!! He didn't rush, but did it in less than a half an hour. This man really knows what he's doing!! I had asked for a very high and very tight cut with a prominent horseshoe landing strip. After the first pass, Bill asked if it was short enough. Even though it was, I wanted to go shorter, so I asked if he could take it any shorter!! He managed to get it even shorter without ruining the shape! Now I am often asked if I'm in the service! That's my kind of haircut, and the razor job on the sides and back feels terrific! I often go for a total head shave, but will only do it if I know the Barber will use a straight razor, and take their time. Though Bill voiced his hesitancy to do the whole head with a straight razor, the end result with the high and tight was enough to trust him when it come s time for me to say "shave it all off and make it SHINE!!"

Definitely try Bill's if you're in the area, and if you're not...make a special trip!!

Thanks to Martin for this further update about Bill's Barbershop.
Update - Sep 3, 1998

I am fortunate enough to live just up the road from Bill's Barbershop in West Sand Lake, NY. Everything that these guys said about he quality of Bill's work is accurate. I am former Army myself, and he gives and is very proud of the quality of haircut that he gives. It is just plain dumb luck that Bill opened his shop practically in my back yard.

Thanks to NYArmyBoy for a further endorsement of this popular shop.

Pennsylvania

Lincoln Barber Shop
514 Lincoln Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202
Phone: (412) 766-1668

A lady barber named Chris, her son Aaron, and her sister Angie run this old fashioned shop. The sisters take turns during the week alternating days (Chris is on Tues and Thursdays from 9:00 till 11:00 or noon). Aaron is there everyday from around 10:00 am until closing. Aaron is a very good barber for his young age. He is normally the only one that does flattops in the shop. Angie is my personal favorite for a low-fade, and will give a straight razor neck shave for a special request, as will Chris (less often). If you're nearby Pittsburgh, this is the shop for a good, old fashioned, clean cut. Cuts are $8.00.

Frank's Barber Shop
8140 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia PA 19118
Phone: (215) 247-1400

Excellent place to go for any military style cut you want. It's were I go. Frank's an ex-Marine, around 65 or so, and loves to use the clippers. He usually cuts shorter than you want if you're trying to be conservitive, so be warned. Great tapers and fades. I've never had him shave the sides of my high and tight, but he probably would if I asked. Good reading material while you wait, including Leatherneck Magazine. Open Thurs.-Sat. Haircuts 10.00.
Thanks to Gunny who found this shop recommended elsewhere on the Web.

Harry's Barbershop
1324 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 545-2626

Recommended on the Hairnet Hotline (by Ric). "They are located on Locust St, behind the Doubletree Hotel (in the basement of another Hotel actually). The Doubletree is on Broad St. I like Sal the best. The place is very popular. I'd recommend an appointment."

Update - Sep 30, 1998

"A 70 year old, three chair shop, and it shows. A little run down but a cool experience anyway. Harry's partner, Sal, is the one to see for a good short cut. I've watched him work with the clippers many times and he's good. He takes his time and will cut just as short as you say. As you walk in the shop, he's on the left. Harry, on the right, is the one to see for a good shave. Lots of hot towels and lather. Never a knick. My second choice after Rocco and Elmers for a shave. Open Mon.-Fri. Haircuts 10.00. Shaves 8.00 "

Thanks to Gunny who found this shop recommended elsewhere on the Web.

Rocco and Elmers Barber Shop
609 S. 7th St. Philadelphia PA 19147
Phont: (215) 592-7830

Not a lot of charm in this half traditional, half modern shop. Rocco works in the modern half. He's a big fat loudmouth that spends more time in the back room with his friends than he does cutting hair. Avoid him. Elmer is a quiet man around 70 or so. Nice guy, but not much to look at. Cuts hair well, although I've never seen him give a tight cut with clippers. I've never let him cut my hair, but I do go to see him for a shave once a week. The best I've found in the city so far. He takes his time and shaves very close. Worth checking out if you're into good shaves. 5.00 for a shave. 10.00 for a shave and a facial massage. Open Tues.-Sat.
Thanks to Gunny who found this shop recommended elsewhere on the Web.

Wissahickon Barber Shop
5113 Rochelle Ave. Philadelphia PA
Phone: (215) 482-1300

Sab the barber is excellent for any style. Short, medium, long, doesn't matter. Of course we're all interested in short, and he's great. Very meticulous. I've been in his chair up to 30 minutes getting my high and tight cleaned up. No neck shaves with a razor, he uses clippers for all the work. Open Tues.-Sat. Wednesday's by appointment only. Haircuts 11.00 Various other services offered like steam facials and massages. No shaves.
Thanks to Gunny who found this shop recommended elsewhere on the Web.

Tony Polito's Barber Shop and Military Museum
1501 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, PA 19382
(Route 203/322, just north of the Pennsylvania/Delaware border)
Phone: (610) 459-1245

"Had my hair cut here only once on the way home from a road trip. I couldn't resist a shop that was a military museum too. Tony seems to be an ex-serviceman (I don't know what branch). Cool shop to get a haircut in. Several old and new unifroms hang on the wall, and lots of military memorabilia too. A few glass cases full of military hardware like swords, knifes, and hand grenades are there. A really nice collection. Since I've only had my hair cut there once I don't think I can give an accurate review of his barbering talents, but he did do a good job on me when I was there. I'd go again. Nice green leather chair. Haircuts 9.50.

Access to the shop is gotten going north on Rt.202/322. Going south you have to make a u-turn."

Thanks to Gunny who found this shop recommended elsewhere on the Web.

Rhode Island

Scotts Custom Cuts,
1341 W. Main Road, Middletown, RI
(opposite Stop & Shop grocery store, at side of mall building)
Phone: (401) 846-1975
Walk-in.
Shop hours: Tue-Fri 8.30am-5.00pm; Sat. 8.00-400; Closed Mon.

Having benefited enormously from the wealth of information on the Buzztown pages, I am pleased to be able to contribute a barbershop listing of my own, and a first for Rhode Island at that.  This shop was recommended to me by a guy on the mens haircuts chat room, and I got to visit it recently.  It is located in a small strip mall (Airport Plaza?) at the side of the mall building, around the corner from the Armed Forces recruiting Office.  While it has a salon type set-up (seating area is separated from barber by a low wall), this is a great traditional men’s barber shop. Scott is a dynamic, energetic and very personable guy.  While it is a single-barber shop, Scott works fast, but pays attention to the customer’s wishes, and checked with me several times that I was happy with the length and appearance of the cut.  I ended up with a very precise flattop (with prominent landing strip) and the back and sides clipped to the skin. Being a regular at Mike’s in Melrose, the one drawback at Scott’s is the total lack of shaving in this shop.  However, the overall appearance of the cut more than compensates for this deficiency.  Middletown is the town adjoining Newport, (about a 15 min bus ride away from Newport and about 55 mins from Providence), so if you ever find yourself  vacationing in Newport, do check out this great shop.
 
Listed: Dec 31 '98
Thanks to htmike for this detailed review of the first Rhode Island shop listed on Buzztown.

Vermont

Associates in Haircutting
113 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 658-2884

I'm writing to you to let you know that there is one very important barber shop in Vermont that has been left out. I'm talking about Associates in Haircutting, located on College St. in Burlington, VT. It has been an established barber shop since 1969. The owner has been a barber for 48 years. It is the best barber shop in the city. It has a very friendly atmosphere and is just like the old style barber shops with the old fashioned barber chairs.

The specialties are military, flat tops, Princeton, and many more popular mens' cuts. All of the barbers are women except for the owner. Now that is unique in itself. So if you're ever in the area come down and check us out, I know that you'll be happy with what you see.

Thanks,
A Barber in Burlington.
 
Listed: Oct 28 '98
Thanks to Associates in Haircutting for sending details of their shop to Buzztown.

The Barbershop (also called Dick's Barber Shop)
1299 Williston Rd., South Burlington, VT 05403-5721
Phone: (802) 862-4417

A Buzztown visitor says that this is "a three chair shop. Dick,the owner, is the older guy in back. He does the best Flat tops in the area, but the other two guys are pretty good, too. The shop specializes in military cuts, and every cop, researvist, fireman, and federal officer in the area goes there."

Back to the Barber Shop Listing directory

Buzztown Barber ShopHomeContentsEmail

This page hosted byGeoCitiesGet your own Free Home Page

1