The Art of Manliness Weekly Roundup: Barber Shop Edition
February 9, 2008
Photo by Alan C.
For the past few months, I’ve been looking for a barber shop to go to. Sadly, barber shops have been on the decline in the United States. Barber shops used to be a place where a man could get a sharp haircut, a clean shave and decent conversation. Because of the disappearance of barber shops men have been forced to get their haircut at salon’s by cosmetologists whose training is geared towards cutting women’s hair. Every time I’ve gone to a place like this, I’ve always walked away with a bad haircut.
Thankfully, I found a barber shop here in town. Monty’s the barber I had. Barbering has been a family tradition in Monty’s family for three generations. Everything Monty knows, he learned from his grandfather. The experience was great. I shot the breeze with the other barbers and the other clients in the shop and I got an awesome haircut. What I liked most about the cut was he used hot lather and a single blade razor to clean up the area on my neck and around my ears. Pretty damn smooth. Monty does hot lather shaves with the single blade razor as well. I’ll be going back soon to get that done.
Now for some links.
Advent of the Mustache. Mustaches are back. Get in touch with your inner Burt Reynolds. (@ msn men)
The Fitness and State of Mind of a Royal Marines Commando. The Royal Marines are hard core. This guide provides you with an awesome guide on how to workout like them. (@ just a guy thing)
Living Indubiously. This site is authored by two brothers with cystic fibrosis. These guys aren’t having pitty parties about the cards they’ve been dealt. They’re taking life by the horns and kicking its ass. Much like Teddy Roosevelt, they haven’t let their sickness get them down through grit and hard work. If you need some inspiration to get off your butt and do something with your life, check this site out. (@ living indubiously)
The Choice-Minimal Lifestyle: 6 Formulas for More Output and Less Overwhelm. Simplicity is a manly virtue. Plato, Emerson, and the Spartans all preached simplicity as the best way to develop manliness. This post from Tim Ferris is all about it simplifying so you can accomplish more. (@ the four hour work week)
Working Smarter, No Matter Your Income Level or Economic Situation. Hard work is necessary but not sufficient to get ahead in life. You also have to work smart. Trent from the Simple Dollar has given a great write up on what you can do to work smarter and get ahead in life. (@ the simple dollar)
What should I tell my children if they were to ask me “How to choose the right spouse?” Choosing a spouse is probably the most important decision you’ll ever make. I’m blessed enough to have an awesome wife. Seriously, I don’t know where I would be with out her. Read this post for some great advice on choosing a spouse. (@ father sez)
Love and Care of the GREAT KILT Kilts are manly. Ever see Braveheart?
If you are around Portland, Maine: Bob’s Barber Shop is a refuge.
Hi Brett,
Thanks for the kind mention and the link.
Best regards
State Street Barbers in Boston is fantastic! The do a great job on my hair and beard. Only place I’ve found that can keep my 1-2″ beard looking neat and tight…
@fathersez:
You’re very welcome!
my husband got a haircut at some hole-in-the-wall barber shop when we were engaged and had the time of his life. at the time, i didn’t get it.
thanks to you i now see that the barbershop culture, though waning, could be as fun for men as the salon culture is for (some) women. i’m not a salon goer myself, but i can see the appeal. too bad about the lack of barber shops. you have made me a believer.
I once stuck my penis into a barber’s mouth. True story.
Hawleywood’s Barber Shop in Newport Beach and Long Beach CA is absolutely the best ever. I was there last week for a shave and a haircut. Name me any place in America where you can get better service for $30.00? NO WHERE. They are the best, bringing back old school barbering techniques. I’ve been a loyal customer for the past 8 years, but I wish it was longer. I’ve moved to CO but when I’m back in town I always make an appointment. I suggest you do the same. Call ahead as they book up fast.
The Reverend
http://layrite.com/
I got a kick out of this one. The same barber that gave me my first haircut still cut my hair until a couple of years ago. When he turned 100 years old, he decided to close his shop and move his chair to his house! His price was $3 for the works because he didn’t think a haircut and a shave was worth more than that.
That was something that I most looked forward to - the cut and a shave every two weeks. And the vibrator massage afterwards, of course.
I don’t know where you live but around here (East Tennessee), barber shops are still plentiful. I can think of 5 or 6 within a few miles’ drive. My “new” barber gives me the same “works” but unfortunately, at twice the price. It costs me SIX bux for the full treatment nowadays. Darned inflation!
John