"In my day, a barber was a counselor. He was a fashion expert. A style coach..."
That quote, of course, is from the movie "Barbershop." And while some of it had to be edited out, you get the picture. With generic haircut chains popping up around the country, what happened to the real, authentic barbers?
The answer: You're not looking hard enough. Getting a haircut can be just a series of snips and buzzes, but in Philadelphia, there are plenty of barbershops that provide something more. Here are five places to enjoy a full barbershop experience.
Barber on 24th/FacebookThe interior of Barber on 24th.The staff is talkative and friendly, and the haircuts are reasonably priced compared to other high-end barbershops (a men's cut is $30, but that pales in comparison to other premium shops). For regulars, the results are consistent and more than satisfactory.
1617 Barbershop & Beauty Salon/FacebookA finished haircut from a barber at 1617 Barbershop & Beauty Salon.While attending Temple University, many friends of mine would head back to their hometown to get their haircuts. That's something I never understood considering this underrated gem sits right on Cecil B. Moore. There's plenty to rave about, but the barbers at 1617 all exemplify one thing in particular: attention to detail.
Google Maps/Street ViewThe exterior of Cutmasters Barber Shop on Girard Avenue.Just a short walk from Fishtown and Northern Liberties is Cutmasters, which offers cheap cuts without sacrificing quality. It's also a great place to get a shave, shampoo and everything else to complete your hair-related needs.
Anthony's Barber Shop/FacebookA finished haircut at Anthony's Barber Shop.Yelp can be deceiving, but when reviews are so overwhelmingly positive, you have to take them seriously, and those writing about Anthony's say the shop is "salon quality in a barbershop atmosphere" and that it's in "a league of its own," among other things. Plus, the shop once made Nick Jonas its profile picture on Facebook, which means they either have a great sense of humor or are big fans (either would be acceptable).
The King of Shave/FacebookThe exterior of The King of Shave barbershop.Don't be intimated by the king: You'll enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at this Center City shop. But the jazz music in the background and welcoming staff aren't the only reasons to visit. The barbers care about their craft and listen attentively to what you ask for, whether it's a shave or a haircut.