6 authentic old school barbers in the U.S.

Somewhere in the second half of the last century, the red, white and blue spinning stripes of the barber pole fell out of fashion. However, over the last decade, in a world that’s overly connected, there has been an interesting trend toward returning to something more authentic— the old school barber shop. Here are six old school barbers that have been shaving, cutting and bantering way before it was cool (again):

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A step back in time to about 1907 – Photo courtesy of Ray’s Barbershop

1. Ray’s: Salt Lake City, UT

Stepping into this floor-to-ceiling wood-lined barbering hall, you’d think you just stepped back into the turn of the century. Ray’s is the kind of place that they just don’t make anymore, where leather and iron barber chairs sit waiting for shaggy customers. Settle into a shave and a cut in a friendly and old-timey environment that will make you wish you were wearing shoes nice enough to get polished.
Address: 154 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT

The shop that pretty much invented the old school barber shop – Photo Courtesy of George’s Barbershop

2. George’s Barber Shop: Saugus, MA

It literally doesn’t get any more old school than George’s. This old school barber shop located about 20 minutes outside Boston opened its doors in 1902, making it the oldest operating barber shop in the country. Behind the scissors of this family run shop are two fourth generation barbers, who shave, cut and style amid the shop’s single row of vintage chairs and walls adorned with sports memorabilia. Grab a chair at George’s and catch up on news from around the neighborhood while getting styled up.
Address: 59 Jackson St, Saugus, MA

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3. Vincent’s Barber: Brooklyn, NY

In New York, Vincent’s Barber in Flatbush is the place to be—and has been for a long time. Hair has been snipped, cut and buzzed inside these same four walls for well over 100 years, making it arguably the oldest barber shop in New York. Vincenzo Luca, a Sicily native with 40-years of barbering experience, now runs the no-frills, family-owned establishment in the heart of Brooklyn. A haircut here will only set you back $13, which is pretty tough to beat nowadays.
Address: 1505 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn, NY

Leonfrom Shepard’s BarberShop – Conroe, Texas | Flickr CC: Cyril Fluck

4. Shepard’s Barber Shop: Conroe, TX

Nothing gives you more old school barber credibility than having cut the hair of Elvis Presley! Located about 45 minutes north of Houston, this shop’s claim to fame dates back to 1955 where they hosted one of the most iconic singers of all time. While in town for a performance, a young Elvis Presley came to Shepard’s barber shop for a trim. Aside from the King blessing the shop with his presence, Shepard’s has been cutting hair for over nine decades—a true old school barber.
Address: 116 Simonton St, Conroe, TX

5. Earl’s Barber Shop: Portland, OR

The man behind the name on the door has been standing at his barber chair for the past 35 years. Earl opened up shop on Alberta Street in Portland 23 years ago. Since then he has earned the trust of several of the Portland Trail Blazers including star Terry Porter in his prime. Earl’s Barber Shop is a one man show in the heart of PDX where a solid cut will only run about $10.
Address: 1726 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR

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This is how the do it in Fargo – Photo courtesy of Graver’s Barbershop

6. Graver Barbers – Fargo, ND

An institution in downtown Fargo for over 80 years, Graver’s has been keeping the city looking good for generations. Inside the shop, you’ll find some of the coolest old school barber chairs around. Standing behind the chairs are Joel and Ryan the sons of Don who cut hair daily at Graver’s since the early 1960s. Outside the shop is a traditional spinning barbershop pole out front letting you know that they still take pride in their craft here in Fargo.
Address: 630 2nd Ave N, Fargo, ND

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