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A Step Back in Time
Oct. 1st, 2013 12:42 pmHaving returned from out of town yesterday, I felt physically tired, mentally relaxed, and more than a little scruffy. I haven’t had time to get my haircut lately, and in typical out-of-town-style, I never got around to shaving. In short, I was a mess! So as a bit of a last-minute treat, I decided to head down to a hidden gem in downtown Santa Ana – the American Barber Shop.
Paul and I have been going to the American Barber Shop since it opened a few years back. And since that time, we’ve watched it grow from a mostly-gutted brick-wall space to a truly retro shop. Here’s the thing – the American Barber Shop is NOT a California hair salon – not one bit. It is a true retro Barber Shop. They cater specifically to men. You walk in, and there is just something about it – maybe the moosehead over the antique cash register… or the Leg Lamp a la A Christmas Story… or the stacks of GQ, Maxim, Playboy (interesting articles), or Men’s Health stacked up in the waiting area. But all around, there is a sense of masculinity – guys just being guys.
I don’t have a regular barber. I usually take advantage of NOT having to make an appointment and just walking in (often on my lunch break since it is close to both work and home). I have gotten buzzed by George, A.J., Joe, Jose, Abraham, and a few times by Sophie. I keep waiting for Danny, who seems to have quite the following with my buds, but the timing never seems to work. But I can’t complain – every time I’ve gone in, it is a treat.
Hearing my name called, I get comfortable in an antique barbershop chair as a heavily tattooed barber gets to work. I told him I wanted a shave and a haircut (two bits!). And that is just what I got. But the shave is always something special – they use straight razors – YIPES! I usually do my best to NOT think about Sweeny Todd, and instead just focus on the fact that I will end up with baby-soft skin. Of course, that also comes down to the combination of skin-gook that they use – often also retro products – in between courses of hot steamy towels. I swear, between the soothing feeling of the electric razor to the base of my neck, and the hot towels, I could just fall right to sleep. But I was rather surprised this last go-around to get a face massage while under the hot towel. “Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!” went the machine. All I could think to myself was, “Did you guys get a hold of a… um… a.. um… a ‘hysteria’ device?” Turns out, they were using some sort of 50’s or 60’s electric face-massager tool. WTF? I had never even HEARD of such a thing! But it felt wonderful!
By the time all was said and done, I felt relaxed – I really enjoyed the overall look created by my barber – and I ended up paying far less than a fru-fru salon would charge. So here’s the thing guys – GUYS – if you are looking for a really cool haircut – some guy bonding – or a retro history experience …
…GO TO THE AMERICAN BARBER SHOP IN SANTA ANA!
Paul and I have been going to the American Barber Shop since it opened a few years back. And since that time, we’ve watched it grow from a mostly-gutted brick-wall space to a truly retro shop. Here’s the thing – the American Barber Shop is NOT a California hair salon – not one bit. It is a true retro Barber Shop. They cater specifically to men. You walk in, and there is just something about it – maybe the moosehead over the antique cash register… or the Leg Lamp a la A Christmas Story… or the stacks of GQ, Maxim, Playboy (interesting articles), or Men’s Health stacked up in the waiting area. But all around, there is a sense of masculinity – guys just being guys.
I don’t have a regular barber. I usually take advantage of NOT having to make an appointment and just walking in (often on my lunch break since it is close to both work and home). I have gotten buzzed by George, A.J., Joe, Jose, Abraham, and a few times by Sophie. I keep waiting for Danny, who seems to have quite the following with my buds, but the timing never seems to work. But I can’t complain – every time I’ve gone in, it is a treat.
Hearing my name called, I get comfortable in an antique barbershop chair as a heavily tattooed barber gets to work. I told him I wanted a shave and a haircut (two bits!). And that is just what I got. But the shave is always something special – they use straight razors – YIPES! I usually do my best to NOT think about Sweeny Todd, and instead just focus on the fact that I will end up with baby-soft skin. Of course, that also comes down to the combination of skin-gook that they use – often also retro products – in between courses of hot steamy towels. I swear, between the soothing feeling of the electric razor to the base of my neck, and the hot towels, I could just fall right to sleep. But I was rather surprised this last go-around to get a face massage while under the hot towel. “Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!” went the machine. All I could think to myself was, “Did you guys get a hold of a… um… a.. um… a ‘hysteria’ device?” Turns out, they were using some sort of 50’s or 60’s electric face-massager tool. WTF? I had never even HEARD of such a thing! But it felt wonderful!
By the time all was said and done, I felt relaxed – I really enjoyed the overall look created by my barber – and I ended up paying far less than a fru-fru salon would charge. So here’s the thing guys – GUYS – if you are looking for a really cool haircut – some guy bonding – or a retro history experience …
…GO TO THE AMERICAN BARBER SHOP IN SANTA ANA!
