Can you guess where I am?

I am sitting in a padded chair, which fully supports my spine, wearing a large plastic bib in a slightly reclined posture, while another patron, a man, sits a short distance away in a nearly flat supine position. It is quite an intimate experience where the proprietor of the shop touches, caresses, prods, and pokes using various instruments and tools to engage me in a very personal  experience.

If you guessed hair salon, you would be right, but if you guessed dentist, you would also be right. It is no coincidence that both scenarios at one time was interchangeable. In the olden days the town barber was also the town surgeon!

Those highly skilled experts using sharp razors and powerful tools performed myriad services beyond just trims and shaves; ranging from bloodletting to tooth extractions and sometimes even limb amputations.

I am thankful this much needed practice has splintered into two distinct professions, and I try to go to each every six months.  Before starting this project, we had no idea about the number of hair salons and barbershops in our area. Keep scrolling down to hear my  stories and observations (along with photos) from 5 hair cutting experiences in the neighborhood this past year. 

Aug 19th @ 4:30pm

BiBi & Cucu Barbershop (now called Bibi & JD Barbershop)
$60 + $20 tip
Total time 60 minutes
Atmosphere: fun! dance music, ceiling lights thin hexagonal fluorescent lighting

Before

After

Sunday August 24th @ 2pm  
D’Franco Hair Salon
$50 + $20 tip. 
Total time: 30 minutes
Atmosphere: more traditional with silver frames, black fixtures and plants

getting styled by Luis

after

Friday January 23, 2026 1:20pm
54 Nail Spa and Barbershop
$55 with $10 tip via venmo
Total Time: 25 minutes
Atmosphere: lady’s hangout with manicurist and foot bath comfy chairs set up.

before

after

Tuesday Feb 10, 2pm
New Star Nails Beauty Salon
$20 each for Harley and me.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes total.
Atmosphere: Valentine’s decorations created a festive feel in a quiet midweek afternoon, under the occasional loud rumblings of the 7 train

before

after

Sunday March 15, 2026 1:30pm-2:30 pm
8 Brothers Barber Shop
$50 (plus I had to run back home to get $12 cash for tip)
Total time: 30 minutes
Atmosphere: no nonsense barbershop with posters of men’s short hair cuts. There’s an amazing plant that goes around the circumference of the room.

before

after