Mr. Haircut No. 1 doesn't claim to be anything more than a traditional barbershop. And for this reason it excels beautifully.
Barbershops as we know them are nearly gone, having been replaced by high-class salons and franchise cutteries.
There are, however, some that remain. While these have been forced to make modern adaptations, they maintain the spirit of an older age. Mr. Haircut No. 1 is such a place.
The barber shop is located downtown on Broad Street tucked in subtly beside Espresso Royale café, as if to escape the commotion of modern life. It has been serving Athenians and University students since 1968.
My recent visit provided many surprises. There was no TV blaring in the corner of the shop, and no Nintendo was set up to entertain young visitors. I did not find hair coloring, chemicals, waxes or manicures.
Rather, Mr. Haircut No. 1 offers the necessities, and not much more.
My $12 haircut was great, as was the service from the delightfully nice women working there.
Optional shampoos cost $3 and are definitely worth the money. The one I had made my day 10 times better -- but maybe that's because I had not showered in a while.
What really makes Mr. Haircut stand out are the shaves they offer, said Pam Mullins, an employee since 1987.
No barbershop would be complete without the use of straight razors, in which Mr. Haircut happens to specialize.
There is something about this form of shaving that produces awe. Perhaps it is the fact that straight razors provide the closest shave possible. Perhaps it is the romantic, classic feel they create.
Following my haircut I had my neck shaved with one of these razors and some hot foam.
More than the magnificent haircut and shave, the traditional atmosphere within the shop made me appreciate Mr. Haircut No. 1.
It was the Monday morning discussion of the past Saturday's ball game. It was about the small town feel that is still alive in the ever-growing Classic City, recreated in places like these.
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