Cut it out: Finding a new barber
Cutting your hair is kind of a big deal. Hair (or lack of it) doesn’t define who you are, but does helps shape your identity. I moved to Chicago in 2004 to attend school at Columbia College Chicago. Before moving to the Windy City, I made sure to get a haircut because I didn’t know how long it would take to find a new barber.
I didn’t start looking for a barber until a good month and a half into school. Meeting new friends, learning my way around the city, and getting adjusted to college classes took came first. By October my hair was starting to get a little “poofy” and I decided that it was time to start looking for a barbershop. Remember, I’m the guy who had been going to the same barbershop all my life (Art’s Barbershop in Minnesota). I was used to my barber, the way he styled & cut, and the general barbershop atmosphere.
I didn’t have to search long to find my first new barber. I noticed a kid in my science class that had a nice fade-cut. I decided to ask him where he got it done. His answer, “This kid named Kwayland.” Long story short, Kwayland was a student at Columbia College and a licensed barber. He cut hair out of his dorm room for $10. I tried Kwayland, he did good work, so I kept returning (for about two years).
In the spring of 2006, Kwayland graduated – so it was time for me to find a new barber. Long story short (again), I found this place called D Jons of Chicago Barber Salon (located blocks away from Columbia’s Main Campus at 600 S. Michigan Ave.
D Jons has been in the neighborhood for a number of years and offers a number of services for men and women. The business caters primarily to African-American cliental, but don’t let that stop you from going in and getting “fixed up”. The atmosphere is sports bar meets barbershop. The building is relatively large (6 or 7 people can be get their done simultaneously). A bank of TV’s suspended from the ceiling offering customers entertainment while they sit underneath the clippers. The staff is friendly and loves to strike up conversations. The price is a little steep… around $25 for a guys cut (I’m a college student who’s used to paying $10 to $15). Nevertheless the service is good (you can make an appointment by phone or just walk in). My barber is Liz – she does a great job!