Hair is culture.
Take a step into one of Chicago's constantly thriving family-run barbershops and you can see it with your very own eyes. They're one of the few places where creativity, self-expression, and community join together under one roof.
We teamed up with Coors Light to celebrate this touchstone of black culture by speaking with proprietors from some of the very best in Chicago. They told us where they come from, how they came to open up shop in their neighborhoods, and why cutting hair matters to them.
In light of the stories we're going to help tell, take this opportunity to Enter to win free haircuts for a year!
Madison Street Barbers
2429 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612
Do312: Tell us a little bit about how your shop started. When did it open?
Madison Street Barbers:
"Madison Street Barbers opened in October 2014. I started the shop with money that I earned and made from selling my first barbershop which was an already established business. Growing up I always wanted a barbershop in the city of Chicago and incorporating the street name Madison made our business easier to locate. Plus Madison has always been known as a place where some of the best barbershops in the city were known. It was an honor to be a part of an extensive history!"
Funk’s Barbershop
429 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
Do312: What is it about the neighborhood community that drew you to open a barbershop?
Funk’s Barbershop:
"Funk’s Barbershop is in the South Loop of downtown Chicago. It resides (street level) in the historical Manhattan building in Printer’s Row. There were two main things I would not sacrifice as far as location. The first, it had to be downtown (foot traffic was a must), secondly, I wanted tall windows so people could see in. It was important to feel like we were interacting with the public, they could see us cutting hair, and vice versa. To this day when people stop to take pictures, I invite them in to have a look around. I am proud of the diversity we have in Funk’s Barbershop and feel it is a good representation of Chicago."
Technique Designs
1575 Sibley Blvd, Calumet City, IL 60409
Do312: Tell us a little about your customers/clients. What do they mean to you and why do they keep coming back?
Technique Designs:
"There is definitely a difference between a customer and a client ... A customer comes in and goes... a client stays with you for years till they become friends and family - especially when you have three generations coming to your hair salon or barbershop, you go to the graduations and proms and weddings birthdays, etc., and, sad to say funerals. I can vouch I actually had to bury a few and do their hair for the funeral. That’s a FAMILY!"
RazorRed Grooming Solutions
2234 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612
Do312: What do you strive to bring to the community through your business and talents?
RazorRed Grooming Solutions:
"We’re here to show that Chicago communities thrive best when all cultures are accepted and celebrated. Our business is evidence that we can all live and work together as a collective community. Though once segregated, today is a new day and there’s no other place than a barbershop that cultivates togetherness by sharing hairstyles, music, sports, and more! Not only do you get a great haircut, you’ll also enjoy the flavor."
3 Sinks
2204 W Chicago Ave #1, Chicago, IL 60622
Do312: What does barbershop culture bring to this neighborhood?
3 Sinks:
"It brings a warm, safe space for men and women of all walks of life can come to receive a service that promotes them feeling good about their appearance, while being able to engage others in a manner that fosters community development.
Our goal has always been to deliver a salon/barbershop experience to welcome people from all different walks of life. Diversity has always and continues to be a point of emphasis. We strive to create an environment where conversations can be had, that highlight how similar we all are, even though we may look different."
We hope you enjoyed reading these stories as much as we loved helping to tell them!
