proper-barbershop.jpg

Don’t be fooled by the tattoo parlor vibe, Vinnie Morey’s shop is serious about the business of barbering. Though they’re known for their period piece cuts, they can handle pretty much anything, right down to a finely ecuted straight razor shave. Morey looks like he belongs on Spike TV’s InkMaster but trained at Vidal Sassoon and later completed barbering school. While he can chat the nuances of a ’20s cut versus those of the ’30s or ’40s ("during the great depression guys had longer hair with light tapers or fades and would style comb overs or quiffs to avoid having to pay for a cut") Morey keeps his passion for street culture at the forefront by collaborating with brands like Ruckus Apparel and Filtrate Eyewear. If you want to pop in for a cut (first timers are only charged $20), don’t feel intimidated by a lack of tattoo flash. "We get mostly suit and tie guys, with a few rappers or skaters mid in."

The Space: "The idea was to include a mix of high-end elements like cherry wood and granite countertops while still staying true to our punk rock and skateboarding culture," says Morey. You’ll find vintage movie posters, barber poles, signed skateboards, bumper stickers, and modern art from local artists. Chairs face out, instead of towards the mirror, to encourage chatting with your neighbor.

The Cut: "We give a lot of really tight fades, comb overs or slick backs," says Morey. "The shop really resurrected the hard part, too, where you actually carve a part into the hair to define it."

A few of Morey’s Favorite Things:

Uppercut Delu Shave Cream

"It’s got a little bit of menthol and really opens up the pores for the cleanest shave possible."

Grants Golden Brand Pomade

"This is a really cool water-soluble pomade. I love that it’s a small family owned business out of Santa Barbara."

Gabels Bay Rum After Shave Lotion

"It’s timeless and refreshing. We love this and sell it in the shop."

Related Stories for GQHairGrooming