2.23.2010

B.S.L. (Barber Shop Life)

While I've been getting great, free haircuts from my friend Steve while he's been training at Vidal Sassoon, there's been this little hole-in-the-wall, largely-signless barbershop two blocks down College that I've been wanting to try out for a while, especially after hearing positive reviews from a couple of friends and realizing I've never been to a proper barbershop.

(What Google Street View Saw)

So last week I finally paid Blood & Bandages (932 College St., Toronto, 416-357- 9178) a visit, walking in at just the right time between other appointments, the shop's two barbers and their apprentice just talking about the possibility of a facebook group despite the owner's reticence/lack of FB familiarity (the group page seems to be MIA at present blogging). The place itself is a really cool, cozy (97 sq. feet) throwback with some vintage signs and Playboys inside, and while I was there, garage rock and Public Enemy playing off someone's iTunes.

John (seemingly the second in command) sat me down and got to work on the fade I'd asked for (I did some cursory barber terminology research before heading there just to make sure I wasn't asking for anything too ridiculous). The cut was quick and efficient, clippers mainly on the side and back and then some decisive cuts on the top, probably 15 minutes in all. Come styling time we decided to flip my part from the right side I've been using for the last year or two back to the left on account of a "solid" hairline on the right. Some pomade (I should have asked which kind, but am making due with a combination of Shoppers' purchased Dax "Wave and Groom" and some internet-sourced Levin's "Super Soft" hair pomade) and a brush of what I think was talcum power, and I was left, very happily, with this:


But now I need a better comb...

2.08.2010

Questionable Taste Throwback Alert!!!

Do you remember that first Transplants album? I have no idea why but I really enjoyed it at the time, even though most of what I was listening to otherwise was the Stooges and Pavement.

Oh "Diamonds & Guns", it's so hard not to think of a shampoo commercial while listening to you now...