…you are some fancy longish ‘do lover [removed “a girl”… see comments below], a metro, a fancypants, not chill, not cool, a Dep owner, a spiker, a punkrocker, a tightwad, an indy rocker, a progressive… ok you get the idea.
Staples Barber Shop has been run by Ken Staples for an eternity. Quite literally, Ken Staples has been around since the 50s cutting hair (I’m guessing but it doesn’t matter, anyway). Ken stands out amongst the gentlemen that cut only men’s hair in this traditional Charlottesville establishment. His hair is whiter, his hands are shakier, less people sit in his chair, but trust me it’s worth it.
I never thought I would recommend a barber when he makes me fear the loss of an ear.
Ken knows Charlottesville. If you think you visit Staples’ Barber Shop for a haircut, you are dead wrong son. You go there for the experience. I don’t know of any place in Charlottesville that flattens the playing field for everyone. From ex-frat brothers to Jim the HVAC guy, everyone knows that once you get the ticket you wait in line like everyone else. And, when you are getting a haircut you talk Football, UVA and Charlottesville.
But Ken is special, and not just because half the photography students in town have featured his shop. Unfortunately, his chair is more empty than others these days. He has lost his appeal and it’s not right. I know it’s because the clientele are scared that shaky hands mean blood spillage. Folks, I’ve done it twice and not once have I been harmed by Ken’s not-so-steady hands.
I don’t really care about my haircut anyway (except when I’m going on the runway).
Ken and all the guys at the shop offer something more homely and down to earth than 3 inch nails at Hair Cuttery or snobby New York wannabees at Moxie… These guys will answer anything you want to know about Charlottesville. Ask Ken what Barracks Road used to look like. Ask him whose hair he’s cut. Listen to him tell stories about a Charlottesville from way back when.
I respect him because he’s such a nice person and if you have spent any time in Charlottesville, you need to meet him. Do it and enjoy your experience. It’s only 13 bucks. Plus, if the haircut is really bad, just put some gel in it and tell everyone it’s the latest style from Moxie… they will believe you.
P.S. Staples is located in Barracks road between Quiznos and Greenberry’s across from Gamestop. Don’t go on weekends (it’s too crowded).
Popularity: 6% [?]
Tagged as: Barber, Charlottesville, Haircuts, History, Local Business, Men, Real Life, Reviews
Ken is an absolute gem! And you’re right - he knows as much about local lore as anybody. A true gentleman, he’s also quite the entertainer (don’t believe me? Just ask him!). He’s also very community-minded - he’s been on the Dogwood Festival Committee since, well, forever, and he’s always been generous to a fault when it comes to giving back to the community. And maybe his hands shake more than they used to, but if I know Ken he’ll hang up his scissors and straight razor before he becomes a danger to his customers. He just isn’t going to let that happen - no way.
I’m glad you featured him. He’s part of what makes Charlottesville special. Miller’s isn’t Miller’s, The Nook isn’t The Nook, and even The Paramount isn’t the Paramount any longer (really - can’t they do something about those obscene ticket prices? How about 1/2 price day-of-show seats?). But Staples is still Staples.
I grew up getting my haircut at Staples…
*sigh* I almost feel guilty now for getting me herr did at Reflections(although it’s only cuz I know one of the chicks who works there).
I love the place. I would never consider getting my hair cut anywhere else in town.
I’ve never seen Ken’s chair empty.
FWIW, his father cut my hair as a kid.
A true Charlottesville institution, to be sure.
Every now and then some guy will wander into Staples and ask for something … um … trendy. “I’m sorry, son, this is a barber shop - we just do regular haircuts.”
I hope that never changes.
I love the homage you are paying to a true Charlottesville establishment. However, I want to take issue with your opening line, “Staples Barber Shop: It’s where you get your hair cut unless… you are a girl…” I’m a girl (ok, a woman in her 30’s) and I have just celebrated my 10th anniversary of getting my hair cut at Staples. Granted, not by MR. STAPLES, but still. I was recommended to Frank by another woman with short hair, and I’ve never gone anywhere else. Since then, I’ve had people come up to me on the street to compliment me on my haircut. I’ve even got my mom going to Staples, and she loves it too. Some don’t like the long waits, but I love the time to read and catch up on local news. Staples Barber Shop: It’s where you get your hair cut unless… you need some fancy, longish ‘do.
Julia - Thanks for the comment. I had never seen a woman get her haircut there, but know we are all more educated!
So you heard it ladies.. you can go there too.
Waldo - Maybe you go during busy times.. I try to avoid busy times at all costs.
I have been going to Staples going on 15 years, and there is nowhere else in town I would get my hair cut. When I walk in the door, every one of them (except the new guy at the end, whatever his name is) knows my name and calls it out. Mr. Staples and the crew (Frank, James, Earl, John and Steve) remember when I go out of town and ask me about it when I am back for my next cut. What other shop can boast that? Even if Mr. Staples no longer has his A game, I still trust him implicitly.
One more for the girls…Frank has been cutting my hair for 5 years now! Mr. Staples always says hello and makes me feel welcome amongst all of the testosterone. Frank is the best in town for short style hair cuts - he usually has at least 3 waiting for him whenever I visit. Yes, visit is the key. The clientele is fun to watch -from the 3 year old boy getting his first cut (and the smile that erupts from finally getting to the lollipop!) - to the mega-men of sports dishing out how to fix the latest sports teams woes - to the seniors of our community who make take a little more time and assistance getting to those green chairs. Most importantly - every one of them - Mr. Staples, Frank, Earl, James, and Steve, and their customers - are Gentlemen! I wouldn’t miss my visits for the world!
I cut out “a girl”.. thanks again ladies
About 10 years ago I was in Staples Barber shop looking to relocate to the area.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Staple about a job cutting hair. I only wish I had taken him up on the offer. I felt right at home there.
Don the Bushwacker
I used to go to Staples; it’s a great place to go for a standard haircut.
PS if you’re looking for something creative, check out Christopher at III (behind X Lounge) - he’ll hook you up w/ something different, in a great way.
Mr. Staples Father didn’t stop cutting hair until he was in his 90’s. I think Ken will try to do the same thing. By time his father was in his late 80’s he was doing haircuts basically “by appointment”.
If you are a man and go to a beauty salon stop going. Staples is the barbershop to go to for your haircut not some salon. Im a thiry something guy and used to go to beauty salons for haircuts but switched 5 or so years ago and dont regret it a bit. Staples barbershop is in the island at Barracks Road next to the coffee place so now that you havent got an exuse for coming COME!.
Coy Barefoot interviewed Mr. Staples on his radio show earlier this week, and I will have a podcast up of it at some point soon. I’d have it up sooner if I had more volunteers willing to learn some basic skills. (hint hint)
I spent a few wonderful years in Charlottesville and I can attest to Ken Staples being one of the gems of Charlottesville. I would never have gone to a Hair Cuttery when Staples Barber Shop was there! I think haircuts were $9 when I lived there.
Sadly, I went in a few years ago when I was in town for a friend’s wedding, and Ken almost decapitated me. His mind is still fairly sharp, but his dexterity is a little lacking nowadays…
Still, it’s worth it, for the opportunity to chat about UVA football, and the 40% chance that Howie Long will come in to get his signature flat top from Mr. Staples while you’re in the next chair over. My current barber shop doesn’t have any football legends as clients.
Staples is the best barbershop in charlottesville without question. I as I’m sure others look forward to my haicut because of the barbershop atmosphere.
[…] until 2005, created an warm, neighborhood atmosphere for which he was famous. Spudnuts, much like Staples Barbershop, stands as an icon of old school Charlottesville. Its white haired clientele sit at the corner […]
Fired my fancy professional cosmotologist and got my first cut from Ken last month. Went back again yesterday. Great hair cuts. The wife gave thumbs up. Ken does shake big time…I did fear for bloody ears…and it took forever ’cause Ken can’t talk and cut…but I got a great history lesson on CVille and a great haircut. Problem is, I only had $5 and the cut was $13. Ken said “Bring it by whenever you get a chance.” I was back in three minutes with the cash and a nice tip.
“My dad never did 25 cent haircuts. Some folks did but dad never would drop below 35 cents…and 15 cents for a shave. Of course, we don’t do shaves anymore.”
“The store opened in 1923 downtown, moved to Barracks in 1959. The parking lots was gravel and it was mostly trees.”
As a kid, my dad took me there when he got his hair cut, usually by Frank. I’d bounce up and down in the squeaky green chair (so fun!) and try to put together all of the newspaper sections strewn over various chairs back in order. And of course, I got a lollipop for being patient… or maybe just cause I was a cute kid.
A few years ago I took my son there with two other boys. The three of them were the Blue Man Group for Halloween. It was a busy late afternoon, but they were willing to take the extra time to carefully shave all three heads, and apply blue face paint to the entire head. A wonderful experience and their customer service was greatly appreciated.
Is this post a provocation and a deliberate set-up?????
IT’S WHERE YOU GET YOUR HAIR CUT UNLESS YOU ARE HALSEY MINOR.