photo by Clif Burns
“Dear PoPville,
Can anyone in the Popville Brain Trust recommend a good DC barber for beards and facial hair? Looking to have a professional clean up my pandemic beard before a special event. I know a lot of places aren’t doing this since it requires removing a mask, but surely someone has got to offer it with proof of a vaccine, right?”
2602 Connecticut Ave, NW
Thanks to Margot for passing on the sad word from Salon Roi:
“Friends, it is with mixed emotion that we share this with you! Like millions, we have been struggling for over a year now to keep our DOORS OPEN, while operating 20/30% of our normal capacity and Income. We have done a good job following all the COVID rules to the “T.” AFTER ALL THAT, we were not successful in negotiating a new LEASE. So, like many long-time businesses in Woodley Park, we are forced to close the doors of Salon Roi after 52 years in the same Building.
So, June 30th, we will be leaving Our MARILYN MURAL behind, as we all pack our styling carts and head to SALON ROI (#2) (more…)
Photo by Lorie Shaull
“Dear PoPville,
I used to get the best haircuts from Billy at Parlour Salon on U Street. He is the only hairdresser who made my hair look good curly, straight, and even as it grew out. At some point while I was away from DC for grad school in 2015-2017, he left Parlour. I haven’t been able to find him, and I haven’t gotten an equally good haircut in years. Can the DC hivemind help? Anyone from the readership know where he is working?”
“Haircut service happening in Columbia Heights.”
From an email: “The barbershop has been reinvented. Our mobile service, Groom Guy, provides onsite mobile cuts to DC-residents. I do all neighborhoods within the District. I used to work at a premier men’s salon in DC. The location closed back in October 2020 due to the pandemic, so I ventured out with my own business. There’s a new demand for private haircutting services following the pandemic. So, I mentally prepare, load up my backpack, map out my schedule and hit the road of DC supplying residents with new “therapy” aka haircuts.”
“Dear PoPville,
Almost a year into the pandemic, we gave up on the at-home haircuts at about month two. However, as things slowly begin to return to normal-ish (fingers crossed), my husband and I are looking for places or people who can help us get back to looking like our former selves. Any recommendations from the community for salons or stylists? Preference would go to someone who could brave the outdoors and do the cut to reduce risk, but salons taking necessary precautions also welcome. I know the stylist community has also been hit pretty hard by the closures, so hoping to support. Thanks!”
1 M Street SE photo by Brian G
Thanks to Brian for sending: “Scissors and Scotch sign is up in Navy Yard and looks close to opening”
A new liquor license placard says: “New Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern featuring an upscale men’s grooming hair salon with a retail bar attached. Total Occupancy Load of 21 with seating for 21 patrons. Applicant is also applying for a Sidewalk Café Endorsement of 22 seats.”
Stay tuned for an opening date.
Well I know it’s not a tragedy but I was very sad to see one of my favorite signs in the city replaced at 315 K Street, NW. The current one is located above and the classic which was recently taken down is located below. I mean, there is no debate which is cooler, right?
Thanks to a reader for sending:
“Walking down Park Rd this afternoon, not only was there a line out the door at Pho 14 but the nearby nail salon had opened.”
From time to time I get asked recommendations for good barbers in town. I recently stumbled upon this newish spot on the 3000 block of Connecticut Ave right across from the Zoo. While I’d like to think they gave me a pretty good hair cut what was best for me was the special they have every Tuesday – $10 haircuts! I haven’t had a haircut for $10 since the 80s.
A reader sent in this sign a while ago but I had the opportunity to run across it myself last weekend. It is so amazing I had to re-post for those that missed it. I’d also like to add, from the files of you can’t judge a book by its cover, there were a bunch of “tough” looking fellows sitting out front but when I walked over to take the photo they were unbelievably nice and friendly to me.
But bottom line is that this sign may very well be tops in the city.