PACE — A new barbershop in the Five Points area of Pace offers a combination of old and new barbering techniques and atmosphere.
When Hieu Nguyen opened Woodbine Barber Lounge two months ago, he said he wanted to do something different.
"I wanted to open an old-school barbershop with a modern twist," Nguyen said.
Based on customer feedback, Nguyen is on his way to meeting his goals.
"I'll be back. That's for darn sure," Mark Bish said as he exited the chair after a haircut.
Nguyen's approach combines the best of old barbering techniques, warm shaving cream on the back of neck with a straight-edge razor to clean up unwanted hair — something that isn't common in most barber shops today — and setting up an inviting family environment where customers can come in and just visit.
"Guys don't need to get a cut, just hang out," Nguyen said.
Modern conveniences at the barber lounge include a big screen TV, free Wi-Fi, comfortable couches and chairs, and free soft drinks. Future plans include arcade games, a foosball table and other amenities that will encourage the atmosphere of a community meeting place.
"Guys need a place where they can come and talk about their wives," Nguyen joked.
The 28-year-old Nguyen also displays his other talent—photography. His black and white photographs adorn the walls.
Nguyen describes himself as artistic, referring to hair as his canvas. "I try to cut outside the box," Nguyen said. "No one else is doing it."
This new business owner wants to give back to the Pace community, once it is more established, by mentoring lower income children and eventually offering them free haircuts.
Nguyen has taken the best of other shops and implemented those practices in his new business. The Woodbine Barber Lounge is open on a limited schedule right now, but they do make appointments to fit customers' schedules.
Woodbine Barber Lounge is located at 5642 Woodbine Road. To make an appointment call 450-6489.
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This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: A modern twist on an old tradition