Denver guys ought to be looking a bit spiffier beginning on Tuesday, when Alan Urbanowski opens his second Al’s Barber Shop at 1425 Larimer St. This will be no sissy salon with ladies covered in pink capes and highlight foils in the next chair over but, like his Boulder shop, a manly place to get a cut and shave.
A mousse-free zone.
Urbanowski, 40, grew up in the Midwestern hamlet of Peru, Ill., and has fond memories of the town barbershop, if not the haircuts his mother forced him to get. Hardwood floors and big comfortable chairs duplicate that old-timey feeling in the new shop, but the experience is modernized with TVs, men’s products from American Crew and a staff that calls to remind clients of appointments.
Amid the clatter of construction recently, Urbanowski shared some of his observations on men and grooming.
– Suzanne S. Brown
What’s the difference between a barber shop and a salon? We try to offer a casualness, comfort level and consistency of repeat service. I want them to feel comfortable talking with someone about their hair.
What do men want? The most requested service is a shampoo, condition and haircut ($35). We also do a clean-up service, which is trimming up the hairline at the neck and sideburns. It takes 7 minutes, costs $5 and gives guys a couple of extra weeks before they need a cut.
What about highlights? It depends on the person. Color is very popular, but most men don’t want it to be too conspicuous.
Do many guys come in who want their head shaved? Not very often.
How many chairs? We have 10 chairs, four more than in Boulder. (The stations are full-service with sinks at each one, so guys don’t have to get up and walk across the room for a shampoo.)
What’s the most popular
magazine? VeloNews (the Boulder shop has many clients who are cyclists, and Urbanowski sponsors a men’s team). Also, GQ, Men’s Health and Rolling Stone.
Best-selling product? American Crew’s Fiber, a molding cream that adds fullness to the hair without being wet-looking or stiff.
Al’s Barber Shop, 1425 Larimer St., Denver, is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Appointments are recommended, but walks-in are welcome. Call 303-534-1583. The Boulder shop is at 1219 Pennsylvania Ave., 303-442-8832.
