The outside sign at Albemarle Square said, “Barber”, that’s it. I was intrigued, but never stopped by. But one day I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to make an appointment with the girl who had been styling my hair, so I gave the shop a try. All the barbers were Chinese and I wondered if I would get one of those “Moe” haircuts. I figured it would eventually grow out, so I took a chair. It happened to be the owner. He spoke a little English, understood my instructions and gave a good cut. He did the hot towel treatment, shampoos and everything, all for about half the cost of my stylist.
I eagerly went again, but this time I got a barber who apparently didn’t speak a word of English. He gave me one of those “shave the side of the head” cuts and I looked like a convict getting his mug shot.
I gave the barbershop one more try and avoided the fellow with the hedge clippers, but the owner was busy. Taking my chances, I chose a stylist who had a man bun and dyed his hair. I figured he at least understood styling. He spoke some English, enough that I could explain how I wanted my hair cut and he did it perfectly.
For two years, I sat at Kenny’s chair whenever possible, but then he left early this summer. It turns out he set up his own shop, called KS Hair Studio on Holiday Drive, right beside the Aberdeen Barn. He is a great stylist and that’s where I go now for a really professional cut.
Kenny uses scissors almost exclusively. He only uses electric shear around the ears and at the nape of the neck. He shampoos my hair, even though I don’t ask for it, because he likes to cut hair when it’s wet with his scissors. He also does a hot towel treatment, shaves your neck with a razor and charges $16, to which I add a nice tip.
Kenny’s hours are from 9:30 to 7:30 on Monday through Saturday and from 9:30 to 5 on Sundays. He is working long, hard hours until he becomes established.
He is an excellent stylist. Give him a try sometime and tell him that Jim Brewer sent you. I think you’ll like his work and the way you will look.
The address is 2016 Holiday Drive in Charlottesville. His number is 434-284-7475.