Barber Shop on Route 1
In a city where a flock of businesses are fighting to stay alive, Universal Barber Shop’s strategy is simple: Give good hair.
The modestly sized shop sits quietly at 8801 Baltimore Ave., directly across from The Enclave apartment building. While the store isn’t easily walkable from the campus and requires a brave hop across Route 1, it routinely sees students through its doors — and at least a dozen student athletes.
What it lacks in size is compensated with a bouncy, light-hearted atmosphere that carries throughout the store. Each barber has his own character, and the adventure starts when you sink into his chair. The business’ secret to staying afloat is a team of experienced barbers who perform consistently high-quality work, according to owner Kwame Forson, who has overseen the store for more than eight years.
“We are a fun bunch,” Forson said. “It’s an exciting place to go to — it’s an experience.”
The front door opens up to a decently-sized, well-lit waiting area room adorned with leather couches, a television and a welcoming front desk, leading back to the barber stalls.
Haircuts run at $20 for men and women and $12 for children, Forson said.
He added that fostering a loose atmosphere has allowed his business to soar above other “too serious” barber shops, and that almost all first-timers return. The store prides itself in having a diverse clientele — only about 35 percent of its clientele is white, a statistic Forson attributes to the university community.
“Most [barber shops] are either in a white or black neighborhood, but College Park is such a diverse neighborhood that it works well.”
Gregory Walls, who has worked at the shop for two years, said Universal Barber specializes in “fades” — or skin tapering — a hairstyle that has rocketed in popularity in recent years. Athletes, usually basketball, football and lacrosse players, tend to request mohawks, he added.
“Every year, new students come in and try us out,” Walls said. “Now, business is starting to pick up again.”
Several students, such as junior bioengineering major Greg Harding, said they would favor a hairdresser who infuses personality into his scissor artistry.
“That’s what I prefer: more than just a guy who cuts your hair and then you leave,” he said.
One downside to the business is its distant location, but students still manage to find their way, Walls said.
“Some kids walk; some kids catch the bus. Exercise is good,” Walls said.
However, junior government and politics major Joshua Mitman said he favors a close location when seeking a fresh cut.
“I’m not really looking for the best place to get my haircut,” Mitman said. “I usually just go to any place that’s close.”
While the shop is thriving, Forson has more ambitious plans for the space.
In a year, the entire store will be torn down and replaced with a new, larger building that will create a more upscale environment.
“We plan on making it very, very nice,” Forson said. “This works, but now we want to take it to the next level.”
