Skwid Inc
Have you ever passed a quirky, colorful, locally owned business whilst going about your day and said to yourself, “I’ve got to check them out! It looks like just the type of place I’d love.”
Of course you have, because Tucson has so many such establishments: cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, vintage clothing shops, music stores and bookstores, which together create our unique culture.
Tucsonans are a people with refined regional
tastes; we visit the 4th Avenue Street Fair, the Folk Fest and the Rodeo
Grounds each year sporting jewelry made by local artisans and we dine at
Maynard's and Poca Cosa. And when we shop locally, not only do we get one-of-a-kind
experiences, but 45 cents of every dollar spent stays in Arizona!
Dapper Grooming Lounge first caught my attention when it opened at 27 N. Scott Ave., between Congress and Pennington, slightly more than two years ago. Pushing the hair out of my eyes, I squinted in the Sonoran sunlight.
Could it really be true?
By following in the tradition of the men's barbershops of my grandfather's generation, Dapper promised an alternative to both the generic, corporate efficiency of Supercuts or Cost Cutters and the overly-pampered, perfumed beauty salon environment which has always turned me off. Dapper appeared to offer a no-nonsense, professional quality solution to the quickly-growing, rapidly-lengthening unruly mop of hair atop my head.
A recent trip to Dapper proved my instincts to be correct. Finally fed up with my lazily long locks, I ducked inside Dapper on a scorching summer afternoon and was immediately invited to help myself to a cold beverage from their fridge. Perusing their magazine collection while I waited a short time on a comfortable couch next to a pool table, I felt at ease. Where else could I "read" Playboy, listen to Rancid and have a beer while waiting for a haircut?
Master barber Patti Davenport listened as I explained that I wanted my hair just long enough to curl out from under the trucker hat I had brought with me. After a wash and shoulder rub, I was seated in a classy, vintage barber chair and her scissors flew.
Patti combined an attention to her customer's wishes with her own, subtle suggestions to clean up my look.
She gave sideburn advice. She shaved the back of my neck using a straight razor.
She applied pomade (Dapper exclusively carries American Crew hair products).
She effortlessly engaged in small talk.
As the hair fell away, my head felt several pounds lighter.
Dapper Grooming Lounge won my return haircut business for their laid back, guy-friendly atmosphere and affordable prices. I'll be back for a "clean-up," an in-between trim to make my cut look better, longer.
The retro feel of the establishment was also a big plus. I received superior service that I, dare say, would not have enjoyed at a national chain where only 13% of my dollars spent would have stayed in Arizona.
Dapper deserves credit for providing fellas with a no-drama place to sharpen up their appearance, and is a welcomed member of the ranks of local businesses that contribute to the Old Pueblo's modern flavor.
Haircut: $15. Wash: $5. Tip: $5.
Looking "dapper" for date night?
Priceless.
Dapper Grooming Lounge is open for walk-ins Tues-Sat, 9am to 7pm. A complete service menu, including shaves and haircuts for ladies, can be seen at www.MySpace.com/dappergroominglounge. Call 623-2947 for more information.
