A new era: Warren’s new barber brings fresh buzz to haircuts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Chad Thompson
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  It's a trade like no other. Some people see it as a haircut, but a select few view it as an art form.

These talented trimmers have been influencing this barber all his life because his father has been in the business for more than 55 years.

Few go through the years of training it takes to call themselves masters because it doesn't make millions of dollars, but this master barber is doing his part to bring the service back to Warren.

Glen Chavez, Warren's newest barber, is located in a small room around the corner from the cashier's cage in the Trail's End Club, and he said he has been cutting hair for about seven years.

He opened up his shop, The Barber Shaak at the end of January and he said he is hoping to bring something different to Warren.

"If you've never had your haircut by a master barber, you don't know what you are missing," Mr. Chavez said. "A haircut is something that should be enjoyed; there is a real art form behind it."

Mr. Chavez said a barber has some slight differences from a hair stylist or someone who is licensed to cut hair.

He said barbers are trained to use scissors or shears to blend instead of cut.

"The reason we use shears to blend, is to keep from having sharp lines in the haircut," he said. "If you have ever been to a barber, you know there is finesse behind it."

Not only do barbers get trained using shears, but they also learn how to use a straight razor, and this is a service offered at The Barber Shaak, Mr. Chavez said.

"Some people are surprised by the foam and the razor," he said. "This is their 15 minutes, and I want to make it an interesting experience."

Mr. Chavez said not to expect coming in and getting a quick haircut though.

He said he wants to bring back the age of the barber shop -- where people slow down and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the workday.

Some things to expect when entering his shop are a 100-year-old chair and a variety of music.

He said he wants to take people back in time when they sit down in his chair.

He wants them to remember the days where their father or grandfather took them to the barber for the first time and just be able to relax and get a haircut.

The Barber Shaak is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Mr. Chavez said there are some times available on Monday by appointment only.

He is also offering a five haircut punch card with the sixth haircut being free for his grand opening.

For more information about the new barber shop or to make an appointment, call 286-8073.