©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com
By Jill Nagy
The first time Matt Shufelt picked up a pair of hair clippers was in 2005 in a college hockey team locker room, cutting his teammates’ hair.
“I realized I really enjoyed it,” he said.
Today, he is the owner of The Barber Lounge at 628 Maple Ave. in Wilton.
Shufelt and the two other barbers at the Barber Lounge, Tristan Saunders and Madison Butler, have worked in Saratoga area barber shops for several years. Shufelt managed Vinny’s on Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs for four years.
“We had great followings,” Shufelt said, and, consequently, “we’re doing well.”
The Barber Lounge is designed as a place to hang out, watch TV, have a drink (complimentary), or just sit in front of one of the two fireplaces. There are four separate waiting areas, a bow to COVID restrictions. According to Shufelt, that is likely to be a permanent arrangement. With 2,000 square feet of space, the shop has plenty of room for people to socially distance.
There are five barber chairs, also spread out.
“Everything is spread out. People have to feel safe,” he said.
The business is a barber shop, not a salon, Shufelt said. People come for a haircut, not a styling. They are treated to hot towels and a neck shave along with the cut. A typical cut costs $30. The barbers will also “do eye brows and ears if you want it,” he added, noting that hair doesn’t always grow where you want it to. “You gotta make sure you clean the guy up.”
The shop also offers a line of grooming products: shampoo, conditioner, pomades, grooming clay, beard balm and more. He has his own product line called Jovani.
The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Appointments can be made by telephone at 518 871-1683, or online at www.thebarberloungesarartoga.com. Walk-ins are welcome after 9 a.m.