CheekyChicago

Don’t let the b-word fool you. Floyd’s 99 Barbershop knows women’s hair too and offers color and waxing to boot. With stylists plucked from some of the town’s top salons, Floyd’s offers a high-end cut at a mid-range price point, mixing the walk-in convenience of a hair cuttery with the industry cred of a boutique. Oh, and it’s rock ’n’ roll themed.

We chatted with manager Pete Vercellin and the Denver-based chain’s co-owner Paul O’Brien on opening day in Wicker Park (along with Lincoln Park, this is their second Chicago location). The down-to-earth guys explained their philosophy of treating staff like gold and avoiding the typical drama of salons. Thus the retention rate’s been high, and the seasoned staffers happily cater to all types.

While us ladies receive a silky-smooth blowout, your no-frills guy can feel man-pampered with a hot towel on his face as he’s shampooed before a quick trim. Our styling job included straightening with a top-of-the-line BaByliss flatiron. In the chair next to us, a dude was relaxing while waiting to have his mustache detailed. One can predict the facial-hair expertise will be a hit in Wicker Park, if the placement of Avril Lavigne next to Kurt Cobain on the wallpaper doesn’t scare away the hipster-ratti.

And another noteworthy detail about it is something you Moms will appreciate the most: Even if you don’t need a cut, the shop’s guy-friendliness can entice dad to step up to the plate and take the kids in for routine follicle maintenance as you browse the surrounding shops on Milwaukee or Clark. You deserve a little break, don’t cha now?

Floyd’s Barbershop
2572 N Clark St.
1409 N. Milwaukee Ave.
www.floydsbarbershop.com