Kings Den by Mark Angelo — Attraction in Town of Hempstead

I recently moved into town and I was in need of a fresh haircut and cleanup. After a long week, I really didn't want to drive 40-50 minutes back towards the city to get a haircut where we moved from.

Over the last few weeks, I did a little research and made a short list of possible places to try out.

The King's Den, is like the title of a good book, it made me want to hear more. Their iconography of choice was a lion wearing a crown, can't get more powerful than that. When a woman goes into a salon, they want to walk out feeling more beautiful than they did when they went in. They want to be noticed and to feel like a million bucks. Men also look for that feeling, a sense of pride and feeling refreshed, to be on top of the proverbial world. This occasional feeling is essential for men to successfully navigate through all the obstacles and challenges we face everyday in life.

When I walked into the King's Den, I was immediately greeted by the owner, Mark Angelo, who invited me in to take a seat on one of their comfortable looking leather couches. He offered me a beverage but I was a few minutes early so I wanted to walk around to check out the place.

If you are in the mood, they had cold drinks, seltzers, soda, water, even Capri Suns for the little ones because Dads are often the forgotten Kings, right? If you prefer something hot, they had coffee, espressos, and I'm sure a latte or cappuccino if I preferred.

I walked around and the place and the first thing I noticed was the energy in the den. Lots of happy clients, smiles on their faces, all being greeted by their first names like they were old friends. I was greeted by many, if not all of the other employees too - which goes a long way since it shows the importance of the experience they are trying to deliver to their clients. The mirrors were streakless, floors were swept, lights were ambient and pleasant to the eyes, and walls were meticulously lined with Lion's Den branded products, no dust, nothing out of place. I walked to the back and all the stations were pristinely tidy which is on brand when you are marketing a place that delivers an experience to Kings who are looking to take care of themselves from the place that is helping them to evoke that unique feeling that every King deserves. Even the scent of the air seemed like an intentional part of the Den's brand. The subtle scent of the air reminded me of the air they pump through the vents of a trendy nightclub or the lobby of a hip non-chain hotel where people visit for pre-dinner drinks or after dinner night caps with a couple of close friends. You know the place, where everyone looks like they dressed for a runway and the plush carpets look like they have always been just vacuumed.

I booked a session with Ernesto and he was promptly ready at 1PM, the time of my appointment. He spent a few minutes asking me what I was looking for and made sure he knew down to the smallest style detail, fade number, length of sideburns, line requirements, part type, etc. His attention to detail was not only appreciated but very impressive. He was focused the entire time and his cut strokes were intentional and extremely confident, something you want your temporary personal brand ambassador to have when he is making multiple cuts per second with his sharp shears. 25 minutes later, I felt like a new man. Every few minutes he cleaned the hair off my face and body and made sure his tools were equally as clean. It's a small but important touch.

I thought it would take a few tries for me to find a place I would settle down with but I got lucky and found my new place of choice on the first try. Thanks for giving me a great experience on the first round. I'll be sure to check out a couple of the other services and will grab a coffee on...

The lady and gentleman who run the shop are really nice and kind people. Unfortunately, the establishment does not provide high quality, attentive, and professional services. I have wanted to give them a shot for over two years now. They double booked me the first two times. I messaged in advance for a master barber who wasn’t attentive and listened. I know what I want, and that isn’t a bad thing. They set me up with a young barber who told me that he apologized in advance since he had a late, long night, everything went downhill from there. Long, aggressive snips and buzzes instead of gentle, attentive, and nuanced cuts. He took two months of worth of hair and made it shorter than I have ever had it. Terrible fade and the beard wasn’t faded in or shaped properly. Just wanted it done and out. Terrible experience.

I stepped out of the shop with the manager to avoid difficult conversations while others would hear. She was kind and yet looked at me like nothing was wrong. All of my hair was gone but nothing seemed wrong. I paid despite her offer for me to get a free cut. She offered to have the senior barber and owner fix it. We went in. He wasn’t the slightest bit interested. He had his own clients. He offered to have a word with the guy who hacked my hair off. I wasn’t comfortable. They sort of just shrugged their shoulders. I politely walked out.

If I sound annoyed, I am. I asked for something specific, was promised it, and didn’t receive it. Also, I have left several positive reviews for others barbers and salons. And even the negative ones I leave without making it personal. I understand if others can’t do so.

Moral of the story: great ratings and kind smiles don’t translate to a pro haircut or great service. If you are asking me,...

I had the distinct pleasure of receiving a haircut from Johnny Ladevaio at Kings Den in Levittown, and it was an experience that far exceeded my expectations. Johnny has a deep understanding of the craft—particularly classic styles with a modern touch, like fades and tapers—and his exceptional scissor work truly distinguishes him as an artist in his field.

What impressed me most was his meticulous approach to creating a haircut that was not merely what I asked for, but something that transcended my initial vision. Using only scissors, he crafted a style that allows my hair to naturally fall exactly where it should, providing the versatility to style it in various classic ways: a pompadour, an Ivy League, a clean side part, or slicked straight back. It’s a bespoke cut that seems to anticipate how my hair wants to move, ensuring it looks its best regardless of the styling direction.

Beyond his technical skills, Johnny’s warm personality and genuine care for his clients stood out. He listens intently, tailoring each cut with a level of passion and artistry that is both rare and inspiring. His dedication to his work is palpable; he sees the haircut not as a mere transaction, but as an opportunity to elevate and refine.

In a world where so many settle for mediocrity, Johnny is a craftsman who strives for the exceptional. If you’re seeking not just a haircut but an act of creation that honors the individual, I wholeheartedly...