Prohibition Barbers — Local services in Stillwater

When I stumbled upon Prohibition Barbers this past summer, I thought I had hit the jackpot. I love supporting local small business and when I found out he was a veteran it was even more reason to support him. It wasn’t just a haircut it was an experience, one that immediately took me back to my childhood of going to the barber shop with my father, also military. When I arrived for my first cut with Chris, I was greeted with a smile and was told he was running just a little behind due to a walk in client who needed a cut. At the time I didn’t think anything of it because I was in no hurry. What I didn’t know, is soon I would learn that this was just the beginning of a not so healthy way of doing business.

When booking, you have to book online months in advance, which is totally fine, you’re getting a good cut and you’re flexible, right? As a teacher, I booked a back to school cut two months in advance and roughly a week before my scheduled appointment, I realized my mid day appointment wouldn’t work due to a teacher workshop I needed to be present at. Thinking it wouldn’t be a big deal because my first visit had a gentleman come in as a walk-in, I contacted Chris making him aware of my situation and asked if I could come in a different time. The response was a firm, “No, I’m booked.” Not even a, “let me see what I can do or if I have a client cancel, you’ll be first on the list.” So instead, of making accommodations, I had to cancel my appointment and go elsewhere.

Fast forward to fall of 2016. September 23rd, Prohibition Barbers posted on its Facebook page a “public service announcement” “If you come in and you’re obviously sick and sniffling, coughing or running to the bathroom, I’ll ask you to leave.” That seems like a realistic request, right? I mean it is if you too follow the request. Chris posted that he was “in the ER with an earache, sore throat, aches, and pain” on a Saturday afternoon, yet later that day was attending a holiday party going against everything he had posted about. Hypocrisy at it’s finest.

Again, I shook it off and said to myself, not my circus.

It wasn’t until Thursday December 15, when I had again had my haircut scheduled months in advance when I received a text requesting that I come in earlier for my appointment because he was invited to a Christmas Play. Being an employed adult like most of society, I cannot drop my life for a haircut. I ended up canceling and informing Chris that I would be taking my business elsewhere. It truly shouldn’t be this difficult to get a haircut.

The last straw? Chris took to Facebook and publicly shamed me for canceling my appointment. Chris doesn’t serve the community; Chris serves his circle of friends. There are plenty of good places to get your haircut in the metro area that don’t require booking an appointment two months in advance—save yourself the hassle and find another barber to give your...

Recommended by multiple coworkers with impeccable haircuts whom told epic fables of a legendary barbershop in the realm of Northeast Minneapolis. Trusting my friends and fellow medics I departed on my quest to this bastion of courageous hairstyles and sculpted beards. I arrived to the humble unmarked yet dominant gate of this fortress called Prohibition Barbers, and opened the door making my presence known with the barbaric helm of hair that rested upon thy head. I was greeted by the protectors of this sanctuary, two graceful pitbulls whose existence made one feel safe if the sky split open. A fellow adventurer who made his journey before me was ending his blessing given by one of the mythical barbers I've only heard tales of. I introduced myself to this captivating barber Steven, his confidence and openness made me feel comfortable after my grueling crucible through the gates of Interstate 394. I was offered one of the finest meads sent from the heavens as I anxiously waited, Coors Light. As the adventurer who was being blessed prior to my arrival left to bring home stories of his journey I noticed something; he wasn't the man I saw when I first entered but a valiant knight with an angelic aura surrounding his hair. I was welcomed to sit onto what felt like a throne, confidence began surging through my veins as I began to experience a feeling one would only have before baptism as I prepare to cleanse myself from my most gregarious sin of a haircut. I orated my burden to this master of keratin, begging for forgiveness of such atrocious style. I was comforted by his dauntless posture while he firmly held his trimmers as a gladiator would hold his gladius in the arena of the Colosseum. The movements from his hands were effortless, his plan tactical, his trimming surgical. It was as if I were to become Michelangelo's greatest work. My head was a canvas and my barber was Monet. His masterpiece was nearly finished but with all great artists, they comb through the artwork for any hint of imperfection. Symmetry is one of the pillars of barbermanism. Any deformity of his monument is quickly erased by the smooth stroke of a straight razor. I too, came in the Prohibition Barbers as a man I no longer know, nay, a traveler who lost his way but left as a pioneer who finally found...

Best haircut I’ve had since I’ve lived in Minnesota!!

I’ve been living in Minnesota for the past 7 years and I have not gone to the same barber more than twice. That’s because the first time is bad and I give them a second chance; maybe with a different person the second time.

I decided to give this place a try after finding that there are only 5 star ratings and looking through some of the photos. I’ve gone to other places with 4.6+ google ratings and they are bad, but the ratings here are on point. If I wasn’t moving out of state, this place would be the last barbershop I’d ever go to.

Not only was the haircut really good, but the barber’s knowledge/skills is also what I appreciated. Most places ask you what size clippers you would like, how many inches you want off, etc, etc. Of course you want to tell the person who is cutting your hair how you want it cut, but I believe a good barber should make those decision after knowing what type of hair you have, what would look good with the type of head/face you have and even maybe the line of work you’re in. I told Chris the type of haircut I wanted and I let him do what looked right for me. It came out perfect. I don’t like going into places and having to tell them do this and that because what’s the point then. I can just do it myself at home or become a barber myself.

I drove across town to go here from work and back to work. I was a little concerned because I wasn’t sure if they shampoo you or not after the cut; as I didn’t see this service stated online. It didn’t matter. Although, they don’t shampoo you, it’s not needed. I leave places that do shampoo you with hair on your face, neck, and clothes. I did not leave this place like so and I was able to go back to work without going home to take a quick shower.

Trust in the reviews at this place. Since they provide stellar service, Chris is booked up for the rest of the month. Book now for next month. It’s...