Blue Collar Barbershop mixes modern styles with old traditions

This week’s midweek mugging recipient is Stuart Cochrane, owner of Blue Collar Barbershop.

Located at 2272 Gottingen St. on the ground floor of the Velo apartment building, the shop offers a range of services including haircuts, buzz cuts, beard trims and hot towel shaves.

“We do everything from your standard, quick haircut to more in-depth haircuts, like high-tech bald fades,” Cochrane said.

He opened the shop six months ago, after nearly four years of working as a barber.

“I just had my own vision for it…everyone knows how to be their own boss,” he said.

Cochrane said he aims to mix old traditions with modern ones. The chairs at the shop are turned inwards to give clients the chance to talk, while the walls are decorated with framed prints and the wide picture window offers a view of the bustling street.

“Traditionally, barber shops were more like a social hub than just a place to get your haircut…so we’re trying to keep that vibe alive,” he said.

The shop is open to both appointments and walk-ins, and is already seeing regulars, Cochrane said.

He said each person who sits down in the chair can expect their own custom experience.

“We try and tailor our haircuts to clients’ personality, lifestyles, their routines,” he said.

While some cuts will always remain popular, Cochrane said he is beginning to see styles change.

“As long as I’ve been cutting hair the very, very common one is neat and short on the sides, longer on top…it’s changing up nowadays, we’re going through more of a boom in textured haircuts, messier styles are coming back,” he said.

The shop offers children’s cuts and caters to any client, regardless of gender.

“We’re out here to make sure everyone who wants a barber haircut is comfortable,” Cochrane said. “We’re very active with the trans community, the LGBTQ community, anyone who wants one of our haircuts is very welcome here.”