Oh, Andy!

First it was phony 50's diners and their annoying ilk.  Now it seems you can't go picking through a dumpster without looking up and seeing a pseudo-retro establishment like this, an ultra-faux throwback barbershop that promises some kind of retro experience based on a myopic fantasy of the past.

Do us a favor. Stop it. Please. Stop it. Just stop opening these kinds of places. Because next  thing you know you will be installing "Whites Only" bathrooms and drinking fountains to make your quaint time capsule even more authentic for its respective time period. 

Above is Floyd's Barbershop in Studio City. Not authentic.

As we recall, it used to be a liquor store. Too bad it changed, because when we think of places like this, it makes us yearn for a stiff drink.

This is Floyd the Barber.Very authentic.

Coming soon: The uberfaux "Hooterville General Store" called Mercantile in Hollywood. It's even more annoying that Floyd's, if such a thing were possible.

In the meantime, if you want a real "retro" experience, there are still plenty of old fashioned barbershops in Los Angeles. Just drive around and pick one. And if you want an AUTHENTIC haircut adventure, check out the American Barber College, where we used to go for $5 haircuts in the 80s. The cost is now $7 ($8 for a fade) if your hair is cut by a student, and a little more if you choose a professional. But you really haven't lived until you've had your hair cut by a someone still learning the trade (when we were feeling particularly adventurous, we would also go for a straight-razor shave) because you don't know if you'll come away with a brilliant cut or styptic pencil blotches on your scalp.

American Barber College  (323) 778-3812   5500 S Vermont Ave  Los Angeles, CA 90037