Comments (0) BEST AFRICAN-AMERICAN BARBER SHOP - 2009
King of Cuts
A two-block span along Crenshaw Boulevard is almost exclusively home to barbershops, and if you're a young or an old man, or a woman who wears her hair cropped close, there's at least one establishment on Barber's Row that will scrape and/or shape the stuff growing on your cranium. The best and most unique of these is known alternately as King of Cuts and Magic Shears. Located in the same spot since 1982, it's bright and well-lit, has parquet floors and comfy chairs. It's a contrast to many of its competitors that provide a whiff of edgy danger, when what you really want is good, basic grooming. King's barbers are both male and female — some are even siblings — who toss each other playful back-and-forths with a warmth that's catchy. "This is a Christian establishment," explains owner Chris, whose bald head, gold teeth and tattoos belie his mild-mannered mien. "There's no cursing allowed in here, especially taking the Lord's name in vain, and no open containers allowed." You can get the trash talk elsewhere on Crenshaw with your haircut, but for a reasonably priced, competent cut or shave with a smile, this is the spot. 4283 Crenshaw Blvd., L.A. (323) 299-8459. Open daily.
—Juliette Akinyi Ochieng
