James was in need of a haircut. BAD! And however hard you may think finding a good hairdresser is, finding one that can tame his thick, long, half asian fro is a like finding diamond in the rough. While in Austin earlier the week, the 90 degree weather put him over the edge and it was either chance a hair cut or threats of him shaving his head… again (a yearly tradition I very much am trying to put to an end to).
We were introduced to Redd’s, Austin’s premier upscale barber shop founded by former Texas Longhorn and NFL player, Cory Redding. As one of the top rated salons in the area, they offer straight razor shaves, haircuts, beard trims and everything in between.
The welcoming space has an old world, 1920’s gentleman feel with a modern flare (mainly the flat screen TV’s which was a welcomed addition to the experience). We were greeted by the friendly staff and offered a variety of beverages, of which an old fashioned root beer float seemed the most appropriate.
While James got pampered with a hot towel massage and haircut, I was busy talking up their general manager, Jeremy asking everything about the Kevin Murphy products they carry. It’s a line that’s been on my radar for sometime but aside from it coming out of Australia and having a great reputation I am embarrassed to say that was the extent of my knowledge.
An hour or so later and what looked like a dog had been shaved (no, seriously, I think he broke a record for most hair on the floor). James with a still full head of hair looked so cute and youthful with his new cut. Most importantly he was not going to be overheating in the brutal summer heat.
Redd’s also offers a very reasonable yearly membership service with a variety of packages that all include unlimited haircuts. Their members also receive a complementary Signature Steps of Service, which includes a relaxing neck and shoulder massage, a clubman infused steam towel and scalp treatment. If I lived there I’d sign up just for that and be there everyday.
Redd’s Barborshop is currently expected to open it’s second location in Houston soon with further expansion plans on the horizon. Lets just hope that includes NYC!