Every town has its gathering place, and for the men, boys and women with short haircuts of Rehoboth Beach, that place is Faded Barber Shop on Rehoboth Avenue. At this barbershop, haircuts come with conversation, a free Dogfish Head beer or cocktail, five large TVs, complimentary rounds of Pac-Man on a vintage arcade game (complete with a stool so kids can reach) and a true sense of community.
Faded Barber Shop is home to owner and top barber Ryan Ament, along with five other barbers who perform men’s haircuts, short women’s haircuts, kids’ cuts, beard trims and straight-razor shaves. Services range from $25 for a kids’ cut up to $50, depending on the barber.
But the haircuts are only part of what keeps customers coming back.
“I’ve got barbers of all nationalities; White, Black, Dominican and Puerto Rican,” Ryan explains. “So, we have something for all nationalities, even the gay community, lesbians, kids, women and men … we want everyone to be comfortable here. We just have a different vibe. It’s fun and relaxing. We’re real, and it’s like a family,” Ryan smiles.
Ryan is a Delaware native who, after working as a barber in Miami from 2004 to 2009, returned to his home state and opened Faded Barber Shop in October 2017, where all barbers work as independent contractors who rent their chairs.
“I wanted to create a shop where barbers could be their own boss and not an employee.”
So they all build their own businesses under one roof.
“I can make in one day here what I made in two weeks in Miami because we’re not taking from our barbers,” he explains.
Because of Ryan’s business model, all of his barbers manage their own books, and each barber uses their own booking system.
“If you Google ‘Faded Barber Shop Rehoboth,’ you’ll see the option to book service using Booksy, Squire or Vagaro.”
That’s because each barber uses their own online booking system.
“Or you can just call the shop at 302 260-9603,” he smiles.
(And if you’re a barber who likes the sound of this sweet deal, reach out to Ryan at the shop. They have a chair opening up.)
“One of our guys just had a baby and he’s leaving, so we are hiring,” he grins.
Crush Questions:
Favorite Beach Activity:
Being in the ocean and sitting on the beach. But I work a lot here, and I have a house in Puerto Rico, so I love the beach time there.
Favorite Restaurant:
Wow, that’s a tough one. I do a lot of chefs’ and restaurant owners’ hair. I don’t want to get myself in trouble. I’m going to play this one safe and say seafood is my favorite food at any restaurant.
Favorite Place for Nightlife:
The Starboard is always a good time!
Currently Crushing On:
Traveling. In the past few weeks I’ve been to Costa Rica, Colombia and Puerto Rico. And I’m learning to speak Spanish. I have a tutor, and two of my barbers help me practice.
