John Piña, founder and owner of The Proper Barbershop in Newport News, Virginia has always been interested in fashion, fitness, and fun. When he first moved to Virginia, he noticed there wasn’t a lot of attention going toward the fashion and grooming genres in this area, so he took a leap of faith and opened The Proper Barbershop in the Port Warwick section of Newport News. The launch of his business was so successful, he opened a second location in The Yard District of Downtown Newport News.
Here’s what John had to say about his business.
Tell us about The Proper Barbershop.
We opened The Proper Barbershop in 2018 in Port Warwick in Newport News, Virginia. We started with one barber and now have seven barbers and are actively looking to add another two. We also expanded from the original location to a second location inside Ironclad Distillery in the Yard District of Downtown Newport News. Since opening the shop, we have won Coastal Virginia Magazine’s annual Best of Award for Best Haircare for Men for the past four consecutive years. We have also been mentioned and published in local and international media.
The origin of the shop was very simple—to create the barbershop I wanted for myself that I could not find in the area. I wanted an appointment-based shop as I didn’t have the time to wait for hours to get a haircut. I wanted a clean shop. I wanted staff that was well versed in contemporary hairstyles. Most importantly I wanted a welcoming shop where I felt comfortable and knew I would get an amazing experience along with my great cut. We have accomplished that and are actually known to be the premier barbershop on the Peninsula.
A few more details.
We are an appointment-based barbershop, where your time will be respected, and you don’t have to wait hours as with a typical walk-in barbershop. At times we have same day availability but highly recommend to schedule your appointment online in advance. We also highly focus on cleanliness where we use a clean cape on each and every client and disinfect all tools after each use. Lastly, we are constantly learning hair cutting techniques and trends to better serve our clients. We have well over 100 years of combined hair cutting experience. So, there is not a haircut we have not seen and feel comfortable with most, if not all hairstyles. We have a barber that can give you the tailored haircut you are looking for.
What services do you offer?
We offer haircuts, beard trims, and shaves. Some of our barbers also offer eyebrow wax services.
What sets you apart from other barbershops?
The Proper Barbershop shines amongst other barbershops firstly in that we work hard to connect with our clients and community. It is apparent that you will probably get an experience unlike any other barbershop in the area. We really value connection, and you can expect to engage in a conversation, feel safe to vent your worries, or just joke around with your barber and other patrons. We are very welcoming, and you instantly feel like you belong here, which you do. Secondly, we value your time so expect to be taken care of on time. You can easily schedule your appointment online at our website. Lastly, we value cleanliness so you can expect a clean cape on each client, a swept and tidy area, and have all tools disinfected after each service.
You have a shop in the distillery? Tell us more about that.
We are literally inside the same building as Ironclad Distillery on 23rd Street. We invite you to try some of their amazing bourbon or seasonal cocktails while you wait, during, or after your cut. In addition, you can grab a craft beer a few steps away at Coastal Fermentory or a humongous slice of pizza from Benny Cantiere. Ironclad Distillery is conveniently located just a few blocks away from the NN Shipyard in the Yard District of Downtown Newport News. It is down the street from the Hampton Roads Beltway (664).
Why is helping animals important to you?
The majority of our staff have pets, so they mean a lot to us. They bring joy to every household. If it was possible we would have a shop pet!
Contact information?
The Proper Barbershop
Find out more and schedule your cut
(757) 232-3480 (text)