Old Skull Barber Shop Opens in Morganton: Unique Haircuts, Beard Care, and Complimentary Drinks

The vibe is decidedly edgy with an air of old-school charm. James Kinman and his staff of barbers are ready to offer Morganton customers a unique experience when they visit the Old Skull Barber Shop. 

The new establishment, located under Fonta Flora Brewery at 312 N. Sterling St., Morganton, recently opened for business. 

Old Skull Barber offers customers a full range of services, including haircuts, beard care, men’s facials and hot lather, straight-razor shaves.

Customers will also have an opportunity to sip on a complimentary beverage after their cut. The back wall of the barber shop features a wood bar, fully stocked with glasses and alcoholic beverages.

“(The drinks) are all complimentary,” Kinman said. “What man doesn’t want to come in and get a great looking haircut, but also be able to sit and enjoy a beer or a mixed drink or maybe a shot of good whiskey or bourbon?”

Kinman said his goal is to bring back a traditional style of barbering, where he and his staff take the time to listen to their clients in order to provide exceptional service.

“We are offering things for men they can't get anywhere else,” Kinman said. “We’re bringing back the old tonics, the old pomades, and we’ll have razor kits. ‘The Works’ is a haircut, hot towel shave or hot towel beard care with beard treatment and a barbershop facial,” he added.

“We’ll use a nice aftershave,” he added. “They’ll (customers) smell good when they leave. And all of the products we use on you, you can buy here.”

Kinman sees Old Skull Barber as more than a place men come to get a quick haircut. Instead, he wants to get to know his customers and help them find a cut that suits them. 

Kinman said he wants his shop to be a gathering place, where men (and women too) can drop in after work, socialize, and unwind. He even has plans to add a pool table and a full service coffee bar to the establishment. “We plan to offer coffee and espresso,” he said, “and we’ll have traditional snacks and sodas.”

What you won’t find at Old Skull Barber is a television. “You’ll just hear good music,” Kinman said. “So you can come in and enjoy yourself, come see us, and hang out with us.”

Kinman spent months renovating the shop to create the atmosphere he had in mind. He did the bulk of the renovations himself, and the place has a distinctive, masculine look that is inviting and comfortable.

Three antique barber chairs have their own tales to tell. One is 100 years old, another is between 80-90 years old and the third will reach the ripe old age of 70 next year. 

“I wanted to open a place where barbers can learn how to really cut hair,” he said. “I can take my time to teach them how to build a career and a business.”

Customers can download the Old Skull Barber app on their iPhones or Android devices, and can use the app or the shop’s FaceBook profile to book services at the shop. “You can choose your barber and the time you want to come in, using the app,” Kinman said.. 

Old Skull Barber is open Tuesday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Customers who prefer to make appointments via phone can call 828-803-7628.

Kinman says his immediate goal is to establish good relationships with his clients and to provide a place for the community to socialize and relax. 

“We don’t want to cut 30 heads a day,” he said. “We want to cut enough, but we want them to be right.

“We might take a little longer but it will be worth it.”

Sandra Wilkerson Queen is the education and business reporter for The Paper. She may be reached at 828-445-8595 or via email at sandra@thepaper.media.