April 2023 by Attila B.
If you want to experience a true, old style, craftsman at work, this is your place. There is one chair, one man, and decades of memories. And if you want a slice of what was, and what should be, this is your place. There's nothing fancy you will find at Dwaine's barbershop. There's no computers, no up selling, only a genuine, real working man doing what he does best and doing what he loves. This was my first time at this man's shop. He has my undivided loyalty going forward. No frills, no nonsense haircut. Exactly what I wanted, more importantly, it's what I needed. You can go to your fancy salons, your chain haircut, places, and you'll get a decent cut, chances are, but when will you ever tell a story of where you got your haircut, and remember it decades, later? He is doing what he knows, what he loves, and I get the feeling he's doing it less for himself, and rather more for the community and his loyal customers. And he has loyal customers, without a doubt. No one's haircut took more than 10 minutes, and everyone was more than satisfied. I watched generations of people slide in and out of his chair, and I listened to him, talk to every single one of those people, patiently, lovingly, like a true artisan. I get the feeling people go there for more than just a haircut. You can get that anywhere. But if you want an experience, what this town stands for, the way life should be, put your money where your mouth is. Take your hair and your butt, and sit it down and Dwaine's barber chair, and while you're sitting there, talking to him, telling him whatever you want to tell him, knowing he has heard better and worse stories than whatever you will ever share. Recognize the fact that some better and some worse people have sat in the same chair that you are sitting in. You're not paying for a haircut when you go to Dwaine's. You're paying for the belief in small-town America, hometown values, and maybe that a better day will come again a day, when a simple, honest, hard-working man can survive and prosper in this world that's clearly moving faster than the clippers he so expertly wields. Do yourself a favor: get a haircut at Dwayne's and hope and pray that you will sit in the waiting room and be able to listen to the old-timers talk about the way things were. Listen to the stories, you hear, floating about, and revel in the laughter and joy perfect strangers share with each other in this small town hallowed Hall. Most importantly, say hi to Dwaine's and recognize that life can be good, just stay true to yourself. You won't regret it. As they say, the only true things that people regret in life are the things they never did. So stop in, get your hair cut, get your soul straight, and then walk over to the corner, bakery and reward yourself. Reward the place you live. Cherish your surroundings, and put your money where your mouth and life call home.
