This June, Turner’s Barbershop & Shaving Parlor will celebrate five years of business. Prior to Chris Turner taking ownership of the shop in 2012, the space operated as a barbershop under a different owner for 40 years. Located at 1249 N. High St., the building is one of the oldest in the area that has operated as a barbershop consistently for 45 years, existing before the Short North was the destination spot it has become.
Turner, who has worked as a barber in Columbus for 10 years, got his start working in a shop on Ohio State’s campus. Now, Turner enjoys the freedom of being his own boss and still interacting with clients. Turner welcomes a diverse crowd to his shop, and enjoys creating a comfortable and friendly environment for everyone. Several of his clients have been regulars for 20 years, long before he owned the shop.
Turner has cultivated a parlor feel in his space, bringing in his own collection of vintage oddities. The wall space that is not decorated with antique shaving and cutting tools, taxidermy animals, and witty signs is covered in old photographs dating as far back as the early 1900s. One of the more unique pieces is the human skull Turner has encased near his work station, a gift he received from his wife.
The turn-of-the-century style shop offers classic barbershop services such as haircuts, shaves, beard trims, and buzz cuts. All of the employees at Turner’s are licensed barbers and are able to do straight razor shaves, something stylists and cosmetologists are unable to do. The shop also sells grooming products to help their clients stay looking their best.
Turner’s Barber Shop & Shaving Parlor will host a party during June’s Gallery Hop to celebrate their five year anniversary. More information about booking and appointments can be found on their website turnersbarbershop.com.