“Cutting hair is super satisfying to me,” said Nik Shanklin, the owner of Papa Frank’s Barbershop. “I love the artistic part of it, the connection you build with the clients, the way you make them feel, because when you make people look bitter, they ultimately feel better.”
Three weeks ago, Papa Frank’s Barbershop downsized to a booth inside of Premium Blend Studio, 612 East University Avenue Suite 2. The booth displays posters of icons like Muhamad Ali, Doc Holiday and John Wayne. There is also a wooden, Aztec mask hanging above the metal mechanic’s cabinet with haircutting tools.
The barbershop has won Gold for “Best Men’s Haircut in Georgetown” for the past two years, but Mr. Shanklin said the overhead at his old shop on South Austin Avenue was getting too expensive and it became challenging to find reliable barbers.
In his new booth, he said he can do what he loves without the business stress. The move also hasn’t affected demand from his old clients.
Mr. Shanklin specializes in haircuts for men and boys, and cuts all hair types. He can do fades, designs, tapers, modern mullets and fringe cuts. He’s also gained a reputation giving successful haircuts to kids on the autism spectrum, and said he often receives referrals from their caretakers and parents.
“[These kids], they’re really intelligent, and their brains work differently than ours— on a whole different frequency. I always just seem to connect with them,” he said.
Papa Frank’s Barbershop is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Appointments are recommended but not required. Go to booksy.com and search Papa Frank’s Barbershop to make an appointment or call (512) 815-1606.