Blood and Bandages
932 College St.
Phone: 416.357.9178
In business for only a year, this 97-square foot parlour is an attitude-free alternative to crowded salons. The brainchild of Roger Janes - who bought vintage barber chairs on eBay and kept a collection of stuff in the basement to one day open his own shop - this newest addition to the scene already feels like it has a storied past.
Writing and photos by Christos Tsirbas
Comments (12)
Roger is AWESOME; his shop even moreso! Word has it he's going to add Barbasol jars filled with Twizzlers and Cadbury chocolates to thank his loyal patrons. (n.b. i may have made that last part up in a desperate ploy for barbershop treats).
I've known Roger since grade school... attitude-free alternative is the perfect description. Congrats Roger!
Roger it looks good! I am so pleased with the hair cuts and wwould highly recommend. Keep going.
Went by today at 3:30 for a haircut. No one was there, and there was no sign explaining why. Needless to say, I won't be going back.
Cool place, nice guy, weak haircut.
Went there on the advice of this blog. The place is interesting, small obviously, but full of character. Has a definite hipster appeal.
Roger is a nice guy, really laid back. Since it's just him you may have to wait a while, and there are only two chairs. Prices are very reasonable ($17 cut), especially for Toronto.
The actual haircut was underwhelming. To be fair, it's hard to rate haircuts since you never know if you caught him on an off day or if you just didn't articulate what you wanted exactly, but the cut was a little sloppy. Tolerable, but not enough to keep me coming back.
It's best to phone him if you plan on going in as the hours are firm but flexible (like Jello, kinda). Number is listed on the chalkboard with the hours or you can find it online (don't want to repost here without Roger's permission as it's his cell :).
I've had my haircut three times and had great cuts the first and last and a slightly too long cut the middle time. He was happy to hear the feedback when I was in yesterday and gave me exactly what I was looking for. You might have to wait a while if you show up without an appointment, but call in advance and he'll add you to the chalkboard (though be prepared for the time he tells you to be off by about 30 minutes). Not the place for someone who wants in and out and no chatter, but you'll totally dig it if you're in the vibe and want don't mind hanging out a bit.
I can't sing the praises of this place enough. Laid back, no pretensions and Roger never disappoints with his skills. Easily the best barber I have found in my entire life - he could charge 2X as much and it would still be a bargain for the quality. If your one of those people who are worried about waiting when it gets busy, relax a bit - just put your name on the board and head next door for a pint (it's part of the whole experience).











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