Devan Pearson (pictured with client John Pollard) is a Utah native who started cutting hair young, "like in the eighth grade," he says. "I started when girls became important, and Mom couldn't quite get the job done." Later, he trained under Milton Larsen and Tim Hite at The Barber School in Midvale. He's been working at Ray's Barber Shop (154 S. Main, 801- 359-7297, RaysBarberShopSLC.com) for the past 16 months.
Any advice for a barbershop virgin?
If y'all take the time to plan to come in for that kind of service, know what you want the outcome to be. Yes, I call myself an artist and feel comfortable doing any men's cut. But if you come in and say, "I don't know how I want my haircut," or, "You're the pro, do your thing," it's just dumb. 1. If the barber's good, he's busy—daily, not just weekends; he's got people behind you, and time is money. 2. You technically just asked me to look at you and judge your entire being on what I see. I don't know you, man. I don't know your style, or more importantly, what's not.
Do you have any women clients?
Yes, a handful. They're rad: outgoing and simple, yet loud in a good way. Not too many girlies have it in them to rock the Miley Cyrus undercut. To those few who do: I got you. The shaving/fading of one side or under the ponytail with a design? It's bold but looks great on most.
What's a normal tip?
We don't live off tips. They make it easier and honestly help, yes. But I don't know a barber who works for tips. A tip is a sign of appreciation. How much do you value us—what did we do for you?
How often should a man see a barber?
I like to say every two to six weeks.
What's the trend nowadays: long hair and a short beard? Or vice versa?
Be you—whatever makes you feel best. Like you could walk into any room and slide in on the biggest babe in it.
What are some common beard errors?
Y'all touching it yourself. Don't do it. It never looks good. If you have to, stay away from lining it right up to your jaw. It just looks like a thick chin strap, not a beard.
What about the mustache?
Same story.
Sideburns?
Now that's different. Taper that, whether it's to skin or slightly shorter, it's just for shape.
What are some common beard errors?
Y'all touching it yourself. Don't do it. It never looks good. If you have to, stay away from lining it right up to your jaw. It just looks like a thick chin strap, not a beard.
What's this I hear about "beard oil," and why should I use it?
It's great stuff. Just helps moisturize the hair and skin. Keeping it soft throughout the growing process taking away the "itchy" phase.
Should a bald man go to a barber?
Yeah, why not? A head shave is the same price as a haircut, so come kick back, BS and enjoy hot lather and a classic straight-blade shave. The one blade is just different. It's a "try it out and feel it for yourself" deal. I back up my work so, bald dudes, come see me.
What should people expect to pay?
How much would you pay or how much should you have to pay? We're low priced. Yeah, I'm biased. Most people coming from elsewhere get it, though, and we feel valued. A cut is $15. A beard trim is $13. A shave is $40.
Hey, have you ever seen The Barber of Seville?
Nah, man, I'm a Sandlot kinda guy ...
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