Above / Two-year-old Leo was the first kid to have “the ultimate haircut experience” while sitting in a barber chair that resembles a fire and rescue vehicle at A Man’s Zone Barber Shop. The new barber shop for men and boys opened July 2 at 929 E. Ogden Avenue.
In early 2020, Isaac Sham moved from Chicago to the suburbs with his eyes on opening a specialty men’s barber shop in Naperville, catering to all types of haircuts, beard trims and hot towel shaves.
The man with lots of big city experience since growing up in Jamaica, Queens, where he learned the art of barbering from his dad, has been cutting hair since he was 15—and that was 24 years ago.
The licensed barber will tell you that after spending a couple years in the Chicago suburbs back in 2012-13, he’s wanted to return ever since.
Isaac first began looking for space in Naperville last February. He signed his lease in early March. Then came COVID-19 and opening as planned just didn’t cut it.
Meanwhile, he spent time learning and following all the Restore Illinois protocols to furnish his men’s and boy’s barber shop, located at 929 E. Ogden Avenue, “just across the street from Portillo’s,” he said.
With three barber chairs, suited to adapt for all ages, A Man’s Zone Barber Shop also offers special seating in a “firetruck” barber chair for boys up to age 5.
Sunday, July 5, the pint-sized fire and rescue vehicle was used for the first time with a good bell-ringing by 2-year-old Leo who visited A Man’s Zone Barber Shop with his dad, Adrian. Equipped with a seat belt, bell and steering wheel, the firetruck creates the picture-perfect place for a young man’s first haircut.
“Leo just beamed while I cut his hair,” said Isaac. “I’m not sure if the two-year-old understood what a special experience it was for me to have my first young customer use our firetruck barber chair, but Leo sure liked the Hot Wheels car and the lollipop I gave him as a treat when we were finished.”
First-time patrons receive $5-Off any Item on the Menu of Services
Senior citizens, ages 62-plus, and boys, ages 12 and under, always will receive a discount as noted in the listed prices.
Every man will receive several complimentary touches at the end of every haircut.
“A neck shave, hot towel and special massage come with every haircut,” Isaac added, noting a variety of men’s shaving products also will be available for sale.
“I inherited my passion for barbering from my dad, who’s now retired,” he said. “Though my dad sent me to college to study education, I credit him with teaching me the value of dedicated customer service, a good work ethic, being punctual and responsible, and wanting to run my own business. Barbering is what I love to do.”
Follow protocols, enjoy complimentary refreshments, TV and arcade
A BARBICIDE COVID-19 Certification, recognizing that A Man’s Zone Barber Shop has completed protocol training for the Professional Beauty Industry Training, is posted on the front door.
Patrons are asked to follow Phase 4 protocols, including wearing facemasks and keeping 6-feet distance. Temperature will be taken upon arrival. Sanitizer is available.
Complimentary coffee, cold beverages and assorted snacks are available for all patrons. The waiting area soon will feature a big HDTV, a variety of magazines and the local newspaper, all expected by July 10.
A complimentary kid-size arcade is available for youngsters ages 10 and up while they’re waiting for their appointment or their dad or brothers to finish.
Every youngster, age 12 and under, will be offered a Hot Wheels toy car as well as organic juice, compliments of A Man’s Zone.
A Man’s Zone Barber Shop, located at 929 E. Ogden Avenue, is open 9AM to 7:30PM Monday through Friday, 9AM to 7PM Saturday and 10AM to 4PM Sunday. Call Isaac to schedule an appointment at (630) 754-6244.
