New Barbershop Planned For Former Aquarius Space

New Barbershop Planned For Former Aquarius SpacePhoto: Jennie Butler/Hoodline
Jennie Butler
Published on October 07, 2015

Fans of Lower Haight fixture Aquarius Barber Shop, which closed in November after 45 years in business, may be pleased to know that another barbershop will soon be taking its place. 

The new shop, which has yet to be named, is a project by Mike Stevens, a longtime barber and SF resident. Stevens also owns Zip Zap Hair just around the corner at 245 Fillmore St. 

"I've been cutting hair on this corner for 18 years, so I know everyone," Stevens said. "So I thought might as well do it here."

Stevens bought Zip Zap in 2000 after years of working at different barbershops. At the time, the barbering business was recovering from a serious downturn, said Stevens, as grunge and punk styles discouraged men from cutting their hair in the '80s and '90s.

Stevens has been working with the building's landlord, Chris George, since 2007. When Aquarius announced their plans to close in late 2014, George told Stevens that he wanted to lease to another barbershop. 

Though the Lower Haight's hair salon options abound, there are scant options for men's shaving services in the neighborhood. Back in December, we reported that nearby Dolled & Dapper was hatching plans to add a barbershop section to its salon space at 316 Fillmore St. However, it's unclear if those plans came to fruition. J.P. Kempt, which has been open at 351 Divisadero for two years, does offer shaves and haircuts with a classic barbershop ambiance.

The new Haight Street shop's design and opening date are still under wraps, but Stevens did hint that he would like a brighter space with more chairs. "We could be opening in the spring or summer, but it's hard to say because there's so much work to be done."