Best of the Princeton barbers

You have been working for days on end, just trying to get all your work done on time. Then one morning you gaze into the mirror after an all-nighter and see a hirsute Johnny Damon staring back instead of the familiar face, and that is when it hits you. You need a haircut, and bad. But where do you go for a decent one? This is a dilemma faced by guys all over campus, and when in this position there are places you can go to get your needs met. There are a few centrally located barbershops just off campus, on or near Nassau Street, and each has a different type of experience to offer.

One of the better places to go is an establishment called Continental Barbershop (609-924-4225) at 38 Witherspoon Street. It is an upscale yet homely barbershop with wood finishing and a nice atmosphere that provides, more importantly, a good haircut. It is usually relatively empty and appointments are not required, so you can get a haircut and get out quickly. With its prime location, it is one of the main options for any Princeton student in need of a trim. The price, though, might be a little steep for some budget strapped students, as a haircut costs $28 minimum. And sorry, no shaves are given.

If you want to get in touch with your feminine side, there are a couple of stores you could try. One is Chelsea Crimpers (609-924-1824) at 14 Spring Street, which is just off Witherspoon Street. It prides itself as Princeton's premiere hair coloring studio for men and women. If that is what you're in need of after many stressful nights that have caused a little graying, this is probably the place for you. The slight caveat about this place is that a haircut and shampoo will set you back $40, and it is closed on Monday. Another business of this type is Ey Staats and Co. Haircutters (609-924-6696) further away from campus at 10 Moore Street, which is just off Nassau. It is in a tiny secluded house, although once again it will cost you the significant sum of $35.

What if, say, you do not care about exploring your femininity and you just wan a cheap, manly haircut close to Princeton University? Then Rialto Barbershop (609-921-8572) at 128 Nassau Street is the place for you. It provides the classic barbershop feel with a brick interior and a barbershop pole outside. It even has a couple of televisions, which are usually tuned to ESPN and the like for your viewing pleasure. Most importantly, they give a good haircut, it is the cheapest in the area at $18, and it is incredibly close to campus. They also offer beard and goatee trims and hot lather shaves for those of you who sport facial hair. All things considered, this is the barbershop I would recommend both to those asking and to those who should ask. Now go and get yourself cleaned up.