By Maxine Giza

Step into the business at 934 Main St. in Worcester, and you will notice a buzz blending with the sounds of men laughing and chatting about LeBron James and Aaron Hernandez or what is happening on Wall Street. This isn’t the address of a local bar, but rather, a place where a number of men congregate on a regular basis ~ a barbershop.

Men fill the chairs at Santana Company, a barbershop where owner Will Santana creates a community feeling among his patrons. “Historically, that feeling of (community) was the focal point of the barbershop,” said Santana. “Everyone would come together and hang out.”

The friendship among patrons is evident as they linger before and after getting their hair cut and beards trimmed. It’s the feeling of brotherhood that keeps customers returning. “There are no egos here,” remarked client Kyley Nortey.

A similar vibe can be felt at Hairsmyth Barbershop in Worcester, where owner and barber Jeff LaDou said his business is a place where men can relax and be themselves in the shop’s original antique barber chairs, set amid the New England sports memorabilia that adorns the walls.

“When men come to my shop, they feel comfortable and can hold a conversation in any manner they choose,” said LaDou. “In a hair salon, guys have to censor their conversations.”

Unlike many full-service hair salons, where patrons can find themselves having to schedule appointments weeks, if not months, in advance, customers can enter a barbershop and get the services they seek without much planning. At many hair salons, cutting a woman’s usually longer hair, adding color or perm products and so forth can significantly increase the amount of time needed for each client.

Barbershops aren’t just an urban oasis. At Jonathan’s Barbershop in suburban Oxford, as soon as one haircut is finished, another man hops into the chair.

Entering a barbershop, however, is more than a social experience. Call it a desire to relive the days of Mad Men, or perhaps it’s the notion that only a barber has the experience and expertise to cut men’s hair, but some men are going the “old-fashioned” route when it comes to their grooming needs.

“Contrary to what some say, men can be more picky [than women],” said Jon Olson, owner of Jonathan’s Barbershop.

What kind of hairstyles are men seeking?

“In the old-time barber shops, the style was short and clean cut,” said LaDou. “Over many years, hairstyles have changed to where men are leaving their hair longer and wearing more facial hair and mustaches.”

Barbershops aren’t just a place where older generations reminisce about old times. “I see a mix of ages come in here,” said Olson, “From 93-year-olds to 5-year-olds.”

While popular hairstyles may come and go, so do the tools used to achieve a desired look. LaDou said it’s not about the tools a barber uses, but his talent.

“A lot of the younger guys want that sharp, crisp image that can only be achieved with a straight razor, or so they believe,” said LaDou. “A talented barber can accomplish the same look with modern-day tools, but this age group is not convinced of that.”

Whether it’s a specific style or simply the masculine environment a customer is looking for, one thing is sure: The iconic swirling poll that is synonymous with barbershops has recaptured the interest and hearts of many. This popular piece of American history won’t be going away any time soon.

Photos: (R) Will Santana, owner of Santana Company, gives a client a haircut. (L) Jon Olson, owner of Jonathan’s Barbershop, gives a customer a trim. Photos by Maxine Giza.