Bad Hair Day? No Need For That When You Live Here

This community is filled with boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

Tourists come from all over the world to see the historic buildings and sample the excellent food in the North End.

Yet there’s something that can’t be printed in a guidebook and isn’t as obvious to view.

That’s dedication to one’s craft.

In their own quiet way, there are several men who devote their days to helping the residents of this community look as good as any shop or structure.

Those men are barbers.

Tucked away off side or main streets, their shops are simple, clean and unadorned.

The important thing for these professionals is what takes place inside their barbershops.

North End Patch has met a number of these men including Rocco Lograsso and Gino Colafella.

Johnny & Gino

Gino Colafella, a North End resident, owns Johnny & Gino located at 430 Hanover Street.

Originally from Abruzzo, Italy, he came to this country in 1967 and ended up in Boston in 1978.

Gino worked a variety of jobs but wanted to learn a specific trade.

He started barber school in October 1970 and graduated in May 1971.

“While I was half-way through the program, people would ask me why I wanted to be a barber when so many barbershops were closing because men were wearing long hair at the time,” Gino said.

He told the people who asked him that question that he was halfway through the program and he might as well finish it.

While he was in school, Gino took classes to style as well as cut hair.

“What helped me was I learned to cut long hair for men and they would come twice a week for a wash and a blow dry,” he said. “That helped me to continue my profession.”

On any day that the shop is open, you’ll see Gino meticulously styling hair for men and women. For additional information, call 617-227-8114.

Barberia Italia

There aren’t any fancy displays inside 167 Salem Street. Instead, there are two men who exude enthusiasm for their work.

 “I love this business because I meet different people all the time,” said Rocco Lograsso who owns Barberia Italia with his father, Gaetano Lograsso. “My clients are doctors, lawyers, young professionals, college students, priests and a lot of police officers.”

Although Rocco and his father don’t live in the North End, this is where they call home for six days of the week.

“We’ve been here since 1989,” said Rocco. “I’ve been working with my father for 20 years. This location was where my father started the shop and felt very comfortable being amongst the Italians.”

Rocco explained that Gaetano came to this country in 1970.

“My father came from a little town called Riesi, Sicily,” he said. “He moved to South Boston and then to Somerville.”

Rocco loves working with his father.

“My father is here every day and I think that he is the best barber I’ve ever seen, especially doing the straight-edge shave,” he said.

Barberia Italia is a traditional barbershop for men only.

“We’re a very respectful barbershop,” Rocco said. “Everyone who comes in here is treated equally.”

For additional information about Barberia Italia, call 617-227-2128.

Editor’s note: This is part of an on-going series highlighting business establishments in the North End.