Get a Warm Welcome From North End Barbers

As you walk down Salem Street, you’ll see quite a few places to eat and pretty boutiques that sell clothing, jewelry, candles and candy.

All are appealing.

When you arrive at 167 Salem Street and open the door, however, it’s a different world.

Simple, clean and unadorned, there are no fancy displays in this shop. But you’ll most certainly be greeted by 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.”

Gaetano and Rocco have the barbershop open Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome.

“We sell American Crew shampoo and gel,” Rocco said.

Although he 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.”

History of father and son

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.”

That’s where Rocco grew up.

“I lived in Winter Hill, went to Somerville High School and graduated in 1990,” he said. “We’re a family of barbers and I went to the New England Hair Academy in Malden right after high school.”

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.

The customer is always right

Barberia Italia is a traditional barbershop for men only.

Any man who comes into the shop is treated like a king.

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

Gaetano’s linguistic skills help maintain that environment.

“We have a lot of clients who are from Italy,” Rocco said. “My father speaks Italian, English, Spanish and Portuguese.”

In a side note, Rocco explained the origins of the barbershop pole.

“The colors of the pole meant that red was medical, white was the bandage and blue was the blood,” he said. “The pole started in the 1800’s.”

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

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