Shear Perfection Has Served Winchester Residents for Two Decades

It’s been a landmark in Winchester for the past two decades. Well, maybe not the location, but has called Winchester home for the past 26 years.

Owner, Julie Riccardi, had her first job in Winchester and once she finished barber school, she decided to open up her own shop in town and she’s worked in Winchester ever since.

“I started here in Winchester and when I finished barber school I decided to stay,” Riccardi said. “I just loved the town and the people.”

When she was younger, Riccardi knew she didn’t want to work in an office, so after thinking about different careers, she stumbled into the barber profession. But watching clients, whose hair she cut when they were younger now bring in their own children, is something she’s still getting used to.

“I’m just very grateful,” Riccardi said. “I’m grateful for the success I’ve had and for the clients that still continue to come. But it is a little frightening to see kids that I had when they were in middle school now bring their own children. It’s been interesting seeing all these kids grow up.”

On March 1, Riccardi and her partner, Kim Windt, had a re-grand opening of the store. While this isn’t the first time Riccardi has moved—she started on Main Street, moved to Church and is now on Mont Vernon Street—this will most likely be the last.

Riccardi and Windt will also be adding new features to this shop. While they will still have men’s haircuts, beginning April 23, she will offer manicure and pedicures for men and women. The barber shop will also be offering massages and shaves by the end of the month, according to Riccardi.

And with the new extended hours—they’re open until 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturdays—Riccardi and Windt are excited about the new location.

“I love the town and I love seeing people who I haven’t seen in so long,” said Windt, who, after originally working in Winchester, moved her business to Stoneham, before returning to work with Riccardi in her new location. “I love the town, I love the space and I’m just really excited for this new opportunity.”

But Riccardi knows why she’s continued to have such success in Winchester.

“I provide them entertainment,” she said. “And I’m also their therapist. But, I think guys are loyal. If they get a nice haircut and they like it, they’re going to come back. And when the come back they bring their children, who then eventually bring their children.

“I just love it, everyday is different.”