How a hurricane, near-fatal crash brought fun barber to Alabama

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — A Dothan native’s incredible journey back home, which included a hurricane and motorcycle crash, is shaping a new look and atmosphere at a local barbershop on Foster Street.

Dothan residents can receive grooming services with an experience in the heart of downtown at Brittle Bones Barber Company, located at 180 N. Foster St.

The owner, Keefer Albritton, said the community has been supportive since opening one month ago. He never imagined he would be where he is today, but everything has worked out for a reason, despite the difficulties he has faced.

“Seeing people genuinely excited to come in and get their hair cut and the number of times I’ve heard ‘I have never had an experience like this before’ is enough to keep me going,” Albritton said. “This should be in every barbershop, and they’re like, ‘It’s not.’ They’re like, ‘No one has shampooed my hair before, and I was like, ‘It feels good, right?’ and he’s like, ‘It’s nice.'”

Albritton said he is just following where the universe wants to take him, and Foster Street seems to be the right place.

Albritton left the Wiregrass for Tampa, where he fulfilled his dreams by attending barber school.

He found his way back to the area after nine years when Hurricane Milton forced him to flee north, and a near-deadly motorcycle crash kept him in the Wiregrass.

“Last October, I got into a motorcycle accident when I was up here escaping Hurricane Milton. Two broken legs, broken pelvis, broken neck, a month stay in UAB, and in that time, we found out that we lost our house as well in Tampa,” Albritton said. “Through all the human process of doing all that stuff, I just so happened to be well enough to walk, and I wanted to see what was different about the area I grew up in, and Foster was one of those places that it was always cool, and I wish more was being done with it.”

Despite his extensive and painful injuries, the upbeat barber did not let harrowing situations dictate his future, and he is making the best of his second chance with his new shop.

“I have gaps in my schedule specifically for resting my legs,” Albritton said. “I have a little stool over there that I use occasionally, but it’s weird and awkward. I enjoy talking and walking around, so learning to use the stool has been interesting. However, most of the time, by the end of the day, my legs hurt, but I’ll be fine tomorrow.”

The shop offers a relaxed and fun atmosphere for anyone needing a trim or just wanting to talk.