Long-standing Davidson barbershop is known for its “family atmosphere”

DAVIDSON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN) — In a small-town barber shop, there are the introductions, the ‘how-you-beens,’ a little sports talk—then it’s straight to business.  

“So just take this off pretty much. Okay,” James Raeford said. 

In this one thought, there are roots, deep roots—from the classic barber pole to the faded photos of customers and postcards from generations who left Davidson with more than just a haircut or degree but a sense of belonging.

“Some of those now, I am probably doing some of their kids’ hair now—second generation. Yeah,” Raeford said.  

While the world outside of Raeford’s Barber Shop continues to move, inside, time stands still.  

“We want to keep it old school,” Raeford said while laughing.  

Just like how his father left it to him after cutting hair in town since 1957.  

“[I] kind of follow in his footsteps, so to say, you know. I didn’t see myself doing it when I was young, but I got into it and I enjoy it,” he said.  

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For decades, some of Davidson’s oldest businesses survived on the rhythm of the school year.  Students fueled its economy, filling up chairs.  

Today, the college sits in the heart of something much bigger—a community that’s grown around it, providing a larger, more consistent customer base.  

“Back in the day, barbers, they would depend on the college. They did depend on the college students, but now the college students don’t do much for our business. Like when they leave for the summertime, they don’t do a lot. We don’t miss them. By the face we miss them, but they don’t do much for our business,” Raeford said.  

But their contribution to Main Street isn’t forgotten or overlooked.

“Some stay or come back to visit. ‘I got my hair cut at Raeford’s back in 1998.’ I might remember you, I don’t know. Glad to see you again,” he said.  

While the returning faces may age, Raeford said they always leave his shop a little different. 

 “’A better-looking gentleman after we finish the haircut’ is what it says. So that’s one of my dad’s slogans,” he said.  

Some leave Davidson carrying a legacy; others stay to continue that legacy right here—each shaping the make-up of the town one story or haircut at a time.  

“Try to give good haircuts around here and bring them back. Good atmosphere. Family atmosphere,” Raeford said.