It can be easy to feel disempowered in a world that inundates you daily with stories of people who seem more successful than you. Rags-to-riches stories aren’t circulated simply to generate publicity for the people involved; they have the power to help inspire entrepreneurs around the world. Being reminded that they, too, struggled through uncertain times before reaching their massive success is a great way to stay grounded and focused. Chicago native, Charles Shumate, is the prime example of just that.
Being the oldest of three children raised by a single mother, he felt the need to help any way he could and turned to the streets. Having a troubled past has instilled the proficient mogul with enough confidence and ambition to slowly but surely become one of the most successful barbers and business owners in Chicago.
Charles Shumate is an experienced and licensed expert in the hair grooming industry. For over 20 years, he has received various awards for his talent. He is known for his multiple barbershops and wide range of services—from haircuts to hair treatments to scalp micropigmentation procedures.
After years of rejection and hardship, he negotiated, played by his own rules, kept a positive attitude, open mind, and figured out how to slowly build a successful barber empire! Opening his first barbershop, Phat Fades, 16 years ago, which is still operating today in Rogers Park.
Through that, The Hair Historian/Who’s Your Barber Executive Grooming Lounge was born.
The Hair Historian is located in the heart of River West, occupying a corner where there is a steady buzz. The charming loft-style space is filled with industrial and modern contemporary decor featuring 20ft ceilings, exposed brick, and timber wood beams. The salon prides itself on being a “men’s lifestyle brand” by providing natural hair care, scalp micropigmentation and skincare products to its clients. They offer a comprehensive range of both traditional and ultramodern services that cater to the unique needs of people.
Unlike the Who’s Your Barber Executive Grooming Lounge extension of his establishment that focuses on hair grooming services, The Hair Historian, conveniently located in the same building, provides non-invasive treatment for hair loss. The Hair Historian specializes in scalp micropigmentation (SMP). This treatment helps cope with common hair loss problems like receding hairlines, male and female balding patterns, hair thinning, scar camouflage, and alopecia. Through SMP, detailed micro-needles and organic carbon-based ink are used to deposit pigments into the scalp. This process creates the appearance of tiny hair follicles or short hair stubbles, creating an illusion of hair density.
The Hair Historian and Who’s Your Barber Executive Grooming Lounge pride themselves on being the only barbershop in Chicago that offers not only haircuts, beard hydration treatments, skincare treatments, and scalp micropigmentation procedures but also cocktails. Yes, you read it right. Cocktails in a fully-stocked bar in a grooming lounge!
It is undeniable that Charles Shumate, who is groomed with years of experience and expertise, has proved that he is a cut above the rest.
When you’re in River West inquire about an appointment or scalp micropigmentation consult via his website or social media pages @thehairhistorian_ and @whos_urbarber.
