Dean Anthony - The Best Men's Hair and Body Salon in Long Beach
The barbershops of the 20th century have become the bygone relics of Americana, nostalgic symbols of our country's unique past to be entered into the annals of our cultural history. Most men and women now visit unisex hair salons for their hair care and beauty needs. But the rich history of the barbershop should not be lost on new generations or commoditized for expediency, because these businesses served a social function as well as a practical one. The traditional barbershops, the icons of small town middle America, were gathering places for men, where discussions of politics, society, human interests and entertainment occurred in a comfortable setting. These were the social clubs of the everyday Joe, just as beauty parlors were for the everyday Jane. But as younger generations sought newer places to congregate, the atmosphere of both the American barbershop and beauty parlor melded into a more systematic, sterile, and process driven business.
Thankfully, the owners of Dean Anthony on Second Street in Belmont Shores [map] have reinvented the concept of the barbershop. They have taken the traditional qualities of the barbershop and given them a 21st century makeover. As Scott, the owner of Dean Anthony, says, “We wanted a place with the traditionalism of the barber shop with a modern feel. Long Beach, particularly Belmont, is progressing to be a top Southern California destination. It seemed like the perfect location and time to offer a salon for men to be casual, unwind and even socialize with friends. While it has an exclusive feel, it's also a place for camaraderie.”
Today, some people might question the idea of opening a "men’s only" salon, but the owners have also taken the same concept and applied it to the Bella Salon of Naples, Dean Anthony’s sister salon for women. The purpose of each is to provide their clientèle with the most comfortable and tranquil environment possible. With Dean Anthony, Scott realized that men who frequented unisex salons weren’t completely relaxed during their visits, often overcome by the sterility of the shop, the powerful scent of perm chemicals and the worry of offending the woman in the next chair by venting to the barber or discussing affairs of the heart. That’s not to say that men in salons are vulgar, but sometimes boys want to be boys. This would seem to be the motto of Dean Anthony, and in this regard the salon delivers big!
Upon entering the lobby, customers are greeted pleasantly and offered a beverage. And not just water or coffee. Clients can enjoy a soda, a beer and a snack during their visit. Each station is equipped with a television screen at eye-level for entertainment. In the backroom, where shampooing and bodywork take place, customers can also amuse themselves with video games available on the shop’s PlayStation II or X-Box gaming consoles. And if you just want to waste time hanging out with other gents, Dean Anthony invites you to do so.
At Dean Anthony, the haircut is an experience. You can come in for a Scruff Trim & Coif (starting a $5), a Classic Cut (for $39), or other services that include highlights, coloring, frizz control and more. For extra time in the chair, men can get a mini manicure or facial for an addition $8. They even offer haircuts for the kids, which are $25 and include a shampoo, cut, rinse, and styling.
Dean Anthony, being a full service men’s salon, provides a complete suite of services to address every man’s needs. There are massages, skin treatments and facials, pedicures, manicures and waxing, but Dean Anthony is all about the shave. The is the favorite service of nearly every regular customer, many of whom came in for a custom shave to prepare for a special occasion but now come back for it regularly. I must admit that I am one of those customers. The shave at Dean Anthony is an experience in and of itself. During the shave, you’ll be treated with hot towels, warm scented lather, exotic lotions, a close straight razor shave, and a mini facial. It is easily one of the most relaxing things to do without spending a fortune.
There are many specialty cut and shave packages available at Dean Anthony, and the menu of services can be viewed here. Each one promises guests a rich and soothing experience. The Tuxedo Time package, for example, is the granddaddy of them all. Tuxedo Time includes a classic haircut, a signature shave, a 90 minute Sports & Stretch Massage, 20 Digit Dressing, and a deep cleansing facial. The package costs $344 and lasts for five luxurious hours.
For my money, however, I wholeheartedly recommend a haircut and the Modern Man Shave. After a full shampoo and cut, enjoyed while nursing a beer (my preference), you’ll undergo one of the most relaxing shaves of your life. This is a five-towel shave and mini facial. The whole thing takes about an hour, and you’ll feel mellow all day after.
Dean Anthony is certainly in my Top 2 of Things to Do in Long Beach, without a doubt. And it’s not just the services, or the products used, or the abundant amenities, or even the alcohol; it’s also the people. The staff and the customer treatment at Dean Anthony are unparalleled. I spent the entire time chatting with Craig, the best barber I’ve ever had, instead of playing video games or watching TV. Dean Anthony has gone out of its way to find a skilled, professional, and well-rounded group of barbers who know what being a barber is all about. If you fancy yourself a Renaissance Man (for this century, at least), then Dean Anthony is a MUST! More than that, it should be a habit.
Dean Anthony is located at 5287 Second Street in Belmont Shores, between La Verne Ave and Glendora Ave [map]. For more information, visit them on the web or call 562-434-DEAN (3326).
Dean Anthony is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
