New School Barbershop Offers Old School Cuts

When you stroll into the new Cream Barber & Shop in Wyandotte, it’s like virtually walking back in time.

The shop, located at 537 Eureka, offers men the full barbershop experience, including vintage barber’s chairs, hot towels with every cut and traditional hot shaves. And as owner Westley Napier put it: “It’s new school barbering with old school barber values.”

“We cut any ethnicity or grade of hair and all ages, and like the old, traditional shops, we only cut men’s hair.”

Nowadays, Napier said most barbershops are either located in bad areas or not fitting for only men.

Originally, a barbershop was a place where men would congregate and discuss contemporary issues while getting their hair cut.

Today those shops are few and far between, Napier said. 

“There was a hole in the industry,” Napier said. “It’s a dying trade. Old school barbershops don’t really exist anymore, and I wanted to bring that traditional theme to the area.”

“I’m a Downriver boy,” said Napier, who lives in Wyandotte. “From Detroit and Taylor to Trenton and Grosse Ile, I’ve lived in and around this area all my life.”

Since it’s opening in August, the shop, known for its traditional cuts like pompadours, combovers and fades, has already begun to resonate with locals.

“If there was one around here, I would have known about it by now,” said customer Rob Bodner. “It’s my first time here, and I’m definitely coming back.” 

But what makes the shop different from establishments like BoRics or Lady Jane’s? “The atmosphere,” said barber Maria Alamis, who’s also Napier’s cousin. 

“It’s more relaxed, but it is also faster pace,” Alamis said. “At a salon, you might see three or four people because…those cuts take a couple hours. You get to see more people at a barbershop.” 

Haircuts starts at $14, hot lather shaves are $20 and "the works" $30. 

Cream Barber & Shop is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Cream is closed Sundays and Tuesdays. For more information call or text 734.559.4345 or find them on Facebook here. 

andrew.thurlow@patch.com