Otis and Finn barbershop. Credit: Otis and Finn
Aug.14, 2024 By Shane O’Brien
A Long Island City barbershop is offering free haircuts, beard trims, hot towel shaves and straight razor shaves throughout Monday, Aug. 19, as part of a training event for its master barber apprentices.
Otis and Finn Barbershop, located at 11-16 44th Ave., is usually closed on Mondays, but will be open between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. for the special event, with three apprentice barbers providing a range of free services.
The apprentice barbers all hold master barber licenses but need “a little more practice” before they become senior barbers at Otis and Finn.
A senior Otis and Finn barber will supervise all haircuts, beard trims, and shaves.
Otis and Finn, founded ten years ago by Shawn Dixon and Kirk Riley, operates four locations in Queens and Brooklyn, including two locations in Long Island City. However, this is the first time that the company will operate a free haircut event at any of its four locations.
Sam Johnson, Operations Manager for Otis and Finn Barbershop, said the 44th Avenue location is looking forward to hosting the event on Monday, stating that it will benefit customers and apprentice barbers alike.
He said the barbershop was offering free haircuts to provide members of the local community with a “no-cost grooming opportunity” at an expensive time of year.
“The reason that we’re doing it right now is because the lead up to Labor Day and the holidays that precede that are kind of a stressful time for a lot of folks, both time-wise and financially,” Johnson said. “It’s the time of the year when people are returning to the office, school or college. People are coming or going on holidays.
“We really wanted to give folks in the neighborhood a no-cost grooming opportunity while also giving our apprentice barbers the chance to meet some new folks in the neighborhood, so we knocked two birds with one stone.”
“It should be a great event, and we’re hoping to get as many people booked for free cuts as possible.”
Depending on the success of Monday’s inaugural event, Otis and Finn hope to hold similar events in the future.
Johnson said the barbershop will use Monday’s event as a sort of trial run and “move on from there,” with plans to make free apprentice haircuts a bi-monthly event if Monday proves to be a success.
“I think it’s a good way to get our barbers acquainted with new folks in the neighborhood and give people an opportunity that doesn’t really exist elsewhere because most places are obviously not giving away free services, so we’re just giving people in the neighborhood a good opportunity to get free professional grooming services.”
Otis and Finn will accept walk-ins on Monday but encourage people to book appointments in advance. All haircuts and other services will be free, but customers are welcome to tip their apprentice barbers, Johnson said.
For more information or to book an appointment, click here.
