Whitesboro's Barber Shop Duet

The next time you need a great haircut, consider making an appointment - or simply walk on in – to A SHARPER IMAGE Barber Shop. It’s conveniently located on Main Street in Whitesboro, next door to Joe’s Pizza and across from the American Legion.

Top left: Vinny Cotrupe,  Bottom Left: Barbers in action, Center: Shop Entrance, Right: Anthony Ionta

If you’re anywhere from 2 to 92, owner and master barber Anthony Ionta and his talented young apprentice Vincent Cotrupe will be happy to demonstrate their motto: “Saving the world one haircut at a time.” I was duly impressed, watching them apply their considerable skill with both the tools of their trade and with the people who dropped in.

Anthony, who has been barbering for fourteen years, patiently explained the various services they offer. “Hair styles are age-related,” he said. “The younger customers go for cuts like fades, skin-fades and blow-outs. Mature adults favor gentlemen’s cuts and flat-tops.”  I asked if anyone asks for mullets and both of the men chuckled. “No mullets, but some customers still ask for Mohawks and Faux-hawks,” added Vinny. “There’s been a return to retro styling lately. Many men like to have their hair longer on top, as in pompadours.” (Say, isn’t that what Elvis had?)

When I asked them to tell me something amusing that has happened in the shop, both piped up with “Willy. He’s a frequent visitor who brings joy inside. He’s quite a character. His hair is always cut - but not by us!”

Anthony reported that both little boys and grown men have fallen asleep in the barber chairs. What a treat it must be to enjoy a service that’s hard to get anywhere else in this area: a hot towel shave, which can benefit those with a shaved head as well as the face. The process takes a full 30 minutes - long enough for a refreshing nap.

The two barbers are community minded people. They give free haircuts to individuals in both UCP (United Cerebral Palsy) and ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens).

While Vinny concentrated on meticulously finishing up a skin-fade cut for regular Cody Stewart (pictured at right both “before” and “after”), I asked Anthony to speak his mind. “I love this job,” he said. “We both do. It’s not like work. I can’t wait to get here every day. We’re the only barber shop left in Whitesboro. We hope to expand into larger quarters in the future.”  I hope they do, too. Judging by the wide grins on the customers who were leaving, I’d bet they’ll all be back again and again.

Why not stop by and get an expert cut, or purchase a gift certificate for someone you’d like to treat to a new look? A Sharper Image is located at 115 Main Street in Whitesboro, NY.  Phone 315-219-0771. They’re open from 10 AM - 6 PM Tuesday- Friday, and 10AM – 4PM on Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.