Our story, past & present

About

history

family owned for three generations

We’ve been in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood for 60 years, changing hands from grandad to son to grandson.

Styles may have changed, but one thing never will:

You’ll leave our shop looking purdy as a picture. Or at least, as purdy as you’re gonna get.

Jim Nicholson, Grandad

Barber/Owner 1966-2004

“Purdy as a picture.”

At the end of every haircut, Grandad Jim Nicholson turned you to face the mirror. In his deep Texas drawl, he left you with those parting words — whether they were true or not.

Tim Collins, Son

Barber 1997-2025 // Owner 2004-2025

“Hey, buddy!”

Tim lined the windowsills with toys and covered the shop’s walls with classic car photos, customers’ art, and too many damn calendars. With his warm greeting, Tim made every customer feel like family.

Iain Todd, Grandson

Barber Since 2011 // Owner 2025-Now

“Pretty as you’re gonna get.”

Iain honors the family legacy in his own way. He’s focused on quality, efficiency, and consistency. Grandad may have left you purdy as a picture — but with Iain’s no-BS approach, you’ll leave as pretty as you’re gonna get.

1966

Jim’s Barber Shop Opens

Grandad (Jim Nicholson) opens the original location on 15th Ave E

1966

1985

Jim Relocates

Grandad moves the shop just up the street, to its current home at 407 15th Ave E

1985

1997

Tim Joins his Dad

Tim (Jim’s son) takes over the shop’s second chair

1997

2004

Jim’s Becomes Tim’s Barber Shop

Jim retires and Tim updates the name

2004

2011

Iain Joins his uncle

Iain (Jim’s grandson, Tim’s nephew) takes over Grandad’s chair

2011

2022

Jim passes

Grandad Jim passes away at home, age 89

2022

2025

Tim Retires

Tim retires and Iain takes over on his own

2025

2026

Grandad’s Barber Shop Opens

A new era — Iain refreshes the historic shop and renames it in honor of Grandad Jim

2026

FAQs

What to Expect

What exactly is a classic barber shop?

A classic family-owned barber shop like ours is a no-BS place to get in, get out, and look good. You get a reliable men’s haircut at a reasonable price, without all the extra shit you don’t need. No shampoo, no highlights, no upsells on fancy products. Oh, and no phony chit-chat. Just clean, classic styles and beard trims.

What makes Grandad’s different from other hair salons and barber shops?

Grandad’s is a classic barber shop, not a hair salon. That means:

– Classic, high-quality, efficient men’s haircuts, mustache trims, and beard trims
– No women’s cuts, highlights, waxing, or color
– No products, upsells, commissions, or other bullshit
– No forced small-talk. If you talk, I’ll talk (but honestly, not that much)
– No appointments — walk-ins only
– Cash discount (cards and Venmo accepted)

We’re a two-chair shop with one barber. So there may be a bit of a wait, but the haircut you get will be worth it.

How much do your haircuts cost?

Grandad’s isn’t the cheapest barber shop in town, but always get what you pay for:

A third-generation barber with more than a decade of experience, who listens to what you ask for, works efficiently, and takes pride in his work.

Oh, and there’s a cash discount.

Check our home page for current pricing.

Do you take credit cards?

We now accept:
– Credit cards
– Venmo
– Cash

We do offer a cash discount, so hit the ATM before you come by.

Do you cut women’s hair? What about kids?

We do men’s styles on anyone who wants ’em. Buzz cuts, fades, high-and-tights, head shaves — if that’s what you want, you got it. Everyone’s welcome.

Why do you face me away from the mirror?

The mirrors in a barber shop aren’t for you! They’re actually a tool for your barber.

The barber uses the mirror during your service to see how your cut looks from a distance, with different angles and lighting. Seeing your head from all sides at once lets your barber work better and faster!

But when you squirm around to look in the mirror, the service is gonna take longer. Plus, by leaning into or away from the clippers and scissors, you can easily mess up your own cut.

Once we’re done, knock yourself out! If you want anything changed before you leave, we’ll gladly fix it. But while we’re working on your head, please — sit still.

What if I’m not happy with my cut?

The only bad haircuts are the ones you ask for, my friend. Kidding, of course…

But listen — if you want anything fixed up before you leave, just ask.

And if you have a change of heart later? Or the wife kicks you out til you chop it all off? We don’t offer refunds, but come on back and we’ll fix you up for no extra charge.

Do you fix cuts from other shops?

We sure do. Most of the time, if you’re unhappy with a cut, the shop where you got it will fix it for free. But if you don’t want to do that, come on in. A lot of our customers first came here to fix a bad cut they got somewhere else. And they became customers for life.

Can I make an appointment?

Nope. Walk-ins only.