nine(9) questions with shop barber / OWNER JOE CACCAVELLA JR…
Name / age / hometown:
Joe Caccavella Jr. / 46 / Park Ridge, IL
What got you into barbering:
My father got his barbers license in 1964 and opened up the shop here in 1968. His father was a barber his entire life, as well as my fathers older brother Rocco, and my fathers brother in law Lawrence. So, I guess you could say it was in my blood to be a barber.
How often should a man realistically get a haircut:
I personally feel once a month is ideal to keep a man looking and feeling his best. If a guy gets a cut every month he always looks clean, and clean is professional.
What’s your favorite haircut to do and why:
I grew up in traditional barbershops so I like the simple, clean traditional gentleman’s haircuts. Think Don Draper or a young Elvis. Nice and clean in the sides, a dedicated part, clean around the ears with some product.
Beard or clean shaven — which looks better:
Depends on the guy I would think. If ya have a solid jaw line show it off. If you are chin-less then maybe a beard is your best bet..
What’s the craziest haircut request you’ve ever gotten:
Not just one in particular, but when guys come in who are clearly thinning and ask for a pompadour or slick back and then get butt hurt when it doesn’t look how they want. YOU DONT HAVE THE HAIR FOR IT DUDE !
Should guys wear product in their hair :
I feel a good haircut should look “good” with no product in it, and “better” with product. I always recommend Sixty8 Chicago unscented hair products which we sell in the barbershop.
What’s your advice for a guy trying to look more put together:
Get a haircut once a month. Wash your ass. Don’t wear shorts in public. Hold doors open for people. Think about others. When ya look good ya feel good. Oldest saying in the barbershop world.
Why do you think people still value an old-school neighborhood barbershop in 2026:
Personally I think they don’t. People don’t care about small run family businesses anymore. They don’t care if their barbers licensed or not. All they care about is the end product and if that product will get them likes online. Covid definitely changed the world and not for the better, but shops like ours have no choice but to keep trying to move forward and hopefully become profitable again. People need to support small businesses now more than ever before.