Proper Barbershop

I loved coming here. This is a real nice spot to get a hair cut. Scott was amazing. I moved here from AZ and would recommend this barber shop to anyone. This is equal the to spot I used to go to back home.

This is the best barber shop in Denver. With a move to LoHi and a beautiful wife urging a need for more style, I abandoned my usual spot and went to Proper Barber.
Huge improvement.
Alonso (Alonzo), a relatively recent addition to Proper from Long Beach California; but not new to the profession, put an expert eye on my month old cut. In consult, he listened to my desire (stylish, more clean, disconnect). He saw problems in the execution of my usual cut; and described a fix. He was fast, sure, skilled, and clearly a pro; as well as a nice guy.
I also liked the vibe of the place. I prefer getting a cut in a place oriented toward a guy’s grooming needs. Simple. Non-​fussy. Attention to details. This is that.
My prior spot is in LoDo. A very good place; but has become a bit difficult: ever changing staff, all female, etc. It can be a bit exhausting. It is a bit hard to describe what I mean; but can give an example that may make sense to other guys.
You want to buy some clothes and look good. You go to a nice place. The prices are steep; but, so what if you accomplish your mission: buy clothes, look good. Then, your salesperson is a cute woman. She is nice, competent enough. But she flirts, compliments, and makes conversation more than helps. Shopping becomes a forced social interaction; instead of achieving a simple mission. A distracting
disingenuity dominates. Everything you try on looks, «awesome», nothing is a bad choice. It seems like an effort to sell an experience — feeling good — rather than a good suit.
Some guys like this, I can tolerate it. But, I prefer less pretense.
I’d rather just get a skilled service or quality product from someone who knows what their doing and understands what I want.
Alonso at Proper did just that.
Some tips and suggestions to make place even better:
— There are many barbers. I’m not sure of the arrangement between barber and the shop. You may need to find the barber at Proper whom you prefer. I scheduled a recurring appointment with Alonso (every three weeks over the next 3 months). Find your Barber and stick with that barber.
— It is busy. Make an appointment.
— Be on time. The barbers work fast. (Alonso did a better consultation& cut in 15 min than my old place did in 45 min). Don’t break their pace. Guy code — don’t waste someone’s time at work.
— Respect the work. If the work is good, tip. If the work is excellent, tip excellently. If the work isn’t, say something and let the barber fix it.
Suggestions for Shop:
— Expand shop a bit. Don’t compromise quality
— Open a shop in LoHi. With luck (and locals who support local shops/​arts/​bars/​restaurants) LoHi can become the ‘Brooklyn of Denver’.
— Controversial suggestion. Expand services to other things well-​groomed guys need — beyond haircut and a shave. I don’t mean a brothel. Guys need a manicure, footwork, etc. These aren’t ‘girly’. For a century prior to the 1970’s urban guys paid for grooming. Badass gangsters, soldiers, iron workers, politicians, and businessmen had their nails trimmed, feet smoothed, faces steamed and scrubbed.
They did this because it was necessary for their pride and to obtain the love of others. Then it all became Unisex and Spa– douchiness. Guys, avoided these places, retreated into bathrooms with cheap nail clippers, and looked worse.
Help undo that and make money.
— It won’t be ‘fancy’ or weird unless you make it that way.
— Importantly, create private spaces for guys to get this done. No guy wants another guy to watch him while his feet are soaking.
— Hire well. Avoid turning your shop into GQ Barber (go visit if needed, and don’t do that)
— Avoid douchiness.

When I moved to Denver from DC a few months ago I was admittedly nervous about finding a barbershop equal to the one I left on the east coast. I wasn’t sure I’d find something I’d be comfortable going to for years like my last shop. Needless to say Proper Barbershop on Tennyson exceeded my expectations.
At the advice of a friend I made an appointment and couldn’t have been happier. The whole staff is very friendly, professional, and made me feel like I was a regular customer even though it was my first visit. The shop has a laid back, chill atmosphere and it’s easy to get a conversation started. They have an online appointment selection which makes it very easy to find a time to grab a cut without long waits of a standard shop. They’ll even let you come in for touch-​ups if you need it.
Be sure to grab an appointment with Natalie if she’s available. She’s very talented and is willing to work with you on finding out what cut best suits your style but also has a great look. In addition to being dedicated to her craft he’s very personable and engaging with her customers.
With a barbershop I’m a firm believer in «you get what you pay for» and Proper Barbershop is definitely the place to go for not only a great cut but a great atmosphere. The first visit exceeded my expectations and I’ve been going back ever since.

My boyfriend gets his haircut here and he loves this place, he gets his hair cut from Kirk at their new location and has been going to him for about a year. If Kirk is booked he goes to Jeremy and he’s great as well. It’s not awkward and they make great conversation yet their proffesional. The price is definitely on the higher side compared to sports clips but it’s worth every penny. I would highly recommend both barbers. The best part is that they are up to date with trends which allows clients to change up their style once in a while. Décor is great as well.

Love it! I love my barber! Although, when my barber was gone for a while, I had to settle for this one guy for a few times and each time I told him that I wanted a fade on the sides and back, he completely disregarded it and shaved the sides and back to skin. Also, he’s nicked me various times and is very confusing in the way he describes styles. Any who, it’s a great place.

Proper Barbershop is the best in the biz. If you want a laid back, clean, friendly, and genuine place and, oh yeah, a solid haircut, go to Proper! My man Shane is amazing with a pair of clippers and I have never once left anything but a perfect haircut. They also throw in free beard trims with any haircuts, so you really can’t beat it. If you’re looking for a cheap, one size fits all $ 12 haircut, go to Sports Clips and skip this place cuz you ain’t worthy. If you appreciate the finer things in life and have at least a little self-​respect, go to Proper.
Thank you guys for always being awesome!

First time to the shop, booked the cut at short notice with Scott and was very pleased with the end result and overall atmosphere at the shop
Liked the idea of the clean up and maintenance option as a follow up

Stopped by Proper Barbershop for the first time today. The shop was clean, there was a good atmosphere and some good banter going back and forth between the barbers, exactly what I would expect when walking into a barber shop.
However my review is not based my experience at the shop, that would be silly since the focus of these reviews should be the end results, which is their ability to provide a great hair cut and beard trim. (if you can’t tell, yes I’m taking a jab at those who fail to review their service)
First off Jeremy Rauch is quite skilled when it comes to the art of cutting hair. Not only did his cut blend flawlessly with my beard, but he sculpted, shaped and provided definition that was simply lost after 3 months of growing out my hair.
All in all, Proper Barbershop is exactly what I was looking for and Jeremy has the skills and passion to provide a great service.
If you don’t believe me look at the pictures I posted.

Rachel, thank you for a positive experience every time I get my haircut! And the fact that Proper does free clean ups which brings Proper a cut above any other barbershop, I highly recommend getting into Rachel’s chair

Jeremy Rauch’s the best. He gives me a fantastic haircut every time. Easily the best barber evar.

Went in to the Cap Hill location for a shave by Rachel, and I must say she did an amazing job. I’ve never had a shave at a barbershop before, but after this experience I’ll definitely be back for another.
The crew at Proper are always great, personable, and very professional work. This is the kind of place you come time and time again, the barbers get to know you and you can get a drink while you wait or while you get your cut done.

Finding a new barber blows. Especially in a new city.
Having just gone through it, I’m gonna help you out: if you’re a dude, book a cut with Luke at the Cap Hill location. If you’re a perfectionist like me, book a cut with Luke. If you want to avoid a dated/​shitty haircut, book a cut with Luke. If atmosphere and conversation are important factors in choosing a place to get your hair cut, book a cut with Luke.
Good guy, cares about his craft. Pay the extra little bit, spend the extra time finding a spot, because it’s worth it. You’re gonna have a great conversation and walk out with a great cut.
tl;dr Just book a fucking cut with Luke.

Proper on Tennyson is a solid joint. The shop has a vintage, masculine feel, and all the barbers seem really friendly.
Casey Schmidt has been cutting my hair for last half of this year –and I won’t be going anywhere else. He’s super friendly and personable. He’s also very professional. You can tell he takes his craft seriously. His fade work is awesome and now that I’ve become a regular we’ve started really tailoring my cut.
check out Proper, and visit my man Casey. You’ll have a 5 star experience.

Long story that started poorly and ended well! tl/​dr: now a fan.
Went to the new location in cap hill. Rachel cut my hair. Nice enough stylist but did mess up the back and sides. Got home and noticed that she missed so many hairs. It was super uneven. I made an appointment for a touch up (which are free, so that’s a plus), and met with Bobby and Jeremy. Both super cool guys. Jeremy fixed the previous day’s work for free. Just moved to Denver and getting your hair cut to your liking is the scariest part. As a new cap hill neighborhood local, and somebody who appreciates a great barber shop (and one with such a cool aesthetic… don’t trust anybody without tattoos), I was hoping that this place could be my go-​to. I was skeptical at first, but I will certainly be back now that I got a call from the owner and was treated really well by the other barbers.

Definitely worth the money.
Best haircut I’ve gotten in a long time.
Vintage seats good music.
Hands down best fade ever.
Cool place overall.

Writing a review for my boyfriend’s visit, a gift from me.
It was his first experience with seeing an actual «barber» and not his usual stylist. First off, there’s similarities and differences between going to a stylist at a salon and a barber at a barber shop. From a spectator’s point of view, it’s much more about the experience than just the service. I used to make fun of the uprise in barber shops until I saw what was happening. The best I can say, it’s a guys place to have a guys time and dare I say, be «pampered». Just like the nail salon is a gals place to have a gal’s time.
P. s. As a local business owner I respect and look up to the «take no sh*t» approach you guys have with people who are just insatiable. You go guys!

These guys rock! I walked in and made the most annoying «weeeell, I don’t really know yet… I guess something professional? Not too hard to maintain?» 20 minutes later I was an entirely new man, and I looked goooooood!
Back today with no appointment, I was told the wait was about 40 minutes for a walk in. They put my name in the books, then was told «you can walk around, check out Tennyson St, grab a coffee, OR you’re welcome to hang here and grab a brew.» That’s customer service! These guys don’t censor their personalities, so if you’re looking for a distanced, superficial barber… Maybe not. If you don’t mind shooting the shit with a real person for 40 minutes, check it out!

While I am naturally motived and compelled to give this place full marks, I do understand why some would choose the other end of the spectrum. It’s not complicated or even worthy of debate. It’s because you suck — you dull, tedious nimrod. It’s incredible how many grown men expect the world to cater to their infantile expectations and outmoded definitions of service. Fu*k you and fu*k your parents — they must have been a real bag of tools.
Proper is the most sincere expression of one man’s ability to translate a vision and passion to a collection of hand picked, highly talented and motivated professionals. And it works. This place simply rules and rules simply. It adds up to a transcendent experience grounded in excellence. And some of you hate that. You tiny b*tches.
Big up boys. Do your thing and always remember:
«Haters don’t really hate you, they hate themselves; because you’re a reflection of what they wish to be»

I have been frequenting this place since I’ve moved to Boulder about a year and a half ago. Of course there will be shitty reviews about a place that isn’t your standard mall hair salon. Most people grow up getting haircuts from a teenager with 3 months experience and are happy with the «Caesar» haircut they picked out of the 1987 Guide to Modern Haircuts magazine they have laying in their waiting area. However, some of us look for a little more in life. I’m sure it’s a bit faux pau but I have been to a few of the guys… Troy, Ryan and recently Luke. They all give amazing clean cuts with fades you should literally write home to your mom about. (She probably thinks it’s super random, but someone needs to know)
I just saw Luke yesterday and described what I wanted in a super confusing way and I could tell he wasn’t picking up what I was putting down. So he handed me a mirror, asked me to explain. All before he ever touched my head with the buzzer. When I said, «thanks for making sure you knew what I wanted» he replied, «got to get it right.»
Oh yea, it’s worth mentioning, they do play loud music, talk like normal dudes and have bush ridden 1970s Playboys you can read while you wait… So don’t get all high and mighty when Wutang Clan Ain’t Nothin’ to Fuck With starts blaring in the background.
Don’t be a chump & spend the money for a good haircut.

Short and sweet: Find a different shop. Luckily, we live in a time and place with plenty of great barbershops, which at their best are places of both service and community.
EDIT: My (relatively minor) negative experience with this place has been compounded by the owner’s juvenile reaction to a factual critique of the service. See below for his comment. He suggested that I read an «incredibly insightful and honest review of… you» posted by Recone in which I’m told to «Fuck you and fuck your parents — they must have been a real bag of tools.»
As a consumer, you must ask yourself, «Are these the people I want to support with my business?»
Here’s my original review:
Walked in, asked if there was availability or if there would be a wait. Bearded gent at the counter said they didn’t have any openings. Then a fellow who appeared to be his boss pointed to an empty chair and gave the counter fellow a knowing nod.
Proceeded to give me a haircut in complete, awkward silence. When I go to pay, the boss points me back to the guy who just cut my hair, who says, «I don’t have my license yet, so it’s free.»
So many problems with this, all of which would have been alleviated with some explanation before hand. GIVE ME THE CHOICE whether I want to cheap out and get my haircut by someone who isn’t licensed. On top of it, it turned out to be a shitty haircut that I had to go have fixed at the real barber shop across the street.
Unrelated, this place does hipster upcharge — $ 30 plus tip. By the way, there’s a great old barber shop across the street that has been there for ages and doesn’t charge me extra to have my cut done in hipster atmosphere. That’s where I went to have my Proper cut fixed, and will never stray from again.