I have a confession. Up until about 6 months ago I had never stepped foot into a barber shop. For years I had brought my two sons to my salon (which is terrific by the way) only to be subjected to pinched cheeks and ladies gossip about J lo's derriere -- you get the point.

Now that Thomas is taller than me I thought it time to switch to a more manly environment. Lucky for us Brian Bunce Barbers is in our very own Perry Hall, hon! (Located next to Outback Steakhouse)

Brian's shop is a mixture of modern amenities with plenty of barbershop nostalgia. Inside you'll be welcomed by warm wooden architecture and a shiny tin ceiling. A flat screen TV tuned to a sports station (what else, right?) hangs on the wall above 100 year-old opera chairs. Eamon loves the candy machine. Being a bad mom, I failed to warn him the

red candies were spicy! Truthfully I was just distracted...

Bunce welcomes walk-ins, but I recommend making an appointment. Last Halloween I brought my boys and my mom (who is a combination of Martha Stewart and Shirley McLean) in on an extremely busy Saturday. Talk about culture shock! I don't think my Mom had ever been around

so many crew cuts and testosterone in her life and first-come-first-serve was so foreign to her, poor thing.

Luckily I'd made an appointment, so Brian took us quickly. He and all his staff were dressed as the oldest barber in the shop with wrinkly face make up and gray wigs. Pretty funny. Next to Brian was a large, creepy sound-activated spider hanging on a web. Every time I went over to talk to him a kid would scream or a cupboard would slam and the insect would drop on me. Of course my family thought it was hilarious!

Brian's always so kind to my kids, tuning the private TV to their favorite stations and patiently helping my little one into his chair.

He skillfully cuts their hair exactly how they like it. Thomas, not the most conservative kid, looks so handsome with a cut that's edgy enough for him, but not too Justin Bieberish. Believe me, I'd know if he wasn't happy....

The shop caters to men and women and all kinds of cuts and shaves. A hot lather neck shave is included with every man's haircut. I don't have a beard, but that sounds nice! Legs maybe? :-)

Men can get a Straight Razor Shave (head or face) and of course any one can choose the Super Close Clipper.

The prices are so affordable. Seniors and kids get a discount and "Babies First Hair Cut" is absolutely free. The first time we went, Eamon sat in the vintage 50’s era fire-truck for his hair cut - how cool! If your kids have been good, treat them to one of the free lolli-pops (which I'm embarased to say my kids help them selves to

the moment we walk in....).

I need to mention, the barber shop is cash only, so come prepared, or in a pinch use the ATM in the waiting area. My boys truly love this place. If they're happy so am I... 3 thumbs up Brian!

Brian Bunce Barbers
8911 Belair Rd Perry Hall, MD 21236
410-248-0370