Humble Barber looks back to golden age

A new barber shop in Summerside, P.E.I. celebrates professionalism, craftsmanship, and the joy of being pampered.

Sean Aylward, owner of The Humble Barber, gave up a sales career in Newfoundland after being inspired while getting his hair cut one day.

They come into the shop and they kind of pamper themselves a little bit.- Sean Aylward

"Watching the barbers do their trade, seeing the professionalism, the craftsmanship in their hands and how they work, it's just really appealing to me," said Aylward.

The Humble Barber takes the trade back to the golden age. Aylward has installed a 100-year-old barber chair, and the music comes from the 50s and 60s.

Aylward said creating a comfortable atmosphere is an essential part of the experience.

"I like the idea of men who, they're manly in their everyday, and they come into the shop and they kind of pamper themselves a little bit," he said.

"I think it's cool that the traditional gentleman can have a little bit of both sides to their personality."

• Watch Sean Aylward remove a beard with a straight razor kit here

Aylward said he returned to Summerside because he likes the downtown there, and wanted to be part of its revitalization.

"I wanted to help make Summerside better," he said.

"It's got a great downtown and I think there's a lot of potential and I wanted to jump in early on seeing that potential pull through.

Aylward said he's seen nothing but support from the community, and his client list is growing.