Jan 31, 2018 3 min read

MONONGAHELA – A haircut has become a family affair for four generations of the Muccis.

Tyler Mucci of Monongahela was the first to stop in to the recently opened classic style barbershop, the Main Street Barber, located at 105 W. Main St.

Tyler said he started bringing his young sons, Skyler, 10, and Gavin, 6, and then encouraged his dad and grandfather to try it out. Now four generations of the Mucci family patronize the barbershop.

“I first checked it out, because as a local businessman myself, I wanted to try and help out another local business. We all need to stick together,” said Tyler, a painter.

When Gavin Varley opened his barbershop in June, he never thought that he would be cutting hair of four generations of the same family.

“It is amazing to have the connection and history through the generations,” he said.

Tyler said he used to take his sons to a chain hair-cutting salon, but with the opening of the Main Street Barber, he began bringing his sons to the barbershop with him.

“I want to give them a sense of community,” he explained.

The four generations of the Mucci family live in Monongahela and New Eagle.

Varley said he calls his place a classic barbershop. It is decorated in an industrial-rustic style, including a stuffed buck hanging on the wall. Cigars are available for purchase, as well as masculine-scented candles and beard grooming supplies. Varley said the shop is geared toward men, but it doesn’t mean that women aren’t welcome.

“We are a classic barbershop. We offer shaves and cuts,” he said.

“It’s sort of a gathering place. People come not just for a haircut or shave, but to socialize and network,” said Tyler.

Mucci and Varley said that they have recommended each other to people for jobs.

“I try to hire or recommend people that visit the shop.” said Varley.

Tyler added that he and Varley rely on word-of-mouth to promote both of their businesses.

Alvin Mucci Jr. said he is glad his son told him about the barbershop.

“This a great place to come, visit, get a real straight-edge razor shave, it’s like the old time barbershops,” Alvin said. “I love the hot towel shave. I believe in supporting local businesses in the community. We support each other.”

Alvin Mucci Sr. is 93 and has had his share of barbers in the Mon Valley. He said Main Street Barber’s atmosphere is similar to the old shops – it is like a gathering place, but much more spacious.

“The old barbershops were really small, not much bigger than a closet.” he said

“They keep dying on me,” Mucci Sr. continued. “I think this one will last, he’s young.”