A man who keeps up a neat appearance – hair trimmed, face fresh, nails clean – zzzexy. In Ancient Rome, men had a regular hair cut and warm olive oil scraping from stem to stern, their nails buffed, and their face steamed and shaved. In the 1940s, barber shops were brimming with men who kept themselves looking sharp. So what happened to routine and proper masculine grooming? Michael Craig is not a historian, but he’s making strides to change the course.

Michael Craig, The Man
At the age of twelve, Michael Craig, then a sixth grader in Chicago, received a gift from his aunt that would change his life – a pair of hair clippers.

“I’ve always been into art – drawing, playing a musical instrument. Doing hair was an extension of that,” Craig explained. He started out cutting the hair of his neighborhood buddies and family members. “There was a lot of trial and error,” he recalled, laughing. “As I got better, I started to charge.” Around 10th grade, Craig started cutting classmates’ hair in their homes. “I’ve never worked in an office, never did the working at McDonald’s thing.” Craig moved from Chicago to Ohio, where he got his barber’s license, then moved to downtown DC, where he was the barber in a salon and catered to business professionals. Some high-profile clientele included actor Bruce Willis, hip-hop artist Talib Kweli, and syndicated columnist Clarence Page. “I realized there was a broader market out there.”

To that end, Craig sought to increase his cross-cultural expertise with advanced instruction. He learned from industry leaders in men’s grooming products, including American Crew and UK company Graham Webb. From these companies, he not only learned, but ended up as their educator and head of the education program, respectively. He continues to raise industry standards with monthly classes in Craig’s Education Resource Center for hair care professionals.

Michael Craig, The Experience
“Michael Craig is a luxury brand, a concept emphasizing quality,” said Craig. The center for men’s grooming is not the barber shop in that you picture in your mind; there is no red and white twirling pole, mirrors are not cluttered with pictures and mementos, and Cedric the Entertainer is not recounting the old days. Michael Craig is sleek and clean, with black leather chairs, warm exposed brick, and a variegated hardwood floor. There is a space to enjoy a beer or coffee and wireless computer access. At the return of warm weather, clients will enjoy their beverage and an optional cigar on the deck. The key is that you can relax from the time you enter until your service is complete.

Lucy will greet you as you enter. As operations manager, she makes sure that everything runs seamlessly, that your glass is not empty. She will soon expand her role to include concierge services. Rachel is a barber, specializing in color. Two nail technicians are on hand to make your shake smooth and civilized. Don’t neglect your feet – your wife will thank you kindly.

This is not a black guy place, it’s not a white guy place; it’s a place for men of quality. Even diamonds in the rough. Craig offers Life Support – educational services for men who need some guidance, be it for a recommendation on a tailor, instruction on how to properly shave, or tips on dressing well. They can even accommodate a group presentation. Additionally, Michael Craig will host events such as custom suit and shirt fittings, a bourbon tasting, and fine cigar events. Look for an announcement of a wine tasting event for Moms on The Hill.

“Michael Craig is for everybody. We offer premium quality services for men who like to take care of themselves and value their time,” said Craig. “It’s not a hair cut, it’s an experience.”