By John Morton
He stands at an imposing 6-foot-2 and 270 pounds, but David Brown’s nickname of “Big Show” comes from him having a soft touch.
“I got it when I was in barber school. I shaved my hair really short and created a bunch of intricate lines in it, making a cool design,” Brown said. “I guess they thought I was putting on a show.”
Soon, he was churning out creations as challenging as the look associated with rapper Bad Bunny, where a thinned beard matches the thinned hair on the sides of the head, where meticulous designs are then created, all leading to a “fade” into a pompadour hair style on top.
“I love my skillset,” Brown said. “I love going freestyle.”
It’s a skillset that has served him well. As part of the team of hairstylists at The Barbers on Central Avenue in downtown Sarasota, his designs made him stand out.
How much?
“I decided it was time to expand, to be more well-known. I was ready to run my own business,” Brown said.
So, at the age of just 21, the Sarasota native in February opened BigShow Barbers at 5212 Ocean Blvd. in the Village.
Why did he choose Siesta Key?
“I was out here one night and I looked around and didn’t see any other barber shops. Downtown, there are probably 20 of them in a 1-mile radius,” Brown said. “I knew this was my spot.”
While Brown may be in demand for his unique designs and touches, he also has a love of the old-school-barber traditions.
“I love the classy stuff as much as the new stuff,” he said. “A shave with a hot lather and steamed towels is something we do and people will always enjoy that service.”
In fact, his basic haircut includes not only those delights but detailed razor edging and a facial/head massage.
Facial scrubs are also available.
Meanwhile, Brown appreciates the community’s first responders, providing a $10 discount on services when they visit.
And his services aren’t only for men. Brown offers an “undercut” for women where he creates a design while the hair is up in a bun.
The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. For more information, visit bigshowbarbers.com.
Author: John Morton
- Tags: BigShow Barbers, Siesta Key