MORGANTOWN — David Vannoy wants all of his clients to leave his shop looking and feeling like a rock star.
That was his goal when he opened Haircuts by David, a rock-and-roll-themed shop specializing in gentleman’s and young gentleman’s haircuts.
“I knew that this is my niche,” Vannoy said. “This is what I can do.”
Haircuts by David is at 425 Industrial Ave., on the second floor of the Terra Cafe building in Star City. The shop is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays.
Vannoy is a lifelong resident of Morgantown and began cutting hair when he was a teenager. He said he has always been interested in different art forms and has been a drummer since he was young. He quickly learned his artistic skills could be carried over into cosmetology.
He began cutting his family members’ and friends’ hair when he was about 15, which became visual references for his work. When people would see his self-taught haircutting skills on other people, they lined up to get the same look.
“I never charged anybody anything back then,” he said. “I just did it to try to learn, and so we could all look good when we all went out together.”
Vannoy didn’t see cutting hair as a full-time career option at first, despite having natural talent. He went on to work in other industries, including pursuing a career in marketing. Due to unforeseen circumstances at the company, he was permanently laid off.
After taking a day to think about what he wanted to do next, he decided to get his cosmetology license and turn his hobby into a career.
Twelve years have passed and Vannoy has since worked in shops all around Morgantown, honing his skills. Along with enjoying giving clients clean haircuts, he said one of the best parts of his job is having good conversations and building relationships.
He said some of his clients from his first year in the industry still come back to see him.
“I like to make people feel welcome, make sure that they know they’re not just a client; most people end up being friends of mine,” Vannoy said. “Even when they move away and graduate, they still come back here when they come to football games or anything to see me.”
Vannoy eventually realized he wanted to open up his own shop, which led him to open Haircuts by David in mid-April. Although opening a shop during the pandemic can be challenging, Vannoy said he felt this was the best time for him to open. He said the layout of his shop allows for social distancing, along with other COVID-19 guidelines.
Due to COVID-19, walk-ins are not accepted. Scheduling appointments and client consultations can be done over the phone at 304-313-2597. Vannoy is following recommended guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and all appointments are spaced properly to adhere to those rules.
More information can be found online at haircutsbydavid.business.site.
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