Montreal barber Giacomo Della Donne marks 65 years behind the chair

Barber Giacomo Delle Donne has been cutting hair for 65 years and, while the styles have changed over the years, a lot of his clientele hasn't.

Since 1961, Giacomo Della Donne has been cutting hair in his Montréal-North barber shop and, while the haircut styles have changed over the decades the service has not.

Sixty-five years ago, when Della Donne opened his shop on Fleury Street East, hair dryers were new technology and everyone wanted the “Elvis,” he said.

“I started with the dryer, then the Elvis Presley and rock and roll. So Elvis would shake it up with his guitar. Here, [it’s] me with scissors,” he recalled.

Buzz cuts, fades, pompadours — styles change, yet clients keep coming back. Alexandre Galluchon has been visiting Salon Giacomo since he was a boy and now brings his own son, Felix, despite the drive.

“It takes about 30 minutes now to get here … and before, it was longer,” Galluchon said. Felix added, “I like this shop because everybody knows everybody, and I like it because it is fast. The cut is fast.”

Fast and reasonably priced: $22 for a good look.

Della Donne serves clients warmly in English, French and Italian. Umut Bayram said he appreciates both the cut and the conversation. “When he comes here, he’s always smiling. He’s a nice man. Very nice man.”

A man with a good memory, Della Donne knows a client’s “usual.” Like an artist with steady hands, he wields a straight blade for an extra-sharp look.

“He is a master, a master,” his younger colleagues said. At 85, Della Donne could retire, but he said with a smile, “I like my customers.”

His wall of fame features dignitaries, celebrities and clients who have become friends over the decades. A cut above the rest for 65 years and counting.