July 17, 2019

Patrons who enjoy a traditional barbershop atmosphere for their haircuts now have a new option to try.

Ty’s Barbershop opened in early June at 1004 S. Cliff Ave.

Owner Tyler Aldrich said his shop specializes in classic barbery with a “modern edge.” He offers haircuts with hot-lather neck shaves, straight-razor shaves and beard trims, and is licensed to style men’s and women’s hair.

“You can just tell me how you want your hair done, and I’ll make it work,” he said.

A native of Harrisburg, Aldrich enlisted in the military in 2008 after a semester at SDSU, which he said wasn’t for him. He spent four years on active duty until transferring into the Air Guard and also working in a few corporate jobs that he said he hated. He needed to find his passion, one that would be inspired by his time in the military.

“When I was in the military, I always had to get my hair cut to keep my hair a certain style and length,” he said. “I realized I really liked getting my hair cut and just that it’s always in a fun atmosphere. It’s a job where you can just hang out with your friends, and your customers are always happy to see you.”

In 2015, he moved to Fargo to attend Moler Barber College of Hair Styling, where he received his barber license. He moved back to Sioux Falls in 2016, finding a position at Earl’s Barbers. While he enjoyed his time working at Earl’s, Aldrich said his goal was to open his own shop.

“Every barber wants to have his own shop,” he said.

At that point, Aldrich just needed to find the right financial and logistical fit. He said he looked at many spaces, but they didn’t fit or needed major renovations. Finally, he came upon the Cliff Avenue space that was previously the home of the Silver Scissors salon. After altering the space to fit his needs, he was quickly ready to open.

Aldrich said his shop has a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, one that fosters friendly conversation with his customers. His waiting area is furnished with lounge chairs that face each other, making it a place where “people want to come in and hang out.”

He also is excited to feature an “artist of the month” at his store. Each month, a different artist will have artwork featured prominently on the walls of the shop. Aldrich will host a reception each month to showcase the new artist, and all of the money from art sales goes to the artist. With shows already booked through January, he said the art adds to the positive vibe of the shop and is a mutually beneficial arrangement for both him and the artists.

“It’s a great way for them to promote themselves and me to promote myself,” he said. “It’s going to bring people through my doors that normally wouldn’t, and if they come in to check out the art and like the atmosphere, they might just come back again for a haircut.”