JD'S BARBERSHOP

Judah Down is the man behind the initials JD’s. He has provided top-notch haircuts, beard trims, hot shaves, and superior service for over twenty-seven years.

JD’s barbershop on Dunbar Street opened in May 2016. In addition, Judah owns two other Vancouver locations, one in Gastown and an exclusive members-only two-chair shop at The Vancouver Club. An additional shop opened temporarily in Los Angeles, but Judah lost the location due to COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Judah Down

Photo by Sandra Steier Photography

Operating a barbershop in a residential district is a departure from JD’s downtown locations. Still, it made sense when Judah learned about the availability of a nicely renovated storefront. With nearby high schools to draw from, in addition to numerous professionals and seniors in the area, and a fondness for the community, he says, “The decision was a no-brainer as the neighbourhood is an ideal fit.”

Originally from Niagara Falls, when Judah was in his early 20s, he went on an extended road trip with friends. One of the women needed her hair bleached, and he volunteered to give it a whirl. It turned out he had a knack for colouring, and a career was born.

Judah trained at Vidal Sassoon in Los Angeles. His talent evolved into a very successful career, first as a hair stylist (his first shop was the popular House of Envy in downtown Vancouver) and then as a master barber when he opened his first JD’s Barbershop in Gastown in 2002, followed by an invitation to open JD’s at The Vancouver Club in 2006.

Judah reports, “A lot has changed since I opened the Dunbar shop. My wife and I started a family and have two awesome boys under two. I try to spend as much free time as possible with my sons, hanging out at the park, beach, or wherever my toddler wants. It’s the best job in the world.”

The Dunbar community has embraced JD’s, and we’ve become a staple to the neighbourhood; we love the mellow family vibe.

The shop’s interior is very clean and minimalistic. Big plate glass windows sport JD’s logo. A red and white striped awning is a nod to the traditional barbershop pole. Four chairs are in place, with the option to add two more.

A striking five-by-10-foot commissioned graffiti-style art installation by Sunshine Coast artist Ben Tour complements the space. Judah mentions plans to add artistic flair to the neighbourhood with a mural on the store’s alley wall.

JD’s has earned a reputation for great stylists and terrific haircuts.

Colour and hair washing services are not available; however, the stylists will happily cut both men’s and women’s hair of all lengths, in addition to beard trims and shaves. The barbershop has an in-house apprenticeship program to ensure stylists receive the proper training.

A relaxed environment where guys and gals can feel comfortable letting us help them look their best.

What cuts are in style? Judah comments, “Fades are still our most popular cuts, but I’ve been seeing a lot more mullets these days. The 80s never die!”

In 2016, JD’s launched a line of products which has been very successful. The line includes body wash, shave cream, after-shave, grooming cream and matte pomade. The most recent addition to the collection is a clay pomade which provides the heaviest hold and is JD’s top seller. The products are made locally by a chemist in East Vancouver. Quality ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible and feature essential oils and vitamin E.

If you have trouble finding gifts for men, JD’s attractive dopp bags come in two sizes and make excellent Father’s Day, birthday or holiday gifts.

JD’s booking app is available in the app store and is the easiest and most convenient way to book and manage appointments. Judah recommends downloading it and stopping by for a haircut. Gift cards are available for purchase as well.

“I attribute our success to our great clientele and my talented team, who pump out amazing cuts. I love hearing from multiple clients around the city about how happy they are with their cuts and how they’ve built great relationships with their barbers. These are very special connections that take years to build. Most of our clients are from the neighbourhood and are now our friends; it’s like one big family up here!” says Judah.

JD’s Barbershop

4345 Dunbar Street

Vancouver, BC V6S 2G2 Phone 778-379-1829

www.jdsbarbershop.com

Story by Sarah Gordon. June 2023.