You walk down South Main Street in Davidson and the air changes. It's not just the smell of roasted coffee from the nearby cafes or the quiet hum of a college town finding its rhythm. It’s the history. If you look closely at the plate glass windows of Raeford's Barber Shop Davidson NC, you’ll see more than just a place to get a trim. You’re looking at a living, breathing landmark that has survived economic shifts, a global pandemic, and the complicated social evolution of the South.
Honestly, most people treat a barber shop like a utility. You go in, you sit down, you leave a few dollars, and you walk out with shorter hair. But at Raeford's, the chair is more like a front-row seat to the town’s soul.
The Unlikely History of Raeford's Barber Shop Davidson NC
Most people assume the shop has been there since the dawn of time because it feels so permanent. But the actual doors opened in 1993. That was the year James Raeford—a man who had spent decades honing his craft under local legends—decided it was time to put his own name on the glass. James wasn't new to the game; he had been a staple in the local barbering scene since the late 1950s.
Before he was the owner, James worked for Ralph Johnson, another pivotal figure in Davidson's history. There is a specific kind of weight to that lineage. During the 1960s, when the town was grappling with integration, James was right there, witnessing the protests and the eventual shift in how businesses served their community. When he finally opened Raeford’s, it wasn't just a business move. It was the continuation of a legacy.
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James eventually handed the reins to his son, Ron Raeford, in 2003. Ron didn't originally set out to be a barber. He was working in the pharmaceutical industry in Charlotte, probably wearing a suit and dealing with spreadsheets. But the pull of the family business is a powerful thing. He came back, picked up the shears, and has been the face of the shop ever since.
Why This Place Isn't Your Average Salon
If you’re looking for a "hair studio" with cucumber water and a minimalist aesthetic, you’re in the wrong place. Raeford's is a classic, no-nonsense shop. You’ll find:
- Chrome-and-maroon-leather chairs that have seen thousands of stories.
- A row of men waiting patiently, usually talking about the latest Davidson College game or local politics.
- A memorial case for Ralph Johnson, keeping the history of Black barbers in Davidson alive.
- The rhythmic "snip-snip" of scissors that hasn't changed in thirty years.
It’s one of those rare spots where the clientele is a true mix. Despite the deep roots in the Black community, the shop serves everyone. Ron has mentioned in past interviews that about 90% of his customers are white and 10% are Black—a flip of what some might expect from a historically Black-owned shop. It just goes to show that a good fade and a better conversation transcend everything else.
The Reality of Running a Main Street Staple
Running a business in a town like Davidson isn't all small-town charm and handshakes. The population has exploded from a couple thousand to nearly 12,000 in the time Ron has been around. With that growth comes higher rents and more competition.
Then there was 2020. When the pandemic hit, shops like Raeford's were in the crosshairs. I remember the reports of Ron standing in his empty shop on a Saturday morning—usually his busiest time—wondering if he’d have to close the doors for good. The "day by day" mentality wasn't just a cliché; it was survival. But the community showed up. That’s the thing about a shop that’s been around for over 30 years; you don't just lose a barber, you lose a piece of your routine.
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Prices and What to Expect
Let's talk brass tacks. In an era where a "designer" haircut in Charlotte might run you $75 before tip, Raeford's has historically kept things grounded. For years, a standard cut was around $13 and a hot shave was $10. Prices have obviously adjusted with inflation (it's 2026, after all), but the value remains. You aren't just paying for the hair removal. You're paying for the fact that Ron knows your kids' names because he gave them their first haircut, and now he’s cutting their hair for their college graduation.
The shop usually operates with a handful of barbers, each handling about ten heads a day. It’s a steady, rhythmic pace. It’s not about rushing people through the chair. It’s about the "raconteur" spirit that James Raeford was known for—the art of telling a good story while you work.
Navigating the Legacy
There’s a misconception that these types of old-school shops are "dying out." Sure, the "barber-themed" franchises are popping up in every strip mall, but they lack the texture of a place like Raeford's Barber Shop Davidson NC.
You can’t manufacture thirty years of grease, talk, and community trust.
When James passed away in 2019, the town felt it. He was a man who once spent his six-month break riding a Harley-Davidson around because he needed to feel the wind after decades in a shop. That spirit—that mix of hard work and a genuine love for life—is what Ron keeps alive today.
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Actionable Advice for Your Visit
- Time your arrival: Saturday mornings are a tradition, but they are packed. If you want a shorter wait, try a Tuesday or Wednesday morning.
- Bring cash: While many places have modernized, some old-school spots still prefer the green stuff or have specific payment preferences. It's always safer to ask or have it on hand.
- Respect the wait: Part of the experience is the "long row of men waiting." Don't check your watch every five minutes. Put your phone away and listen to the guys in the shop. You’ll learn more about Davidson in twenty minutes there than in a year of reading local news.
- Ask about the history: If Ron isn't too slammed, ask him about his dad or the old days on Main Street. The stories are worth the price of the haircut alone.
Whether you're a Davidson College student needing to look sharp for an internship or a local who’s lived there since the tracks divided the town, Raeford's remains the equalizer. It is a cornerstone of Davidson, not because it’s fancy, but because it’s real.
If you find yourself on South Main, stop by. Even if you don't need a trim, just looking at the shop reminds you that some things—the good things—don't have to change just because the world does.