You walk into Raeford's Barber Shop Davidson NC and the first thing you notice isn't the smell of talcum powder or the hum of clippers. It’s the noise. Not loud, obnoxious noise, but the steady, rhythmic hum of a dozen conversations happening at once. It feels like stepping into a living room where everyone happens to be getting a trim.
Honestly, in a town like Davidson that’s seen its fair share of high-end boutiques and polished storefronts move in, this place is a bit of an anomaly. It's a Black-owned barbershop on Main Street where, paradoxically, the vast majority of the regulars are white. It shouldn't be a "thing" in 2026, but given the heavy history of this specific stretch of pavement, it’s actually a pretty big deal.
The Man Behind the Chair: James Raeford’s Legacy
The shop didn't just appear out of nowhere. James Raeford opened the doors back in 1993, but his story in Davidson goes back way further than that. He was a guy who knew the value of a good story and a clean taper. James actually worked for years under Ralph Johnson, a legendary (and sometimes controversial) figure in the local barbering scene.
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There was a time when things were... tense. Back in the late 60s, Johnson's shop was the site of major protests because he wouldn't integrate. James Raeford was right there, working the chairs, and he was one of the voices internal to the shop pushing for change. He eventually left to sell cars for a while—turns out he was good at it, but the man missed the shop. He missed the "whoppers" people told while waiting their turn.
When a spot opened up on South Main in ’93, James jumped. He brought in guys like Joe McLain and Kenneth Norton. These weren't just employees; they were the DNA of the shop. James passed away in 2019, but if you look around the shop today, you can still feel his influence in the way the barbers treat the customers.
Like Father, Like Son
Ron Raeford, James’s son, is the guy running the show now. He didn't always plan on being a barber. He was actually in the pharmaceutical industry before he decided to trade the corporate ladder for the barber's chair in 1998.
"It's one thing to cut hair and make people look and feel good, but it's the relationships and getting to know people that make this such a special place." — Ron Raeford
That’s the quote Ron usually gives, and you can tell he means it. He’s watched kids grow up in his chairs, go off to Davidson College, and eventually bring their own kids back for their first haircuts. It’s a cycle. A really cool one.
Why Everyone Talks About the "Atmosphere"
If you're looking for a silent, spa-like experience, you’re in the wrong place. Raeford's Barber Shop Davidson NC is about the "raconteur" spirit. James used to say he’d make things up just to keep the day moving if the room went quiet.
Today, that translates to a "family atmosphere" that sounds cliché until you're actually sitting there. You’ve got:
- The Sports Talk: It’s unavoidable. Whether it’s the Panthers, the Davidson Wildcats, or high school ball, someone is going to have an opinion.
- The History: There’s a memorial case for Ralph Johnson on the wall. It’s got his gold scissors and old photos. It serves as a reminder that this shop isn't just a business; it’s a survivor of a different era.
- The "Better Looking Gentleman" Rule: This was James's slogan. No matter who you are when you walk in, you're supposed to leave feeling like a better version of yourself.
The Famous Clientele (And the Regulars)
You might hear whispers that Steph Curry used to get his hair cut here during his Davidson College days. It’s true. But the thing about Raeford's is that they don't treat the NBA stars any differently than the guy who’s been coming in for 30 years from Cornelius or Huntersville.
The shop serves a mix. About 90% of the clientele is white, and 10% is Black—a ratio that reflects the complicated, integrated history of the town. It’s a place where the "railroad tracks" that used to divide Davidson don't seem to matter as much anymore.
What to Expect: Services and Pricing
Let's get practical for a second. You aren't coming here for a "molecular reconstruction hair mask." You’re coming for a solid cut.
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- The Standard Cut: It's a classic clipper or scissor cut. Nothing fancy, just done right.
- Hot Shaves: This is the real deal. Hot towels, straight razors, the works. It’s the kind of thing most modern "hair studios" don't even offer anymore because they're too busy trying to upsell you on product.
- The Barbers: Ron has a crew that stays. Thomas "Tee" Marsh, Quentin Feagins, and Tim White have been the backbone of the shop for years. They're master barbers. They aren't just "stylists" who learned to fade on YouTube.
Price-wise? It’s reasonable. It’s Davidson, so it’s not the cheapest cut in the county, but you aren't paying "boutique" prices either. You’re paying for the skill and the seat.
The 2020 Pivot and Why It’s Still Here
A few years back, the pandemic almost took the shop out. Being "non-essential" is a death sentence for a business that relies on being two inches away from someone's face.
But the community stepped up. A GoFundMe raised over $12,000 to keep the barbers afloat while the shop was shuttered. That doesn't happen for every business. It happened because people realized that if Raeford's Barber Shop Davidson NC disappeared, a huge chunk of the town's soul would go with it.
The "Secret" to Getting a Seat
Here is the thing most people get wrong: they think they can just stroll in at 10:00 AM on a Saturday and get right in.
- Saturday Mornings are Packed: Usually, there's a line out the door before the clippers even turn on.
- Weekday Luck: If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you're golden.
- The Conversation is Mandatory: Even if you’re an introvert, someone is going to ask you how your day is. Just roll with it.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re heading to Main Street, here is the move.
First, don't rush. Park near the Soda Shop or the Village Store and walk over. Take a second to look at the photos on the wall inside Raeford's before you sit down. There’s a lot of history in those frames—patents James held, old newspaper clippings, and photos of the "founding fathers" of Davidson barbering.
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Second, ask for a hot razor shave if you have the time. It’s the closest thing to a spa day a lot of guys in this town get, and it’s worth every penny.
Finally, recognize that you’re participating in a tradition. This shop is one of the few remaining Black-owned businesses on a Main Street that has seen massive gentrification over the last three decades. Supporting it isn't just about a haircut; it's about keeping the actual history of Davidson alive.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check their current hours (usually Monday-Saturday, but it can vary).
- Bring cash, just in case, though they’ve modernized their payment systems.
- Prepare a bit of small talk—you’re going to need it.