When movie producer Scott Budnick (The Hangover, Old School, War Dogs, Just Mercy) cold DM-ed Jamie Repenning about licensing barbers coming out of the California prison system, Jamie thought it was a joke. But it wasn't; Scott was working on expanding the scope of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, a nonprofit he had founded. He sought ways to support the men and women transitioning out of the prison system. Jamie, based in Colorado and coming off of a position as the president of Floyd's Barbershop, was inspired by Scott's request, having worked with formerly incarcerated men in previous positions. The germ of an idea was planted, and on February 20, Jamie and his team opened R&R Head Labs in a historic building on the corner of Colfax and York.
The core mission of R&R Head Labs is to inspire personal growth. R&R delivers this by hiring formerly incarcerated barbers committed to improving themselves and the world around them. It's easy to assume that the mission is solely focused on the personal growth of the barbers, but it takes just one visit to R&R for clients to realize that they're also affected. For many, this is the first time they've knowingly interacted with a formerly incarcerated person, and it's incredibly inspiring to understand how hard the barbers are working to improve their lives and positively impact their communities. Clients walk away with the realization that a large group of people have been discounted, avoided and judged without understanding their experiences. This newfound understanding and empathy is a form of personal growth that offers the opportunity to enrich their lives.
One of the unique qualities of barbers who have learned their craft through lived experiences is that they can cut all hair textures and create any hairstyle. Their unique training inside prison, where they are committed to cutting everyone's hair, has made them exceptionally talented and prepared to bring their skills to a barbershop. No one is ever turned away based on their needs and requests. Recently given the "Top Barber 2024" title from 5280, R&R Head Labs already has over 100 5-star Google reviews and an unusually high consumer return rate. Every service includes a complimentary shampoo, conditioner and hot towel treatment for the ultimate relaxation. If you've got particular hair and scalp-related issues you are dealing with, the barbershop is also home to Labb. This custom formula machine creates shampoos, conditioners, and serums that are made to order after you take an online survey from the convenience of the barber chair. While you get your cut, the Labb machine mixes a personalized formula for you in-house to pick up when you check out!
The unique and welcoming design of the shop is intentional. Creating a human-designed space for barbers and clients was top of mind during the development of the concept. The R&R Head Labs team created an advisory council of formerly incarcerated professionals to help them navigate particular triggers and blind spots they may not be aware of, having not had the same life experience as the barbering team. Tall ceilings, lots of sunlight, bright colors and stations designed to create a personal touch may seem like just a design feature to the client, but each detail was carefully planned in conjunction with Xan Creative to ensure a welcoming and supportive environment. Often, clients arrive early to sit and chat at the round bar in the shop's center, explicitly designed to foster community and conversation.
R&R Head Labs aims to be a destination not just for a terrific haircut but also a community hub that can spark conversation and discovery. The team at R&R hopes that the barbershop's welcoming environment extends beyond the doors and inspires a mission to re-examine assumptions about formerly incarcerated men and women.
To learn more or book, visit rrheadlabs.com