There are two examples of “family” at Brassbound Barber. One example is the traditional father-son relationship between owner Bryan Kirkland and his son and apprentice, Austin Kirkland. The broader version of family is found among the boys and men who frequent the barbershop looking for a skilled shave or cut, but for community and fellowship, too.
Bryan Kirkland spent years barbering around the country before opening Brassbound Barber in Stevensville in 2024. He comes from a long line of barbers and is honored to carry on the family tradition. “Barbering in my family goes back to 1921,” says Bryan. “I grew up in a barbershop. Both my grandfather and my great-grandfather on my mother’s side were barbers. As an adult, I started out working as a police officer, but I just liked cutting hair, so I switched careers in 2003 and it’s been great.”
A black and white photograph of his great-grandfather Jesse, alongside his barbering license and journeyman book, hold a place of prominence in a glass case at the front of the shop. The historical photographs continue along the walls along with Jesse’s business card advertising haircuts for $.15.
Also on the wall is a large board where customers write their names next to numbers securing their place in line. Bryan, Austin, and Anna Gerlach, only accept walk-ins. “This way we do way more haircuts in a day and don’t get distracted answering the phone,” says Bryan. They do cut women’s hair, but only if they have a man’s style. Otherwise, Bryan refers them to the beauty salon next door.
Customers seem fine with the short wait as it allows them to sit on the long wooden bench chatting with their friends and neighbors. The myth that women are the only gender blessed with the gift of gab is soon shattered here as lively conversations among customers and barbers range from the state of the world to comparisons of blood pressure numbers.
Bryan loves coming to work every day, listening to his customers’ stories. He sees his role as much more than someone to cut hair. “We’ve built a community here. I believe that’s because barbers groom other humans, so it breaks down barriers. Guys will tell you things they wouldn’t tell other people. They feel safe doing that here,” he says. “Barbers need to be good listeners and possess empathy. We’re the cheapest councilor in town.”
Bryan speaks of his family’s tradition in barbering with pride and it is evident he is honored to have Austin, and his daughter Autumn Ellingson who owns Mankind Barbershop in Hamilton, continue that tradition. “It’s awesome to get to spend every day with Austin. I think it’s made us closer. But I don’t know if he would say it’s awesome,” Bryan says with a sly smile motioning to his son just a few feet away. Austin responds, “I make a lot of jokes about it and give him grief, but I really enjoy the time I have with him.”
Bryan is quick to praise Austin’s progress. He has not been easy on his son holding him to the same high standards Bryan sets for himself. For starters, Austin had to complete 300 hours of classroom modules and practice cutting mannequins hair before even touching a real person’s head.
Bryan is a strong believer that getting your hair cut by someone with these high standards who also takes the time to make you look and feel good can do wonders. “I once had a guy ask me to shave his dad who was in the hospital. He thought his father was close to death,” says Bryan. “But afterwards his color came back, he started telling stories, he rebounded. A good haircut can boost your self-image and your attitude. It’s an opportunity for someone to care for you and listen to you.”
“We’ve built a community here. I believe that’s because barbers groom other humans, so it breaks down barriers. Guys will tell you things they wouldn’t tell other people. They feel safe doing that here."
"A good haircut can boost your self-image and your attitude. It’s an opportunity for someone to care for you and listen to you.”