Broadway Joe's Hair Salon

You'd think it should be easy to cut a man's hair; a few snips here, a few snips there and it's done. But it's not easy. I have tried for over 40 years to find someone who could cut my hair so well, that it would fall into place perfectly every day until my next haircut. I have found that it's an art and one not easily mastered. I've only been to a couple of barbers who could really cut hair well.

Broadway Joe of Broadway Joe's Hair Salon in Longwood Florida (a suburb of Orlando) is one of those rare individuals who not only has the knack of giving a first rate haircut, but also has the unique personality who makes both kids and adults want to keep coming back.

Do you have a child who screams and hates to have his hair cut? We had two such children. In fact, we were so embarrassed when our children were much younger that we would never go back to the same hair cuttery more than once for fear everyone would hide when we walked in. Broadway Joe made the experience fun for the kids. His "Wall of Fame" is loaded with pictures of "his" happy kids (and adults) getting a haircut that makes it an enjoyable and memorable experience.

What makes THIS barber so special?

So after this introduction, what makes Joe's such a special place? First of all, Joe Pennachio is a third generation barber from Italy. His father and grandfather were both barbers as well. Joe has been cutting hair for well over 35 years and used to cut hair in New York and actually had cut the hair of several members of the "Rat Pack" (eg. Sinatra, Dean Martin, etc.). Your haircut is like an old fashioned haircut from days gone by. First, Joe will shampoo and towel dry your hair. Next he will cut and style the hair exactly the way you tell him. Eye brows will be trimmed, long nose hairs cut, and the back of the neck shaved. Meanwhile enjoy Joe's pleasant conversation. When Joe is finished cutting, he doesn't just brush off the loose hair and send you on your way! Joe will then rinse off your hair to get rid of the loose hair, towel and then blow dry and finish styling your hair. A little talc, some hairspray and cologne (if you like) and you're ready to go. Not only is your haircut finished, but you feel fantastic.

Want an extra treat? Get a hot shave!

This is an experience no man should miss. Joe makes you very comfortable with warm towels around the neck as he reclines you in his chair. Hot towels are placed on the face to soften the beard. Next, as your body is starting to relax and take you to another dimension Joe rubs fragrant Noxema into the skin. Just when you don't think things could be more relaxing, Joe applies hot lather on your beard. Wow, you feel so remarkable that you forget that you're in the chair for a shave. Your face is so softened by the preparation that the straight razor glides over your face and under the chin. Think it's over? I'm happy to say there's more. Once Joe is finished shaving, a facial treatment begins. Think that's only for women? THINK AGAIN!!!! One hot moist towel after another is applied in order to open the pores and cleanse them. After each hot towel, a scented herbal cleanse is massaged into the skin followed by several moisturizing softeners. Somewhere around ten towels and several creams are used in the process. Finally to finish, a cool scented towel is applied to close the pores. When you walk out you will feel like a million dollars which is probably what Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin felt like when they left Joe's chair many years ago.

Men, if you want a first rate haircut reminiscent of the haircuts in the 40's and 50's Broadway Joe's is your place. Parents, if you want to take your child to a place where they will actually enjoy the haircut and beg to go again, Broadway Joe's is your place to go!

Kids Love Him
From the first time we took our kids to Joe, they were hooked. It was the first barber shop at which the kids didn't scream like they were being tortured. Joe just has a magical touch with children no matter how scared they have been at other shops. The salon's walls are adorned with dozens of pictures of the children who have come into the shop. Kids love to look at the wall and see pictures of themselves and their friends.

Let's Not Forget About Helen!!

Helen, Joe's wife, is always on board with a smile to take appointments, make reminder calls, engage in great friendly conversation....and, if you're at the shop on a Friday you may get to sample some of Helen's tasty homemade pasta and marinara sauce which she sometimes brings in for the customers. You won't find better pasta and sauce anywhere else unless you're in Italy!

Appointments!

Most times when you go into the shop there are usually very few customers waiting. In fact, you'll see empty chairs for customers and you may wonder if he does any business at all! Well, Joe is usually booked a good two weeks in advance all day, every day so you need to call well in advance! Most people just show up a few minutes before their appointments which explains the lack of people waiting when you walk in.

Popular!

Joe also has local celebrities and radio station personalities come into his shop to get their hair cut. One of the radio station personalities will call Joe regularly and speak to him on air. There have also been state Supreme Court justices from out-of-state who have gone to have their hair cut by Broadway Joe. If you spend any time in Joe's shop you 'll see that he and Helen are so well liked that a lot of customers walk in just to say hello and chat for a few minutes, just like people used to do many many years ago... At the Christmas holiday season you'll see all the holiday cards that customers send to Joe and Helen.

Unfortunately, we moved back to Virginia a few years ago and I have yet to find a barber to cut my hair like Joe can. But each time we are headed back South to the Orlando area we call ahead so we can all get our hair cut while we're down there. It's a welcome addition to our vacation! Each time we walk in Joe and Helen's faces light up and run up to give us big hugs. After visiting Joe's shop during our latest vacation a few weeks ago it felt like we were home again.

If you're anywhere in the area or plan to be, call to get an appointment for the best haircut experience you'll ever have! Broadway Joe's is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Broadway Joe's Hair Salon
900 Fox Valley Dr., Ste. 105
Longwood, FL 32779
(407) 786-9066