It's Your Business: Red & Blue Barbershop

They were rivals in high school, but now Chris Johnson (Platt) and Chad Uhlman (Maloney) are business partners.  The Meriden natives, who first met in middle school, have been friends for almost 20 years. After going their separate ways for high school, Chris and Chad both attended the Brio Academy of Cosmetology in Meriden and got their barber’s licenses.  In 2008, they opened Red & Blue Barbershop on Scott Street which specializes in men and children’s haircuts.

When Meriden Patch called to talk, Chad was the shy one and let Chris take the spotlight and do the interview. “Yeah, I’m always taking the spotlight from Chad, I like it that way,” joked Chris.

He went on to explain that Red & Blue Barbershop mixes the feeling of an old time barbershop with the popular trends of today.  That prompted us to ask if many people stop in looking for the Justin Bieber “flip and switch” hairstyle. “No, people in Meriden definitely aren’t coming in for that look,” laughs Chris. (Note: Justin Bieber recently cut off of his famous locks for cancer charity “Locks of Love.")

Competing high schools isn’t the only rivalry among these long time friends.  When you enter the shop, you are welcomed by two large murals on the wall – Yankees and Red Sox logos. Chris roots for New York, while Chad cheers on Boston.  Along with the traditional red and blue striped barber pole, the colors of their favorite baseball teams also came into play when they decided to name the shop. 

Chris says he and Chad are both laid back and like to have a lot of fun, but business comes first. “We’re always joking around and cracking each other up,” he explained.  “But we also know we can’t let that get in the way of our clients or business.”

Chris enjoys the business because of all the people he gets to know around Meriden.  “They come here and you get to hear all about their good days and bad days. It’s like therapy with a haircut.”

Another perk of working at a barbershop with your best friend is free haircuts for the rest of your life.

When Chris isn’t busy with his clippers and shears he enjoys hanging out with his five year old son, playing basketball and eating out.

For more information on Red & Blue Barbershop, call 203-440-3485.