University Place barber has passion for his craft

10.17.2009

Calling your business the Ultimate Barber Lounge sets a high bar for customer satisfaction. Master Barber / Owner Tone McGill relishes the chance to show off his talent.
“As a barber, the goal should be to learn your craft and go out on your own,” says Tone, who opened the lounge last spring at University Place.
And Tone clearly has learned his craft. In 2006 he won the barbering competition at the acclaimed Bonner Brothers International Hair Show in Atlanta – the event showcased in Chris Rock’s new documentary, “Good Hair.”
“Cutting hair started out as a hobby,” Tone says, “and then I realized it was my passion.”
Tone began cutting hair while growing up in Philadelphia. Six years ago he convinced his wife, Selana, to let him follow his dream to Charlotte. They and their two children now live in University City. Tone worked at other Charlotte salons before launching his own shop.
Tone said he chose University Place because of the area’s diversity. “One of the things that drew me to University Place is that I saw it was multicultural, and we serve all nationalities so that was real important to me,” he said.
Customers arriving at the Ultimate Barber Lounge are greeted by Tone's credo, printed beside the door: "It's more than a haircut. It's an experience."
The Ultimate Barber Lounge features Tone and nine other barbers, two stylists and nail and shampoo technicians. There is a decidedly male feel to the Lounge. The décor includes clean white walls, red barber chairs, and large Sears Craftsman toolboxes at each station.
Jazz played over the Lounge stereo on a recent afternoon as Tone, in white T-shirt, black vest and jeans, carefully sculpted and colored his customer’s tightly cropped beard. The style, called Blaque, is Tone’s creation and helped him win the 2006 show.
The Lounge draws college students (especially on $10 Mondays), professional athletes and customers living as far away as Ballantyne. Many come for Tone’s unique Blaque designs.
“If you can think it, we can cut it,” he says.

WANT TO VISIT?
The Ultimate Barber Lounge is at 8925 J.M. Keynes Drive (across the street from Old Navy at University Place). Open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and Sundays by appointment only. 704-549-4449. Visit www.ublounge.com for more information; see the Lounge’s latest creations at its Facebook page,
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlotte-NC/Ultimate-Barber-Lounge/133078602348


6.29.2010 Former IBM complex gets new name: Innovation Park BECO South is offering a glimpse at changes coming to Meridian Corporate Center - beginning with a new name and logo that reflect ...Read article >
6.29.2010 Furniture Row rising near new link to Tryon Street The Belgate mixed-use center at City Boulevard and I-85 continues to take shape, even in the very slow economy. Visitors to IKEA w...Read article >
6.29.2010 Dining news: Taste of Philly arrives; Ishi grows A Taste of Philly has opened at the Shoppes at University Place. The menu proclaims, "The World's Best Cheesesteak," but also mak...Read article >

Take an interactive tour of the surrounding area with our interactive map. Find stores, dining locations, and more.