Danielle Childs and Janet Martinsen know a thing or two about facial hair.
They opened up their first barber shop in the “shag” era. Add to that the fact that their clients were among British Columbia’s most notorious bearded members — lumberjacks.
“When a guy grows a beard, it has to have the thickness to be excellent,” Martinsen says.
In the mid-1970s, Martinsen and Childs combed through a lineup of handlebars, imperials and chin curtains as judges in the mill town of Mackenzie’s beard-growing contest. There was some heavy-duty competition, Childs says of the town’s residents. Breads get thick, but never thick enough to hide one’s lunch, Martinsen adds.
“Unfortunately it never hides bread crumbs,” she jokes.
Starting next month, the duo is challenging Squamish’s men to a face off. The Cutters Barber Shop, which they’ve run for 32 years, is hosting a moustache growing competition.
“It’s all about pride,” Childs says.
The event is a part of a fundraising campaign and cause close to the women’s hearts. Movember raises money and awareness for prostate cancer. Two months ago, Childs was given the all-clear after having been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It scared the hell out of me for a couple of months,” she says.
The experience of being told you have the disease is something no one should have to go through, Childs said, but unfortunately most people will be touched by it, whether it’s you or friends and family.
For $10, men can enter the contest. A picture will be taken of the individuals’ clean-shaven faces and on Friday, Nov. 30, contestants can enter the barber shop at any time for judging. There are three categories — the fastest growing moustache and the best and worst moustache.
“It’s going to be great,” Childs says.
Those too shy to fault their facial hair are encouraged to come by the shop and donate to the campaign. The Cutters Barber Shop is located 40384 Tantalus Way. For more information call (604) 898-3237.
