Dascola Barbers: A Staple of Ann Arbor

It all started 79 years ago when Bob Dascola’s father, Dominic, moved from the Upper Peninsula to pursue his academic career at the University of Michigan. Dominic Dascola (Dom) graduated from the University of Michigan in 1936 with an LS&A degree. He continued in academia and earned a Masters degree in Linguistics while working as a barber at the Michigan Union.  

Bob Dascola pictured with what you can see in the background as what he likes to call his 'happy mirror' covered with the photos of his long-term customers, family Christmas cards and so on.

Dom’s love for learning continued on when he opened a barbershop of his own where he started learning through the people he connected with. As Bob says about working at Dascola Barbers, “this is a cultural and intellectual experience.” Bob does not just cut hair, he builds lasting relationships with his customers. The biggest reason why Dascola Barbers has thrived for as long as it has and has maintained its name as an Ann Arbor staple is because of the relationships with the people. In addition to emphasis on good relationships, Dascola’s is a local family business that adds to the vitality of downtown.  

Walking into Dascola you will instantly feel a sense of home and family. The environment is welcoming and immediately transmits historic energy. As you look around the walls you will see the history in pictures of the many loyal customers. Photos depicted the history of people that have been with Dascola from childhood to adulthood. Also you will see the wall dedicated to the beautiful and talented singer, Celilia Bartoli. Celilia is good friend of Bob Dascola’s and is well known for her opera career in Rome, Italy. She is not the only famous face to see Bob, but also, the Disney star, Ethan Steiner from ‘Newsies’ is a regular of Dascola. Bob prides himself on creating an experience at the barbershop, a time to conversate while freshening up your look.  

A picture Bob referred to as the 'best photo taken' of him and Celilia Bartoli.

So if you go to Dascola Barbers be prepared to not only leave with a slick new haircut, but a smile on your face and feeling of warmth in your heart. It is not just a place focused on cutting hair, but caring for the people.