Jim Valenzuela remembers the days when men and boys enjoyed a traditional barbershop experience with services like haircuts and straight-edge shaves.
Unable to find that, in 1999, he opened his first V’s Barbershop in Arcadia. Now he has 60 locations nationwide.
V’s remains deeply rooted in Tucson — the city where its tradition of high-quality grooming began.
From authentic barber chairs and old-fashioned hot lather shaves to relaxing head and neck massages, V’s is more than just a place for a haircut — it’s a nod to the golden era of barbershops, where quality and service came first.
V’s Barbershop creates a space where grooming becomes a relaxing ritual and a mental escape, leaving patrons not only looking dapper but feeling their best, Valenzuela said.
From hot lather shaves and relaxing head and neck massages to complimentary drinks, V’s is where men unwind and take pride in their appearance.
“We’ve had a lot of conversations about how, these days, for men, there aren’t a lot of opportunities for self-care,” said Nate Lipton, who owns the three Tucson locations.
“There are spas. There are manicures. There are pedicures. There are massages. A lot of that is geared a little bit more feminine-dominant. Jimmy has made his barbershop a refuge that is not easily found for me.”
V’s Barbershop currently has two locations in Tucson: one on River and Campbell and another on Broadway and Craycroft. Now V’s is expanding to the east side of Tucson with its third location at the intersection of Harrison, 22nd and Old Spanish Trail. That shop is scheduled to open the middle of this month.
Longtime Tucson residents will recognize Jim’s father, Al Valenzuela of Gordo’s Mexicateria.
Just as Gordo’s was a local staple, V’s Barbershop is carrying on the family tradition of quality, nostalgia, and a commitment to Tucson — partnering with local businesses like MotoSonora microbrewery to serve free beer, coffee and other complimentary beverages.
Adding a shop in Tucson is essential for the entrepreneurs, including Ken Frate. All of them attended UA.
“The roots of this national chain come from Tucson,” Lipton said.
“It’s a little bit of a hometown hero story. I love the opportunity to tell that story better so that people really understand that about the brand. Not only is it a cool place to go to, but Jimmy really wanted to keep the foundation rooted in Tucson.”
V’s Barbershop
9565 E. 22nd Street, Suite 149, Tucson
1805 E. River Road, Suite 141, Tucson
5420 E. Broadway Boulevard, Suite 252, Tucson
vbarbershop.com
