OUR STORY
The Armed Barbers was built on the belief that a barbershop should be more than a place to get a haircut.
As a child, Ray Minor would spend countless hours at his grandfather's barbershop. It was the kind of place where kids sat and read comic books while baseball games played on the AM radio. Where neighbors stopped by to talk about the weather, local news, and whatever else was happening around town.
People came to the shop for a haircut,
but that wasn't the reason they stayed.
Those memories are what inspired The Armed Barbers.
After retiring from a 30-year career with the Illinois State Police, Ray realized it wasn't the work he missed most, but the camaraderie, conversations, and sense of community that had always made those connections meaningful. He found himself missing the same thing he'd loved about that old barbershop, and it got him thinking about opening his own. It was then that he decided to go back to school to earn his barber license.
In August 2017, Ray and Stacy Minor achieved that goal by expanding Extreme Exigency to include a full-service barbershop, creating a place where the people in the shop aren't just clients but friends—a place where members of the community can relax, enjoy good conversation, and receive quality grooming services.
Over the years, The Armed Barbers has grown from a small-town barbershop into a trusted destination serving clients from across the region and has even expanded the shop. Then, in 2023, we furthered our commitment to the profession with the addition of The Armed Barber College to help educate and train the next generation of barbers.
Today, we're proud to provide quality barbering while preserving the traditions that made barbershops special in the first place. We believe the best barbershops are places where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and everyone is welcomed like an old friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Walk-ins are always welcome when availability permits; however, appointments are strongly recommended. Scheduled appointments receive priority, so immediate service cannot be guaranteed for walk-in clients. If you're considering stopping by without an appointment, we encourage you to call ahead to check availability and ensure a barber can accommodate you, helping to avoid unnecessary wait times.
Clients must cancel or reschedule their appointment at least 24 hours in advance. Changes made with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged up to 100% of the scheduled service price. Clients who fail to arrive for their appointment without notice will be charged the scheduled service price. Deposits and prepaid services are non-refundable in the event of a late cancellation or no-show. We understand that emergencies happen, and exceptions may be made at management's discretion. However, repeated no-shows or late cancellations may require prepayment for future appointments or result in restricted booking privileges.
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express credit cards, as well as debit cards, cash, and checks. That said, all cards will be charged a 3.9% processing fee, so we recommend bringing cash.
Absolutely! We welcome clients of all ages and strive to make every visit enjoyable for the entire family. Inside the shop, you'll find televisions, toys, coloring activities, puzzles, and other kid-friendly options to help keep children entertained while they wait. Right outside the shop, we have a playground with a live camera feed displayed inside so parents can keep an eye on their children while receiving services.
If your child is coming in for their first haircut, please let us know upon arrival. We provide a complimentary First Haircut Certificate to commemorate the occasion. While we do our best to have certificates completed before you leave, they may occasionally need to be picked up at a later date.
The Armed Barbers offers a variety of amenities to help make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Our facility is wheelchair accessible, features free Wi-Fi, and includes convenient parking. A selection of snacks, beverages, and professional grooming products is available for purchase. In addition to the barbershop, our property is also home to our massage studio and the Extreme Exigency Shooting Park.