Downtown Port Townsend is getting a fresh new look. The Natural Barber, a new barbershop opening Oct. 1 on Water St., brings a new business — and a new family — into the heart of the community.

Owned by stylist Steven Magallon, The Natural Barber will open its door at 940 Water St., next to The Northwest Man at the intersection of Water St. and Taylor St. near Union Wharf. The downtown shop will offer a range of barbering services, with specialties in fades, tapers, beard trims and classic straight razor shaves.

Magallon, who has been a stylist for more than eight years, said the shop will reflect not just his craftmanship, but more importantly, the values he and his family live by.

“We want to provide a natural experience with reduced chemicals being used in the industry, while also providing an amazing haircut and experience,” he said.

Magallon grew up in Southern California, before ultimately moving to Washington state more than a decade ago. He started training as Provo Barber School in Everett, which has since closed, and spent his early years working in high-volume shops in Everett, Lynnwood and Seattle.

His time honing his craft there helped him capture an intangible element of what a barbershop can be, and it became a central reason he loves what he does.

“I love connecting with people,” Magallon said. “You cut a kid’s hair at seven, and then you see him again at 21. You get to know families across generations.”

The decision coincided with a major change in his personal life. He and his wife Crystal welcomed their first child, Roman, earlier this year. The family moved to Port Townsend about six months ago, drawn by their love of the city and its community.

“We both grew a love for Port Townsend,” Magallon said. “We decided we’d like to raise our son here and to take the leap of faith and finally start something of my own rooted around the values we live by.”

Finding the location came almost by chance. He was working in Oak Harbor and waiting for the ferry when it was cancelled on a foggy day. Instead, he and Crystal chose to go for a stroll downtown when he noticed the empty storefront next to The Northwest Man.

He thought, “How perfect would it be to have my barbershop right here?”   

The name The Natural Barber is much more than a name, it comes from the Magallons’ personal commitment to lowering reliance on chemicals.

Crystal previously worked in the salon industry but began experiencing health issues linked to common ingredients in foods and cosmetic products. Together, they shifted to an all-natural lifestyle, now researching ingredients and changing what they consume, as well as the products they use.

After six years, Crystal fully recovered and the couple celebrated a complication-free pregnancy and birth, welcoming Roman into the world. Magallon said the lessons he learned from that journey are a significant influence on the business he brings to Port Townsend.

“We’ve learned that lowering your toxic load isn’t just about what you eat but about what goes on your skin and hair,” he said. “Since your skin is the largest organ, it absorbs everything you apply to it.”

Guests of The Natural Barber can expect an atmosphere that is mellow and welcoming, with warm conversation, a Motown-vibe flowing from the speakers and attention to detail and care with each cut.  

For Magallon, opening the shop is as much a professional milestone as it is a personal investment in his new hometown. “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity,” he said. “I’m excited to bring confidence in every cut.”

Once open, Magallon said that customers can either set an appointment online at TheNaturalBarber.square.site or download the Square app, and search for the Natural Barber. He added that reservations can also be made over the phone and walk-ins are welcome.

Alex Frick is a Report for America corps member who writes about rural peninsula communities. Please consider a tax-deductible gift of any amount to help cover his work for The Leader by visiting www.ptleader.com/donation-portal-preview/index.html