Philly Signage: Alien Barber?

As I drive through West Philly on my way to work, I see an interesting array of shop signs. By far, this is my all-time favorite.

I first saw this odd sign adorning the wall of a local barber shop many years ago (I lived down the street from the place during college), and immediately thought, “This business sure is targeting a specific clientele: space aliens in hats.”

Upon closer viewing and seeing another sign hanging over the front door, I realized the figures were in fact human and were modeling the patented “Natural Hair Control Cap.” (FYI, I checked in with the U.S. Patent Office and I could not find a record. Oh well, a clerical oversight I’m sure).

The product claimed to style your hair “to fit the shape of your face.” Sounds good.

If that wasn’t enough enticement to draw you in the shop for a new hairdo, there’s another large exterior sign with explicit instructions highlighting the product and procedure.

Seems pretty straightforward to me (click images for better reading), but not even this grand tonsorial innovation could tame my wild cowlicks and make me look presentable.

I really love home-made signs like these. However basic (and inadvertently comical) the execution may be, there is a real beauty to the art, which was most likely inspired by the hope and excitement of a small business owner who wanted to do something just a little different. You gotta love that.

Tags: Business Signs • Philadelphia • Philly • Philly Signage • Signs • Store Signs