Naperville Salon Hits Customers with Knockout Service

For years, when a man wanted to get a haircut, he would head down to the local barber shop, sit in the barber’s chair, perhaps talk about sports or politics with the barber and get a haircut.

As times have changed however, so have men’s grooming needs. And that’s where Naperville’s new Knockouts Haircuts for Men comes in.

“Naperville was lacking a salon just for guys,” said Jessica Hough, manager of Knockouts. “There are plenty of places where a guy can get a haircut, but no place for all the other services.”

Opened in June, Knockouts is a full-service salon that caters exclusively to men. Based out of Irving, Texas, there are about 60 operating across the country; the location is the first in Illinois.

In addition to haircuts, Knockouts, which is sometimes referred to as the “Hooters of haircuts,” also offers manicures, pedicures, waxing, coloring and chair massages.

“The guys just love it,” Hough said. “Before, if a man wanted something other than a haircut, he would have to go to a women’s salon where he might feel silly with everybody looking at him. At Knockouts we are first and foremost about providing quality services in a laid-back atmosphere where a guy can feel comfortable.”

Their laid-back attitude, coupled with attractive, licensed cosmetologists dressed in boxing-themed uniforms, has certainly caught the eye of many shaggy-haired men. In addition, Knockouts also offers individual large-screen televisions with remote control and beverages while clients wait.

Hough said that since opening business has been good.

“Right now I’d say that roughly 40-45 percent of our business comes from repeat customers,” she said. “While our customer base is 100 percent male, we would not turn anyone away — man, woman or child.”

Tory Mangrun was Knockouts' very first customer to walk through the doors on opening day.

“I needed a haircut so I walked over to the shop,” Mangrun said. “They were still preparing the store. As a matter of fact, I actually helped them put up some of the displays.”

After helping with the displays, Mangrun got his haircut and has been back several times since. He said the girls do “a very nice job” but that isn’t all that keeps him coming back.

“The whole atmosphere of the shop is very positive,” he said. “I haven’t seen anyone in there have a bad day. Everyone is always helpful, smiling, friendly and quick to laugh. It’s their customer relations that keeps me coming back, not the fact that it’s geared toward men, but the atmosphere, the girls are awesome. I would definitely recommend Knockouts to anyone looking for a good customer service.”

Mangrun also points out that while the salon is definitely geared toward men, it is not over the top and is very family friendly.

“I have a 7-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter both of whom I’ve brought there,” he said. “They love it for the same reasons I do – the service, not just the girls or what they are wearing. Actually, the outfits the girls wear are quite respectful, not too risqué at all.”

When asked how the salon has been received by Naperville residents, Hough echoes Mangrun’s sentiments.

“We haven’t had any complaints from anyone,” Hough said. “We are just some friendly girls providing services that we feel men are in need of. All the girls here have years of experience in cutting men’s hair and they all do an excellent job.”

Knockouts is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Walk-in customers are welcome.