Relax in The Den, Laguna’s Timeless Barbershop

For years, Brandon Ferguson dreamed of owning his own barbershop -- not a quick service place that churned through walk-in clients, but rather a destination to hang out and unwind. He envisioned “a place to relax, talk freely, not be judged, have a beer, and escape the daily grind.” Having honed his scissor skills in a series of San Clemente “chop shops” for six years, where he likened his work to an assembly line of cutting (albeit quickly and efficiently), the young stylist knew he wanted more...

He married his wife Katie in 2011 and replaced a fancy wedding with a long trip to Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and Costa Rica. The newlyweds spent hours talking about the future. “We were not ready to buy a home or settle down. All we knew was that we needed a change,” he recalls. It was during this trip of a lifetime that they realized their dream could become a reality.

“We often would have brainstorming sessions about different scenarios for owning our own business and what that would look like,” says the barber-turned-entrepreneur. One rainy night, the two of them came up with the idea for a barber shop that felt comfortable... like a man’s den.

Just six months after their return to the US, the newlyweds signed a lease in Ferguson’s hometown of Laguna Beach, and The Den was officially born. 

Half a decade later, the couple have two young daughters and The Den is a small business success story. It’s become local’s go-to place for traditional, straight-razor shaves, beard care, and other quality services by professional, well-trained barbers that use top style brands like Layrite, Imperial Barber Products, and Abraham’s Beard Shampoo. (They serve women too!)

“You can always expect to receive the best in class service and products,” Ferguson says with a smile. “And if you’re thirsty, a complimentary beer or stiff drink. It’s up to you.”

Ferguson’s barbershop concept (which is also dog-friendly) has been so well received that The Den will be opening a second shop in Dana Point soon, with talks of a San Diego location in the future. Some of the Laguna Beach barbers will be moving to the new store(s), so Ferguson is currently in the process of hiring on new barbers. “The sky is the limit,” he says with a smile (and a very on point haircut).

Victoria Kertz is a local journalist and the co-founder of Third Street Writers. Follow her on Instagram at @orangecoutess.

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