Tucked away in Federal Way, in a pavilion near the transit center, is a barbershop you might miss if you don’t already know it’s there. But inside this shop resides some of the best in the business. From the owner Hussien Azeez all the way through to those who apprentice under him, if you’re looking for a sharp looking cut and a clean job look no further than Castle Barbershop. 

The shop opened in 2016 and has had its own dedicated following in addition to the numerous awards for Best Fade the shop has won. 

When getting a haircut at Castle Barbershop, clients will notice the beautiful artwork of a horse running painted as a mural on the wall, in addition to a pool table centered in the shop that anyone is welcome to use. The whole feel of the shop is very cohesive, black on black with textured panels across all the walls. 

The owner of the shop, Azeez, sat down to discuss some of the unique elements of owning his own business and working with his team. When asked about which aspect of doing the job he loves most he said, “Everything. The barbers, meeting new people, and making people smile.”

And he most assuredly does, considering the quality of his work—the seamless cuts he seems to produce with ease. He genuinely brings a smile to everyone’s face. 

The environment of the shop is one of camaraderie and friendship. It is clear the men working really care about one another. Azeez smiled when asked about his employees and said he definitely considers them his friends, “I see them more than I see my family,” he said with an easy laugh. 

Moreover, the store also boasts a multilingual environment. Azeez himself speaks Arabic and English. As for the rest of the store, members of the Castle team speak Spanish as well as West African English. 

M.G. Muhend Abakar, is a 25 year old barber at Castle who is often the first welcoming face people see upon arriving at the shop. His friendly demeanor and killer haircuts make him a great barber to work with. He’s worked at Castle Barbershop for two years. He received his license in Washington around two years ago, but he’s been cutting hair for more than eight years. 

When asked if he saw himself staying in the barbering industry he said, “I definitely do see myself staying long term, not just because there’s a lot of potential of growth, but because of the love I have for the craft that I do and knowing that I’m going to work every day but that it doesn’t feel like work, because barbering has become a lifestyle for me.”

In regards to Castle itself, Abakar said that what makes the shop unique is “the team chemistry” and the fact that they “always bring positive energy to the shop and [it] rubs off on our clients.” He also mentioned the diversity of the team and how they each have something special to offer. Additionally, he said that their differences are embraced by the whole and it makes them stronger as a crew. 

For a fantastic fade, or any other style of cut for that matter, Castle Barbershop is the kind of relaxed and fun atmosphere that will turn anyone into a returning customer.

They are a nondiscriminatory crew, whether you are a man, woman, or gender non-conforming you will be welcomed into the shop without question. 

To make an appointment to get the best haircut you have ever gotten, download the Booksy app and search for Castle Barbershop, then visit them at 2160 S. 314th St. Federal Way, WA 98003.