Barber shops of America

Stancil's Barber Shop, Albany, New York.

“There is nothing more representative of America than its barbershops. And they are quickly disappearing,” according to California photographer Rob Hammer. Over the course of three years, Hammer crisscrossed the country in search of "authentic" barberships: fiercely independent shops that, unlike the chain salons that have proliferated in strip malls everywhere, are the hub of their communities. The barbershops are full of character, history, unique décor (hunting trophies, newspaper clippings, slot machines) and truly vivid personalities.

Hammer's 50,000 mile journey became a book, "Barbershops of America: A Photographic Essay” published this November.