Most folks can remember their first haircut. Back in the day, the barber would slide a board across the chair to boost you up — these days it’s a padded seat. Some kids grinned, some cried, and some sat frozen with eyes as wide as a saucer. It wasn’t just a trim; it was a rite of passage.
For boys, especially, the barbershop has long been a gathering place. You’d tag along with your dad or granddad, sit quietly in the corner, and listen to the talk — knowing you didn’t have anything to add just yet. Over time, you’d earn your way into the conversation. That’s where you learned a few universal truths: the first liar never stands a chance, fish always get bigger the longer the story goes, and every man’s high school football team could’ve gone to state “if only…” In a world full of screens and scrolling, places like that are getting harder to find. That’s why, three years ago, Dustin Walker decided Sayre still needed one. He wasn’t looking to chase a dying trade—he was looking for freedom. “I became a barber to work for myself and have the freedom to set my own schedule,” Walker said. “Too many people get tied down to jobs that leave them with little time for what they truly enjoy. Barbering has given me the gift of balance—time to do the things I love, while also allowing me to work and connect with people every day through the shop.”
And that’s exactly what he’s done. When he chose Sayre, it wasn’t by chance. He’d noticed the gap— too many folks driving 20 minutes or more just for a haircut. “I wanted to make it more convenient for people in Sayre, the neighboring towns, and everyone in between,” he explained.
In the three years since, he’s learned that the barber’s chair is more than a place to get a haircut. “Sometimes it’s as simple as giving a haircut, other times it’s offering advice or just being someone they can vent to,” Walker said. “I’ve especially enjoyed connecting with the youth, watching them grow, and doing my best to leave a positive impact.”
And the draw reaches farther than he ever expected. “I have customers who drive from towns I didn’t think I’d reach,” he said. “It’s humbling to know they’re willing to go out of their way to come here.”
Recently, Walker added a new element to his shop that ties him to another long-standing local tradition. Elk City chiropractor Dr. Bill Spurlock, who retired this year after opening his practice in 1981, was known for his massive hat collection—more than 2,000 caps gathered over decades. Walker purchased the collection and plans to prominently display many of them, keeping a small-town legacy alive in a fresh setting.
From the first snip to the last trim, Walker’s Barbershop has become more than a place for haircuts—it’s a place for conversation, connection, and community. Thank you to a great three years in Sayre, and here’s to the next twenty.
