Q: Has, or will The Fading Theory be affected by the 2025 tariff trade war?
A: The Fading Theory continues to monitor the current trade war and its impact on the USA and the world. We anticipate being affected directly and indirectly by the current tariff rate hikes like many across this country and the world
Q: Was the Fading Theory open during the 2020 COVID19 pandemic?
A: The Fading Theory Barber Shop re-pened once our state granted permission to re-open. Please see our COVID19 policies on each of our appointment pages. Our policies are continually updated, so contact us with any questions.
Q: Where is The Fading Theory located?
A: Our location is 32 N. Parke St, Aberdeen, Maryland 21001. We are directly beside the old Comcast center and almost directly across from Festival park. We are just two buildings from city hall. Click For Directions
Q: Do you accept Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or other types of NFC payments?
A: The Fading Theory Barber Shop accepts NFC (near-field communication) payments from Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, as well as others; however, there may fees associated with using these options.
Q: Do you have cashapp?
A: Yes, our cashapp is $thefadingtheory. You may use cash app to send tips only.
Q: Do you cut white and black peoples hair?
A: There is no such thing as “white people hair, or black people hair.” Please do not continue to promote that narrative. There is, however, straight hair, curly hair, and combinations of both. The Fading Theory Barber Shop cuts straight, curly, and combination hair.
Q: How do you pronounce the name of your CEO Sibou Walker?
A: You pronounce the name of our Chief Executive Officer Sibou Walker like (see-boo).
Q: Hey, did you know so and so is trying to copy how you do things, etc.?
A: Yes, we know that some try to steal our ideas, methods and approach without acknowledging us. They are always on our website and peeping in our shop windows. We have heard of a couple shops and, or people and know of one shop specifically that does this. It’s what we have said for many years, that many modern barbers and barbershops have no integrity, or respect and have an anything goes mentality. Fathers are important.
Q: Sibou doesn’t say much sometimes, but other times he does. Does he like me lol?
A: Sibou is a Cancer survivor and suffers from painful chemotherapy side affects. He is in pain 75% of the time. Sometimes the pain is manageable which allows his normal personality to shine. At other times the pain can be a 15 on a 1-10 scale medications are not possible while at work, or offer no help. Have no fear that Sibou doesn’t like you, because he does. Doctors feel the pain will subside in time. Thank you for understanding and your support.
Q: How long will a haircut, or other service take?
A: At The Fading Theory we do not churn and burn, as we are not fast food. All services are completed as soon as possible while keeping with our high standards of cleanliness and sanitation. Service times are listed when you select a service during the appointment process so that you have an idea of what to expect. All staff are focused on providing a quality visit, with quality services. If you are blessed to have Sibou provide your services, those services at times may be longer than routine as he is a Cancer survivor and suffers from chemotherapy side affects. His services may take a bit longer at times..
Q: Do you have a mobile phone app?
A: We were the first Barber Shop in Maryland to have its own dedicated mobile phone app, and we had it for many years, however in early 2026 we discontinued our mobile pp.
Q: Can product, gear and supplies purchased online be picked up rather than mailed?
A: Products can be purchased online and picked up in shop. We no longer mail, or ship out product.
Q: Do you know of any schools that I can contact for more information on learning how to become a barber?
A: The Fading Theory Barber Shop recommends Avara’s Academy of Hair. Avara’s
Q: Can you recommend any products for my hair?
A: Here at The Fading Theory we have our own line of hair-care products and would be glad to help you select one that works for your hair and, or beard.
Q: Do you take walk-ins as well as appointments?
A: The Fading Theory Barber Shop services clients by appointment only. We will be testing a new walk-in policy in the near future. We are proud to be one of the few barber shops in Maryland that followed the covid19 appointment only state policy when it was initiated, as well as all other covid19 guidelines provided by the state. Although we had appointment and walk-in options prior to covid-19 we later decided to only offer services by appointments. No walk-in services. Be mindful that you forfeit ANY payments, or payment made for any services should you no show, or arrive 10 minutes or more late, or not reschedule a minimum of 1 hour prior to that appointment, or not cancel an appointment a minimum of 1 hour prior to that appointment. You may not be disruptive, harassing, vulgar, or threatening, etc., or you will be asked to leave and, or banned from returning to our facilities, as well as forfeiting any payments made for any service.
Q: I tried to make an appointment one day, but the online service would not let me. What happened?
A: If you do not see an available date or time on our schedule, please select another date and time. You cannot make an appointment that takes longer to complete than the time we have remaining in the day, or prior to the next appointment. There must also be at least a 10 minute window before an appointment starts from the time a service is booked. You cannot make an appointment for 3:15pm if there is already an appointment at 3:15, 3:25 for example. If you are unable to make ANY appointments for any days, or times there may be an issue with your account status, so please contact us for more information. Do not attempt, or make a new account if you cannot book services with your current account, as all accounts you use will then be blocked.
Q: Do you offer gift cards?
A: We have temporarily stopped selling gift cards as we are implementing a new gift card program in the future. Current gift card holder may still redeem their gift cards with us. Gift cards are not replaceable if lost or stolen, so treat them like cash.
Q: I have a gift-card from you guys, so how do I make an appointment with it?
A: Give us a call and we will make that appointment for you. You are not able to make an appointment online via a gift-card at this time.
Q: How do I cancel, or change an appointment?
A: You may change, or cancel appointments online as long as any changes are inside the appointment reschedule window. Sign into your Vagaro account and you can see all your upcoming appointments. You are able to reschedule, or cancel them on your own. Be mindful of our company appointment policy and guidelines when attempting to make any changes to appointments, so you will not have to forfeit any payments that have been made.
Q: Are there any places nearby to grab a bite to eat or get a coffee?
A: There are several places within walking distance of our shop to grab a bite to eat, or drink. So that we may keep our facilities clean and tidy for you please consume all food/drinks prior to arriving at our shops.
Q: It is my child’s first hair cut, are you able to do a first hair cut?
A: As of April 2025 we no longer provide services to any child younger than the age of teenager.
Q: How do you feel about reviews?
A: Reviews use to be a thing for people to inform others about a service, food, or experience in general of any business. We loved that idea. However the current state of the USA has some believing that they are entitled to abuse a business simply because they paid for something, or because a business policy should not apply to them. Often these people will attempt to harm a business with a negative review if they do not get their way, or are held accountable for their bad actions. We are a business, but we are also human. We will not let anyone lie, tell part truths, or attempt to manipulate the review system in order to “get back” at us for not letting them do, or say whatever they like. Not here. We have 24 hour inside, outside video and audio recording that is stored in the cloud and we will use any of that for any civil, or criminal proceeding should we pursue either. There is a term for the type of abuse we mentioned, it is called the “Newsome affect” We will vigorously defend any staff member, or the business from anyone that attempts to slander us, or manipulate the review system. Liked the hair cut, service and shop? Great. Like some things and think others could use some attention? Great, we are trying to improve, learn and grow, however we will not sit quietly if you leave a negative review, because we wouldn’t allow you to walk around the shop with your undergarments showing your buttocks to staff, or clients. It is unsanitary and frankly gross. There are barbers and shops for that, but they are not like us.
Q: What are some things that I should look out for as a customer when entering a barber shop? You know, things that should be red flags to me and my loved ones?
A: Well, we all know when something doesn’t look or feel right/ Take a look around the facility, as well as the people working there. Formal training and higher education “usually” will lead professionals to act and carry themselves a certain way. All shops, barbers and cosmetologist must display their shop license at their work station and any shop must display a shop license. Common sense is king! A few things that should give you pause when going to a shop are
- Not following Maryland policy for COVID19.
- Staff bad mouthing other barbershops and other barbers by name.
- Any signs of illegal activity in the facility that is not being addressed.
- Lack of valid barber licenses with each barber’s picture attached to it at each barber workstation.
- Any apprentice barber working alone and not being supervised by a Master Barber, or is cutting hair and operating as if a fully licensed barber.
- Lack of a valid shop license posted in the shop.
- No fixed sign on the storefront building that identifies the establishment.
- Lack of the state barber boards rules and regulations being displayed in the shop.
- Foul and inappropriate behavior, language, or activities that are not being addressed by staff.
- Staff wearing pants hanging so low that it shows their under garments, and or buttocks.
- Unprofessional staff, employees, or contractors that are not being addressed and corrected.
- Upon entering the facility there is no greeting from staff.
- Any employees, staff, clients, or contractors use of disparaging terms such as the “N” word or the “B”word, etc. to describe people that is not being addressed and corrected.
- Any Barber, or Cosmo not using a new razor blade on each client.
- A facility that shows no thought of maintaining a high level of cleanliness, etc.
- Any pets living in or roaming the facility. (Unless a registered support animal. Must have documentation).
- Any signs of a person, or people living in the shop.
- Any barber NOT cleaning their clippers, work area, hands, and floor after EACH haircut. These state policies are NOT an option. Sweeping hair in a corner for later in the day clean-up is also not permitted in Maryland.
- Barbers and staff that are more interested in putting down specific shops and barbers rather than letting their shop and services speak for themselves.
- Any shop, or barber with an anything goes mentality.
- Any shop allowing any form of smoking in the facility.
Q: Which social media accounts do you have?
A: The Fading Theory Barber Shops’ ONLY social media accounts are listed below. Click any media badge at the bottom of any page to be taken to some of our social media accounts. We have ONLY one web site and you are on it. We will be closing all social media accounts in the near future as social media environments are too toxic and encourage bad behavior. We do not want to be part of any such things.
- Twitter: @thefadingtheory
- TikTok: thefadingtheory
- Instagram: thefadingtheory
- Facebook: The Fading Theory Barber Shop
- Yelp: The Fading Theory Barber Shop (We will be getting rid of this as Yelp continues to pick and choose which reviews to post.)
- Youtube: The Fading Theory Barber Shop
- Twitch: thefadingtheory
Q: I know how to cut hair, but I do not have a license. Can I cut hair in your shop?
A: For the health and safety of our clients as well as upholding our image and operating within the law, The Fading Theory Barber Shop only permits licensed barbers, apprentices, and cosmetologists to service clients. For more information about obtaining a barber’s license please click this Maryland government link How to become a licensed barber
