Whether you're looking to get a hot shave, a quick trim or a completely new hairstyle owner Ali Kdouh and the team at The Thickwood Barber Shop have got you covered.

Welcome to the gentleman's club, or more commonly known as the Thickwood Barber Shop by the Black Horse Pub. Everyone is welcomed into the shop and greeted - usually by name.  

Shop owner Ali Kdouh prides himself in learning all his client's names and memorizing their particular hairstyle, and it shows.  Many of his clients will wait until he's free to cut their hair; instead of getting in one of the other barbers chairs. 

MM: How long have you been living in Fort McMurray?

Ali: I've been living in Fort McMurray since 2009, I moved from Windsor Ontario; I lived there for three days before moving here?

MM: How long have you been in business?

Ali: I started my business in 2011.

MM: How did you decide to open your business?

Ali: I didn't' decide, I came to Fort McMurray not knowing what to do. I was always a computer science guy. I came here and started working with my degree and it didn't work for me. I wanted to work a job that I could sleep next to my wife every night and see my children every day.

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So I started looking for a new opportunity, I started looking for a new job.

​I got an offer from my old boss, he told me to come work for him and he'd teach me how to cut hair. 
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MM: What's the largest struggle you find having a business here in Fort McMurray?

Ali: The biggest struggle I face and I'll be facing forever is finding the right barber; I've been looking for barbers for the last few months. We have high standards for the barbers that work here; we are all highly skilled. 

This business is different because you can't just hire anyone. A barber is "the full package"; he's a character, he's a good barber who can cut hair, he's a listener and he's a friend. 

MM: What are you really proud of with your business?

Ali: The friendships and relationships I've made. This is the biggest thing I've achieved in my life. It's not just a job this is a lifestyle. Getting to know customers, their names & their hair cuts because you get to know them.

Whether you're looking to get a hot shave, a quick trim or a completely new hairstyle Ali and the team at The Thickwood Barber Shop have got you covered. 

​No appointment necessary, just walk in and have a seat!