In Philadelphia’s vibrant grooming landscape, Floyd Klein has created something rare: a barbering experience that honors generations of tradition while embracing cutting-edge techniques. At Floyd Klein Studios, clients discover a space where heritage and innovation come together through the vision of a barber who brings an unusual depth of experience to his craft.
A Legacy Three Generations Deep
Born in Philadelphia in 1983, Floyd Klein’s connection to barbering runs deep. His great-grandfather trained under William Francis Truefitt, carrying forward techniques that shaped generations of barbers in the Klein family. Floyd’s grandfather continued this tradition, running a neighborhood barbershop that became a community fixture.
Despite this rich heritage, Klein initially pursued a different path. After earning an accounting degree from Brandeis University, he worked for four years as a Sports Performance Analyst with the Philadelphia Phillies, analyzing statistics and player movements to optimize performance.
When his grandfather passed away, leaving Klein the family shop, he faced a pivotal decision. Rather than selling the business, he chose to embrace his barbering roots—but recognized he needed to enhance his technical skills to truly honor the family legacy.
Training and Technique Development
Klein’s quest for technical mastery led him to London and the prestigious London School of Barbering (LSB). There, he immersed himself in advanced cutting methods, with particular focus on razor cutting—a specialized technique requiring precision and deep understanding of how hair moves and grows.
“At LSB, I discovered that my analytically-trained mind had a natural affinity for the technical precision required in advanced cutting methods,” Klein explains. This training transformed his approach and laid the foundation for what would become Floyd Klein Studios.
Returning to Philadelphia, Klein rebranded the family business, creating a space where traditional craftsmanship meets modern styling approaches. His signature technique became razor cutting, which creates tapered ends that move more naturally than the blunt edges produced by scissors.
“When you use a razor, you’re not just cutting hair; you’re sculpting it according to its natural growth patterns,” Klein points out. This distinction becomes particularly important for clients with textured or thick hair, where creating movement without sacrificing structure presents a unique challenge.
The Floyd Klein Studios Experience
Today, Floyd Klein Studios stands out for its highly personalized approach. “No two heads of hair are identical, so no two cuts should be identical either,” Klein insists. This philosophy shapes every aspect of the studio experience, beginning with thorough consultations that go beyond style preferences.
Before any cutting begins, Klein takes time to understand how clients style their hair, their maintenance preferences, and even their sleeping habits, which can affect how hair falls throughout the day. This detailed approach ensures that every cut works with the client’s lifestyle and natural hair patterns.
Klein combines razor cutting with techniques like dry cutting—working with hair in its natural state rather than wet. “Wet hair lies flat, which can be deceiving,” he explains. “By cutting hair dry at Floyd Klein Studios, I can see its true texture and movement.”
This approach forms part of what Klein describes as “intuitive cutting”—responding to what the hair naturally wants to do rather than forcing it into predetermined shapes. The result is styles that not only look good when clients leave the chair but continue to work well as the hair grows.
Sports Connections and Diverse Clientele
Klein’s background with the Philadelphia Phillies built a network that followed him to Floyd Klein Studios. Many former colleagues, players, and coaches have become regular clients, appreciating his precision, easy conversation, and understanding of their world.
“From pre-game fades to off-season transformations, my chair has become a trusted spot for some of the biggest names in Philadelphia sports,” Klein notes. This high-profile clientele exists alongside a diverse customer base that reflects Philadelphia’s multicultural character.
Growing up in diverse Philadelphia neighborhoods gave Klein an appreciation for different hair types long before he professionally styled them. “At Floyd Klein Studios, we celebrate all hair textures,” he emphasizes. “Whether you have tight curls, straight strands, or anything in between, our cutting techniques can be tailored to enhance your natural pattern.”
Education and Industry Influence
Beyond his daily work behind the chair, Floyd Klein has become an educator and thought leader in the barbering community. He occasionally teaches at prestigious hair schools in New York City, where his analytical approach and clear communication make complex techniques accessible to students.
“Many barbers can do great work, but not all can explain how they do it,” notes a former student now working at a high-end Manhattan salon. “Floyd breaks down complex techniques into simple, repeatable steps. He changed how I see hair.”
Klein extends this educational approach through his podcast, “The Cutting Edge”, where he shares insights on cutting techniques, industry trends, and personal stories that inspire barbers at every career stage.
“I believe in an open-source approach to barbering knowledge,” Klein says. “The more we share techniques and lift each other up, the more the entire profession advances.”
Community Engagement Beyond the Chair
Klein’s commitment to community extends beyond his professional work. He regularly volunteers at assisted living centers, offering free haircuts to residents. “For many, it’s about more than just looking sharp—it’s a moment of dignity, a chance to be heard and seen,” he explains.
This community focus reflects Klein’s belief that barbering is about more than aesthetics—it’s about human connection. At Floyd Klein Studios, this philosophy appears in every interaction, from thorough consultations to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes clients feel at home.
Tradition and Innovation in Balance
Despite his embrace of modern techniques, Floyd Klein remains deeply respectful of barbering traditions. “Some of what we call ‘innovative’ today is actually a return to practices that master barbers were using a century ago,” Klein observes. “At Floyd Klein Studios, we’re not reinventing barbering so much as rediscovering some of its lost arts and combining them with contemporary approaches.”
This blend of old and new defines Klein’s approach. Clients might experience traditional straight-razor beard shaping followed by modern dry-cutting methods for hair texturing. The result is a finished look that honors barbering heritage while feeling thoroughly contemporary.
For Klein, the pursuit of excellence never ends: “The day you think you’ve mastered everything is the day you stop growing as a barber. At Floyd Klein Studios, we’re always learning, always refining our techniques, and always looking for better ways to serve our clients.”
Through this commitment to both tradition and innovation, Floyd Klein has established himself as a unique voice in contemporary barbering—one who understands the rich history of the craft while continuously pushing its boundaries.