East Falls barbershop to donate Monday’s haircut and shave proceeds to Autism Speaks

The Sgarra brothers, the owners and operators of Upper Cuts in East Falls, have made a living out of barbering. This Monday, however, they’ll be cutting, shaving and trimming hair for a greater cause.

Upper Cuts will be open for the first Monday in its 18-year history next week, and all proceeds from that day will be given to Autism Speaks, an autism science and advocacy organization.

“We decided that this would be the best way to give back,” Andrew Sgarra said. He said that he and his two other brothers, Michael and Nicholas, were debating how to raise awareness for autism, as one of their family members has been diagnosed with the neurological disorder. They considered other fundraising methods, but their brainstorming led back to the craft that is their livelihood.

“It really just seemed to make the most sense,” Sgarra said, adding that the brothers had been cutting hair since they were teens, when their father first bought a trimmer set. Located on Ainslie Street, Upper Cuts opened its doors when the brothers were in their 20s, as they purchased the barbershop from the barber they used to patronize as kids.

The brothers now also own and operate two other locations, one in Exton and the other in Doylestown, under the parent company, Shaving Grace Barbers.

“The day will hopefully bring in some money for Autism Speaks and will raise people’s awareness about autism,” Sgarra said. “We’re offering all of our services and our barbers are volunteering their time for this so I hope a lot of people turn out.”

The barbershop’s “old-fashioned” services include a straight-razor shave, which Sgarra hopes will help to draw a crowd.

“If anybody’s never experienced a shave before they should come out,” Sgarra said. “They’ll also be supporting a great cause.”

Upper Cuts will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on May 20, and walk-ins are welcome.