RAPID CITY, S.D. – What started as a routine haircut quickly turned into a wide-ranging conversation about community, culture and the evolution of a homegrown brand at Six Throne, a Rapid City barbershop built on more than fades and beard trims.
Dom, the owner and founder of Six Throne, has been cutting hair in Rapid City for nearly seven years. The shop, formerly known as Black Hills Barbershop, rebranded several years ago — not because of a setback, he said, but because of a vision.
“People thought something big happened,” Dom said. “But everything was actually going great. Switching to Six Throne was about creating a brand, a place where it wasn’t just a haircut. You could hang out, talk, play guitar, or have someone to open up to.”
The meaning behind the name is intentional. The number six represents imperfection, Dom explained, while the crown symbolizes the potential to grow beyond it. “We’re all imperfect people striving to be better every day,” he said.
The shop has become known for more than its atmosphere. Six Throne barbers participate in local outreach, offering free haircuts outdoors when weather allows and supporting youth organizations, sports teams and people in need. Dom said he hopes 2026 brings an even more consistent schedule of service efforts.
“For me, being a barber means taking care of the community,” he said. “It’s not just about giving out the best haircuts — it’s about giving the best experience and making sure people leave feeling better than when they walked in.”
Dom attended barber college in Colorado before returning to Rapid City, where he eventually opened his own shop. Since then, he’s watched the industry evolve, especially as social media trends have influenced styles. Fades, tapers and beard work have grown increasingly technical.
Still, he says the heart of barbering remains rooted in old-school principles. “Flat tops, razor work — true skill,” he said.
Six Throne’s growth also brought unexpected opportunities. Dom has cut hair for numerous touring musicians and national artists, including country star Cody Johnson.
“He’s one of the most genuine guys you’ll ever meet,” Dom said. “Every time he’s in Rapid, he stops by the shop. You’d never know how famous he is by the way he treats people.”
Dom recalled a moment in Colorado when he unexpectedly crossed paths with Johnson’s band while golfing. Later that night, backstage at a concert, Johnson stopped on his way to the stage — in-ears already in — to give Dom a hug. “That’s the type of guy he is,” Dom said.
Despite the growth, Dom hasn’t forgotten the early days, when he was cutting hair alone in a small room. Now, multiple barbers fill the downtown shop, and another will join early next year.
The culture he built — a mix of hospitality, creativity and personal connection — keeps people coming back. Many customers, like musician and longtime client Brandon Jones, describe a haircut as a mental reset.
“It’s a refresh,” Jones said. “You stop for a minute, breathe, and you walk out feeling like you’ve had a fresh start.”
Dom agrees. What happens in the chair, he says, goes deeper than style. “A haircut gives you motivation, confidence — something to push you forward,” he said. “At the end of the day, all I want is for people to leave here feeling better.”
https://homesliceaudio.com/brandomAlso available audio version on The brandoM podcast.
