Franco Del Borrello came to the United States at age 16 from Italy. In the decades since, he has built a thriving hair salon business in downtown D.C. — Franco & Bernard Hair Studio — just a stone’s throw from the White House. During its 41 years in operation, the salon has attracted big names from Supreme Court justices to TV reporters.
What got you into this line of work?
I just needed to do something with my hands. I was very creative, and I saw that the weather here was very hot and then very cold. So I decided I wanted an indoor job. … My brother at the time was a hairdresser, so I said, “That looks good.” I’ve been doing it ever since.
Who are some of your favorite clients?
I’ve been cutting Justice [Antonin] Scalia’s hair since 1972. He’s a great guy, nice guy. He’s like a normal, regular customer, not an uptight kind of person. He makes his own appointments.
From the Clinton administration we had quite a few people who came here. A couple of treasurers, secretaries. I’ve also had [former Treasury Secretary] Paul O’Neill as a client. Brit Hume’s been coming here for years.
How much do you follow politics?
Not so much, except for people I know. … I live in Maryland, and Comptroller Peter Franchot is a client. So he still comes in, and we give him a hard time. I ask about raising taxes. We joke around.
Any funny stories from your decades cutting famous people’s hair?
I usually ask my clients, “How’s it going? What’s new and exciting?” I ask everybody. And I had [former CIA Director] George Tenet in my chair, and I asked him, “What’s new and exciting?” Without missing a beat, he jokingly says, “If I tell you I’ll have to kill you.” I thought that was great.
