MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) — Ran by a husband and wife duo, Tactical Grooming is a small barbershop located in the heart of Madison.
“We started out in a house just on Hughes road in the dining room area,” said Corey Nixon. “We grew from that very quickly within approximately six months, we outgrew that shop.”
In just five short years, Corey and Krista Nixon went from a make-shift barber chair and a dream to Alabama’s best barbershop of 2025.
The two say they never could have dreamed of winning an award like this.
“Never… and like I said, it’s the customers that took it to the finish line,” said Corey.Although there’s more than just an award-winning haircut in the shop’s four walls, it’s filled with a team that prides themselves on customer service.
“When you feel good about yourself, you do better at your job,” said Krista. “You love life a little bit more.”
Corey said he got regular haircuts during his service in the army. He fell in love with a straight razor shave, but not many places offer it.
So, when the time came, he and his wife wanted to create an environment that could offer those services and make veterans feel at home.
“As a veteran, it’s great to support veteran-owned businesses,” said Mike Giles. “With that, that was what got us in here, and then the great haircuts and the great atmosphere and the camaraderie has kept us coming.”
Although many who walk in with intentions of just getting a fresh cut leave with a family.
“Now, it’s Aunt Krista because they have become family… so it’s like ‘Aunt Krista and Corey,’ said Gary Amos.
“I’ve got four boys and one girl, she’s cut all their hair, and she does a fantastic job,” said Andrew Nay. “She really takes the time with them. She gives them gifts around Christmas time. She always makes sure that they get Skittles or M&M’s out of the little candy machine.”
For the Nixons, the feelings are mutual.
“I want to give the thanks to my customers because without them, we wouldn’t be where we are,” said Corey.
Right now, their Madison location is their main location, but they also offer haircuts at the Marshall Space Flight Center. They said they are looking to expand and open another location focused on female haircuts.
Because they are veteran-owned and operated, they offer discounts for military and first responders and plan to add discounts for teachers and nurses at their new female location.
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