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💈 A playful, accidental haircut resembling a Minecraft character brought millions of views and national attention to The Gryms Men barbershop.
🐶 The shop is turning its viral fame into real-world impact, donating proceeds to a nonprofit that pairs veterans with rescue dogs.
✂️ Barbers Derrick Asher and Keith Gorham continue to focus on education, creativity, and local connection through events and mentorship.
FORT WALTON BEACH — A barbershop tucked away in Fort Walton Beach has become an unexpected viral sensation thanks to a blocky, cube-shaped haircut inspired by the video game Minecraft.
The shop, known as Gryms Men, has experienced a surge in popularity after a TikTok video of the now-infamous “Minecraft haircut” garnered over 30 million views and caught the attention of celebrities like Snoop Dogg.
But according to Derrick Asher, the man behind the cut, none of it was planned.
@overtime “Let me get that Steve” 💀 #minecraft #haircut #fresh #shoutoutot (via @theskateboardingbarber ♬ original sound - ♱
“I never even played Minecraft,” Asher said. “I just started doing this square cut, and the kid’s brother goes, ‘If you tag Minecraft, it’ll go viral.’ I was like, really?”
“It was a 30 million view mistake.”
The barbershop’s unexpected brush with internet stardom has drawn attention from around the country, including a hairstylist from Los Angeles who works with notable comedian Theo Von. During her visit, she will teach a free class to local barbers at the shop next month.
Despite the fame, Asher and fellow barber and shop owner Keith Gorham remain grounded, emphasizing community, education, and service over hype.
“I don’t want to leave barbering, but it’s been so slow,” Gorham said. “I’m hoping doing all this extra event stuff helps us out in the long run.”
Asher’s story is one of redemption and reinvention. Originally from California, he served time in jail before earning his GED and barber’s license. He moved to the Panhandle to be closer to his daughter and has since poured his energy into cutting hair, filming videos and advocating to reshape the local skateboarding community.
The shop’s name — The Gryms Men — honors Gorham’s late friend, Jeremiah Grym, a local tattoo artist who died unexpectedly in 2023.
“It was actually my first friend that just, no reasoning, they just died,” Gorham said. “This opportunity came up right after and I felt like it was a sign.”
Grym’s legacy lives on in the barbershop’s walls, filled with art, skateboards, and oddities contributed by friends and customers — including a harpoon, a paintball gun that customers can shoot indoors, and a neon sign from the now-closed Ratchet Hatchet.
“This is just a funny spot that, realistically, if you gave a couple of kids an idea, this is the kind of [stuff] they would come up with,” Gorham said. “There’s a lack of real personality in barbershops around here. We’re trying to change that.”
That punk rock ethos extends to their service model. On June 29, the shop will donate all haircut proceeds to Healing Paws for Warriors, a nonprofit that pairs rescue dogs with veterans.
“I love puppies and I love America,” Asher said. “If we can help veterans and animals at the same time, that’s always better.”
In the coming weeks, the barbers also plan to host free grooming classes and another fundraiser for Panhandle Animal Welfare Society on Sunday, July 6.
Though their viral fame may fade, the barbers at The Gryms Men are staying true to what built their buzz — humor and a deep commitment to their craft and community.
“It’s not a time limit here,” Asher explained. “You’re gonna be in my chair until I feel like I’m proud of my work.”
“We educate our clients,” Asher said. “It’s not just about the haircut; it’s about trust.”
The Gyrms Men can be found at 107 South Ave in Fort Walton Beach. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, yet appointments are also encouraged.
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