The Prospect community in Adelaide is in mourning following the passing of John Giatras, the much-loved barber who, alongside his father George, helped shape John and George’s Hair Salon for Men into a local institution.
John was more than just a barber – he was a friend, a confidant, and an icon of Prospect Road. For decades, he welcomed generations of clients into the family-run salon with warmth, humour and kindness.
From chats in the chair to lollipops for children, from first haircuts to lifelong regulars, John had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel valued and part of the community. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt across Adelaide.
The Giatras family’s barbering legacy stretches back to 1986, when George Giatras, a migrant from Zakynthos, opened the Prospect salon with his son.
Over nearly four decades, John and George’s Hair Salon for Men became more than a place for haircuts – it grew into a social hub where life’s milestones were shared, from weddings to birthdays, triumphs and everyday moments.
The shop has welcomed everyone, from premiers and sporting stars to local families, with John at its heart, carrying on his father’s vision with passion and pride.
Today, tributes are flowing for John, described as a “local legend” whose loss has shocked and saddened all who knew him. Floral tributes have also been laid outside the barber shop.
Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood said on social media: “There are no words for the loss of such a great man and friend. John had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and part of our community. Prospect has truly lost a local legend.”
With John’s father George now 92, the community is rallying around the Giatras family in their grief.
Together they remember John not only for his skill as a barber, but for his generosity, warmth, and the way he quietly wove himself into the fabric of Prospect’s story.
*With information supplied by Martina Simos
