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McAdenville is now Smith & Ballard — same team.

The impact of legacy.

Our story began with William Henry Ballard, who believed in encouraging and achieving the best in everyone he met. Today we carry on his vision with top-quality services in an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality.

Vintage photograph of barber William Henry "Bill" Ballard in his white barber's jacket, standing beside his wife
“It was always my grandfather's desire to encourage and achieve the best in people.”
— From our founder

Mr. Ballard was known in the community for his integrity, excellence and grace. He was Belmont's barber. For a young boy facing setbacks and discouragement, a visit to Ballard's Barber Shop was a refuge — a place to find inspiration and a sense of pride.

In 2005, Preston Wilson opened William Henry Salon in honor of his great-grandfather, William Henry Ballard. The salon has since grown into neighboring downtowns, reinvented Ballard's Barbershop on Main Street in Belmont and opened William Henry The Spa — the latest extension of Mr. Ballard's legacy of excellence.

Our team has a bright future ahead, with plans to keep growing and to develop future leaders in the field of cosmetology. When you visit William Henry, you're not just getting a new look — you're becoming part of a community dedicated to bringing out the best in you.

The History of the WHB Family

  1. 1949

    Ballard's Barbershop is born

    William Henry "Bill" Ballard sets up shop in Belmont. He got his start in a storage room behind Mr. Smith's grocery store — cleaned out and readied by hand — before moving next door and becoming known as Belmont's barber.

    Archival photo of a hot-towel shave inside the original Ballard's Barber Shop

  2. 2005

    William Henry Salon opens

    Preston Wilson, Mr. Ballard's great-grandson, opens William Henry Salon on South Main Street in Belmont, named in his honor.

    William Henry Signature Salon and Spa storefront at 15 South Main Street in downtown Belmont, NC

  3. 2010–2016

    Mount Holly & McAdenville

    The salon grows into neighboring downtowns, with William Henry locations on North Main Street in Mount Holly and Main Street in McAdenville.

    Front view of William Henry Salon on North Main Street in Mount Holly, NC

  4. 2019

    Ballard's, reimagined

    Ballard's Barbershop returns to Belmont's Main Street at 200 North Main — a new home with the same spirit.

    Ballard's Barbershop storefront with navy awnings on North Main Street in Belmont, NC

  5. 2021

    A getaway on Central Avenue

    William Henry The Spa opens on North Central Avenue, bringing massage, skin, nails and med spa services into the family.

    Entrance to William Henry The Spa

  6. 2026

    Smith & Ballard

    Our McAdenville salon becomes Smith & Ballard Salon Collective — honoring the grocer who made room for a young barber.

    Smith & Ballard Salon Collective storefront at 131 Main Street in McAdenville, NC

Our mission

You matter. It's why we do what we do.

William Henry thrives in the legacy of excellent service and genuine care for our communities and families.

  1. 01

    Purpose

    To serve and honor our communities, guests and families with kindness and genuine care.

  2. 02

    Presence

    To be physically, mentally and emotionally aware of our personal legacy — and the legacy of William Henry Ballard.

  3. 03

    Performance

    A commitment to excellent service at an elevated level of skill and hospitality.

Archival photo of a young boy getting a haircut at Ballard's Barber Shop

By the numbers

1949
Ballard's opens
2005
William Henry Salon opens
5
Locations in Gaston County
70+
Providers across three salons
Visit a location Join the family