At Barber Chops in Massapequa, Long Island, customers aren’t choosing their hairstyles from a book of photos. Instead, they’re leaving their fate to chance—literally spinning a wheel that determines their next look, whether they like it or not.

Joe Matt, owner of Barber Chops, never imagined his unconventional approach would turn his small barbershop into a viral sensation. What started as a playful experiment has attracted customers willing to drive hours for the chance to spin the Prize Wheel, with some walking away with cash prizes, bicycles, and haircuts they definitely didn’t expect.

“The first time we actually spun the wheel, some older guy did it and I shaved his head,” Matt recalled. “I was so scared to shave his head. I was like, ‘Oh my god, this guy’s going to kill me.'”

Despite his initial fears, Matt decided to document the experience on social media. The response was overwhelming. “I posted it and in like two days I got 2 million views. I was like, ‘Oh my god, what did I sign up for?'” Matt said. “Week later, 20 million views. And ever since then, it was just like people flocking in.”

The rules of the wheel are straightforward but strict: customers can only spin once, they must agree to be recorded, and most importantly, they have to commit to whatever haircut the wheel dictates—no backing out. The wheel features various options ranging from stylish cuts to wild choices like “diamond stitched,” “the bull,” reverse mohawks, and even complete head shaves.

On a recent day at the shop, a group of kids competed for the chance to win a fancy bicycle. Gregory Brennan stepped up to spin and landed on “the bull.” Within minutes, he sported a completely new look and walked away with the bike. When asked what he thought of his new haircut, Brennan offered an uncertain “I don’t know.”

Not every spinner wins the grand prize, but Matt ensures no one leaves empty-handed. Three friends who didn’t win the bike still walked away with $50 each—and three very distinct hairstyles: a mustache design, diamond stitching, and a reverse mohawk.

The reactions to these unique cuts varied considerably. When asked how they felt about their new looks, responses ranged from “I hate it” to a more diplomatic “I don’t really care. I might just take it off later. Don’t tell him.” One customer, however, insisted his cut looked “amazing, completely perfect.”

The viral success of Barber Chops has drawn fans from across the country, with people traveling from as far as Texas and Tennessee to experience the wheel for themselves. While the mystery haircuts have made the shop famous, customers can still opt for traditional haircuts if they’re not feeling adventurous.

When asked if anyone has ever left his chair in tears, Matt laughed. “Never. I’m sure they cry when they get home.”

For Matt, the viral fame and millions of views are just part of the story. His real goal is creating unforgettable experiences for his customers, particularly the younger ones. “I feel like hair will come back in two weeks,” he explained philosophically. “In 50 years from now, they’re going to be sitting down in a barbershop with their grandkids. They’re going to be like, ‘You know, when I was a kid, there was a crazy barber with a wheel.'”

In an era where barbershops compete for attention on social media, Barber Chops has found its niche by combining old-school craftsmanship with modern entertainment. Whether customers leave with their dream cut or their worst nightmare, they’re guaranteed to leave with a story—and proof that sometimes, taking a chance can lead to something memorable, even if it’s not exactly what you had in mind.