The Shop Is A Social Kind Of Place

   So if you missed out on our MOVEMBER kick-off event that I put together at GoldStar Barbershop come on out and join us for "Cuts,Shave & Rock n' Roll". I figured since MOVEMBER went so well that it was time to try another event. So I got a hold of a local dj, local brewery and got the ball rolling.

   On Sat. February 23rd GoldStar Barbershop will re-open at 8 pm-11 pm. I am excited because even though Victor and myself will be cutting hair, doing some shaves and enjoying and evening of rock n' roll it is an opportunity create a social environment within the barbershop.

   One of the things I have always beleived and liked about what we do is that barber culture is a very social culture. From how we interact with customers, the public and each other as barbers. I think the younger generation of barbers have taken the social element of barbering to the next level.

   Hawleywoods's with there back room, Suavecito partnering with local barbers at a local Riverside bar or BOLT barber having late evening happy hour at the WeHo location. These are ways for us to make a couple of bucks beyond the regular day to day work but also just get together for a hell of a good time!

    To all the shops that are doing things to open there doors to people who may not normally come in and just creating a social environment to there shops...Keep it up, cause I am always looking for a new place to have a beer!

Cheers!
Frankie

6 Years Down: My Life As A Barber So Far

Me and Greg at Porters 2007

    So here it is the first  post of the year and it has been a week of reflection because in September I have been a licensed barber for 6 years. So I am going to share my story so far.

    The wife had been done with school for a few months by February of 2006 and it was at this point I decided to go to barber school in Spokane,WA. At this point I had been working at Hot Topic, as a dish washer and a line cook.

    Spokane had one barber school in to go to and so Beth and I decided that if they had financial aid I could apply for school and so I did. The school had a barber program and a cosmetology but unfortunately I spent more time cutting womens hair then I did mens haircuts. I had a rough patch because of some family stuff. Oh yeah did I mention that the entire time I was in school I worked at HT and in a restaurant the entire time. I worked my butt off and finished school two weeks early oh yeah and I passed state board on the first try!

AZC Haircuts-2007

    As soon as I passed first thing I did was quit one of my jobs. Telling Chef Brian I was leaving was actually tough because I have a lot of love and respect for him because he gave me a chance on the line I probably would never of had anywhere else. I stayed at Hot Topic as I was trying to find me a job in a barbershop.

    First shop I worked at was called Dan's Barbershop but unfortunately I was not there for very long because they felt I was not very fast and my skills were not where they wanted. Second shop was called Weldon Barber. It is kind of a higher end barbershop owned by a family member of the Nordstrom. Here is the finny thing about this place the owner himself had me let go because I was a man with tattooed (at this time there were no other men working for them).

    Well I was not in a shop when 2007 rolled around, still working at HT but cutting hair out of my house as often as I could until I was approached by an acquaintance who was opening a brand new barbershop. He had been an educator for American Crew at one point so I was going to rent a chair and hoped that this was going to be my chance to start developing my skills....Finally.

Hillyard Hootenany 2008

   At this point I prematurely quit HT and within two months I was unemployed because a customer had come back to the shop because they were not happy with the haircut and the owner re-cut this persons hair. At this point I am told that "I had heart but not enough experience yet" he also said "It was his name and reputation on the shop".

    Where do I go from here? What point do I just give up? In 2007 the family decided to return to California so I had to spend the rest of the year working my tail off to prepare to move back to the Golden State. I did go back to Spokane twice in the last 5 years since we have been back in California due to lack of work and our hope to return to Washington. But back in Spokane on each trip I found a way cut hair. Due to difference in state regulations and time it took me almost a year to get my California barber license.

More grease rags coming soon!

    After getting my license in California I did what I needed to do to get take care of my family, but was fortunate to get involved with my friend Luis who owns Covenant Barbershop where he could let me fill a chair once in a while, partnered with them for the Fresno Tattoo Expo and just help out at times.

    In September of 2011 I started seeing a classified show up on Craigslist and I jumped on it...I had been back from Washington since June (in time for my daughters high school graduation) and did not have anything left to loose. I interviewed and was offered a job which started when the shop opened in November of 2011. I am proud to say I have been standing behind a chair at GoldStar Barbershop since we opened in November of 2011.

Devoted Barber 2013

   The road to get here has been a rough one. I have had many people ask me why I have not given up and it really comes down to one thing....I have found a trade that I take pride in. I love what I do. I have had friends and family continue to encourage me. Am I where I want to be? NO!! Will I get there? YEAH!!!

   I have days where I feel like I still cut like I just got out of barber school. and sometimes maybe I do. I think most people at this point probably would have called it quits but I couldn't and I do not plan on it.

    Do not ask me what is to come in the next 6 years. Heck I do not know what is going to happen in the week. I am going to just continue to stand behind a chair and work hard!

   There are so many people I wish I could thank...family, friends other barbers who have all continued to encourage me. Thanks.

   As we go into 2013 I wish all you young barbers, new barber students and everyone who makes behind the chair there home away from home....Have a great and successful year!!

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BARBER!!!

2012:As Cheesy As It Sounds...A Year In Review

    Well here it is folks the end of the year is only a few days away and I figured since all the cool kids are doing these "Best Of..." list I may just as well join the band wagon and do a year in review. This is not in any particular order or by event just some stuff that I have personally payed attention to over the year or been a part of..

    The barber battle invade California!! These hugely popular events that have been going happening on the east coast for several years now are starting to take root in the Golden State. In Long Beach,Ca this past June was the 2012 International Beauty and Barber Expo. At this battle Ray Davila won for "freshest Fade" and "Tightest taper". Oh yeah did I mention he works at Hawleywoods in Long Beach.

   2012 is the year I found The Dollar Shave Club. i am really sure when and where these guys came from but when there video started popping up and my Facebook, twitter and other random social networks I had to check it out. I do not know if there razors are any good but I hear they are F**KIN' GREAT!

    The Man, The Legend, Clipper Educator Extraordinaire Ivan Zoot left Andis Clipper Company to join Marianna Industries. This has had to open up some new doors for his as an educator!

    GoldStar Barbershop  and  Bolings Barbershop in Visalia,Ca both celebrated there first year milestones. Congratulations

    I had the pleasure to finally meet the infamous Mohawk Matt from BOLT Barber and got to be involved in a Discovery Channel/Shark Week event in Venice and Pacific Palisades,Ca. This was one of the coolest things I have ever been able to be apart of and will be grateful for a long time!

   Speaking of Andis in support of there 90th anniversary they released a limited edition and individually number Master in a super clean red finish.

    I joined Covenant Barbershop for the Fresno Tattoo Convention this past year. i always love any time I get to hook up with Luis for any kind of event. They are always fun! Hope I will be there again this year!

Photo from Barber Connection

    Well I guess that is it....There is probably a shit ton of stuff I could find on BING or Google, but all I can say is that all the barbers I know have worked there assess off for the last year keeping shops open, more people are showing interest in going to barber school to learn a proper trade. I want to thank all the barbers that out there that keep us motivated and looking encourage us to look at what we do as more of a craft then a job...Thanks.
Cheers

Wishing Everyone A Very Merry Christmas

    So it is Christmas time and I have not been as busy as I would like to be. I know some shops keep wicked busy some do not but we all have to work hard during the holiday season so that our customers look sharp for Christmas pictures and time with the family.

   I am going to be honest about something today. Last week was my birthday and I turned 39 and it was a tough week because not only was the shop I work in really slow and I was feeling like I was going nowhere in the shop I am in, not making enough money to provide for my family...etc.

   Yesterday I had to take a step back and look at one of the above issues (I still got some things to figure out going onto the new year) and that is the amount of money I am making and this is what I realized and I think sometimes anyone in the service industry who also lives on our tips has to remember something. Sometimes we make little or no tips for 1 of three reasons 1) crappy service: I really hope this is not the issue for you because I know I work hard to make sure all my customers are happy. 2) Cheap Bastards!: Welcome to life. Sometimes there are just dudes out there who are just cheap and that is one of those things you can not change.3) We Are All In The Same Boat: The people that come into our shops and sit in our chairs they work just as hard as we do, raise families like we do and we have to appreciate each and every customer.

    So as I finish this I would like to take a minute to thank every person who steps foot into our barbershop here in Visalia,Ca Thank you for your support and your patronage. We would not be who we are without you guys.

   To all the barbers, all the shop out there who work there buts off to provide great service to there customer, take pride in there trade and still continue to love what they do......MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

   Another blog that makes sense as I type it...Cheers! 

5 Days of Pomade-Day 5: Jan Hella-The Rebel Rouser

 (So when deciding who I wanted to give us there top 5 list I knew that Jan Hella (barber student extraordinaire and in charge of www.theRebelRouser.com). I knew asking him I was not going to get a list but a full blog post, since that is how we roll! I really want to thank everyone who was involved in this, it has been a blast!)

    Since the start of www.TheRebelRouser.com, people from all over the world have asked me "what's your favorite pomade?" Unfortunately, I don't have one! With the wide variety we currently have on the market, as well as up and coming brands, it's hard to pick a favorite. Throughout the duration of blogging, I've learned to make certain pomades work best for me, more-so than the others. So, here's my Top 5 Go-To Pomades:
(In no particular order.)

1) Dax High & Tight Awesome Hold: A lot of people have somewhat turned away from the heavier pomades; me included. So when I tried Dax High & Tight Awesome Hold for the first time, I knew I found my preferred alternative to their strongest pomade- Dax Wave & Groom- which used to be my definite go-to, when I as looking for hold. Being just a kick lighter, a lot more malleable, with a killer Sandalwood scent to boot, Dax High & Tight Awesome Hold is a great addition to anyone's arsenal, and can be found at www.ImperialDax.com

2) Mr. Ducktail: If the name doesn't sound familiar, you probably haven't been doing this for too long. But, no worries, that's what we're here for! Long story short, Mr. Ducktail is an amazing barber from France, that has moved shop to England, and still has cult following, for his barbering & styling skills, as well as his pomade! His grease is a medium weight pomade, that is seemingly lighter than most, but still manages to style amazing pompadours, as seen on his Facebook page. Plus, it smells like a cola, how can you go wrong with that? Available at www.HairgumUSA.com

3) Royal Crown Pomade: One, if not, THEE pomade that keeps Elvis-Pompadour-Enthusiasts in limbo, it's hard to not have a tin or five in hand! With many pomades getting heavier and heavier, light and greasy pomades are being left behind. Think about it folks, if quite possibly Elvis used it, why shouldn't we! Being thicker, with a much more pleasant scent than its readily available counterpart- Royal Crown Hairdressing- Royal Crown Pomade is definitely the better of the two to pick up. Unfortunately, it's not often you will see the pomade next to the hairdressing. So when you come across it, BUY IT!

4) Grant's Golden Brand: Now, I'm not going to get into the whole, "water-based pomades are not grease!!!" Well, no shit. Grease + Water = DUH. But, Grant's has been one brand that doesn't only offer a range of water-based pomades, but amazing customer service. It's hard to go wrong with either of their products. Plus, they keep moving forward, and have more products on the way! Check em out at www.GrantsGoldenBrand.com

5) Tres Flores: As I've mentioned- light and greasy pomades are being left behind, and Tres Flores is one of them! While it leaves some with a bad taste in their mouths, it leaves many with fond memories of their fathers and grandfathers, barbershops, or even sketchy times... You know who you cats are! This stuff is as close to a classic pomade as you're going to get, aside from Royal Crown, of course.) Light, relatively thick, and most definitely greasy, this stuff is definitely worth having on hand, even if you just use it to add shine to a heavier pomade. Should be found at Mexican markets, CVS, or Asian Supermarkets.

Well, folks, I hope you enjoyed this little tidbit of my go-to's. Hopefully, you'll add some of these to your rotation and find some joy in em.
Until the next time,
Pomp Hard!
- Jan

5 Days of Pomade-Day 4: Noe Hernendez

(Noe Hernandez originally comes from Chicago but now calls Las Vegas his home. He is Master Barber for Truefitt and Hill and an official for roller derby. I figured what better person to get feedback on pomade then a real barber who is smarter then me!!)

  Top 5 .. 1. Mr Ducktail hairgum @ hairgumusa.com 
                 2. Acme hair pomade @ the atomic boutique 
                 3. Black and White genuine pluko hair dressing @ ball   beauty.com
                 4. Sweet Georgia Brown Original @ sweetgbrown.com 
                 5. Dax high and tight awesome hold @ the grease shop.com
And for thin hair                 1. Truefitt and Hill pomade @ Truefitt and hill.com
  2. Suavecito regular @Suavecito.com 
 

5 Days of Pomade-Day 3: Fabian Ponyboy Rodriguez

(Fabian is involved in the SoCal chapter of Greaser Social Club and since I am also apart of GSC I thought I would get someone involved from the GSC. So when I asked Ponyboy his top 5 this was what he had to say.-Frankie The Barber)

Black Jack Pomade

   I have lame answers tho....sorry. Eloy at OLD FASHIONED BARBERSHOP in Vegas carries LAYRITE. The boys over at STAY GOLD in Fontana carry SUAVESITO. I use MURRAYS or DAX (sold pretty much anywhere) with a tad of either ROYAL CROWN or Mike Moose' BLACK JACK. Other than that Im a hit n a miss (told u my answers would suck). I pretty much stick with what works. They've been working for bout 20 years now. BUT BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR GREASERS SOCIAL Clubs very own pomade. GOD willing, it should be coming out early next year....thanks.

Royal Crown Hair Dressing

5 Days of Pomade-Day 2: Chops Barbershop

(Chops Barbershop is located in Harrisbug,PA and coming from the west coast I thought it would be a good idea to see what is going on out on the east coast.)

     It's impossible to find ANY on the East Coast unless you go into the major cities...Philly, DC, NY....that's why I carry so many. Sometimes you get lucky but most times you have to order online.
Top five:
1. Dax
2. Dr. Rubens
3. High Life (Adam makes it impossible to order - no wholesale)
4. American Greaser Supply
5. Suavecito (I hate to include a water-based pomade but this stuff can compete with any petro-based pomade. It's cheap, good customer service and it takes about 1.5 days from order to doorstep)

5 Days of Pomade- Day One: Frankie The Barber

    Io as you have guessed it for the next 5 days I am trying to get some regulars in the hair and pomade game to give us there top 5. You know, those cans of pomade that go everywhere with them. That go to for those special occasions. I figured I would start the week off with my top 5!! For me my top 5 is in no particular order.

1) Suavecito Pomade - Ok let the death threats begin. I understand that alot of people hate calling this a pomade but the truth is the hold is good and when you have a wife she sometimes appreciates the fact that there are no grease stains on the pillow cases!

2) Murray's Super Light - I stumbled across  Murray's Super Light on accident and evern since I will order a couple cans every few month. Shine and easy to comb through.

3) AGS 40 WT - AGS holds a soft spot in my heart. I used to drive down to Fullerton just so I could get a couple of cans. Grease and a toy....like Crackerjacks for greasers!!

4) Dr.Rubin's - The Dr.Rubin's is quickly becoming a favorite of mine....Easy to use and a smells good. Even the wife likes it!

5)Uppercut Deluxe Monster Hold - This is my heavy hold pick. A heavy wax that does the job!

So there it is my top 5. Tomorrow I got Chops Barbershop chiming.

Barbers And The Hot Rod Culture

   Alright VLV 15 is over and again it is another year that I did not get to go but that is not what this is about.This is really about how barbers are becoming as much a part of the hod culture as the tattoo artist. So today I spent some time e-mailing some barbers to get there feedback on this topic.

   I know for myself some of my favorite times are when I am cutting hair at car shows, selling pomades at shows or tattoo shows. When you go to major car show events you will find pomade being sold, barbershops with booths set up cutting hair (always busy).

Luis at Covenant Barbershop

   I know that I had the pleasure to interview Don Hawley quite a few years ago when I was publishing The Undergournd Magazine (before Hawleywoods was a proverbial household name). The last couple of years barbershops around the country have been getting covered by not only tattoo magazines but car magazine.

   Tattooing and barbershop hold the same kind of history and Luis Orozco of Covenant Barbershop in Fresno,Ca. believes that it is "with the rise of more traditional style barbershop". Joe Caccavella from Joe's Barbershop in Chicago says "The entire basis of the Kustom Kulture or “Rock-a-billy” scene is tradition. From the clothes to cars to the hair styles".

Joe Caccavella at Joe's Barbershop

Frankie The Barber

    Working in the barbershop and being a fan of the "rock-a-billy" I know that I do not trust Supercuts or the salon inside the local Wal-Mart with my cut. Joe adds " So with the growing popularity of the whole kustom culture lifestyle it makes perfect sense that traditional barbers are showing up more and more that specialize in vintage/period correct cuts and styles".

    Well I think the point has been made....it is all about tradition. I know that for me as a barber I work really hard and take pride in my craft and I am proud of the history and tradition that comes along with it!

Suavecito Pomade

Suavecito Pomade....Good Pomade for the rest of us

So this going to sound like a back handed review of Suavecito Pomade. I really like Suavecito Pomade and I have been using is non stop since they sent it to me several weeks ago. For a so;id review we have to take a look at pomade in the last several years.

In 2012 there are two kinds of pomade petroleum pomades and water soluble/water based pomades. Most people have been using petroleum pomdaes for years (ie: Murrays, AGS, High Life). Water soluble pomades are on the rise courtesy of some really good companies.

So people who know me know that I am a big fan of Layrite Pomade and have been for close to 8 years now (I interviewed Donnie Hawley for The Underground Magazine back in 2005). Hawleywood's Barbershop changed the face of pomade with the release of Layrite Pomade.

There have been some really good companies release some good products and Suavecito being one such company. One of the things I really like is the dark color since I have dark hair (and so do most of my clients). One of the things I am noticing is that the hold seems to get me through a whole day at the barbershop without having to re-comb it and it does not have a crunchy texture a gel would have or a few other pomades I have tried.

Ready for another great selling point of Suavecito it is only10 bucks a can! Suavecito believes that your pomade should not cost more then your haircut. This is a big deal in a time where people have to watch there pennies. You are not getting an inferior pomade...I promise!!

I am not sitting here trying to compare Layrite with Suavecito becuase in the end it is like comparing a green Granny Smith apple with a Red Delicious apple. In the end it is all about what you  like the best. Give them both a shot and find out what you like the best.

But in the end this review is about Suavecito and not only as a barber but as a consumer I will support this company. They are a company that is working hard to put out a great product, looking out for there customers pocket books. For more information hit up Suavecito.

Metro v. The Dude Who Gives A Crap

    This is going to end poorly, I can already feel it!!

    I remember the first time I hear the word "metrosexual" it left me a bit confused cause when you hear the definition you are basically describing a gay male. It was probably 1994 maybe 1995 when I first heard the term and all of a sudden salons were opening up that were catering not to men as a whole but this special kind of guy who wanted his butts waxed and eyebrows tweezed along with a haircut. What sucked was there were actually some good places that after the "metro" trend passed to the side of the road some places were forced to close there doors.

    Now here we are in 2011 and we are seeing a growth of barbershops opening up because guys are wanting something that is there. To put it in the words of Don Hawley "A place for a guy to be a guy". Shops are opening up and offering services like a shave and a haircut some are offering things like manicure while they sit and watch football. Do not forget the chance to get your shoes shined.

    The shop I work at we had a couple of guys swing by to check out the shop and was stoked by the fact we sold a certain product and that by appointment they could get a manicure while we had sports on. One of the guys worked at the local hospital and the other I think may have been a medical rep. Both dressed sharped and took care of themselves.

    So back to the question...is there a difference between metro and the guys who just take care of themselves and the answer is...YES!!! Guys just need a place of there own to be a guy, get a haircut and maybe have a beer. Metro is a trend that hopefully is done because the term creeps it's ugly head everynow and again when I am talking about mens products to people and it annoys me!

   Support Your Local Barber

Trends.....How far do they reach

So last night I read an article on the Times online that feature F.S.C. Barber and the topic was how we are seeing haircut styles from the 1930's era showing. This kind of article about mens trends have been popping up a little more often then normal with the help of companies tapping into the rockabilly scene, shows like MadMen, movies like J.Edgar...etc.

Movies and tv have always made an impact on what trends are blowing up but as a working barber here is my question; How far to trends reach? Do trends in mens style reach to all four corners of the country?

I know that in the area I live and work it sometimes seems like men do not care or  maybe worry (would be a better word) about what the current trends are in mens style or grooming and do not get me wrong this is not a bad.thing. Are cool trends only for the west village hipster, rich young trendsetters, European d.j.'s.....no way!

As a barber I would love to see more clients coming into the shop asking for cuts similar to what we saw during the 30's, 40's and into the 1950's. I think these very traditional mens haircuts, I think they are a great reflection of our craft as barbers.

Trends are a funny thing and in closing I think it is important for barbers to pay as much attention to men's trends as much as the general public does. I also think that men should be open to new things whether it is a new cut to even a new suit.

This is one of those things that made sense in my head as I wrote it so I hope it made sense as you read it. Click here to read the whole article on the Times website or go out and get today's times and read the article.

Need a new set of Andis Master....Think Joes Barbershop!!

www.JOESBARBERSHOPCHICAGO.COM

 

    So check this out....If you are in the need of a new pair of Andis Master's instead of going over to Sally's or some other supply house get a hold of Joe's Barbershop in Chicago.

    These custom clipper's are brand new, out of the box. These are not 2nd hand clippers!! All internals are carefully removed from the case, then the empty clipper housing gets sandblasted, coated with the desired color, and cured at 500 degrees. After the case is cooled and inspected for flaws it gets a full coat of super durable clear Powder and visits the oven for a 2nd time for a slow cure process to insure a rock solid coating that will last for years. Then all internals are re-installed back into the freshly coated case, all wires are soldered and Heat shrinked (Andis® uses electrical tape), and everything is re-calibrated back to factory specs. The fresh/custom clipper gets put back into its original box, with all factory packaging, and is sent off to its new owner.

    Listen, I will be honest they are a little more expensive then buying a regular set of clippers, bot come on man theses look freaking awesome!!!  If you are looking for something cool to set you apart from the dude behind the chair next to you get a set of these!!

Barbershop on CBS..and customer service is key

My favorite show on t.v. right now is called BLUE BLOODS (cop drama on CBS). Was watching it last night and then all of a sudden there is a sequence showing Levels Barbershop!! I blasted a tweet about it and my wife was like what are you so excited about.....I guess I am the only kat who caught it. Oh well.

So I was hoping to get a new pair of clippers but I will be getting a new pair of trimmers instead since the wife forgot to ship my trimmers with the rest of my tools. I am looking at getting the SuperLiner (if anyone around here has them at least). The truth is I am slowly trying to get rid of my Oster tools and replace them with ANDIS tools. Why? One reason and as much as the quality of their tools are important it is all about the service. Not just the customer service when it comes to the tools but how open to there education with there education and willing to answer questions when you have them....Twitter, Facebook and even via e-mail. Heck, Ivan Zoot took time out of his busy schedule to talk to me on the telephone on day when I had questions about clipper cutting techniques.

For me this is the kind of thing that makes a customer for life.....Do not get me wrong Oster is a fin product but I just feel a company like Andis has far and beyond the normal company and this is something I have felt since the day I met Ivan Zoot at ISSE in Long Beach a couple of years ago....Thank you!

Good Night and continue to cut with pride,
Frankie

quick update...

  So here is what is going on these days....I am up here in Spokane,Washington and I want to thank all those who have welcomed me home proper like!! I am unfortunately still waiting on the state of Washington to issue me reciprocity so I can get to cutting!!!

  I will probably be having my lovely wife send me down my tools in the next week or so, so if you are in need of a haircut I will be available.

  So since I have been go I have seen several shops open up that were not here before....my friends at Porter's barbershop have gotten to the point where they are appt. only (good job guy's) and I have been chatting up a kid down in Hillsboro,Oregon that will be opening his own shop on April 1st. his name is Travis Henry and his shop is called Henry's Chop Shop Hair Studio. This cat is fresh out of school and we wish him all the luck!!!

  I will be honest I should of just grown a pair of bullocks and did things the way this kid is doing it and the way my boy Luis at Covenant Barbershop did....by there own rules!! When you go to work for yourself it is all on you whether you succeed or fail.....no one else s fault.

  Working in any professional trade whether it is Barbering, Tattooing or really any trade that there are only two options.....work for yourself or someone else. Do you really want to give some other sucker all your hard earned dough or are you willing to step out and control your own future...Truth is if it is not too late for you
it is not too late for me!!

CUT WITH PRIDE

Richie The Barber / Bound By Ink Magzine

So as I said in my last post I have been in and out of the hospital with my family this week. I did cut out for a little bit and hit the bookstore and have lunch with my wife and finally get my hands on the new Bound By Ink Magazine and was really stoke with the fact there was a whole editorial and article with Richie The Barber.

So if you are unfamiliar with Richie The Barber he cuts out of 264 Customs Tattoo shop and he is also a 2nd generation barber, following in the footsteps of his grandfather....“My grandfather was a barber and he taught me at a young age, so I’ve always cut hair for as long as I can remember. He’d tell me to always have imagination,” Richie says in reverence.

Barber Versus Stylist

So today Ivan Zoot posted a link to an article by a gentleman named Carlos Rogers from Philadelphia. (Barber v. Stylist article....please read) .

So as I sat and read the article I actually became kind of annoyed because many traditional barbers that are out there- there are just as many barbers that are changing things. Bringing traditional barbering in with new skills and new styles.

Even us simple minded slack jaw barbers know we need to know what is going on so we can make a living. (please note the sarcasm!!)

I am a barber...proud of my trade and we as barbers proudly embody. This gentleman say he started in the barbershop then why the cheap shot?

Thank you and good night!!

I love razors.....

So last week I am hanging out at my buddy Luis's shop Covenant Barbershop here in Fresno and a rep from a company called MD Barber Supply out of Bakersfield shows up pimpin' his wares.

While he is chatting with Xavier it dawns on me that this company has a really solid razor I have been wanting to get my hands on. It is at this moment he whips out there newest toy.

MD BLACK DRAGON Razor

Black handle....Stainless steel, powder coated and well just damn cool in my opinion!! Crap man my favorite color is flat black! When you put your razor blade in you see the edge of the blade against the black.

Good balance and not a heavy weight razor at all.
for more info www.mdbarber.com

The Art of Shaving has teamed up with Gillette and has given us the new Gillette Fusion but please understand you can not buy this at wal-mart or any other discoutn retailer. It is chrome and really kind of cool.
"... perfectly balanced and weighted to feel like a natural extension of your hand, maximizing stability and control. Gentle micro-pulses help you reduce friction and increase razor glide*. The built-in spotlight, the first of its kind, reveals details normally in shadow - such as under the chin and jaw line - to help you avoid missed spots and make every stroke count. The sleek, contemporary handle is an ideal combination of ergonomics and innovative design, handcrafted in polished chrome and wrapped in a matte black, thermo-resin grip."

There are just fancy words for a good razor...I have had the opportunity to use this razor truth is it is a good razor. The gift sets make a great gift for your pops or someone cool.
more info www.artofshaving.com

Not a bad day...

So today I got six haircuts in which was not bad considering I have only been back behind the chair for a little while.

As the day was coming to an end sat talking to the owner of the shop just about my skills and it was funny cause he said a haircut is simple "Top, Side and Blend" that simple as long as you have the right tools know what your tools do.

This is not the first time I have heard this. Just like a cook in the kitchen or a mechanic in the garage they know what there tools do and how to use them. As a barber if you do not know how to handle you clippers or your razor or even your shears your kind of screwed. Take time to learn your tools....get comfortable with them