There’s a new team of barbers in town and they’re ready to leave their mark on the community, regardless of age, gender or style preference.
First Impressions Barbershop at 345 W. F St. first opened its doors in early December and is pleased with the steady increase of traffic so far in 2016.
Prior to moving into the location, renovations were made to the previous clothing boutique space. Now, customers will be greeted by the traditional barber pole, plush red leather swivel chairs and a big screen TV to catch latest news, sports or entertainment.
“We’re really just opening a new type of barbershop environment,” co-owner Anthony Hernandez said. “We have a second location in Ceres which opened in 2012.”
Hernandez has been a barber for four and a half years. He completed his training at Paul Mitchell Barber College and has surrounded himself with three other Mitchell-trained barbers.
Whether the customer is seeking a fade, flat top, Mohawk, hair design or traditional cut, the team of four is not only prepared but properly trained to leave them happy.
“We brought back the hot towel shave,” barber Rick Rocha added. “We get a lot of feedback from that. Any time we touch the beard, we throw a hot towel on it.”
“We’re trying to bring the traditional and also the urban in one location,” Hernandez said, noting the uniqueness of female barber/cosmetologist Veronica Martinez who is equally trained in female hair styling.
In addition to barber services Martinez offers color, blow dry, up do’s, braiding, perms, cuts and layering for the female clientele.
“She’s dual licensed,” Hernandez said. “We’re a barbershop first but we do offer women services. It’s nice for the wife or mom to come in and see we can take care of them also.”
As for the age range they attract, Rocha stated it’s a broad range, “We did cuts for two twins the other day that were one-and-a-half, up to a 90-year-old.”
“We do get a lot of the younger crowd as well,” Hernandez said, “and then their dads want to come in for a nice cut as well.”
“This town I’ve always felt has been missing a barbershop like this,” Oakdale High School 2012 alum and fellow barber Omar Ranger said. “Plus being close to home is really nice.”
As for their first two months of business, the foursome shared they could not be more pleased. Traffic has continued to pick up and the average of 25 clients keeps their days busy.
First Impressions welcomes walk-ins as well as appointments. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. To inquire on pricing or make an appointment call 209-322-2971.
