Spotted: Running from meter maids in Oakland
Occupation: Barber at Montclair Barbers
How do you like the bay?
I live in Downtown Oakland. I grew up here so, it’s okay. I was in East Oakland and then South Berkeley/Temescal area and then back here after years of being away.
Where did you go when you were “away?”
Florida, New York, LA. I got a job offer here a long time ago so I came back.
Where was your favorite place to live?
San Francisco. The Richmond District. Nice Balcony, private neighborhood, parking. I was too young to appreciate it then though.
Can you tell me about the tattoos on your head?
I think I have five on my head. You know, girls always wear roses in their hair so I decided to put one there permanently. The crow—the feathers look like hair. And of course the light bulb was a good idea. The sailboat is for my friend who died. He died in a Harley crash in the Alameda tunnel, but he wanted to be a captain of a sailboat. It was our little joke so I got that for him.
What about your sleeves?
Just years of collecting tattoos from good artists. I go to Temple Tattoo. I’ve been to a few other ones in San Francisco, but Temple has my heart for sure.
Do you go to a certain artist at temple?
Freddy. I love Freddy. Jason Mcafee has done my head work, he’s amazing too. And Heath too, he’s great.
So you’re a barber—do you cut male and female hair?
I don’t like to cut women’s hair. I can do short women’s hair, but I can’t do long women’s hair. It’s a completely different form—it just doesn’t give me joy. My sister’s a cosmetologist so I send her clients. I love making men beautiful. I don’t want to deal with women. I date women. That’s enough for me.
Who does your hair?
You know, the top is done by a cosmetologist in Walnut Creek—Michelle. She’s been doing hair for about 14 years I think. She only does my mane and then barbers can do my sides. I never let a barber touch the top of my hair. I’m too high maintenance for a barber.
So, you’re too high maintenance for a barber, yet you are a barber?
Exactly. I still like a little woman’s touch on the top, but the sides don't matter.
When was the last time you cried?
Probably when I was on my period a few fucking days ago. I cried because the day was so stressful. Just stressful. There was no reason, really. Just the hormones.
Where do you like to sit and think?
I like being by water or by green trees. Like a park or a beach.
