Due to state government restrictions from the coronavirus, barbershops have been forced to shut down their establishments or follow new regulations, leading to serious financial struggles.
How much longer this will continue for is a question still lingering in the inbox of policymakers and in Americans’ thoughts.
Hygiene is considered by most to be an especially crucial element to daily life, and getting a haircut is just as important for many.
One of the barbers still working under these conditions is 20-year-old Edwin Ocampo. Ocampo has been working for the past three years at New Generation Barbershop, located near the corner of Willow St. and Dawson Ave. in Signal Hill.
Even though business has been great for New Generation, Ocampo has had financial troubles during the pandemic. He had a close encounter with unemployment due to regulations surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. State policies have already shut down their establishment once before due to health guidelines, Ocampo said.
Ocampo explained the fear and uncertainty he experienced and said, “[It] was scary not knowing if we would be able to pay rent or any other bills. Like I said, only if we got unemployment, but I mean that wasn’t a given so it was just scary, you know.”
When New Generation Barbershop reopened, it was surprising but welcome news for Ocampo and coworkers.
Another individual that was affected is Ebaristo Hernandez, who owns a barbershop in Cambodia Town called PELUQUERÍA Ebaristo’s SALA DE BELLEZA. The barbershop is compact, so they have had to do business outside of the shop. Outdoor haircuts like these have become commonplace for barbershops in Long Beach.
Hernandez and his family have managed to survive off of credit cards while trying to keep his business afloat. Hernandez has had difficulties trying to get out of this situation, even being demanded by his bank to make the minimum payment for his credit cards.
Hernandez has been forced to adapt to the pandemic, with other shops in the area being closed down.
Recalling his typical workday under the new rules, he said, “Guidelines that the city gives us are to use alcohol as well as antibacterial sanitizer, constantly changing the layers the customers use during cuts and so forth. 100 percent of my customers have not had any problems in my shop. No one has expressed fear to me. That is because the proper equipment to keep my business clean and required by the city are always kept and used. What the law requires of us, what the beauty department requires of us.”
Because he’s following the state and local guidelines for his business, Hernandez said he thinks he doesn’t have much to worry about.
