In the lively corridors of Arcata High School, myriad haircuts, ranging from the latest trends to daring experiments, grace the heads of students. Amidst this array of styles, one common quest unites them all: the search for the ideal barber.
Junior Liam Gorona, known for his polished appearance, swears by Mike at Off the Map Barber Shack in Eureka. This shearing sanctuary is a sought-after single-chair barbershop and Micheal Meyer is the man behind the magic, this tattooed gentleman is guaranteed to leave customers of all hair types with a “clean and pristine” cut, said Meyer.
“The ‘White Edgar’ low taper from him is more than just a haircut,” Gorona said.
Echoing Gorona’s sentiment, Junior Jonathan MacCallum values the consistency of his $40 cut. “I have not been messed up by this barber specifically, but I have by others,” he said, emphasizing the importance of trust in his barber Matt’s skills. Matt operates out of The Speakeasy Hair Lounge aka The Pressure Shop. MacCallum is infamous for his fluffy low taper that defies gravity.
While some students prefer the comfort of familiar hands, like Luke Lemke and Rye Davis, who entrust Lemke’s mother with their locks, others, like Gorona and MaCallum, venture beyond their comfort zones in search of the perfect cut.
“My boy Mike has stuck with me for about a year and a half,” Gorona said, reflecting on his journey of finding the right barber.
Rye relates expressively before finding his fit with Ms.Lemke “Previous barbers have f*ked me up pretty bad,” he says “When you say a little off the top sometimes they just like, go crazy” he warns.
Similarly, Luke recently branched out from the classic on-the-house cut, experimenting with his first professional cut from Carlos at NorCal Barbershop. Lemke confidently said “They gave me a good cut” while flexing his fresh fade.
Among circulating recommendations, Gino at Rare Barber Co. emerges as a frontrunner for the best fade in town. For $40, many attest to Gino’s skill and reliability “Best damn barber in town hands down” says customer Chris Crank, making Rare Barber Co. a hot destination for discerning customers.
In addition to Rare Barber Co., other notable establishments contribute to Humboldt County’s vibrant grooming scene. The Speakeasy Hair Lounge aka The Pressure Shop, nestled in Arcata, offers various services, including beard trims and styling consultations while general haircuts are priced at $35. Patrons old and young have left 5-star reviews for the lounge claiming great service and “skills when it comes to fades and lineups” Humboldt Local Jordan Smith said. The Speakeasy Hair Lounge provides a welcoming atmosphere for those seeking a stylish transformation.
Main Street Barber, located In Fortuna, prides itself on its no-frills approach to grooming.
“Jake and Mike are both great at cutting hair. They are fast enough, cheap, and still do a high-quality job, It’s a relaxed laid-back environment the way barbershops should be” said regular customer Richard Gore. Offering quality cuts for $30, Main Street Barber embodies the essence of classic barbershop culture, where conversations flow freely and satisfaction is guaranteed.
In Humboldt County, Off the Map Barber Shack and Rare Barber Co., alongside The Speakeasy Hair Lounge and Main Street Barber, stand as pillars of grooming excellence. With skilled barbers like Michael Meyer, Gino, and Carlos, these establishments offer more than just haircuts; they provide a sense of trust and reliability that resonates with customers seeking top-notch service.
From Garona’s “White Edgar” to MacCallum’s low taper cut and Lemke’s family cuts to $40 fades, these establishments cater to diverse hair types while upholding a standard of excellence that defines Humboldt County’s grooming scene.
