“It feels good to put a smile on someone’s face,” says Circle City Barbers co-owner Philip Hernandez (fourth from right) with fellow barbers (from left) Mike, Alex, Patrick, co-owner Eric, Josh, Nina and Ray.
- - - -
Circle City Barbers
For 16 years, Circle City Barbers has been an Old Towne Orange staple. Co-owners Philip Hernandez and Eric Webb, who met while working at the same barbershop in Long Beach, pooled their resources and transformed their shared passion for barbering into a thriving business.
The shop’s name, inspired by the former Circle City Disco, pays homage to Orange’s history. What started as a two-man operation, originally located around the corner from their current location, quickly grew into an eight-employee establishment.
“We’re not chasing fads,” says Hernandez, who began experimenting with cutting hair in high school. “We’re your local neighborhood barber shop.”
Over the last 16 years, Circle City Barbers co-owners Philip Hernandez (left) and Eric Webb have earned the continued patronage of many clients.
- - - -
This approach is what Hernandez attributes to their longevity and has earned them a loyal clientele, with some customers bringing in their own children after getting haircuts there as kids themselves.
Circle City Barbers prides itself on catering to all ages and styles, from standard cuts to trendy designs or long hair, and they also offer straight razor shaves.
“We are full service,” says Hernandez. “Every haircut comes with a hot towel.”
When it comes to trends, the stylists at Circle City Barbers have seen it all.
“The Peaky Blinders haircut was very popular for a while,” says Hernandez. “Disconnected undercuts, the Brad Pitt Fury haircut and fauxhawks have also come and gone.”
Over the last 16 years, Circle City Barbers co-owners Philip Hernandez (left) and Eric Webb have earned the continued patronage of many clients.
- - - -
Now?
“Mullets are coming back in,” says Hernandez. “Like from the 1980s—short on the sides and longer in the back. The haircut that never goes out of style is ‘a traditional gentleman’s haircut.’”
The shop has evolved over the years, initially known for its edgy, punk rock vibe, but has matured to welcome everyone.
“We do any age,” says Hernandez. “One of my longest customers is 87 years old.”
Hernandez is referring to Dirck Bedford, who originally walked into Circle City Barbers when they first opened.
“I was looking for a new barber, and I asked Hernandez if he only did younger guys,” says Bedford. “He insisted he wants everyone to be comfortable. He is a really nice guy, and it’s fun to talk about family and kids. I’ve been with him ever since.”
The tried-and-true approach to cutting hair at Circle City Barbers has led to many longtime customers, including Dirck Bedford, pictured here in co-owner Philip Hernandez’s chair.
- - - -
Open seven days a week, Circle City Barbers loves being in Orange.
“It’s the sense of community,” says Hernandez. “We’ve gotten to know all the other merchants in Old Towne. Everybody looks out after each other.”
Hernandez and Webb are hopeful that Circle City Barbers has another 16 years in Orange.
“When you have a happy customer, it feels great, whether you’re boosting a teenager’s confidence or earning a new client’s trust,” says Hernandez.
Circle City Barbers
133 West Chapman Ave., Old Towne Orange, CA 92866 / 714-453-9765
- - - -
Select to view an archival Sep/Oct 2010 "Circle City Barbers" article.
