New California Barbershop Looks to the Future in Echo Park

"Sweeney Todd is not what I'm about," says Brian Girgus of Echo Park's New California Barbershop.

"We want to make barbering a needed trade and not just a retro thing."

Girgus and his colleague Lizzy Storey are up early, enjoying the spring sun on the bench outside their new Mohawk Bend shop one recent Saturday.

Owner Girgus opened up the storefront space just a little over a month ago, pledging to provide $35 haircuts to men, women and children, along with good times and good cheer.

He'll also serve up a shave to "anyone" in one of the shop's the vintage barber chairs scored off Craigslist.

(The shop refers those who want haircoloring to nearby Folklore, a full-sevice salon.)

Girgus is trained as a barber, not as cosmetologist. Thus, says Girgus, the shop's focus on the basic cut and shave.

Girgus is not alone in his passion, with similar nuts-and-bolts shops popping up around Los Angeles.

"We can cut hair with the best of them," says Girgus, who's worked in many a salon. "That's not our thing."

"Haircuts for everyone" is, and if that's your pleasure why not check out New California Barbershop.

Walk-ins are welcome.