Kiyoko’s Barber & Styling

I’ve been going to this shop for going on 10 years. My grandfather introduced me to the owner of the shop, Ann; he’d been going to her for his cuts for 20 years. In my experience, she is one of the best out there… considering she’s beyond retirement age.
I don’t drive, so I usually walk to her shop… which isn’t so bad, since I usually set my appointments for the morning. During the warmer summer months, it can get pretty rough, and when I get there I’m dripping with sweat. She doesn’t keep her air con cooler than 70, so it’s not so bad if I have to wait. If I’m the only customer, it can get a little frustrating because she’ll constantly let me know that my hair is sticking to the back of my neck.
Lately I’ve been having some problems getting the cut I want. My last visit, I wanted to get a fade, and told her four fingers should do it. Usually my appointments last between 15 to 30 minutes. This last appointment went upwards of 45, because I had to convince and cajole her for about the first 20 minutes. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been going to her for almost 10 years and she’s cut my hair way shorter than she did this last time… so you can imagine I’ve been having some trouble trying to comprehend why this time was so difficult for her. Don’t get me wrong, I love the end result AND it came out how I wanted it; again, I’m still trying to understand why she had such a problem this time around.
4 stars because, despite everything, I love the work she does, she’s a lovely person, and her prices are reasonable.