Getting to the Root of the Matter
Lynwood native Chuck Taylor opened his eponymous hair salon in 1996 near Los Angeles International Airport in a busy mini-mall that also houses a 7-Eleven and the popular M & M Soul Food. Nearly a dozen stylists work there. We dropped by on a Friday afternoon and spoke to several clients getting pretty for the weekend.
Kevin Hanson
Pastry Chef, London, England
What did you have done today?
Haircut.
Any special occasion?
I do it every Friday.
What are your plans for the evening?
My brother is taking me out, probably to the Century Club.
Did you read anything while you were here?
The newspaper. Presidential news.
Ever have a bad hair day?
Yeah. Then I don’t get out of bed. I sleep.
Has a haircut ever made you cry?
No. But I fall asleep sometimes when I get my hair cut.
What celebrity has the best hair?
Julia Roberts. She has lovely long hair.
Who could use some help?
Demi Moore. She has a terrible hairstyle.
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Valerie Shumate
Dental Office Supervisor, View Park
What did you have done today?
A little mini perm.
Any special occasion?
No. My fiance [now husband] sent me so I came.
What are your plans for the evening?
I’m going to a Princess House crystal party with 15 women. When we finish buying crystal, we play cards and drink. Like a Tupperware party.
Did you read anything while you were here?
Sister 2 Sister [magazine].
Ever have a bad hair day?
Yeah. I put my wig on.
Has a haircut ever made you cry?
I used to always cry when I was a kid.
What celebrity has the best hair?
How about no hair? I like Michael Jordan.
Who could use some help?
Kobe Bryant. Can’t he comb that natural?
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Shawn Boykin
Engineer, Compton
What did you have done today?
A taper.
Any special occasion?
Every Friday I come.
What are your plans for the evening?
Hanging out with my girl.
Did you read anything while you were here?
The Source, a hip-hop magazine.
Can you make your hair look as good on your own?
No, he [Chuck] puts the whip on.
Ever have a bad hair day?
No.
Has a haircut ever made you cry?
Yeah. I was tender headed when I was a kid.
What celebrity has the best hair?
Halle Berry.
Who could use some help?
Michael Jackson. It ain’t happening.
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Ronni Johnson
Telecommunications Customer-Service Representative, South-Central
What did you have done today?
Wash, blow dry, press and curl all over.
Any special occasion?
No. It’s my every-two-weeks appointment.
What are your plans for the evening?
To go visit my mother.
Did you read anything while you were here?
Essence.
Ever have a bad hair day?
Yes. Then I have a big attitude and get my hair done real quick.
Has a haircut ever made you cry?
No. Haircuts don’t make me cry. It’s only hair. It will grow back.
What celebrity has the best hair?
Halle Berry. She wears a short cut very well.
Who could use some help?
Dennis Rodman. He’s always having a bad hair day.
