nine(9) questions with shop barber pedro gonzalez …
Name / age / hometown:
Pedro Gonzalez / 36 / Chicago, IL
What got you into barbering:
Cutting hair was always around me in one way or another. I have relatives with beauty salons, and I had an uncle who did hair. I liked the culture first — the shop environment, the conversations, the shit talking, the transformation. One haircut can completely change a dude’s confidence and demeanor.
How often should a man realistically get a haircut:
Depends on the haircut and how committed you are to not looking homeless. Most guys? Every 3–6 weeks. Some longer hairstyles are more based on comfort. If you’re cool with it looking a little overgrown, you can push some styles to around two months.
What’s your favorite haircut to do and why:
Honestly, it depends on the day. I still love doing a clean, crispy fade, even if the internet says it’s going out of style. The longer “flow” hairstyles are growing on me too — pun intended. Slowing down and doing more shear work can be a nice break from the monotony of clipper work.
Beard or clean shaven — which looks better:
Most men look better with some facial hair. A beard can add structure, maturity, and masculinity. It can also help hide a weaker jawline… or lack thereof. Ultimately, though, it comes down to personal preference.
What’s the craziest haircut request you’ve ever gotten:
Back in barber school, I had someone ask for the Kim Jong Un “Supreme Leader” haircut. To this day, it was probably the most fun I’ve had with a client request. It was for a Halloween costume, but still — definitely the weirdest request I’ve ever gotten.
Should guys wear product in their hair:
If you’re generally not someone who uses product, I’d still say use it for formal events or dates at the very least. It’s a small thing that can make you look a little more polished and groomed.
What’s your advice for a guy trying to look more put together:
Get consistent haircuts. Trim your nails. Wear clothes that actually fit. Smell decent. Drink water.
Why do you think people still value an old-school neighborhood barbershop in 2026:
Because people are starving for real human interaction. The barbershop is still one of the last places where people can sit down, unplug, joke around, vent, debate sports, talk about life, and leave feeling better than when they walked in. It’s also cheaper than therapy
Book your next haircut with barber pedro at EST1968.COM