Kevin Chavez, Jennifer Espes, Robert Gonzales and Joe Victorino take a second from their scissors to pose in front of Joe’s Barbershop.

It’s a family business that has been in Inglewood for generations. It’s on 681 W. Arbor Vitae Street, near Ash Street. It is home to some of the best barbers in Inglewood. What is it? Why, Joe’s Barbershop, of course!

The story begins in the 1970s when Joe Victorino was searching for that one good barber to cut his hair on a regular basis; his search was in vain. He attended school and studied the ways of crafting unique hairstyles. Learning how to cut hair Joe was the first step; afterward he decided it was time to open up his own shop.

The first Joe’s barbershop was opened in 1976 on Arbor Vitae and La Cienega. Longtime Inglewood natives may recall the Doors Market and mechanic’s shop at the shopping center back then. The barbershop soon gained a great reputation. In 1979, Joe’s Barbershop was relocated to Arbor Vitae.

For two decades Joe has been cutting hair. People come not just from Inglewood but all over Los Angeles—just to get one of Joe’s classic cuts. As a witness to the legacy his father established, Joe Jr. decided he wanted to continue what his father started. In 1992 he got into the hair cutting business as well. “My father had a saying: You watch people get married and you watch them get buried. Now I’m starting to see that happen the longer I cut hair,” Joe divulged. “As Hispanics, there are few legacies you can look up to for the young generation. I love to be a positive influence on the community, so I do things like offer free cuts to kids that bring in good report cards. It’s my way of giving back.”

Both my grandfathers got their hair cut at Joe’s, and I have many friends who will only go there to get the work done. People from all over the community recognize Joe’s as one of Inglewood’s greatest legacies. My family has gone there for generations, and we all agree that the staff live up to the reputation set down by the founder and namesake.

For those Inglewood residents who have yet to visit, get a cut from Joe’s barbershop and see for yourself: it’s a cut above!

For more information, please visit the website at . One can also just call and drop in to get the work done now at (310) 674.3655.