USC students board Hector the Barber's school bus for curbside cuts

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Set us as preferred When the pandemic nearly ended his hair-cutting career, Hector Trinidad didn’t give up.He bought a school bus.

Better known as “Hector the Barber,” Trinidad, 50, now makes his living parking his barbershop on wheels at Hoover and 31st streets, adjacent to USC.“The only thing I stress about is finding parking,” he said of his mobile business.

He parks his bus Monday through Thursdays alongside USC, where students and others come aboard for a haircut that costs $35 to $40.In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the Inglewood barbershop where he worked.

While many barbers began working from home or their backyards , Hector bought the bus and redesigned it into a mobile barbershop.He decided business would be good near the pedestrian heavy streets across from the shops at USC Village.

The barber chair sits in the middle of the bus, with windows all around and extra seating at the back.The bus has a gas generator so clients can enjoy air conditioning on hot days, but there is no water for a shampoo.

Trinidad said he thrives among his youthful customers.“The Bible says that the youth is the foundation...They will be the next generation to help us,” he said.

He pointed to the sign at the front of his bus that reads, “Your driver is: the ambition to excel.” Trinidad tells students to never stop trying to improve.He watches them grow and eventually graduate.

“Every year, I get a lot of freshmen.They grow up.

They send their little brothers, then they become seniors,” he said.“For me, graduation is very important.

It’s emotional to see my freshmen become seniors and graduate.”Trinidad gives free haircuts to all of the students who have been with him since they were freshmen.1 2 3 1.

A variety of clippers.2.

Tools of the trade.3.

A bicyclist is framed in the b...