A house-call barber for Northridge

Northridge is a college and residential community anchored by California State University, Northridge. Its wide streets, family homes and shopping corridors along Reseda and Tampa boulevards give the area a classic Valley suburban feel.

Between classes, shifts and kids' games, residents can have a barber visit the house rather than carving out a trip to the shop. There is no drive across town and no waiting room. Ben arrives at the agreed time, works quietly and leaves the space tidy.

Discretion is part of the cut.

Ben holds licenses in barbering and cosmetology in multiple states. Before Los Angeles he built and ran four barbershops, and his chair has since followed entertainers on tour and onto television and music video sets. Rod Wave, Polo G and Lamar Odom are among the names who have sat with him. His specialty is the short cut done properly: skin fades, low and mid tapers, line-ups, 360 waves, beard sculpting and clean head shaves, on straight, wavy, curly and coily hair alike.

Ben knows the neighborhood's rhythm, from California State University, Northridge, The Soraya and Northridge Fashion Center to the residential streets beyond. He serves ZIP codes 91324, 91325 and 91330 and moves easily into Porter Ranch and Van Nuys.

There is one way to book and it is fast: a call or a text to 608-201-7717. He is available 24/7, including holidays. Haircuts start at $150, the standard daytime rate is $300, and travel distance and time of day set the final number.