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San Clemente Journal

Haircuts with Heart at Señor Barbers

Aug 30, 2006 09:31PM ● By Don Kindred
by Jadon Micalizzi

Jacob, ‘Big’ Al, Chris and Wild Bill can be reached at 361-0762.“HOME is where the heart is,” as the saying goes, and that is exactly how you feel walking into the quaint, old-fashioned barber shop known as Señor Barbers. 
Upon entering, it’s easy to notice its uniqueness. Señor Barbers exudes a certain upbeat, fast- paced and happy camaraderie among its employees. Five warm, friendly faces stand behind barstools awaiting customers; eager to cut hair anyway they like it. Mirrors outline the inside of the shop, and the only revolving barber light poll in San Clemente hangs on the wall. 
Al Oliman, owner and barber, first learned the art of cutting hair at a barbershop in Santa Anna, where he is originally from. But after being denied a day off on Mother’s Day, when he had planned to take his mother to church, Al stood up for himself and walked out, keeping his promise to take his mother to church.
Later, while taking a peaceful bike ride along the beach in South Orange County, Al discovered the picturesque town of San Clemente. As Al explained, he immediately loved the “pleasant people, small town atmosphere, and the pretty bougainvilleas.” These are some of the reasons that prompted Al to open up his own barbershop in town nine-years-ago.
Al, his wife and five children have now lived here for eight years. The Olimans give a lot of gratitude to God for their life blessings, and are very active at the Pacific Coast Church. This church is where Al came up with the name Señor Barber, Señor meaning, “lord” in Spanish. 
All of Al Oliman’s employees are San Clemente locals who have a minimum of two or more year’s experience behind their buzzers. Asking him what he would like potential customers to know, he smiled and cheerfully replied, “We are always happy to enlighten visitors about San Clemente while giving them a haircut by the best barbers in town, at the best price in town.”
This unusual barbershop is located on South El Camino Real next to Ricardo’s Mexican restaurant. Don’t let the small outside appearance of the shop fool you, inside you’ll receive happy and friendly service from Al and the rest of his warm, welcoming staff. b 
For more information call 361-0762.