Just because I keep weird hours and tend to avoid crowds doesn’t mean I don’t like to look nice. Over the last few years in Everett, I’ve managed to find some really great help in that department. Here are my style superheroes, where to find them, and my advice for how to assemble your own neighborhood team if you don’t live nearby.

CUT // Brenda Humbert
The Barber Stop Shop
2228 Colby Ave / 425-760-0531

I was already unhappy with my last barber shop when I moved away from Silver Lake, so after driving across town a couple more times, I knew it was time to find someone closer. It didn’t take me long to find The Barber Stop Shop, with its huge collection of lights and barber poles shining like Evergreen Way’s own Oz. Just about every surface inside continued the theme with lava lamps, motion toys, and her novelty scissor collection, so there was always a good view from the chair.

Brenda recently traded all that main drag hustle and bustle for a quiet neighborhood spot on Colby. It’s a small salon spot next to Welch’s Foods, and she’s leaving behind most of her décor and starting over with a beach theme. You can drop in by for a haircut or buzzcut, but I recommend calling or texting for an appointment so you don’t have to wait. She takes her time with every client, and finishes with hot towels and hot lather neck shaves. I always feel like a million bucks when I walk out.

Need a little freshening up between cuts? Maintenance neck and ear trims are complimentary. Bring some cash for a tip, nobody likes a cheapskate.

I found Brenda by keeping my eyes open while driving around in my own neighborhood, and always recommend choosing someone local whenever possible. Especially for men’s haircuts. You need to see your barber about every three weeks, so don’t commit to going all the way across town and getting stuck in traffic heading back.

COLOR // Melissa Henne-Castleman
Eclectik Salon
2707 Colby Suite D / Appointments via Schedulicity

Since very few barber shops offer services other than haircuts, hair for men can be a tag team effort. Brenda helped me grow out and maintain the current style I’m wearing, but I had to look elsewhere for help with the color when I decided it was time for a change. Eclectik was already on my radar because my friend Kristen goes there, and the salon is filled with her plants.

I was so happy when I arrived. Melissa maintains a calm, cool, and fun salon, and I didn't miss the endless ringing phones, chatter, and noise I've experienced elsewhere. Of course she has a phone, but that’s not the best way to get a hold of her while she’s elbows-deep in dye and shampoo. All services can be scheduled online, including free consultations. Those are highly recommended and should be scheduled a few days before the day of the procedure. Melissa’s been doing hair for ten years and as a seasoned professional, she knows that even a well-stocked salon like hers might need a few days to get just the right product for the job in.

If it all sounds complicated, don’t worry. Schedulicity is easy to use and once you’ve met her and she’s met your hair, follow-ups are a breeze. While you’re booking that consultation, check out the amazing array of services Melissa provides. And keep an eye on the Facebook page for information about new products, specials, and events.

It’s now been a month since Melissa gave me awesome purple hair, and thanks to her advice and the products she provided, it still looks great. I’ve never had a hair color hold up for more than a few days, so to say I’m impressed is a huge understatement. Keeping an eye on social media can really pay off!

INK // Jimmy Walters
Lions Paw Tattoo
2902 Wetmore / 425-337-5466

One thing that gets old on social media is people when people ask for recommendations for every little thing. Why post on NextDoor asking about dry cleaners? There really aren’t that many and that’s exactly the sort of thing Yelp is perfect for. I’ve certainly swung a bit far in the other direction. I do deep dives into Google Maps and coupon sites and almost never just ask my friends what’s up. I made an exception when it was time to find my Everett tattoo artist, and asked on Facebook if anyone knew somebody.

Strangely enough, the first friend I ever made in Washington way back in 1999 happened to have an appointment at Lions Paw the very next day. And she lives in Kent! I tagged along for the first part of her appointment so she could introduce me to the owner Jimmy, and the rest is history. 

I was back soon to consult and get started. It was time to plan a sleeve tattoo, and because I had a tree and a pagoda on my forearm, the best idea I could come up with was to create a sky above them. Maybe a small heron or a peacock in flight? Jimmy had a much better idea. We decided to really go for it, and he started drawing a huge peacock on my arm, first in yellow marker to plan the shape. The second pass was in pink marker to define the outlines of the features, and then the final version in medical marker. A few hours later, I walked out with the outline of a huge peacock tattooed on, so happy to have talked it out with someone who has better ideas than I do.

Jimmy’s in high demand and is booked several months out, but he’s assembled a great crew and the shop is open seven days a week. They do their best to accommodate walk-ins, but always keep in mind that a tattoo is forever, so don’t rush into it, and don’t haggle. While you’re there, enjoy your time in their awesome basement space, play a little pinball, and browse all the artists’ portfolios.

No matter where you live, you can assemble a great team of folks to keep you looking fresh by doing exactly what I did. Introduce yourself to the ones in your neighborhood, follow your stylish friends to the shops they like, and when all else fails, ask around. You’re also free to break up with them when it stops working, or even for simpler reasons like moving. When your squad is assembled, take good care of them by paying what they ask and tipping well, and they’ll take care of you.

Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.