Bestiary Barbershop

The Bestiary is a one-chair barbershop focusing on individualized care. All hair textures and gender expressions are honored. This is a space where you can relax and be your authentic self.

The symbolism of hair is apparent in art and history. Looking inward, we may recognize that within ourselves as well. For many, hair represents culture, confidence, or identity. For others, hair brings up feelings of vulnerability or insecurity. The Bestiary allows the space for you to share what this means to you and for me to provide the guidance needed to achieve your goals.

While much of your hair journey happens outside the barber chair, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With knowledge and support, maintaining healthy and stylish hair can feel effortless. I offer assessments and education to help you build a routine that fits your lifestyle. I’m constantly studying and thinking about hair—so you don’t have to. Whether your goals can be reached in one session or over time, I’m here to help you get there.

My name is Erica. I have a background in the arts and a curiosity about science, history, and the human condition. It’s from this foundation I approach the craft of barbering. My expertise ranges from traditional barbering to layered mid-length cuts, with a specialty in advanced curly hair cutting and styling. Every head of hair is unique, as is the person beneath it. My passion lies in understanding your needs and crafting a cut that you feel at home in.

I explore hair as a sculptural medium, shaping styles that feel both flattering and authentic to you. My passion for understanding how things work fuels my interest in trichology (the science of hair and scalp) which helps me cut through the noise of the beauty industry and offer grounded practical guidance. Above all, I value my profession as a platform that allows others to pause and be cared for.

I’ve been fortunate to travel and teach fellow stylists, and I love sharing knowledge with clients. I also love learning and will always strive to be better in my craft. The greatest lessons come from the people in my chair, who continuously teach me of the beauty within humanity.

How it Works

You’re welcome to book the services that best suit your needs from the link below. If you’re a new client, please take a moment to complete the brief “About You” form. This helps lay the foundation for our initial consultation and allows me to create a comfortable experience for you.

Service times listed on the menu are based on averages, but each appointment is tailored to the individual. Additional time is available for major style changes, precision cuts, extra thick or long hair, hands-on tutorials, or simply if you prefer a slower-paced visit. Booking together with friends, family, or a partner is welcomed. Just let me know how I can best accommodate.

A 15-minute buffer is scheduled between appointments to ensure we begin and end on time. If you’d have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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About You

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FAQ

Tipping

Tipping is a complicated practice with a dark history. As a business owner I considered having a tipping-free model. However, to make that fully viable, service prices would need to increase.

By aligning with the standard tipping model in the industry, I’m able to keep my services accessible to a wider range of people while still offering personalized, focused care. I view tips as both a gesture of appreciation and a sliding scale based on what a client can afford.

If tipping isn’t feasible for you, please know you’ll still receive the same high level of care and attention.

Late Cancellation and No-Show Policy

To protect my livelihood, I ask that cancellations be made at least 24 hours in advance. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged 100% of the scheduled service fee. This also applies to no-shows and late arrivals that can no longer be accommodated.

With enough notice, I’m able to offer a missed time slot to someone on the waitlist, which helps ensure I don’t lose income and gives someone else the opportunity to book.

Thank you for your understanding and respect.

*If you wake up feeling sick and suspect you may be contagious, please reach out at least a few hours before your appointment—under those circumstances, the cancellation fee will be waived. No-shows will always be charged. To protect my clients, I also stay home if I’m at risk of spreading illness. This is an honor system, and I appreciate your honesty and care in helping maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Transportation and Parking

The Bestiary is tucked away in an old industrial building, surrounded by artists and makers of all kinds. There is a shared parking lot for the building, but spots are not guaranteed. If you’re driving and the lot is full, street parking is available nearby.

The 9th Street Light Rail station and a Citi Bike station are close by, and there’s also a nearby bus stop with a direct route from Manhattan. The PATH and ferry are each exactly one mile from the shop.

Once you book, I’ll send detailed directions to help find the building and the shop within.

Gift Cards

eGift cards can be purchased here in preset or custom ammounts.

Product Lines

Products used during your service as well as available for retail are all formulated from clean ingredients, are high performing, and have no artificial fragrance. Color used in the shop is free of ammonia, PPD, PTD, and resorcinol. I offer discounted refills on select retail products, which helps eliminate waste. You are welcome to reach out to pick up a product whether you are a client or not. Retail brands are:

Innersense Organic Beauty
Shear Revival
Cult+King