Moler Barber College Grand Opening
1440 7th St.
Oakland
August 15, 2024
The vacant storefronts of West Oakland’s 7th Street have been a blight for years, and few more so, or more conspicuously so, than the 10,000-square-foot corner location directly across the street from the BART station. And while it may not be feeding the neighborhood literally, as the previous tenant did, the new occupant is more than ready to fill the space with light and laughter as they teach an ever-changing student body the technical know-how of barbering, cosmetology, and esthetics.
This location may be new to the students and instructors of Moler, but the work is not: the school has been around since 1910 and has two other campuses, in Hayward and San Pablo, producing around 200 graduates per year. With a move from their previous flagship space on MacArthur to this one that started in April, the day’s celebration, attended by dozens of neighbors, friends and family of students, and local politicians and hopefuls, was bright, colorful, and overflowing into the street with fly-as-fuck hair.
After some time spent mingling and drinking terrible coffee, the true event kicked off: two rounds of competition in fades, tapers, braiding, nails, and makeup. The frenzy began, with a dozen students vying for aesthetic bragging rights, and all laser-focused on the model (often a fellow student) in their chair. Tools, spare hair, and gel flashed in hands, on hands, on the floor. As spectators we peered close as we dared, aiming for the shot, but with respect.
Mid-competition we were ushered outside for some fresh air and a ribbon cutting, complete with absurd and fabulous gold ceremonial scissors — nearly the size of garden trimmers. A bit big for a haircut but just right for a giant red ribbon, and wielded by Moler owner Christina Quattro, flanked by Mayor Thao, Chamber of Commerce Chair Ken Maxey, District 3 Rep Carroll Fife, and Moler’s Mr. Torres and JC.
We were treated to some choice words by several of these folks, with an emphasis on the community care these professions embody as well as the “recession-proof” nature of the work. Mayor Thao hit all her talking points, reminding us that she has lived through truly tough times but now knows the power of a good manicure. And manicurist — her niece is making “$150 a pop for a set of nails. A pop!”
La Tortilla churned out hundreds of street tacos for hungry attendees courtesy of the school, tiding them over for the second half of the competition and encouraging conversations with friends old and new at the small standing tables. For there was still much to come: a whole second set of categories, with many students moving from in to behind the chairs. The fastest fade portion raised stakes beyond the trophies sitting up front — “I put my bingo money on you!” — and egos too.
“I’m hot, and so is HAYYYYYYWWWAAARRRRDD!” Her twinkling eyes and ready smile immediately sugaring up her sass.
Before announcing the awardees, further reinforcement of just how proud of the students everyone is, and of the high level of craftsmanship and professionalism they were offering. Excitement ensued as trophies were collected, with one student sweeping up four in his clearly talented hands.
Moler’s new Oakland location is open weekdays and offers reduced-price services in barbering, cosmetology, and esthetics.
