You never know what you will see on the side of the road while driving in Reno. As I was driving down Keystone, I noticed two gentlemen on the side of the road — one was getting a haircut and the other was giving it. I was so intrigued at the fact that they were just standing on the sidewalk of such a busy street and were unbothered enough to start cutting hair in the middle of the day.
I learned their names are John (white shirt) and Jim (sitting down). Both said they are unhoused but doing the best they can.
John said he just started getting into cutting hair again. He got interested in cutting hair as a teenager when he would be hanging out with his friends listening to music and messing around with different ways to cut their hair. Even though he might go long periods without cutting hair he says he always gravitates back to it.
I asked John if he ever asks for anything in exchange for a haircut. Although he said he hadn't thought about doing that he said it would be a good idea to exchange goods for one. He usually only cuts hair for the people he knows personally. John says cutting hair allows him to clear his mind and provides distraction to make days go by faster.
Jim and John have known each other for only a few months but say they have grown a good friendship and enjoy the time they get to share together. They both stay in different places but will frequently meet to catch up.