Stepping into Montgomery’s Barbershop is like stepping into a time capsule. The scent of shaving cream lingers in the air, the hum of clippers creates a rhythmic background, and antique barber chairs with silver-plated footrests sit proudly, like thrones of tradition.
And, at the center of it all is Ramona Montgomery, a woman who’s not just cutting hair, but redefining what it means to be a barber in an industry that’s long been a man’s domain.
Ramona’s passion isn’t about the perfect fad or a crisp, clean shave. It’s about transformation.
“I love seeing people walk through my doors and knowing exactly what they want—even if they don’t. A great cut isn’t just about looking sharp; it’s about feeling good. That’s the best part of my job,” she says with a smile.
This level of care and attention to detail has turned her shop into more than just a place for a trim. People come not just for a haircut, but for the experience—an easy conversation, a sense of connection, and a moment to step away from the noise of daily life.
A Look Back: The History of Barbering
Barbering isn’t just a trade; it’s a tradition, one with a history that’s richer than most people realize. Long before barbers became known for crisp trims and close shaves, they were the go-to professional for surgery, dentistry and even healing practices. Have you ever wondered about the iconic red, white and blue barber pole? Those colors aren’t just for show—red symbolizes blood-letting, white for bandages and blue for veins (Wikipedia.com).
Fast forward to the early 1900s, barbershops were the heart of small towns and big cities alike, where men gathered to catch up, debate the latest news, and get a fresh cut. But, by the ’70s and ’80s, the rise of unisex salons and changing hair trends pushed the traditional barbershop to extinction.
Today, the comeback is real. More and more men are rediscovering the power of a classic, no-fuss haircut, and women like Ramona are stepping in, challenging the old guard, and proving that skill makes a great barber.
Barber vs. Hairstylist: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the industry is that barbers and hairstylists do the same thing. Ramona explains: “Barbers are trained differently than hairstylists. I apprenticed under the old-timers, earned my barber’s license, and mastered techniques that hairstylists are not trained in. A hairstylist, on the other hand, has to be licensed in cosmetology.”
So, what does this mean for the client?
“Barbers specialize in precise, structured haircuts built to last styles that don’t need much maintenance.” They’re experts in straight razor shaves, fads and those sharp, clean looks that stand the test of time. “We can do any type of style or cut, but we don’t do color or blow-drying,” Ramona says. “We focus on cuts that are effortless styles you don’t have to fuss with every morning.”
Her shop isn’t about high-maintenance trends—it’s about craftsmanship, simplicity and giving clients a timeless, polished look.
A Living Museum of Barbering Tradition
Montgomery’s Barbershop isn’t just a business. It’s a storybook, a time machine, a tribute to the generations of barbers who came before.
When Ramona trained under some of the best in the business, she didn’t just walk away with skills but inherited a legacy. Her shop is decorated with treasures from the barbering’s past: vintage straight razors that have sculpted jawlines for decades; classic barber chairs with well-worn leather seats and polished chrome accent; antique signage and black and white photos that tell the story of a bygone era; and, of course, the spinning barber pole—a symbol of tradition that still turns proudly.
Spend five minutes in her chair, and you’ll see it’s not about cutting hair—it’s about honoring a craft.
Why Montgomery’s Barbershop Is a Cut Above the Rest
Ramona isn’t just breaking barriers as women in a historically male-dominated profession. She’s doing what great barbers do: creating an experience, a connection, a moment where people feel seen and valued. She understands her clients. She values community.
She’s proof that barbering is about skill, not gender. She earned her spot in this industry with years of training, an eye for detail, and a deep respect for the craft.
At Montgomery’s Barbershop, you are not only walking out with a fresh cut, but you are also walking out with a piece of history. Walk-ins are welcome; 1047 Water St. at Seabright Extension, Santa Cruz; [email protected]; 831-431-7704.
Janet Janssen is a Life in Business and Speaker Coach, Chambers Member and Board Member of Leadership Santa Cruz. She provides workshops for Leadership Ice Breakers, Communication and Speaking skills for individual and corporate leadership teams. Go to JanetJanssen.com for more information.
