I have been getting my haircut at Shanghai Phoenix Beauty Salon in San Gabriel. San Gabriel has become one of the largest Chinese immigrant communities along with Monterey Park, Rowland Heights, and Orange County.
The business partners immigrated to America in the 90s and opened this traditional salon. From the decor to the haircutting tools, it felt as if time had stopped in the 90s.
Just like the plaza adapting the flavors from the homeland, the nostalgic essence in the hair salon is a generational thing, a way to live in the memory.