Jason Jerk putting the finishing touches on a haircut. Photo by Randy Vazquez

Jason’s friend combing his hair in the mirror while Jason finishes his customers cut. Photo by Randy Vazquez

Jason has many tattoos but this one is special to the South San Francisco Barber because it bares the name of his only daughter Cassandra. Photo by Randy Vazquez

Jason receiving instructing from his client before beginning his cut. Photo by Randy Vazquez

Jason finishing his last clients haircut before calling it a night. Photo by Randy Vazquez.

Jason replacing one of his clipper attachments while his client enjoys a refreshment. Photo by Randy Vazquez

Jason’s barbering tools along with a poster of hip-hop all-stars behind them. A sign of how both cultures mesh in a barbershop. Photo by Randy Vazquez

Jason lining up his clients beard while his friend observes. Photo by Randy Vazquez.

One of Jason’s customers passes time by smoking from his “Vape” pen. Photo by Randy Vazquez

This past spring I embarked on a group project with my classmates and my professor Michael Cheers where we followed the lives of ten Bay Area barbers who were all linked by their profession and by place of work. Although these barbers share a work place, their stories could not be more unique. This photo essay features Jason Lim, a third generation Chinese American barber who uses barbering as an escape from his past and a source of income for his family.