California Hairstylist Brings Back Bartering to Help Those in Need

Tags: Currents Faith, Family, Inspiration, Media

By Jenna MacDermant

Some people struggling to make ends meet in California are calling a hairstylist a blessing after she brought bartering back in style.

Hairstylist Kristal Mendoza is reviving the oldest form of trade at her salon in Pico Rivera.

It all started with a single Instagram post, and offers to barter for services soon flooded Mendoza’s direct messages on the app as the video went viral.

One message in particular caught her attention: that of Veronica Hernandez, a survivor of domestic violence and a single mom who works six days a week cleaning houses.

Hernandez sat in a salon chair for the first time in more than three years thanks to the bartering option at the salon.

In exchange for a haircut and color Hernandez offered Mendoza her cleaning services, thanking Mendoza for opening her doors and asking God to bless her business.

Mendoza says she plans to do five barters a month and is encouraging other business owners to trade their skills with people in their community.