By Allison Grande

Osvaldo #5 Unisex Salon opened at 2974 Jerome Ave. at the corner of Bedford Park Boulevard and Jerome Avenue almost two months ago. Owned by the Osvaldo Barber Shop Corporation, which operates 10 other Bronx shops, #5 has eight staffers and a simple motto.

“We make people look nice in exchange for a small amount of currency,” said Lexx, a barber at #5. According to Lexx, Osvaldo barbershops offer “lower prices” than others like it in the area.

Lexx, a barber for the past 22 years, has some customers who have followed him to Jerome Avenue from his previous jobs.

“The neighborhood is great,” Lexx said. “It’s a quiet area, and I don’t have to worry too much about crime. I’m just doing what I do.”

Inside the store, the atmosphere is light. The mostly bilingual employees and customers talk, sing, and enjoy Spanish-language movies on the flat screen television.

Like in most other barbershops he’s worked at, Lexx says that he is already developing a “professional relationship” with his co-workers that will, based on his previous experiences, eventually turn into a “brotherhood.”

The barbershop is busiest between Thursday and Sunday, Lexx said. Although it caters mostly to men, there are also two female hairdressers on staff for women.

Ed. note: The shop is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Scheduled appointments are available, but walk-ins are also welcome. For more information, call (718) 584-7905.