Background:
After moving from San Bernardino to Orange County it took me awhile to find a barber out here. It's not that I couldn't find one, it's because I was afraid to let any random person cut my hair.
One weekend I was sick on a haircut week (every 2 weeks). So, I had three options:
1) Drive all the way to San Bernardino while sick.
2) Go another week without getting my haircut.
3) Suck it up and find a barbershop closer to home.
I obviously opted for choice 3, for the simple fact that I my hair is completely untamable during the 3rd, 4th, and 5th weeks after a cut.
After spending my entire Saturday morning searching for a barber I finally decided that this was the one to go to. And I'm glad I did. (If you mention the commercial they have on youtube, you get a $2 discount).
Location:
The place is located in a small strip mall on the corner of Dale and Lincoln. If you're heading East on Lincoln, make a left onto Dale and then a right into the first entrance. If you're heading West, your safest option (if there's a car coming out) is to make a right onto Dale and a right into the first entrance.
There's a Farmer Boy's on the SW corner of these same cross streets, so when you come in you can get your spot in line, then go get something to eat. There's also a dry-cleaners, a pet groomer, a nail shop, and a hair salon all in the same strip mall as the barbershop. So you can get your clothes cleaned, while you, your girl, and your dog are all getting all getting cleaned up.
Atmosphere:
You may or may not like the atmosphere of the shop depending on your own preferences. Personally, I thought it was great. They have two TVs in there: I go in on Saturdays so it's usually college football.
They're a bunch of younger people so the conversations are more appealing to me. One of the barbers is incredibly loud, but I think he adds a lot of flavor to the shop. Again, this may not be to your liking, but it was cool to me. Once you go a couple times you really get used to him.
They have wide assortment of music always playing ranging from old tunes you haven't heard in awhile to new tunes you haven't heard yet (genre: generally rap/hip hop). There are CD covers up on the wall of local artists which shows that they, in their own way, are showing support for the people of the community - a plus.
A warning: for those of you that mind, the place is uncensored. If you are not used to expletives, you should prepare yourself.
Customer Service:
I walked in and was greeted by the barber closest to the door. He asked me if I was here for a certain barber and I told him it was my first time here. So he told me we'll get you in as soon as possible so feel free to have a seat anywhere. So I sat down and the first barber that came available, I was in the chair.
The Cut:
The person who cut my hair is named Rich. He introduced himself to me and started talking to me about where I lived, where I'm from, etc. It wasn't invasive, just trying to get to know his customer and make small talk. He asked me what kind of cut I wanted and I told him bald fade with a chinstrap. He took it in steps to make sure he didn't cut my hair too low and that it was coming out the way it should. Basically, long story short, he cut my hair exactly how I wanted it cut.
The next time I came he remembered my story (not my name - but then again it took my old barber 3 years to figure that one out) and the cut I wanted. He wasn't too sure so he took it in stride, and again, my hair came out exactly how I wanted. The third time (4 weeks after the second time), it was the same way, except this time he remembered my name and my cut. Save for a couple times, I've been going ever since. The only time I don't go is when I'm going to San Bernardino on a haircut weekend, and it would be more convenient for me to go to my old barber while out there. Otherwise, I stay my butt in Orange County.
Overall:
The barbers know how to do what they are there to do: cut hair. They're professionals and it reflects in how their cuts come out. Any type of hair, they can cut it how you want it. If you want designs in your hair they can do that. If you want a 9-5 white collar cut, they can do that too. I've seen many different nationalities, ages, and styles of people and hair in that shop. I don't like flashy cuts, but was still very impressed with the ones I've seen here.
So if this is the type of atmosphere you think you'd like, and if this is in your area (or even if you want to make the drive) then I definitely recommend them. You can go to any barber in the shop and you will be pleased with your cut. I continue to go only to Rich not only because he does an excellent job, but also out of loyalty as a customer. However, if it were necessary, I would go to any one of the others without hesitation.
A-Unique is my new barbershop and will remain this way for as long as possible. read more