Thank you Al's, thank you Brad! You always send my husband home with a great cut and looking as handsome as our wedding day. My husband's hair isn't the easiest to cut (I know because I've tried and failed) so I'm certain Brad is a very skilled and talented barber to pull it off. My husband goes to him regularly and I couldn't be more pleased. read more

Esther did a phenomenal job with our son's first haircut. She made everyone feel at ease, & took the time to show our son the various tools that would be used in order to make him feel more comfortable. Esther is also incredible at men's haircuts (she cuts my husband's hair). Highly recommend Esther for all of your family's haircut needs! read more

This place is great! The barbers are all friendly and welcoming. I get my haircuts from Ester and she's the best! My haircut is nothing special, but Esther always has me feeling fresh and clean. Highly recommend! I've been coming here for years, and I haven't met a barber at this place who isn't nice, respectful and understanding read more

I have been getting my hair cut at Al's for years and they always do a great job. The barbers are really nice and talented folks.

Well, how do I put this nicely? Actually, forget "nicely." I'm pissed. I just handed over $50 for the worst haircut of my entire life. Three months of growing my hair out, carefully styling it into exactly what I wanted, all gone because I trusted someone with clippers who's supposedly been doing this for 10+ years. You'd think experience would count for something, right? All I asked for was a simple skin fade and not to touch the top. Seems straightforward? Apparently not. Instead, this so-called "professional" says, "Oh, let me fix this one part on top." Fix? FIX?! More like "destroy." They didn't fix anything--they turned me into a cautionary tale. So here I am, $50 poorer and looking like I got my haircut at a place where the lights were off and everyone was blindfolded. If you like paying good money to leave the shop looking like an extra from a bad sitcom, then by all means, hit this place up. As for me, I'm never coming back. Ever. And you shouldn't either unless you want to gamble with your hair--and your dignity. read more

I've been seeing Esther for years and not only do I always feel welcomed in the shop, but get a great cut each and every time I'm there. I appreciate her steady hand, her keen eye for style, and owe her a very huge thanks for guiding me through a very awkward growing out phase with my hair by giving me a well needed refresh in my style. Esther's the best and I highly recommend her! read more

Came here because the reviews were so high all over. But left with probably the worst haircut of my life. I showed the lady the haircut I got from a barber at Frank Logan's not too far away, who is the best barber I have been to, and is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable barbers out there. I showed her a low-taper burst fringe, and she goes "so a normal haircut." She says he messed up the corners of my hairline from the last time I got it cut some time ago and proceeds to cut it higher and higher messing up my natural hairline. She also unevenly cut my friend's hair that wanted to keep it a little longer as well. But his didn't look as bad. I wanted to save money because it was cheaper here. But at this point, spending extra and going to another barber especially if you have something big coming up, might be the best decision. read more

Top quality service and craft going on at this establishment. All barbers are skilled, polite and never fail in delivering top notch haircuts. Been going to them for years and I never leave dissapointed. I now bring my 6 year old and he loves the vibe. read more

Decided to fade my doo. It's been a few years since I had my ears lowered at Al's, however they are always the best option! Booked my appointment with Dickie online at the website. Got clipped just right. Medium fade, long enough on top. Thanks, Dickie! Great to see Paul, Joe, and of course, Larry! read more

Al's Barber Shop - Joe and Nick - Barbers Near Me - Alameda, California

Tim made my son cry. My son explained pls do not touch the top. Only do low fade on the sides and back. His cut was all over the place and rushed work. Then he cut the top. Really unprofessional work. So bad! My son was in tears. He doesnt want to go to the party that evening because of such a bad looking hair. We had to search a hair cutter the same day to fix my son's hair. VICKY'S is better. read more

Nick is such a gem! I accompanied my fiancé to his appointment today, as our wedding is in 2 days. Nick was so thoughtful and really took his time to check in and make sure we liked the length/style, etc. He's also just such a great guy to chat with, and keeps his shop really clean. Fiancé's hair came out looking wonderful! read more

My kids and I recently moved to Alameda from Hayward. Finding a barber for my son is always tricky because he has special needs and often won't sit still or can move rapidly without notice. I emailed 5 barber shops asking if any barbers work with special needs kiddos, and Esther at Al's wrote me back right away and said bring him on down! Scheduling an appointment online was easy and parking wasn't too bad either. Esther was very patient with my son and when she was done, he admired himself in the mirror and did a little happy dance! Thank you so much Esther! read more

Nick & crew are the best! Love the (real) old timey feel and the style! Always get a superb haircut & lovely warm moist towel around the neck after. Oh, and if u are in need of a shot o whiskey, they have that, too! read more

I've come here on a whim, needing a haircut. I chose an appt with no reference of who cut my hair. Erik took care of me that Tuesday morning & wow. By far one of the best haircuts I've ever had, little had I known he used the hot towel technique to soothe my skin after giving me a bald fade. I'm so glad I chose Al's barber shop & to think I had anticipated the more urban barber shops were more so one of a kind... naaaaah, this is the shop. This is the place to be! Get your haircut here!!! They're awesome!! And they pay super close attention to your haircut. read more

I ONLY let Tim cut my husband's hair. Since we've moved to Alameda, we've tried a lot of different barbers but they were all mid. When my husband came home after getting his hair cut by Tim, I was so impressed!!! He looked like a new man! Nice, clean cut. Perfect cut. Now I only let him go to Tim!!! read more

Tim is great! Highly recommend. Friendly experience and a great haircut! There is good availability as well.

My husband has been coming to Nick to get his hair cut for over 8 years. Nick is fantastic. He is so sweet and he truly cares about his clients. He is easy going, has the cutest pup who hangs out in the shop, and most importantly is an amazing barber. My husband raves about Nick and gets bummed when he cannot go see him. Also-Nick is super family oriented..even though the shop is small he invited me and our baby (who was in a stroller) to sit inside while my husband got his hair cut because I was cold/carrying coffees. My husband will of course continue to come here and I love the look of my husbands hair after his cuts!! read more

When I lived in Berkeley, I would head to Temescal Alley Barbershop to get my haircuts. This was when they only had three barber chairs and before hipster haircuts became all the rage. While everyone at Temescal gave a great haircut, my favorite barber was Nick. Getting a haircut from him is like getting a haircut from an old friend. Fast forward a few years and, while life changes made it much harder to visit Temescal, I'm super stoked that Nick opened this second barber shop in Alameda. The feel is a little different. This shop is less about the ambiance and more about personality, if that makes sense. And the icing on top: they take reservations which means I don't have to plan my entire day around my haircut anymore. For over five years now I have had my hair cut by Nick and I will probably keep going to him until he can't cut hair anymore but I would definitely recommend this shop overall and any of the barbers who work there. read more

TIM HAMMONS! I followed Tim to Al's from another shop in SF. He's the best! Perfect fade. Tight line-up. Straight razor shave on the back of the next. Even a scalp massage, if there's enough time. Super friendly / great attitude and conversation. You won't find a better haircut experience. Thanks Tim! read more

Everyone I've had cuts from here has been incredibly kind and conscientious. It's great shop. Wholeheartedly recommend Tim if he's on the schedule. read more

I am so grateful for my cut today! Thank you to the person who did it! I am sorry I didn't get her name ‍I was just so excited to have my big 2020 mane chopped, it was freeing! Also it will be going to locks of love because I want it to make someone else happy. Great service, attention and vision to help me get to the final cut that I needed! Will be back! read more

Al's Barber Shop - Before and after for the dyslexic - Barbers Near Me - Alameda, California

What an experience! It's like a real 50's barber shop. Not like one from a bad Ice Cube movie. I took my 16 year old son here when we were visiting family for a hair cut. Wish I did a before and after! And the service! The gentleman barber shook his hand before and after. What a great fade, blended it perfectly and did a hot towel on his neck before he cleaned up every edge with a straight razor. My son loved it! Next time he wants a shave too. At $30 for just the cut it was a little more than what I'm used to paying but it was worth every penny and we are definitely coming back. There's no phone so you have to make an appointment on there website. Enjoy! read more

Al's Barber Shop - Great service! - Barbers Near Me - Alameda, California

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Just brought my autistic 4 year old son in for a haircut. I was stressing all day about bringing him and as we walked in he tried to run away and said "I'm scared." But the whole shop sprung into action, whole box of toys for him to pick from, Esther showed him the clippers and let him listen to them/feel the vibration on his thigh first. The other barber was cheering him on during the haircut as well. And Esther gave him a great cut plus a lollipop at the end. If your kid is neurodivergent, cannot recommend more. They were amazing. read more

Nick is straight up the coolest, most entertaining, professional barber ever. He will that care of You ! read more

Really graaate place for nice cuts and pleasant talks. All barbers here are good and have their own unique style. Old fashion feel in modern times. read more

I've been trying to find the right barber. I always hesitate because of price. I guess you can say that I'm cheap when it comes to haircuts. I went to a few cheap spots and I got the haircut I deserved. Walking out looking like I got into a fight with a barber. My brother recommended this place, they charge $35. The last time I paid that much for a haircut was a long time ago and it was great. Then i grew out my hair and just decided to go cheap. Anyways I set up an appointment with Paul. Pulled some cash out and I got to the shop a few minutes early. Paul greeted me said he will be with me shortly, he was finishing up. I sit down and I see a Boston terrier chilling. His name is Larry, he came up to greet me. I'm already liking this shop. Larry goes back to chill in his corner. My haircut was awesome, Paul gave a great haircut, fixed my hair after the intern down street chopped me up. My hair looks great, I'm feeling confident again. Paul is super chill. Great service I recommend this place. Thanks Paul! You gave me the cut I deserved. If you're in need of haircut come here or at least say what's up to Larry the Boston terrier. read more

Used to be my go-to barber but I had a bad experience that left a sour taste and I won't be back. I had a work emergency and had to cancel an appointment, and their bullshit 12 hour cancellation policy had me pay full price. They will tell you that the policy ensures they stay busy and aren't wasting their time sitting around after a cancellation, but that's a load of crap; I have seen dozens of walk ins stop in and check if they can be squeezed in. The policy is more about getting paid for a certain percentage of haircuts that they don't have to provide - it's a juicy little racket. Life happens and a 4 hour cancellation window is much more reasonable. Anyway, so as not to pay these guys for the same haircut twice, I went elsewhere. And after thinking about it, will continue to do so. These guys aren't oncologists - they cut hair. read more

Legit Barber Shop. Nothing but compliments sense leaving the establishment on my beard trim. I will be back.

You get out of any relationship what you put into it! These guys are awesome and they get it! There's no such thing as a bad cut at Al's but for a truly amazing outcome, find a barber and work with them for 90 - 120 days! Just got my second cut from Paul. Spot on! Over time I've worked with Joe, Paul, Dickie, Brad and others ... great operators all! Just great guys and great cuts! Thanks Paul & y'all! Al's is a great experience! ************************************ Just keeps getting better! Second cut from Joe is a winner! Brad cut my son's hair a month back and he loved the cut! I appreciate these guys! Keeping it simple in a small space! Legit good stuff going on here! Thanks Joe read more

My 10 year old son had his first barber experience here. Now his barber bar is set high for life. I briefly enjoyed the part-traditional part-hipster barber shop atmosphere then left my son with the trustworthy men of Al's while I sipped a coffee up the street at Cafe Jolie. It was a great experience for both of us. When I returned, my son looked even better than the model in the photograph he used as an example for his barber. I might be biased. In my eyes he is the best looking boy in the world, even with a bad haircut. read more

Paul is great. Most times I get a cut I like to doze off but when I go I'm always excited to chat. If you are in town and looking for a great cut swing by. If you are a local stop by and try them out. read more

Spot on with what you ask. They deliver. Brining in pics of the hair style you like or want is super helpful. Been going to Jack for almost a year. My only critique is they are super busy and you must plan out you hair cuts at least a week ahead. read more

Long overdue review. I've been getting my hair cut by Paul for the last two years and it's been great. His attention to detail is remarkable, I feel I get a very consistent clean cut every time I go. I no longer live in the area but I make it a point to still drive 20 miles to come get my haircut. If you want a clean cut I highly recommend going to Al's and seeing Paul. Even if it isn't Paul all the guys there seem to do a kickass job! read more

Excellent haircuts for $30. The barbers are all friendly, professional, efficient (20-25 mins for a regular mens haircut) and have great attention to detail. The location is excellent and the space is cozy and pleasant. No TVs blaring talk shows, just good music and some conversation. I won't look anywhere else in the Bay Area now that I've found Al's. It also happens to be near my house, and I'm v The haircut quality is much better than the $17-20 cuts found all around Alameda. Or maybe I should say the consistency is better. I've had some decent cheap haircuts when I was in a pinch and didn't make a reservation. But I've also had many that looked uneven or poorly blended. After five haircuts at Al's with multiple barbers, I've only had great results. Check out their website before you book a haircut. read more

Great haircut, great customer service. Costs too damn much but I looked way cuter afterwards so it was worth it. But seriously guys, $30 every 2-3 weeks? Maybe I'll just shave my head. Signed, A vain, but ultimately cheap guy. read more

Making reservations online was straightforward. Arriving for my appointment, I waited outside on the bench. When when the customer was done, the chair was cleaned/disinfected, Only 2 of the 4 stations were being used. The barber wore a mask and skillfully cut my hair per my request. Love the hot towel on the neck. Did a great job working around my mask. Was great to get a professional haircut after 6 months and several cuts by my daughter (did an okay job). read more

I was wasting my time clicking around Yelp this morning and realized that It's been almost 3 years since my last review of Al's. Although I have less hair for them to cut, it's still one of my favorite places to be in the Bay Area. Paul, Joe, Jack, Kelsey and the rest of the barbers at Al's are great folks. It's super convenient that I can make an appointment and when you stop in for your cut, you leave looking better and feeling better too. Al's is place that accepts everyone for who they are, without judgement. It's a genuinely great atmosphere where you're treated like a respected friend - whether it's your first time, or your 100th. It's clear how much they care about Alameda, Oakland and the Bay Area. Truly, your neighborhood barber shop. Plus, you get a great haircut to boot. What are you waiting for? Book a cut and stop in. You'll be glad you did. read more

come here for a bad white haircut, old guy can't line up shit, also $40 for a crappy cut, jeez

I have been getting my hair cut by Joe for probably six years now, first at Temescal Alley and then at Al's Barber Shop since day one. I've stayed loyal to Joe and Al's because Joe is not only consistent in his skill and professionalism, but also because I know that if, in the unfortunate case when Joe is unavailable, I know that any one of the barbers there is capable of serving up a great fade. The service at Al's is amazing, and it really feels like you're part of a community when you get your hair cut there. read more

Skillfully executed old-school haircuts When my barber of 26 years retired, I started visiting Al's, back when Al was the namesake barber, and Nick was his protege. Nick and his partner Brad eventually opened their own shop, Temescal Alley in Oakland, and upon Al's retirement, spruced up and reopened Al's shop in Alameda. Both Temescal Alley and Al's offer skillfully executed, classic haircuts and shaves. Both shops have multiple barbers on duty and free neighborhood parking within a block or two's walk. The key difference is that Temescal Alley in Oakland is walk-in only, while Al's in Alameda is appointment only. I like the laid-back vibe of Alameda (be sure to observe the speed limits) and the appointments at Al's, but if you don't mind waiting your turn, Temescal Alley is a vibrant place to hang out. read more