I have 3 boys with three very different heads of hair, with three very different opinions on what constitutes a good hairstyle. Gone be the days I just unloaded all three at Fantastic Sam's, asked for the standard x3, and flicked through old celebrity magazines while I waited for the 3 clones to emerge. I needed a specialist... I needed an artisan. On a boiling hot day in El Cajon, Bryan's cool cavern - in temperature and decor - is a refreshing respite from the slog of the mall, it's floor to ceiling glass wall providing the perfect spot for people watching while your kids get cut. Shoot the shit with Bryan and Larry while you relax, heck, they might even offer you a cool adult beverage. On my visit, Larry took on the little fellah while Bryan tackled my older 2, one of whom wanted a k-pop look without even knowing what k-pop was, the other wanting a man bun, even though he didn't have enough hair to warrant one. Somehow, all three emerged looking fresh as fuck, with big smiles to boot. My only regret was having shaved the night before, I robbed myself the excuse to have a hot towel shave . All four of us will be coming back. If you're drawing lots with the wife on who does groceries and who gets the kids haircuts this Saturday, nobly volunteer for the latter and send her to Walmart next door read more

I live in Las Vegas but was in San Diego for a few days and way overdo for a haircut. I needed to get cleaned up before an important social engagement. I searched around and found these guys and made an appointment to get the works. Haircut, shave, beard trim. I was introduced to a level of barbershop experience that I didn't know existed. Bryan pulled out all the stops. There must have been 100+ individual steps and treatments in his process. A top notch haircut, perfect beard trim, nirvana like hot towel service and the like. Furthermore, he was highly consultative coming up with a few different small innovations on my hairstyle that added up to a huge difference. He actually gave me the proper terminology to discuss the changes with my barber back home so I could keep the new style going. This is the happiest I have ever been with my hair. I came out looking good, feeling good and smelling good. This is an old school barbering experience taken to the next level by guys that are clearly deeply passionate about their craft. No joke, I am considering hopping on a plane for the day just to get my haircut here and then of course grab a proper carne asada burrito before flying home. read more

Barden is the best of the best. I decided to take my son once, about a year ago, and he refuses to go anywhere else. Between the flowing conversation, the music in the background, and the fact that I can run an errand in the mall while my son gets his hair cut makes this a great experience for me. But this is about the hair...Barden's skills as a barber are top-notch. He always listens to what my son wants to do and flawlessly executes the vision. We always leave in a better mood than when we came in. 10 out of 10. read more

All but great things to talk about the Artisans of Alchemy! Barden since day one has always gone above and beyond my expectations with my hair. Been going to him for over a year now and but the thing that amazes me is that him and Larry never fail to make you feel at home and you genuinely enjoy your time there. Not only can you enjoy your time you get barbers that leave you feeling like you're at 110% every time you walk out that chair. They have gained my trust to continue coming back to Barden. read more

Barden is an excellent artisan! Every detail matters when he's cutting hair. The guy is amazing to chat with too so be prepared for a fun time! read more

Theres no better place in San Diego to get a royal treatment, this isn't a haircut or a face trim this is truly a lifestyle choice to be pampered and treated like a king , if anyone can take this place in and say there's something better I would truly like to hear about it , from downtown to hill crest to north county I've went everywhere without even taking cost into a factor , money can't buy what you will get from this establishment, trust me when I say this is not the best place in San Diego to get taken care of period , I look forward to this place twice a month , it's like a mini vacation every other week can't think the Alchemy world enough !!!! read more