This barber is extremely friendly, welcoming and did a great job of getting my hair as tight as he could with his clippers - not many establishments with barber poles are actually good barbers. It was also only $15 and he did a great job finishing of the edges with a straight blade. Bring cash - they don't take plastic. read more

Absolutely the best. Not only is Laura an incredibly talented Barber and Hairstylist, she is also a really down-to-earth, cool person to be around. She always takes the time to ask me what I want with my hair and is great at giving advice on how to wear it so it looks the best. Even when I recently changed to a hairstyle that was a bit out of my comfort zone, she patiently stuck with it and helped me adjust. She is a true artist who has honed her skills and technique through years of dedication, and it really shows. Over the last 10 years or so, I've bounced around to different salons and barbershops trying to find someone that I can trust with my hair. Most barbershops that I tried were chop shops-- no appointment necessary, shave the sides, a slight effort to make the top somewhat even, take your ten bucks and ship you out. I never really dug the whole only-dude-in-a-salon-full-of-women thing either. It always seemed like the hairstylists had no idea what to do with men's hair, and the small talk was excruciating. Well, at Bravehold I feel like I found the perfect fit. Laura is seriously the best I have ever been to, and she makes it such a great experience. Bottom line- the world needs more barbers like her! read more

I wasn't sure if I would find anyone in SoCal who is close to as good as my stylist in Ann Arbor (miss you Andrew!). I've been skipping from stylist to stylist for the past 9 months, since moving to Encinitas. Things got so bad, I said, "screw it" and started having my roommates college-aged brother chop me with clippers. (he didn't do too bad either!) I just happened to get lucky that other yelpers started reviewing Laura within the past few months. She's exactly what I have been looking for. Someone who knows her craft, enjoys it, and even goes the extra mile that most others wouldn't think of. Very personal and friendly too. I like that I can text for an appointment. She says to book ahead at least a couple of days. She's got a spot in the Sola Salons building, which is filled with single-person salons. It's kind of a cool idea. But Laura is the only barber, and she only cuts men's hair. I didn't get a shave, but she used a straight razor to clean up my neck, as well as around my ears, and she even trimmed my eyebrows. No fuss. No nonsense. She's pretty nice too. I'll def keep coming back. keep in mind, this isn't Fantastic Sam's. Don't expect to pay $8. But you won't be paying $60 like you will at some salons nearby. read more

Had our first cut by Tyler, today, and I have to say... It's the best cut my son has received - EVER!! Hope looks and smells AMAZING - super clean; good essential oil scents. Tyler was as sociable as he was knowledgable about his craft. I loved this experience so much, I not only booked a follow on appointment, I told my GF she HAS to bring her son, immediately! A North County blessing... Thanks - Cheryl read more

Love this place. Friendly and great quality work. I've moved away now, but I agree with what someone else wrote in a review for this place: Whenever I come back to Cali I'll be coming by here to get a trim. read more

Bravehold is awesome! My son and I have been getting haircuts from Georgie the past 6 months. They are always friendly and I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere but most of all we get great haircuts every time. Bravehold is a diamond in the rough if you are looking for a good haircut or shave etc. in the area! Cory Gregory read more

Got a great cut from Georgie. Super laid back and easy going. Meticulous haircut, he didn't rush anything. Even trimmed my eyebrows. My wife gave it her seal of approval when I got home. read more

See all

I came in looking like a total disaster, balding on the top w/ the sides overgrown and a shoulder-length rattail mullet in back that was completely out of control! Not to mention a long, messy beard. Yea, seriously. I really let myself go. Adding insult to injury, I didn't really know what I wanted. I was like, "can you make this all work for me... mullet tail included?" Georgie delivered the goods without even flinching. I entered feeling like a mess, and left feeling super fly. I can definitely see this becoming a habit. read more

Laura is very professional and listen to you refarding the haircut you wanna get. Will come back again next time. Highly recommended to anyone read more

CAT IS PRETTY AMAZING! And how awesome is it to have a hot chick cut your hair and trim your beard??? My husband has been searching for a place to do a specific cut and hadn't had any success out of 4 different places until he stumbled upon this place via Yelp. It's a modest, little spot in what looks like a condo building but it actually works out perfectly for them with a patio and great artwork inside. I love that there are only 3 barber chairs there and each appointment is usually 45 minutes long, which you can book online! When we got there, Cat was still with another client but we didn't have to wait long. She offered us beers or water and even some grapes grown from her own garden. Who does that??? CAT DOES! She was so mellow and has such a great laid back attitude that just makes anyone comfortable. So comfortable that by the time I came back from the restroom, my husband had told her our whole life story! It was great though because I was a part of the conversation and wasn't just sitting around. Anyway, she gave my husband the perfect undercut that he was looking for! She cleaned up his sideburns, back of the neck, and even trimmed his eyebrows! Talk about a full service Barber! PLUS she was totally cool with me having my 1 year old walking around exploring (without touching anything of course). As soon as we walked out, both my husband and I said at the same time "We're definitely coming back here. This place is it!". Even though I didn't experience the cut myself, I could see how much time and care Cat takes and I definitely saw how happy my husband was with his cut. If you or your husband are looking for a true gentleman's barber experience, then this is the place to go! You will not be disappointed. read more

I've had my hair cut for $500 and for free from my old man. Bravehold is the best. If I ever move, I'll fly back to see the crew. Best atmosphere, incredibly professional, top notch service. read more

Do not pass this place up. This is a first class barber shop that sticks to the classic ways of barbering, it is the full treatment. Perfect haircut, good company, hair wash, straight razor fade, classic atmosphere, and a cold beverage to top it off. It is set up as a single chair shop so all of the focus is on you. Cat knew exactly what she was doing and gave good answers to all of the questions I had and was just cool to chill with. If you are having trouble locating this barbershop, it is inside of the same shopping center as Borrellis (restaurant) off of El Camino. The shop is inside of the Sola Salons bldg. Don't worry it's not a salon... If you are in the service they have an awesome deal for you on prices. I will be going here for my weekly haircuts, this is by far the best bang for your buck. They are appointment only as well. read more

Bravehold - The 1940's Marine - Barbers Near Me - Encinitas, California

I moved up to the Carlsbad/Encinitas are a month ago and I was in need of someone who I could trust to cut my hair. After doing my research through google and yelp I came across Laura at Bravehold. The first thing that I liked was I was able to get an appointment the same day I looked her up. When I walked into the big salon I notice a lot of women getting their hair colored and cut then I walked into the suite Laura was in. This is more of a mans feel. She had snacks and she even offered a beer or scotch. Laura takes her time to make sure she cuts your hair like you want it and at the end she will wash your hair and give you a scalp massage. She also does a straight edge clean up with a razor. The only other place I found that offers this is Lefty's in PB. The only difference is the parking and traffic in PB sucks. I wasn't that impressed with the haircuts I got at Lefty's but I did like how Laura cut my hair. She gave me some good tips on my hair and what kind of products would work the best based on her experience. I highly recommend Laura at Bravehold for any guy who wants a professional clean cut. Dr. Aaron Garcia, D.C. read more

When someone is really good at something and loves doing it....it ALWAYS works. Laura and Cat are not only incredibly beautiful, intelligent, witty, professional, and razor sharp.....but they take your cut to a level only a true craftsman can....or craftswomen in this case. They have a way of listening to what you would like and turning it into a cut that you really WANT! Once you go to Bravehold.....you will always come back....no one else can do what they do! I have been to many (20ish) stylist/barbers in the local area and NO one comes close. The value is also quite amazing. I can't say enough good about this company! read more

Cat is awesome!!!! My hubby has a difficult hairline and Cat did an amazing job figuring it out. She was so great that I sent my younger brother from LA to go see her. The significance of sending my younger brother to see Cat is that the kid has been getting $10 haircuts his entire life. Enough said. She did an awesome job with his unruly, unkempt hair and he started talking selfies as soon as we got into the car! Bravehold is now scheduling appointments online at bravehold.resurva.com. They're also moving to their own shop in Leucadia in June. Their new address will be 1224 N. Coast Highway #100, Leucadia. Love you, Cat!!! read more

Bravehold - Barbers Near Me - Encinitas, California

I was looking for a new, quality place to get my hair cut. I had seen Bravehold before, but noticed they were opening up in a new space on the 101 in Leucadia. I gave them a shot and scheduled an appointment online with Cat. I visited on day 3 of the new shop, and other than the fact that you have to know it's there (i.e., no sign outside), it's a cool place - clean, bright, and well-furnished. Cat cut the sides of my hair with clippers, which has been a pretty hit and miss experience for me in the past, and always gives me the impression the barber is just trying to finish fast to get to the next customer - but Cat actually took the same amount of careful time and attention with the clippers as most barbers would with a scissor cut. She also did a lot of scissor work on top to make sure everything was blended well. The straight razor neck shave was also a very nice touch. For some reason, it usually takes me a few days to tell whether or not I like a haircut, but this time, I knew quickly that I liked it. Importantly, my wife also liked it. And to my surprise, a lot of other people liked it too. I'm a pretty mellow, average-looking, forgettable guy, so I almost never get comments about my hair - but in the three weeks since I got the cut, I've gotten literally a dozen compliments. So kudos to Cat. I will definitely be back. read more

Great find , will certainly return when in the area comfortable atmosphere great haircut by Georgie! read more

Great find! They did an awesome job cutting my son's hair today. As an added benefit we were entertained by Lolo, who is a Lab/Boxer and an awesome pup! read more

Bravehold - Boxer/Lab - Barbers Near Me - Encinitas, California

See all

I came to Bravehold as my first time experience at a barber shop ever and I had a very unprofessional hair cut. Mike didn't take my instructions and as he was giving me "the cut" he was also trying to sell me on how wonderful their beard guy was and how much I would enjoy it for only $45 dollars. Well, his hair cut was a disaster, I am an actor and I cannot afford crappy hair cuts. Some guys with a pair of scissors in their hands feel the need to show service when my instructions to him were very clear. Don't go too high on the sides, I am trying to grow my hair, plus I have wavy hair so don't go military on me!!! Get tight around the ears, fade up and keep the length, like every righteous deff and $50 dollars later, I have a funny mushroom looking hair. Mike, you should try another profession, like farmer maybe! I give you a 0, that's a zero! Bravehold is a nogo! read more

Great spot. Professional, personable and skilled. Have a brew while having a cut, appointment only, (3) chairs so never inundated with folks. read more

This review is based off a woman like me who is quite particular about hairstylists and I view advanced hairstylists as true artists. The best haircut my husband has ever received in San Diego county having known my husband since 2004; came from their hairstylist Cat whom I sent my husband to since I was tired of his not so well done hair cuts by other chop shops. The new location in Leucadia area location now has their online reservation booking system which makes appointments so convenient. My husband appreciates the small size, appointment based clientele given that there is no sign in front of their shop, and that they spend 45 minutes on you. Since I loved the consistent haircuts on my husband so much, I entrusted this barber shop to cut my 1 year old son's first, and second hair cut given the amazing haircut they gave my husband. Keep in mind our toddler is high energy level, and they still did a very good job with my husband trying to keep him distracted to stay still enough for the haircut. Hopefully my son will appreciate this barbershop when he is old enough like his father. read more

Georgie and Laura are awesome! I got fixed up before my wedding and Georgie went the extra mile. I got it cut 5 days ahead of time and Georgie worked with me to get back in the day before, to redo the hard part. Incredible service. read more

Bravehold - Thank you Georgie! - Barbers Near Me - Encinitas, California

Simply put, Laura's awesome. Just moved to Carlsbad from the Bay Area where I've had the same person cutting my hair for almost half a decade. Needless to say, I was nervous about having my hair cut for the first time down here after just starting my new job, but I struck absolute gold with her. Not only is she incredible at what she does (she's a perfectionist of her craft), she's kick ass to be around. She'll make sure you get what you want before you leave, and isn't satisfied unless you are - seriously. I've had the same cutter for 5+ years...I wish Laura had been doing it all along. $30 for a wash, cut and great conversation to go with it. HIGHLY recommend Laura. As long as she's cutting hair, she's my girl. read more

This spot is true class. Tyler is professional and very experienced, and always leaves me feeling fresh! He puts up with my complaints and takes the time to help me understand how my hair actually works. Can't recommend enough! read more

Bradley is consistently awesome, always a great job. Professional, on top of his skills, sheer pleasure to be around. Great recommendation on hair products. Very gentle touch. Thank you read more

THE BEST HAIRCUT I HAVE EVER RECEIVED!!!! Cat is awesome and super nice - pretty too! Oh, and she's a surfer. Ask for her! She really listened to what I wanted and is down to earth - real chill. Not only did she cut my hair with precision and expertise but combed it to the style of my liking. This place is classic - felt like I was in the 1950s. I guess this place is a barber shop but felt more like I was getting my hair cut by a stylist not a barber. loved it!!!! At the end I was straight razor shaved and finished off with Pinaud Clubman Aftershave (which I own now) all the while we listened to Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears! So fun Thanks again Miss Cat! read more

needed a good hair cut for an upcoming interview and was not disappointed. Bradley took his time and gave me an excellent cut. Well definitely coming back. read more

Laura is the best. I'd been getting my hair cuts from her for years even before she opened her Bravehold shop and just kept going. She always gives a great haircut. I've since moved away from So Cal and can honestly say I have not found a new barber with the same quality, friendliness, and service. It would almost be worth it to do a haircut vacation trip read more

Wow. Simply Wow. What a great experience. I had my first straight razor shave and Laura did a great job. Caring and detail minded., I felt pampered. Also, when I mentioned I am embarking on using a razor myself, she was super-helpful with tips and suggestions and good techniques. I will come back for a haircut as well. Thanks Laura! read more

Simple. One word: AWESOME!!! I never had a straight edge shave before but was always curious.... so, why'd I wait so long!?!? Without question, THE BEST way to close out my weekend and prep for whatever Monday has ready to throw at me. Each and every sense was pampered and treated! Cat told me I might fall asleep but there's no way I was gonna snooze thru this! If you have the slightest curiosity and (like me) dread the Monday morning scrape of the weekend's stubble, go see these fine folks and get a professional shave and/or have that facial hair chaos of yours manicured into some semblance of respectability. Trust me, you (or your significant other) won't regret it. Just don't horn in on Sunday night... that's soon to be my regular spot!! read more

Fun location . Did a great job with a last minute haircut. My teen loved it. And that says a lot

If you want a "Wal Mart Barber", go to a chain w/ the other cheap sheep. If you appreciate a top of the line cut and attention to detail, use their online booking form, it's simple. Google Maps can blow at times...They're right between W Jason St. and Phoebe St. read more

My son was in dire need of a haircut and I was looking for a local shop to take care of him. This place is in the heart of Leucadia and has a great vibe. Walking in, Georgie was welcoming and made us feel right at home, as if we had been coming there for years. He was finishing up with another guy but was right on time for my son's appointment. He took his time to find out how my son wanted his hair cut and proceeded to cut his hair exactly to his specifications. I would definitely recommend this place! read more

Husband needed a last minute haircut and we found this small joint. Cool vibe, great service and his barber was super chill and definitely knew what he was doing. Will definitely be coming back! read more

Georgie had all the patience and skill needed to perfectly taper the sides and blend them nicely with the top; the edges were perfectly trimmed all the way around. His personal style and charm is equally unusual. Lolo, the super chill and friendly puppy sets the tone for the whole experience with a sincere greeting as soon as anybody walks in the door. Thank you Lolo & Georgie, Frank D. read more

I recently tried Bravehold out for the first time and am very happy with my experience. Laura did an awesome job. It was one of the best haircuts I've ever had. The price was comparable to many other local barber shops in the area and was worth every penny. I will definitely be back. read more

It was a bummer of a day when I learned my barber of 15 years had to leave the business. Out of loyalty, I tried repeatedly to support the same shop, but in the end, there is a difference between inexpensive and cheap. So I looked to yelp, found Laura, and easily decided on who will cover my next 15 years, or however long she works in this business. I think it was someone else who reviewed Laura here, who said something like, "if you love what you do, and do your best, then you can't lose". That's really all you need to know about Laura. read more

I made an appointment with Bravehold over the phone. I Mike know I was new to the neighborhood. I told him I'd walk over in an hour and looked forward to checking the place out. I have always made it a point to be friendly with my barber/stylist because it's a lot easier to find one guy/girl and continue to see them every 3 weeks, rather than finding a new place each cut. I told him I just wanted to get my neck and ears trimmed up for a wedding. I'm currently growing my hair out, but needed my neck and ears trimmed up, nothing off of the top. The barber, Mike, took less than 12 min, didn't talk, and then charged me $50 for a full cut. I would have expected a shop of this caliber to see the value in a customer that is walking distance and would have come in twice a month, but nope. Silent treatment and $50 for a ten minute trim and clean up. NOT WORTH IT. read more

I have gone to Bravehold for three times now and have had excellent service from Bradley. Always does a great cut just the way I want. Makes great recommendations on the cut and styling. Thank you for your great work and attention to detail! read more

If you need a barber and live within 60 miles of Encinitas, this should be your place. Been going here over a decade. Owner and operator Laura gave my boys their first hair cuts. A small shop with only 3 chairs, but you're guaranteed a great experience every time in any seat. Shop didn't lose a step during COvid times. Safest and cleanest joint around. This is the real deal. Hot towel shaves, beard trims, and any cut you want. Top quality, friendly, fair, personable and professional. Local small business. A real barber shop with class and character. Not a fake corporate chain. Walk in, or, even better, reserve online. Super easy. read more