Mark is simply the best, super experienced, old school, and hilarious. Reasonable prices and excellent excellent quality cut!

A long overdue review of Mark's stellar haircutting skills! I've been Mark's client for 3+ years and I am so grateful for his technical skills, attentiveness and friendly nature. And his prices are fair and affordable. Thank you, Mark! read more

My husband has been going to "Uncle Mark" for years and we recently started having our 3 year old son come for haircuts. He loves going to get his hair cut here and Mark is great with kids and does an amazing job every time. We are always very impressed with how well our son does with him. He always gives him a lollipop at the end and our son always looks forward to his next visit. read more

Empress Hair Styling - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Mark is the best! I've been seeing him for 4+ years, he's very friendly, dependable, and great at cutting both men's and women's hair, which is evident by his huge amount of regulars. He can do pretty much every style and can't recommend him enough! read more

love my haircut and style from mark!! he listens to what you want, asks questions and delivers. best haicut,style and price in years!

Uggghhh, I feel terrible writing this because Mark is genuinely a nice person but I feel like I threw away my money on one of the worst haircuts I've had in my life. I came in as a walk in and showed Mark the picture of haircut I wanted (pixie cut). I thought that it would be fairly simple to trim my short hair to achieve something similar. Mark said he'd take me as a walk-in. In the middle of my haircut, a customer came in who had an appointment. After working on me and asking the customer to wait, Mark had me take a break in the middle of my service so he could work on the other guy. That's fine, I understand but it's still not a great experience. Instead of using scissors to shape my hair, Mark used clippers and proceeded to shape my hair as if he was making a sculpture. He definitely took off too much hair in the front and my haircut is more like a bowl cut than a pixie. I didn't have the heart to complain in the store in front of other customers, but the finished result is absolutely nothing like the picture I showed him. It's okay if you don't know how to do the cut, but if you can't do it then admit it's beyond your skill level and don't service me. He also kept on blaming my hair texture (straight Asian hair) as the reason it looks different than the picture (straight European hair). Mark also did some of the shady pricing that other people mentioned in the comments. He charged me $30 and I paid him $40 to just move along with my day since I was so disappointed in the cut and experience. I regret walking into the shop and felt mislead by the number of 5 star reviews. I'll never come back again and don't recommend women to get their hair cut here if it requires any degree of skill. read more

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I've come back to Mark several times now because of the high quality of his hair care and styling, along with how friendly he is and excited about his craft. I have a lot of hair and he has continued to get me to the style I want and need. Can't recommend him enough for a very reasonably priced professional cut! read more

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Mr. Mark is amazing! He gave me the hairstyle I was looking for! I got the new trending "Italian bob" all the girls are going for. If you're looking to treat yourself, this is the right place. You'll have a good time while you're at it, Mr. Mark is so positive and fun. Thank you! read more

Empress Hair Styling - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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Great price for honestly one of the best haircuts I've gotten before. Mark is a very friendly man. Its very clear he enjoys his trade and it shows. Definitely will be going back!! read more

I've been seeing Mark for several months now, and can definitely recommend him. He knows exactly what he is doing, listens to understand what I want, consistently delivers, AND he only operates on an appointment basis. The last point is important because there is nothing I hate more than dropping in and having to wait. The vibe is *very* retro and let's just say you are here for the service, quality, and price. $25 for a haircut is a steal in 2024! read more

I first stepped into Empress Hair Styling a decade ago, back when my mane looked like a decrepit mop, frankly speaking. Mark, the master of mane makeovers there, welcomed me into his domain with a charming smile and a promise of transformation. You see, Mark is like the da Vinci of hair styling. He's hard-working, honest, and passionate about his craft. Like a sculptor chiseling a marble block, every snip from his trusted scissors transforms my shabby hair into a polished masterpiece. Why, you ask? Well, Mark is the epitome of being detail-oriented. He demands perfection from himself and his haircuts, kind of like demanding sunflowers only turn to face sunlight. Besides being an incredible stylist, 'consistency' is a term Mark might have invented. It doesn't matter whether it's a scorching summer Monday or a frosty winter Friday, my hair can always count on receiving the same high quality, reliable coiffeur couture. Mark is a great chap to chat with too! He's super friendly and radiates good vibes like a lighthouse, making the hair styling sessions feel more like a friendly catch up rather than a mundane chore. Our conversations usually start with his warm greeting and lasts till he says, "Okay handsome, you're the best! See you next time!" We talk about everything from travel tips to good food and - it's like getting a free therapy session along with a fantastic haircut! Of course, there are a couple of drawbacks. For one, he might just get you addicted to looking great. It's a real problem. In fact, I can no longer go grocery shopping without looking like a billboard model. And secondly, other people might just start getting envious. Especially when they see your hair looking sharp and stylish, week in, week out. I mean, life's tough, right? In conclusion, I recommend Empress Hair Styling to all. Make sure to remember Mark, the hardworking and passionate stylist who could be easily mistaken for a magician. Just don't bring along any mirrors - you might turn into a hair-obsessed narcissist. Empress Hair Styling - they've got a decade long satisfied customer in me, and here's to many more decades of epic hair-battles and triumphs! read more

Mark is fast and good at what he does. Came here for the first time today. Showed him a picture of what I wanted and got what I asked for. He's so charismatic and makes everyone feel welcome. read more

I saw from Yelp that Mark had done men's perms before and was even more pleased that he's very well versed in dealing with stubborn Asian hair! Mark did an excellent job taking my very stubborn Asian hair and turning it into a gorgeous curly haven. Very attentive and nice conversation. His words were "I'm going to make you look sexy" and by god did he really make my confidence go up with the amazing job he did. He included an amazing haircut after the perm. Mark has got a new client that will be going back for all my hair needs. Thanks again. read more

Empress Hair Styling - Men's perm - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Mark is hilarious but also a great barber. I've been going to him for the last 6 months and still happy with the results.

Mark is the best barber and the price is unbeatable! Always a perfect haircut, professional, funny, and personable. I recommend calling for an appointment, but I've been luck walking in with short wait times. He cuts my friend's young boys hair (9 and 13) and gives them cool, popular hairstyles. Heads up - cash only! read more

I hate to write this, but I had a subpar experience during my visit with Mark today. I was a new customer and found him after reading all of his glowing reviews on Yelp. Below are some things I noticed during my first-time visit that I wish my fellow Yelpers would have warned me of! 1) It appears he charges you what he wants and there are no set prices. After finishing my hair cut, I walked with him to the counter and asked, "how much?" He replied, "how much do you usually pay for a haircut?" I said, "$20." And then he said, "Okay, give me $20." Huh? So if I said $15, he would have taken $15? 2) The quality of the haircut was okay... I give Mark the benefit of the doubt because it was his first time cutting my hair. Then again my hair is as #basic as guys' hair comes. I just asked for a razor trim on the sides and a scissor trim on top. 3) Customer service was also okay... he started my 10 o'clock appointment 10-minutes late, but stopped by haircut on the dot at 10:30 and didn't finish cleaning up my lines because he had someone else waiting. Hm. 4) There is ample neighborhood parking. Don't stress about it. 5) It is cash-only. Not sure if I will give Mark another try down the road. Perhaps he didn't value my business as much because I was a new customer vs most people here who have been going to him for years. read more

Came here for the first time today for a maintenance trim. Long layers and a couple inches off. Mark took his time, explained everything and let me check the length throughout the cut. Very friendly, funny and professional. He spent a good amount of time and told me he's been in that location for 30-40years+! Easy to find street parking and will come back. CASH ONLY. read more

I have been getting my hair cut by Mark once a month for 4 years now. The place isn't shiny, and Mark can be a little much BUT after trying many places I always come back because there cuts are great (and Mark is a fun guy). read more

I truly appreciate Mark. His kindness, humor and charisma made my visit worthwhile. I appreciate the conversations and made the time go faster. Mark did amazing with my haircut. I appreciate his positivity and contagious energy. I would highly recommend going here. read more

I hate posting this.. because I'm non confrontational and hate to be this person but I'm literally in tears and on the verge of a mental breakdown after the worst haircut I have ever received at a salon - at the hands of this establishment. I was in desperate need of a hair cut and haven't had the money to make it happen until now. I chose this place because Mark had such amazing reviews, and everybody made it seem like it was a great value. Although it was the cheapest haircut I've had in years I wish I could take it back. I have curly dysfunctional hair as it is, and color treatment has made that worse so I thought I had gotten so lucky. I showed Mark inspo pictures, he asked a couple questions and then made it seem like he knew exactly what I wanted. As he was cutting my hair I felt like his technique was sloppy and Willy nilly. This only got worse as another appointment walked in. He kept apologizing to the customer and explained I was late. I was 5 mins late due to traffic and the commentary made me uncomfortable - I was an appointment as well and also called to alert him I may be a few minutes late due to traffic and not knowing what parking would look like. The haircut felt very rushed and although I was nervous I kept reminding myself of the great reviews, stop being so nervous paranoid. I wish I would've listened to my intuition because I literally regret everything. I explained that I wanted layers but I didn't want to loose any density (because I already have fine hair) I also explained how nervous I was being back in a chair due to the last salon service I had the color job leaving me with more than normal hair loss. When I tell you I look like a have a mullet, if you layered a woman's hair from the diameter of the head: the bottom half is long, and the top half is So So So short I mean it. I hate this hairstyle and there's absolutely no way to hide it because the layers I was given are so choppy, uneven, and clearly not lined up that I feel like somebody took shrub clippers to this. I haven't had a haircut that's made me so insecure and hateful of myself since I allowed my older sister to cut my hair when I was in middle school. Please. If you dont know how to style curt hair ITS OKAY TO TURN PPL AWAY. I would've much rather had him tell me "hey, I don't feel comfortable working on your texture of hair, or I'm not entirely familiar with working on curly hair" I would've understood and given him major praise for being honest and looking into the clients best interest. Everything is a transaction though, all people see is $$$ and that's all I was in this case. I can't even put my hair in braids, a bun, etc because the layers are so disproportionate. I have nowhere to hide through this hideous haircut and if you're a woman, who has curly hair - look elsewhere. Mark seems like a great barber but that's the full extent of his abilities honestly. Not trying to be rude or disrespectful - but I am very very distraught, and I feel like I was used for compensation. Should've turned me away. read more

Affordable, quick, quality haircut! :) You gotta love the Asian stylists who agree with us that a simple trim/cut should not cost $80. This place has been here for two decades, I live in the neighborhood but didn't know about it until I found it here, and I am so glad to find a friendly, no-pretension, no-nonsense salon so close by! Women's cuts range from about $25-35, very affordable. Mark says men usually walk in & women usually make an appointment, I recommend an appointment to avoid a wait. It is nice to have a stylist who listens & actually does what you ask for, and to be able to avoid salons that make you feel like you have to spend lots of money or change the way you look to feel lovely. read more

Empress Hair Styling - It's easy to drive by this place, I'm glad I found it on Yelp! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I lack all patience for hygiene beyond tooth brushing. I never comb my hair and I only wash it once a week. This doesn't mean I want to look like a crusty punk. To the contrary, I want to look like a fucking rock star. I'm also a complete cheapskate. I want this bomb ass haircut done to be so cheap that it's practically free. And since I have so damn much hair that cutting it is an ordeal, I want an entertaining sylist. Or a therapist. Preferably both. That's why I keep coming back to Mark at Empress. He's funny and nice, and does a swell job on my crowning glory. I've got my whole family into the shop, men, women, children...he will cut you, and you won't be bankrupted by the experience. Also, in the day it's easy to park. read more

Empress Hair Styling - Cheap and perfect. - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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I'm really picky with who touches my hair because it means a lot to me. I've had my short hair cut by Mark so I decided to come in (years later) with my long hair and I can easily say that he can cut any type of hair. I showed him a picture once and he cut it just how I wanted! I'm going to let the pictures speak for themself. Mark is amazing at what he does, he's a professional and his prices are unmatched in the bay. Quality and affordability? That's Mark. read more

Empress Hair Styling - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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Still excellent service and I feel happy and proud that Mark is still around and available! read more

Empress Hair Styling - Before - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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Mark was great and knew exactly my hair type and what would suit my needs best. He said everything I wished most barbers knew upon first glance of my hair. He's a really nice guy. Very professional and talented. He gets busy, so I'd call ahead as many people travel far to get a haircut from him! read more

I'm here in Oakland setting things up for my son as he will be going to school nearby for a year. We came across this gem of a place for a reasonably priced haircuts. Since we are not from CA, there is a huge sticker shock for how much things cost here. Happy to have met Mark, a great stylist with many years of experience; he can truly make anyone feel at home... even when away from home. Give this place a go! Best of luck! read more

Mark is simply the best. I've been getting my haircut from him for years. He is extremely consistent and very easy to talk to. He also charges very affordable prices for haircuts. read more

Mark is the best and most consistent barber/hair stylist I've been to. He always does an amazing job, and is a blast to chat with. If you're looking for a haircut that is great, efficient, and fairly priced then book with Empress. read more

i've been to mark twice and he truly is one of the most pure-hearted people. he will remind you: "you the best!" his price is reasonable and he works quickly but stays attentive to detail. make sure to call ahead and confirm a time because his weekend schedule fills up. cash only as well. read more

I have been going to see Mark for haircuts for 2+ years now, since right before the pandemic. He is friendly, funny, and gives a great haircut. read more

Mark is OPEN FOR BUSINESS! I got my first real haircut today in 8 months and it wad fantastic. I was able to book same day, he has an outdoor setup so no health concerns, and he did a great job. Mark is a very nice and personable man and I enjoyed his company and his service. Very affordable, just remember to bring cash. read more

Mark is wonderful Make my hair looks good Mark is a good man and good hair cutter Highly recommended read more

Mark was super friendly and he cut my hair just the way I like it. He offered a suggestion for how I cut my hair usually and it turned out great. I'll definitely be coming back here and I highly recommend this place!! Also, great cheap prices! read more

Empress Hair Styling - Me after washing all the hair off, looks great and really happy with it! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

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Mark was very welcoming and enthusiastic during my first visit. He charged a fair price (he seems to charge fluidly, based on the amount of work he puts in to finish the haircut). He's chatty and has an infectious lively energy. I was very happy with my haircut (men's), he gave me layers for my grown out hair and didn't charge me what many professional salons would have. He said he's been cutting hair for over 30 years I think, and it's clear that he's seen all types of hair and styles. I'll definitely go back. read more

Mark's salon is open again. Yay! I gave myself a truly disastrous pandemic chop which I thought it was beyond saving, but Mark came to the rescue. With 35 years' experience, he had no problem fixing my stupid, self-inflicted haircut. What a lovely, caring man. I watched him give the young man ahead of me a haircut. (We were all masked and I was 10' away from the styling chair. Mark disinfects the station between each customer.) The young man was concerned about his attractiveness and sex appeal and Mark was very supportive and encouraging of him. I am in my 60s and Mark informed me that, although my hair is fine, I have plenty of it. He asked me where are the wrinkles on my face and told me he thought I was 45, lol. You can bet I will be a repeat customer. This is great service, attentiveness plus charm. Call for an appointment. read more

Found Mark by these Yelp reviews. My hair grows fast and could no longer justify paying $$$ for a haircut. Took a chance, called Mark to schedule an appointment day prior to see if he can squeeze me in. So glad I did! Finding a hair stylist who knows how to cut & style an Asian woman's hair ain't easy. I was pleasantly surprised by his talent and my fabulous cut! He's a very pleasant fellow too. Will be a returning customer for sure! Thanks all for your reviews and pics. read more

I've been going to Mark for years and this review is long overdue. He has been cutting hair for decades and you can tell by the quality of his work - a true master of his craft. I live about 30 mins away but will make the drive because I know I'll get a superior haircut each time, not to mention a fun and entertaining conversation each time too. Cash only and reasonably priced. Call to make an appointment!!! He gets busy and if you walk in, you'll likely have to wait a while. Plus it throws off the rest of the scheduled appointments. read more

Great hair cuts and mark is awesome! I'm always hesitant to get my haircut, but both cuts I've got there have been amazing! Perfect length for my face and very even. 10/10 read more

Mark is a lot of fun to experience as a hair cutter for men. He's so fast and skilled is is a joy to watch him. Super sharp eyes, sure hands, has artistic perfectionist sensibilities. read more

Mark is a hero! My hair was beyond tangled and I didn't think anything could help. He was great about explaining what he was doing & showing me what could be done. I'll certainly be back when I require less critical attention. read more