I've been looking for a new stylist for over 1 year that can do 1930's style haircuts - ape fiscally for my curly hair. I read all the reviews here in Yelp, looked at all the photos, and even reviewed his website. Mark-Jason is awesome!!! Words can't describe how talented he is. Everything I read and saw is 100% true and accurate. I love that he only books one appointment per hour, so you get his undivided attention. The decor and ambience take you back to the 1930's - 1950's. He is classic. I've already booked my next appointment. You should too! read more

I had a fantastic experience at Mark-Jason Solofa Men's Grooming. The vibe is relaxed and old-school and reminds you that being well-dressed and groomed is as integral to manliness now as it was in the bygone era. Mark himself cut and shaved me and to say the guy is both genuine and skilled at what he does is an understatement. It was closer to hanging out with friends than any barber experience I've had before and I'm looking forward to my next visit. read more

Absolutely the best place to get a haircut. You will not be dissatisfied. Mark is really chill, down to earth guy. He, without a doubt knows what he's doing and he does it right. For the first time I felt that I got exactly what I wanted and I will be coming here again. read more

Mark is a true gentleman. He also gives a really great haircut. I have been going to him the last few times and I am very happy with his work. I'm picky about my haircut and Mark makes it right. You can book online, and enjoy the experience. Treat yourself to a shave by Mark, too. read more

I was nervous about the price initially because I've always just done $8-15 cuts my whole life. But NOW, I have been converted to paying more for a quality cut and experience by Mr. Solofa. It was such a down to earth experience with a good old-time feel. My hair has never looked better... ever. No seriously, I always though I was the one guy in the world that could never get my hair the way I wanted it. But not anymore!!! I feel like a mix between James Dean and Superman. I will come back as often as your schedule allows! read more

It has been pleasure getting to know Mark & his service. If you are a man who take grooming seriously and lucky enough to live near his shop in Berkeley, give them a try. You'll find out what I'm talking about. read more

Excellent service, great vibe, and a great haircut! All the barbers here are seasoned professionals, which is the most important thing to me. I want a haircut from somebody who has a lot of experience and knows how to deal with hair.. this is the place! read more

Excellent experience, even better haircut. Charlie "Chuck" took fantastic care of me. Hadn't gotten a real cut in about a year and half and I was super nervous about losing the locks (had to prep for a big speech and look presentable and what not) but he put my mind at easy and did a fantastic job. Even though I couldnt really explain what i wanted that well, he still made it work. read more

Great place, great atmosphere, and very friendly staff! I myself see MJ who is awesome and knows the deal. He pays an extreme attention to what his customers want and make sure to provide them with the best service possible. Would highly recommend this place! Feels like your walking into the 20's, LOVE IT! read more

What a great experience. Came out of my cut looking and feeling like a million bucks. Booked a return appointment immediately, and I doubt I'll be looking for a new barber any time soon. read more

Besides getting a high quality hair cut, you also get an old-fashioned barbershop experience. The relaxed atmosphere allows for a smooth hair cut experience, with no rush or distractions. The one-on-one sessions allow Mark-Jason to focus on the small details that make your hair look great. On a personal level, Mark-Jason is very welcoming and goes the extra mile in making sure the customer feels completely satisfied with the whole experience. This is the best hair cut and hair cut experience I have ever gotten, well worth the money! read more

They really take care of you and want you to look your best. Very high quality service; you will feel relaxed the moment you step in.

Mark-Jason is the gold standard for barbers! I have spent countless years searching for the right stylist that will understand my vision for a trendy hair style. I tried several barbershops and salons for nice style and cut, but they were clueless when it came down to wielding a pair of scissors/clippers. If you are on this same hunt, look no further. Mark-Jason offers the best grooming experience that one can find. He pays close attention to detail while considering his customer's vision, and providing his own. He specializes in the timeless hairstyles of the past that have made their return. His expert skills with the clippers and scissors allows for a versatile look that you will be proud to wear. If I could give a sixth star, I would! The barbershop's environment sends you back in time with antique and rustic pieces. The experience is not to be misinterpreted with a simple haircut, it's a grooming experience. Being that it's a single chair establishment, it has a personal feel like you're seeing your personal barber and not just getting a haircut. You are not lost in the hustle of hair salons that are merely trying to turnover their clients, instead you have an experienced traditional barber that can give men the styles unfound at a salon. Mark-Jason's vision, experience, and perfectionist attitude allow you to feel comfortable leaving your hair in his hands. His warm personality and insight often leads to being entranced in conversation. The quality of work and experience more than justify the cost. The men's grooming experience that Mark-Jason offers makes you proud to leave and excited to return. He has cornered the gentleman's styling market. For the sophisticated and appreciative male, look no further... You have found your barber! read more

I just got my haircut by Mark a couple days ago and I could not be more pleased. Until about a year ago, I just went with the simple shaved head look. Since letting my hair grow back out, I've struggled to find a quality barber and the style that is for me. Mark recommended a cut and I let him run with it. I left feeling the sharpest I've felt in year. He is also a great conversationalist and takes his time to make you look good. Mark has a throwback philosophy. Today, we do everything as fast as possible but in another era men would take their time to look their best. Mark brings the old-school concept into his shop and cuts, which I think is awesome. read more

mark is fabulous! personable-precision-perfection! Amazing attention to detail- thank you! look forward to the next visit!

Another stellar review to leave for Mark. Just walking into his shop, you really get a sense of all the thought and effort that's gone into making sure you not only receive the look you want, but have a relaxing and enjoyable experience in the process. It's inspiring to hear about Mark's journey and to see he's living his dream, bringing a level of passion and character to an industry that may have once lost sight of it's roots. His services are in high-demand (as shown by the full schedule), but his loyalty to his founding values and selective growth to ensure they aren't forgotten make it well worth the wait. Congratulations on being featured in East Bay Express's Best of the East bay for Best Men's Barber! - http://bit.ly/1l58PAX read more

I loved everything about the experience that Harold gave me. He spent the first few minutes getting to know me and my preferences, asked what sort of look I was going for, offered some recommendations based on my hair type. I told him that I trusted his judgement, and I was very glad that I did. I came from a barber who was more concerned about quantity of customers than quality of performance, and these guys, very refreshingly, offer quite the opposite. At first I flinched at the price, but you really are getting more than just a haircut, you're getting a barber who knows and cares about your hair. Harold and Mark-Jason go above and beyond for all of their customers, and it's clear that they have a real passion for what they do. Once Harold found out that I was new in town, and that I was having friends in town in a couple weeks, he gave me several restaurant recommendations for entertaining them. I would definitely recommend making an appointment here, you definitely will not regret it. read more

I was looking for a new barber then found this place by far the best place to get a haircut. My favorite guy there is Michael he is really good at cutting hair and using the razor. read more

I wrote this review a few years ago, and I still stand by it. With the addition of Michael and Al, Mark has built an awesome company and frankly he's set the standard for what a barbershop should be. Awesome barbers, friendly people, good products, and a relaxed atmosphere. I'll keep coming back again and again. Once again- I'm writing a review out of appreciation for the ownership, not because I want all of you guys booking the place up. Cheers From 2013: "Must agree with all of the other 5 star reviewers here. This was the best haircut & haircut experience I've ever had. Great guy. Bad ass barbershop. Awesome haircut. 10/10 would come back again...my only reservation writing this review is having you people take up all of Mark's availability." read more

Great haircut and customer service. Obviously on the more expensive side, but worth it.

Best shop in town! Staff is super friendly and helpful with excellent service and services. If your in need of a barber check em out!

Really happy with Mark. I have left happy with my haircuts, Mark is a very friendly guy and he has a nice shop in West Berkeley. The atmosphere of the place is great, with cool old tunes and a retro vibe. Mark takes his time, which is perfect for me - nice to slow down during otherwise busy days. The reservations are easy to make online. I only wish Mark worked more hours on weekdays. I will keep coming back. read more

Overall this place is absolutely great. The place is great: it's clean, cool, and interesting. Mark-Jason Solofa did a great job decorating this place; it's very cool! He is very nice, easy to talk to, approachable. You will have a very friendly and nice conversation with him. His work is great. Takes his time to guarantee quality and comfort.I can't wait to go back. read more

Had a buzz cut for about 5 years until my wife told me to go to a professional. Harold Yabut talked me into letting my hair grow last year and has been doing a great job grooming since. He was able to visualize what my hair would like with a completely different style. The wife is very pleased and so am I. Perfect cuts and beard trims every time. Just as a bonus Harold really pays attention to what you want, is a really nice guy and is easy to work with. You can't do any better. He 's moved to Caroline's in Lafayette and I'll follow him out there read more

Fantastic haircut, straight razor shave, conversation, and decor! A great experience and would recommend to anyone who wants a truly relaxed and personalized haircut experience. read more

These guys are awesome! Michael took the time to give me a solid cut. It was not your run-of-the-mill haircut. Michael heard me out and personalized my cut to look good with the shape of my face and head. The customer service couldn't have been better either. Will definitely be going back! read more

I love going here for my hair cut. As a man, I have never found a barber who will actually take his time and TALK about what we want to have happen. It is usually a matter of 'shorter all around' and then out comes the razor. I have been very pleased with my hair cuts. Mark is a great guy. It's well worth the extra dollars to walk away feeling stylized and ready for the world. read more

This shop has very friendly staff, comfy chairs and feels like a classic American barber shop. The barber helped me figure out what kind of cut I was looking to get and had some great suggestions. I walked out with a very good haircut at a reasonable price. I'll be back for sure. read more

When you want to feel like a gentleman, this barber shop is the place to go. Incredible customer service, every time I visit this barbershop I feel welcomed and I'm promptly greeted. The environment is warm and friendly, and very relaxing. The shop's charming vintage decor is very enjoyable to be in. I became a client at this shop when it had only one barber, and one chair. And now there are three chairs, with no loss of Mark's commitment to excellence. Mark is one of the kindest guys out there, and a highly highly skilled barber. His cuts are precise and authentic. It's like he can read my mind, every haircut I've had from him has been exactly what I wanted and held up wonderfully until my next visit in the shop. I am extremely picky about my hair, and until meeting Mark, haircuts were a source of anxiety. Now I look forward to visiting my barber as often as possible! From his consult, to straight razor shave, to the finishing touches of pomade and after shave, this is a quality experience. My only word of caution for visiting this shop, is be ready to be bombarded with compliments on your haircut, and ready for all other haircuts to pale in comparison to the amazing experience you will receive at Mark-Jason's Solofa Men's Grooming. read more

I have tried to get modern, fashionable haircuts in the past, but no one has left me as satisfied with my cut as Mark. Excellent customer service, wonderful environment, and a highly skilled barber. I will definitely return to this salon for my forseeable future at Berkeley. read more

I had a "go-to" barber when I lived in LA, so when I moved to the Bay Area a couple months ago, I was very apprehensive about trusting my head of hair to anyone. I read the reviews here, and visited Mark-Jason's website and could appreciate his concept of a 'one-chair' barbershop. So, I had my first haircut in the Bay Area with Mark-Jason about 5 weeks ago, and my second visit today. It's definitely a treat to sit in that chair. He has a great warm personality and does an amazing job. He really takes his time to give you a haircut that will make you feel your best by the time you step out of his shop. The shop itself is actually really cool, and you feel like you should be propping your feet up with a nice cigar and a glass of single malt...it's really a place to unwind. If all you want is an assembly-line, chop-shop haircut that will take up 20 min of your day, then this is not the place. But if you want to relax and slow down for a while and you really want the best service from a genuine guy, then make an appointment with Mark-Jason. read more

The other reviews are right on. Mr. Solofa is a real artist and a fantastic human being. He took a risk, started his own business, and is doing it the right way. Great service. Great experience. Great results. read more

I live in San Francisco and I drive to Berkeley to see Mark. He and his shop have an old-school class and sophistication that are hard to come by nowadays. He takes his time, uses quality products, makes legitimate conversation, offers you a scotch, and does all of the other things a good barber and gentleman should. It's just him and a single chair which is pretty rad i think, and its worth supporting him over a 10 chair shop in my opinion. Thanks Mark! read more

Highly recommended--there's simply no other place like Mark's in Berkeley. If you want a meticulous men's haircut done by someone who's passionate about what he does, then this is the only place you should go. Not only will you get your hair done by someone with exceptional skill, you'll feel like you've been treated like a real gentlemen. This is the kind of service and refined style that you don't see much anymore; a place you can imagine James Dean, Harry Belfonte or Chet Baker would go. Not only does Mark practice old school techniques--you wont get a lot of electric clipper styling here--but you feel like you've gone back in time. The atmosphere is like stepping into a time machine: there's the scent of bay rum, displays of straight razors, pomades, old photographs from Sean Connery to gangster's mug shots, and Mark's relaxed, earnest attitude that I've rarely experienced in most shops. I came in knowing what I wanted and left happy. Plus, a massage. Come here if you want a haircut done with a lot of care, time, and style. You wont be disappointed. read more

Hated getting haircuts when I was little but I feel like a new man after one here. I get my haircut with Al, great barber who knows Asian hair. read more

Best haircut ever. Even though its $40 dollar for a haircut, you are so paying for the experience and the awesome conversation with Mark!

First time writing a review on Yelp. Got my haircut from Michael Mejia, and it must have been the best haircut I've ever received. From the consultation beforehand, to the styling process at the end, it was an amazing experience. I wanted to splurge just this once on a good haircut, but now I'm not sure if I can help myself from becoming a regular. read more

I'm really picky when it comes to barbershop, throughout high school I've been cutting my own hair and been pretty satisfied. Graduated high school I got into the Pompadour style and ever since then I've been looking for a decent barbershop to get it close to what I want. Few were "eh" and most were just not even close. Until I ran across Mark-Jason Solofa Men's Grooming couple weeks ago, I'm not gonna go into the cliché realm of ideal barbershop, but Mark's Men's grooming could be one of the best if not the best barbershop I've been in... I read the reviews and so far so good. Really pulling me in to get an appointment down, with my luck they didn't have any opening that week so I booked the soonest they have. Got the appointment with Mr. Michael Mejia walked in and I was greeted by both Mark and Michael. Mind you I am a first timer at this barbershop and I thought they'd be quiet the whole time just get the haircut done and get me going, but man I was wrong. First off the spot is very "homey" very warm feeling to it and if you are a gentleman this is the spot for you just by the pictures along the wall the decor and just the scene. Mark and Michael were just talking to me the whole time cracking jokes and just being friendly just like I've been coming there for a long time. Michael was done and man I look like a new man lol! I should've taken a before and after picture.. it would be chia pet and after would be my looks now. Michael even taught me how to style my hair the way he did it and I was impressed that he took the time to do that. I went to see my lady that night and when she opened the door the smile on her face was priceless it's been a while that she REALLY like my haircut!!! A JOB WELL DONE by Mr. Michael Mejia!!! HIGHLY recommended to fellas that care about their haircut and care about having a great time while getting a haircut. These guys are awesome!!!! read more

This place is awesome thy really know what thy are doing. It's is definitely the best barbershop I've been too

Mark-Jason Solofa is the best. Skills, service, all around top notch. This is the best men's grooming experience you'll get in Berkeley. He does exactly what you want and spends the whole 45 mins getting it right. Straight-razor side burn trim, and electric neck massage included! Boom. read more