If you're searching for a stylist who blends artistry, fashion, and genuine connection, Al at Normal Collective in Normal Heights is your person. From the moment I sit down, Al really listens to me and my ideas and transforms them into a look that feels 100% me. My color always turns out dimensional and healthy walking out, and the cut is perfection. What I love most is how much passion Al pours into his craft. You can tell Al genuinely loves blending creativity, beauty, and fashion in every appointment. And the salon itself, Normal Collective, has that relaxed yet stylish San Diego vibe that makes you want to stay all afternoon. If you want a stylist who will make you feel like your most confident self, book at Normal Collective. You'll walk out feeling like a total icon!! read more

Went to see Al for a consultation to weigh out my options for my hair type and he was so kind and honest. He made me feel heard and offered great advice. Absolutely recommend this place. read more

I love my hair, but I had been feeling a bit "meh" about it, so, I decided to go to Troy. Let me tell you-- I walked out of that salon feelin' like a million bucks! My hair went from dry and tangly to late 90's Pantene Pro-V commercial smooth! Some things I appreciated about my experience with Troy were-- 1) He took his time. My appointment went a bit over time, and though another client showed up, he didn't rush at the end. He maintained a high level of quality and care the entire time. 2) He gave great tips on how to keep my hair healthy. Troy opened my eyes to co-washing, and how to properly brush my hair, instead of the furious quick brush-through I do after washing it. 3) Troy made sure I was comfortable with what he was doing as he went along. I had a pretty unruly undercut in need of cleaning up, which can be a bit scary (especially if you're a baby like me and shudder at the thought of trimming more than an inch off the length of your hair) because it's buzzing off sections of hair. Troy made sure I knew exactly what he was cutting before he buzzed it, which put me as ease. I'd highly recommend Troy to anyone (especially people like me who are super overprotective of their hair) You're in good hands! read more

I found Normal Collective and Al B. through a friend's recommendation. I was working a job that had long, unpredictable hours which made making appointments difficult; sometimes I had to cancel last minute because I was stuck at work (medical procedures that I couldn't just leave). I had been going to another salon but they would charge the full $90 for a cancellation within 24 hours of the appt time. As a first responder, I sometimes I have to cancel last minute. I always give a huge tip on the next visit to help compensate and I get that the stylist is losing money but that salon refused to work with me and so I found Al. I explained my situation to Al and he was very flexible and understanding. I left that crazy job but I'm sticking with Al! Now the quality of Al's work. Al does a great job with my hair. He understands what I ask for and makes it happen. I am always very pleased when I walk out of his salon. He's also fun and very friendly. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! read more

UPDATE 2: I got in this time and got my long brown, and gray, updated. I absolutely love it. So glad I found this place! UPDATE 1: my daughters hair grew out perfect, and she loved it the entire time (not always the case with a short haircut when it starts to grow out a bit). Went back, got just as much happiness the 2nd time around. Still 5 STARS. This salon is fantastic. Br my teenage daughter here - to get her hair cut - short, like a pixie cut, a little edgy, a little cute, but not too edgy - she walked out beaming! THANK YOU AL! She's literally been smiling all afternoon. Love that Al took the time to get to understand what kind of style she wanted - he did not rush through the cut. Definitely will be back. And best of all, this salon welcomes everyone! An asset to Adams Ave. read more

Normal Collective - Men's Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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The owner is who I went with. He loved that I was making a full hair transformation and he knocked it out of the park. He brought my vision to life. I would definitely go back. He fills up pretty quick so get in while you can. read more

When I say that this is *the* place to get a haircut in San Diego, I mean it. I felt so comfortable in the space they've created at Normal Collective, my hair turned out fantastic (thank you Troy!) and I will be recommending this space to everyone I know in San Diego who's in need of a haircut. I especially recommend it to anyone LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent; this place is the most identity-affirming hair cutting space that I've ever been to, with an atmosphere so incredibly comfortable and calm that getting a haircut here was truly a joyful experience. read more

If I could give this place 10 stars I would. I've been coming here for years and and seeing my same hair stylist Troy for the past 15+ years. Both Al and Troy are amazing hair styling/coloring visionaries. They are so creative and really treat every person's hair like a blank canvas and just do the best work whether it's a hair cut or a color. I recommend them to everyone and have had a lot of my friends come and leave very satisfied. read more

A truly transformative experience from a wonderful neighborhood salon/ barber shop. I've been lucky enough to start coming right when they opened 6 years ago . Owner Al, Troy, and Julie all take their positions seriously and genuinely care to make all who enter look great before they leave. They're fun and chatty but not too much so, and always very interested in your opinions and ideas. They often have photo shoots with themes ranging from the eighties/nineties to drag and burlesque, very involved with the community and masters at their craft. Salon is clean, modern, and new, too, since a recent remodel and expansion more than doubled their size. Plus, they have a perfect outdoor area to relax in as well. read more

I am so glad I read the Yelp reviews to find me a salon because they are right! Al is amazing and I will definitely be going to him from now on! I love that I have a fabulous hairdresser in my neighborhood! I am the type of girl who never knows what I want but have things I definitely don't and when I'm bored with my hair (that I've completely let go) I need someone who can make my hair fun again. Al came through! Not only does my hair look great but he made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in and I had no doubts he could make me feel beautiful again, thanks Al you rocked it! read more

Normal Collective - My silly face, but my hair just looked, and felt, so good again! - Men's Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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I needed a change and one of my coworkers was sick of hearing me talk about it and recommended Al and it was the best luck I found him! Pretty much my whole life I wanted brightly colored hair but was afraid because I would have to bleach my dark brown hair to make it happen. Al was so knowledgeable and friendly and he had great suggestions to make my vision happen. I love, love, love it! I firmly believe you get what you pay for, and when your dealing with chemicals that can permanently altar the structure of your hair you really want someone who knows what they're doing. If your looking for a big, scary change or just want someone who will make you the best version of you then Al is your guy. read more

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My first appointment at Normal Collective was December 2019 and I'm so glad I found them. Troy is an AMAZING hair artist and just overall an awesome human being. You can tell that he and Al are very passionate about what they do and they are generous with their knowledge. I always leave the space satisfied and feeling more like myself. I love Troy's creativity, humor, and attention to detail with every visit--and I'm so glad I can just walk there! read more

This place is adorable and Al was amazing! I came in with really long, dried out hair with major dead ends...it was a mess. But now it feels and looks SO healthy!! I couldn't be happier with it! Plus he's a genuinely nice, funny guy and immediately made me feel comfortable (I'm very shy and awkward), it was just such a pleasant experience overall. Pleas don't hesitate to book an appointment here, you will NOT be disappointed! The prices are also very reasonable, considering the quality of their work...and he even took Venmo! read more

The BEST! Al is the shop owner and the best! I've been going to Normal Collective for years and always accommodating to me and my hair needs. Needless to say I'm very particular in what I want and Al is always been great! read more

I had such a fantastic experience at this salon! I have thick naturally wavy hair and Al knew exactly how to cut it to bring out the best of my natural curl and avoided the triangle or helmet look. He spent time understanding my hair and what works and doesn't. The color gloss to blend grays was perfect and natural looking. This is the best haircut I've ever had. read more

Troy knows hair like the Dalai Lama knows meditation. He is incredible and has been cutting/styling my hair for over two years now. He cares deeply about the craft and is one of the most genuine men I have ever met in my life. Truly one-of-a-kind. read more

This salon has hair down to a science. The salon is sparklie clean, relaxed, and the energy there resonates with wisdom and compassion. Troy, my stylist, it at the top of his field--a teacher as well. The cuts and color treatments I have received from him have been the best I have had. Everything from how he cuts/colors my hair, to his presence, to the products he uses, to his knowledge about what style works for one's lifestyle. He even turns down the music a bit for me since I have have a condition that makes my hearing very sensitive. I highly recommend Troy and this salon. My service dog likes going there, too! Thank you, Troy, for all you do! :) read more

Al has been doing hair for years he recently opened his own shop on Adams avenue...He is always staying busy teaching classes or taking new ones to keep up with my latest trends Anything that I throw at him he knows exactly how to achieve. He is amazing with my color weather I want highlights or red hair he is a true master of his craft!! Thanks Al cant wit till next time!! read more

Troy is inspired every time I see him- he hasn't been in the stylist doldrums with my hair ever. He always looks for a new direction even if all you're getting is a trim. I appreciate his creativity so much. He's also on the Education team for RUSK, and that means he travels quite a bit so make your hair plans accordingly. read more

Normal Collective - I love my hair! Thanks Troy - Men's Hair Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Troy has brought my hair back to life. Today is the first day in five years of having hair extensions that my hair looks healthy and full without them. He is hair magician. Troy's extensive knowledge of hair color and extensions is phenomenal. He is a perfectionist and won't let you leave unless you look flawless. I am beyond happy with my results. I can't imagine going anywhere else. I have seen Al's work as well and his clients always look amazing after their session with him. read more

This is 100% true. I am a proud to be a 61 year-old woman, who has had many good hairdressers in my life. But, never have I had a haircut that is cut so precisely and meant for my hair and my head, than I have since Troy started cutting my hair. Last night was my third time with Troy. It was to be for a trim and color. My hair color and cut were actually still great after 6 weeks. Nothing really to change! Troy made minor adjustments--all with careful thought.. but still creativity. Looks great again! So after 61 years with bangs and longer hair, I now do not have bangs and my hair is much shorter. The thing about Troy is he figures out what is best for me! He still always takes what I say seriously, but adds his professional and artistic input. The decision is mine. He will tell me if my idea is not going to be so great because of my hair or the contour of my face. I am sold after our third visit and am now calling him my favorite hairdresser:-) read more

This is a shout out for Jouslan Kamai who is at the Normal Collective on Adams Ave. She gives amazing haircut with an eye for detail both for hair and beards. In addition to being a first rate barber/stylist she has a huge heart and is involved in helping out in the community. 5 Stars!! read more

Go here! Al is the best. His attention to detail, experience, ability to style YOU (rather than force a STYLE on you) make for great haircuts. He is funny, creative gentle and kind. read more

Troy is an amazing stylist and has always inspired me everytime I've gone to see him for my haircuts. He's very detailed with his work and never rushes through his craft. He's worth every penny and more! read more

I saw Alan today for the first time. I'm starting to grow my hair out from a really short pixie and I didn't really know what to do with it. Luckily Alan is a fantastic hair stylist and he gave me a wonderful cut - and I don't say this lightly. It's so hard for me to find someone who knows how to cut short hair for women, and I've had my hair butchered more than once. I will definitely be going back to Alan, and not just for the cuts; he's super sweet and really easy to talk to. Check this place out if your in the market for a new stylist! read more

Al is a fun, caring guy and will take care of you and your hair! Highly recommend a visit - he's great at trying new hair techniques and even does hair at hair shows! read more

Al has a natural talent for hair design. His ability to give me a fabulous cut when I'm not sure what I want is impressive. Thanks, Al!