I am bisexual agender person, assigned female at birth. Depending on what's going on in my life, I might want a more edgy queer presentation or a more traditional feminine presentation. I heard that United Grooming was supposed to be a place that was queer inclusive and wouldn't judge your gender presentation no matter what. I needed a new haircut for a new job and United Grooming was a fifteen minute walk from my house, so I decided to give them a try. I called in advance and said I wanted to change from long hair to a shorter professional haircut, longer than a pixie but shorter than a bob. The person on the phone told me to book Jay. When I showed up and showed some haircut pictures on my phone, Jay brusquely and harshly told me that they, "didn't do women's haircuts like that," and sent me away. My new job starts on Monday and I don't know if it will be possible to find an alternate hair stylist in time. I know this is mostly on the person I spoke to on the phone, for not knowing what kind of hair Jay knows how to do. It's not really on Jay, though their booking page was unclear since how I am supposed to know "haircut" doesn't mean woman's haircut under any circumstances? But I am writing this review as I sit hidden in a corner of the Walden Pond bookstore across the street sobbing, feeling judged for wanting a presentation that would blend in at my new job, feeling all the bisexual agender "trapped between two worlds and fitting in neither" feelings. I am trying to stop crying long enough to go out in the street again. I feel very set up given all the rhetoric United has about inclusion. I guess I should just go to a regular hair place and not try to support a queer owned business, but it still hurts to not have my preferences welcomed or understood among my own people. read more

I love this shop. I went to Leroy, who was able to correct a really bad haircut from a different barbershop in LA. I spent the last 5 years getting my specific cut in Brooklyn, so it's always difficult when switching Coasts. Especially because my haircut requires a high level of barber skill, combined with the fact that I have finer hair. Symmetry is really important. Leroy provided their expertise and suggestions, while still listening to my point of view. Felt like an honest and fluid collaboration and so grateful to find a Barber who has a great rapport and level of skill to match. Don't stress, book an appointment with confidence . read more

After nearly 2.5 years since I buzzed my hair down to a 1, I decided it was time to get my hair taken care of. I have had hairstyles from short to long, and have visited barbershops and salons both. I was really excited and pleased to find this shop, which is a combination of both. Convenient if I wanted to switch it up again. Plus, it's very queer-friendly! I'm multiracial and I have combination hair type ranging from about 3A to 3C, and so I wanted to find someone who actually understood my hair. I decided to try Ariel who has hair that looks a bit like mine. She was very warm and made me feel comfortable right away. She took the time to really assess my hair and hair type, and she trimmed, shaped, and fixed me up wonderfully! Even gave me some helpful hair care advice, which I was so grateful for. My hair is so so happy and my curls are bouncing! I will be back! 10 out of 10! Highly recommend!! read more

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United Grooming is an awesome, welcoming space with fun people. After my previous stylist of 10 years changed careers during the pandemic, I felt a bit lost on where to go. I originally thought United Grooming was for more masculine hair and was jealous that my wife found a great, queer friendly space for her cuts (she sees Roman, who has really been amazing). After we took our twin toddlers here to get their first professional haircuts by Roman, I found out that they do have folks who cut/style long hair and do color! I have now had my hair cut/colored by Britany twice. I had a really nice conversation with her about my hair history and talked her through what I wanted and the direction I wanted to go with my hair. She was an attentive listener and had great tips when I asked for advice. I really love both the color and the cut. She also does perms! I had my second ever perm last year at a different salon and didn't have an awesome outcome. I'm really leaning towards getting another with Britany because she knows how to do Japanese style perms and beach waves. I've seen all types of folks here - kids, men/women/nonbinary/+, queer folk, people of color, long/short hair, dyed hair, etc. Really seems like you can find someone here with whatever specialty you're looking for. read more

This review is long overdue. I've been coming to United Grooming for about half a year now and cannot express how grateful I am that my friend found Julie and her team of barbers. I had never stepped inside a barber shop before and was nervous for my first visit. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable I immediately felt. My appointment was with Roman and they are fantastic!. They are friendly, have a great work ethic and always thorough. I've also received a great cut from Wes and feel all of the barbers at United would take good care of me. It's a quality experience every time I go. This queer barber shop is such a gem in the community and worth the 40 minute drive. I highly recommend everyone go support this small business and get their fresh cuts here! read more

Barber, Branden is a friend/schoolmate from back in the day so I was instantly at ease when we walked through the door. My 5 year old received a bald fade. He was in and in in 30 mins. Branden also gave my son pointers on how to tell friends not to touch his hair. Masks were properly worn by all staff and clientele without incident. A rarity in barber shops and salons. We felt super safe, welcomed and enjoyed the final product. Also appreciated how diverse both the staff and clients were. We'll be back. read more

I absolutely love this place! I love all the staff too! I have an autistic young adult son who can be easily triggered with sound and touch. But Tony always gets the job done right! He has an energy to him where he can keep my son calm during the cut. He will ask him several times if he's okay to make sure his anxiety isn't kicking in. Not only he seems to know what to talk about to help keep my son distracted but the clipper sounds. Tony is quite literally the only person who my son feels comfortable, patient and trustworthy to cut his hair. read more

The best barber experience I've had. Everyone makes you feel welcomed. Having a space like this is really important for future generations. This place took away my anxiety of getting haircuts. LeRoy really took care of me. They gave me a crisp haircut. 10/10 would recommend to anyone especially those who are in the LGBTQ community read more

Excellent. This was a great experience. Came in to see Britany, did an amazing job. Britany took the time to talk to me about what I've done in the past, looked at pictures, and was able to make recommendations. Smooth process, booked online and got confirmation texts and emails. Price is honestly too low for what she does so get in there and get a good deal, please tip well. Did a short cut on a queer female, hard to find someone that does this well. I appreciate the focus. Very queer friendly, good business and people to support. Community vibe. read more

I am glad to have found United Grooming. Queer affirming hair cuts and an inclusive space at an affordable price? I always have my monthly haircuts with Roman. They have been cutting my hair for months now and I keep coming back to them because they take their time and do a kick ass job every single time. I leave the shop feelin like a million bucks. So, thank you United Grooming & Shout out to Roman for making my queer hair dreams come true! read more

My Wife and I both get our hair cut at United...my Wife has been using Julie for years now and I see Zulma. Both are EXCELLENT! Julie and Zulma have done a great job creating an inclusive barber/ hair salon where everyone feels welcome and seen. My Wife remembers her first time seeing Julie and how nervous she felt...Julie instantly set her at ease and gave her an amazing cut for our wedding! I started seeing Zulma when they opened up on Grand, she gave me an amazing cut and seemed so knowledgeable about what to do with my postpartum hair (which when you're a anxious new Mama feeling foreign in your own body...is a big freaking deal!) Whether you like a super short cut (my Wife) or a long layered cut (me)...you can get your hair cut here! We always walk out of this place feeling like a million bucks! read more

Got an awesome cut from Hunter, @hunterdeepcuts, last week. I had a long grown out mullet and needed something cleaner and styled. Hunter was the perfect person for the job. Lacking the necessary vocabulary, I gave some vague indication of what I was hoping for, and they were able to come up with a style that exceeded my expectations. As the cut has grown out a bit, I've found it to be immensely versatile - looks good slicked back or pushed forward, messy or combed. Most importantly for me, it requires no maintenance. Hunter added in enough layering that my hair sits as if styled even without any product or effort on my part. Hunter was cool and laid back and made me feel in good hands. They were also nice enough to demonstrate how I could style it with some product should I choose. Highly recommend! read more

I am so positively appreciative of LeRoy at United Grooming I first went to them in December because my best pal in the Bay *highly* recommended 'em. Greatest choice I have ever made for my hair! I have shoulder-length curly/wavy hair, but had no idea how to take care of my curls... Then, LeRoy gave me the most positive, confidence-inducing haircut experience of my life (and I'm 31, so it's about damn time, y'all! ). They instantly made me feel taken care of & HEARD. Also, they gave me amazing haircare tips to help me make every day a good hair day -- WHAT?! Yes, gurl. And for me, yes curls! With LeRoy's artistry, empathy, and guidance, I know I can have healthy & beautiful hair 24/7 + 365, which is so empowering I went in yesterday for a trim & layers (per their wise rec) and left feeling like a TEN ^.^ Lastly, as a gay woman, it is such a magical, peaceful feeling to be in a queer friendly shop with a queer barber Thank you United Grooming for being the dopest & thank you LeRoy for being you! read more

I have been seeing Wes for years now, and they have never once asked me not to put 'haircut 'in the notes for my Venmo payment; in fact, I do that every time and they haven't commented on the way I pay them, ever. Wes charges a bargain at $45 per haircut, the least I have paid for my haircuts in several years, and also the cuts I get the most consistent compliments on. Wes is amazing, as is the rest of United Grooming team! I have only had good experiences here which is why I keep coming back. read more

10/10 for United Grooming, I've had really dope experiences there. Tony just gave me a great haircut, and exactly what I asked for. He was thorough and gave me a smooth drop fade. Very friendly and great to talk to as well. I've gotten a haircut from Dez as well and had the same experience, super welcoming and friendly, gave me a great fade that was just what I described. I'll be coming back for sure, thanks United Grooming read more

LOVE THIS PLACE. Having a spot that makes me feel comfortable where I am able to get a great haircut that makes me feel fly as hell as a queer woman is SO IMPORTANT. Julie works wonders and is a pleasure to chat with whenever I come in. My wife and I will keep coming here FOREVER!!!!!! read more

I've gotten cuts from both Tony and Wes and they are both fantastic. They both communicate well snd ask questions so that they know exactly what i want. I have a Mohawk and they both leave me with clean lines and the perfect texture all around. Im also queer so I appreciate their vibe. I've never had a bad experience here and have been coming for years. Definitely a friendly, professional barbershop that you won't regret checking out! read more

We all want to support local businesses and good people, but when it comes to a haircut, we also want to look good when we walk out. And damn, if this isn't the perfect place to do both I don't know what it. Julie's been cutting my hair for years, and even as it's starting to fall out and go grey, she still somehow works magic on it. I even started taking my kids to her. My 8 year son wanted a mohawk, and he walked out with one that he was showing off at school for the rest of the week. He even came home one day and said he had a girlfriend now, thanks to his mohawk. Yep, that's the kind of magic they do at United Grooming. So imagine what they can do for you? read more

United Grooming is the inclusive barbershop experience I was looking for. Here, I can be who I am while getting my hair cut by people who understand the importance and value of helping people look and feel their best. This barbershop has heart, talent, vision, and fresh vibes. Shout out to owner (and my barber) Julie whose expertise, innovation, consideration, and dope conversation makes my experience getting my haircut something I look forward to each month. read more

United Grooming - Right after a fresh cut with Julie - Barbers Near Me - Oakland, California

Julie has been my barber for years now, and she always does such an incredible job on my fade and cut. Julie was recently out for a bit, and I met with Dez several times. I was a little nervous to see someone new at first, but Dez put me at ease right way and I have absolutely loved the fade and cut that she gave me each time. I can't recommend Dez enough if you are looking for a barber. read more

The shop is very clean, open and inviting. My biggest props go to Dez who cleaned up my undercut as I'm growing it out. This was my first appointment with D at a very awkward stage for my hair and she handled it seamlessly. D was very communicative, asked questions and clarified before proceeding with each stage. She brought up images, discussed terminology and made me feel super comfortable. Fairly priced and hella professional...thank you, Dez...I shall return read more

Julie and team are awesome!!! Great cuts and perfect atmosphere. I've found my spot to go to after cutting my hair from waist-length to pixie. read more

United Grooming is a barbershop catering to absolutely everyone! I really needed a bang trim and Audra was available and up to the task. I appreciate how she listened to me point out my cowlick and its impact on the balance of my bangs. She proceeded to do a fantastic job of cleaning them up and leaving them more aligned than they were when I walked in! I'm grateful to know there's a location near me that can help me with this routine service (needed every two weeks!) Everyone working in the salon was friendly and welcoming, too! read more

Over-the-top quality, services, and professionalism from United Grooming! FINALLY getting around to sharing my thoughts on Julie, Tony, Wes, and the team at United Grooming, and including six months of pics each after another fabulous cut! I've enjoyed seeing Julie for years and other of her team members on occasion, and the quality of their services is always consistently top notch! What seems above and beyond to me is the environment and professionalism of their entire team, each of whom not only delivers great cuts but also makes sure I feel comfortable, welcome, and SAFE, which is always great while we continue to navigate a global pandemic. I also appreciate Julie and the team's honesty and integrity, as they're always willing to talk through ideas and help me envision what certain cuts or styles might look like (because let's be honest... I ain't an expert here, they are) and they never steer me wrong. I also love their "Pay It Forward" cut, which let me pay for someone else's cut in advance, when those experiencing hardship cannot afford their own. It's a rare treasure for a business to be of such quality and character that they are a testament to our Oakland and greater Bay Area communities. I really cannot recommend them highly enough. read more

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I was looking for a new barber during COVID and stumbled upon this place. It was pretty easy to book an appointment with their online system. Branden hooked me up the next day. They're friendly, professional, personable and most importantly will have you looking right. I'm really glad that I found this place! read more

Julie is a fantastic discovery. Part artist, part philosopher king, and part friendly local bartender. Even though it was my first visit to her and her shop, I felt like I'd known her forever. She explained in great detail the natural tendency of my part, and how to manage my curls. I told her what style I wanted, and she delivered exactly that. Which was a first. I've received many compliments over the past few weeks about my haircut. Julie was also constantly engaged in our session. I felt like I was on her front porch, getting a trim and some wisdom. The exigencies of life will knock you on your ass every once in awhile. But having a great barber in your corner while you're struggling to climb off the ropes? That's called #winning. read more

A very friendly and comfortable experience. The hair cut turned out great. I like this place.

As someone who has always struggled finding the right hairdresser, I'm absolutely thrilled that I was able to find Ariel at United Grooming! I scheduled an appointment with her on whim because United Grooming was recommended by a friend, I adored the salon's LGBT-friendly environment, and saw that Ariel specializes in curly hair. Not only was she an absolute sweetheart, but this is probably the happiest I've been with a cut in a long, long time. She gave me so many tips and tricks for dealing with thin and fine curly hair. She also helped me work out what kind of style would be best for someone with hair like mine, something I'll forever be grateful for considering how tragically little I know about dealing with my own hair. To add onto that, the scalp treatment she gave me was absolutely divine and super refreshing. It was overall just a wonderful experience. I cannot recommend her enough! I'll definitely be coming back soon. read more

Branden is the best! He is does a great job, always a blast to talk to, and really cares about his work and clients. You can't miss with him. read more

I've been going to Julie for years and was excited to hear when she opened United Grooming right across the street from me in Jack London Square! Since then she's opened another beautiful location up by the Lake - I love having 2 places to go get an amazing fade! Julie and her team are literally the best in the biz. read more

My first time customer experience walking in with an appointment. I was immediately greeted by the staff, they asked me if I was comfortable, if I needed anything at the moment, and if I had an appointment. After my response confirming , they said " welcome and you're in good hands". This is my expectation of professionalism that all local neighborhood businesses should provide. Simple but very rare experience these days. So tired of the "we're doing you a favor" BS. Then my haircut. I booked with LeRoy. They were attentive, actively listened, and proceeded on confidently with the haircut. Easily one of the best cuts I've had in Oakland since moving here 12 years ago. My combed-back skin fade is exactly what I wanted. Finding a new barber sucks, yeah I know "it's just hair, it'll grow back" but having a local neighborhood barber shop that "gets it" is pretty f-ing awesome. United, you folks rock. Stand tall and proud!! read more

I booked with tony the first time my cut was good, the second time I was so embarrassed to walk out in public he cut it heavily uneven. And gelled it up I looked like a clown. Even his coworker didn't hide how bad it was. I had to use a pair of scissors at home to do some damage control. I also told him that day that I had an important event that day. I'm 100% sure he messed up my hair on purpose. I don't have the photo atm but I will definitely love to share it here. When I went to a new barber he said and I quote "HE GOT YOU MAD FUCKED UP" "he hella fucked you up" and he repeated that the whole time he cut me. Julie is claiming that I must have the wrong barbershop. I have evidence of my appointment and everything. Very professional. read more

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Excellent! Britany has been cutting, coloring, and stylizing my hair for many years and I couldn't ask for a more incredible hair stylist. She always takes the time to talk to me about what I am hoping to have done during my visit, is patient and welcoming, and knows my hair even better than I do. She is very knowledgeable about hair coloring techniques - from bayalage highlights, to rose gold hair, to helping me recover from a bad bleaching experience when I first started working with her many years ago, I am so grateful to have Britany as my hair stylist. I am always counting down the days to my visits with Britany at United Grooming and look forward to continuing to have her help me reach my hair goals for many more years to come. read more

The best! Dez gives an amazing skin fade and is so kind, easy to chat with and attentive. I love the vibe and feel very welcome as a queer person. read more

Julie and her team are the absolute best! If you're looking for a woman-owned, queer-friendly, gender-inclusive space to get an excellent haircut - this is it!! After 4 years of mediocre cuts at the usual haunts and frantic googling for "female barber," I finally found out about Julie, but she wasn't taking new clients. After another 6 months, she opened her awesome shop in Jack London and I scored a year of top-notch haircuts in a comfortable, welcoming space. It's not an exaggeration to say that Julie and her cuts are some of the things I've missed most the past several months. When she told me about the new spot on Grand Avenue, I had to check it out. It's just as awesome as the flagship - great people, great vibe, great haircuts! They're taking safety seriously, so if you're long overdue for grooming - go check them out!! read more

Good vibes in this shop, I had the honor of being present while the mailman came in. They have some sort of ritual with the mail man and it's hilarious. my cut was a bit pricy but I got a nice cut. The barber jay asked me great questions about how I wanted to style my hair. Would recommend if u don't mind spending a little extra. read more

thanks for the great cut and conversation leroy! was so happy with it. me and fran will be back soon

I had a haircut with Wes, upon paying with Venmo I was asked not to input a note as " haircut " really ?? The haircut was $45.00 which took 30 minutes, Wes makes an hourly pay of $90 The best people with high stress jobs don't earn this hourly pay rate and the ones that do pay taxes. This place lacks professionalism. read more

Had my first haircut from Branden at UG this week and it went great. He asked good questions, listened closely to what I wanted and helped make styling decisions. Great cut...and he is really warm and professional. The new shop on Grand is nice and conenvient. Highly recommend! read more

Ariel is fantastic! I almost hesitate to recommend her because I want to keep her to myself! I appreciate her recommendations, knowledge, and attention to detail. I appreciate that she checks in to make sure I'm pleased with my hair. She's flexible when I want to change things up. read more