The shop itself looks really cool. Great aesthetic, definitely has that old-school barbershop vibe where you expect to walk in and see a bunch of dudes hanging out, talking sh*t, joking around, and having a good time. Unfortunately, the actual vibe was... aggressively not that. I went in a couple weeks ago and it was weirdly quiet and unwelcoming. Aside from maybe one guy, nobody really talked to me or even seemed particularly interested in acknowledging that I existed. Then there was Edgar. Edgar was apparently there to protect the silence at all costs. The man basically grunted at me and seemed completely uninterested in having a conversation. On top of that, he smelled like he had either just left the bar or had been partying until sunrise and decided the barbershop was the next stop. I'm all for a chill environment, but there's a difference between "laid-back" and "did I accidentally walk into a barbershop during a hostage situation?" Cool shop, great aesthetic, but the atmosphere and customer experience just weren't for me. I don't think I'll be making a return visit. read more

I've been seeing Ronnie at Against the Grain twice a month for haircuts and beard trims, and he does an amazing job every single time. Great price, always consistent, and his station is always clean. Every time I get a cut from this big guy, I swear the number of neck braces within a two-mile radius goes up from all the heads snapping when I walk by. Always request Ronnie. I made the mistake of letting another barber (Edgar) line up my beard once when Ronnie wasn't there, and I walked out looking like a Lego pirate. Even the homeless guy on the corner had a better lineup, and I think he used a seashell. Five stars. Ronnie is the man. read more

I've been going to Edgar for a minute and he's always done a great job! Always takes the time to make you feel welcome, and makes sure I'm happy with the cut. Thanks, Edgar! read more

My bf had the same barber (Eric) for eight years. Found him when he lived in the area. Drove from downtown to get his haircut by Eric and he did a bangin' job. The shop has a very vintage barber shop fee to it. Laid back and a place where clients can come in shot the breeze with the barbers and other clients about whatever game or highlights are playing. The show is totally dog friendly which I appreciate. They (and most of the block) keep dog bowls out for passers by. Carlsbad is such a cool area! read more

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Such a nice shop and quality work. The vibe was perfect and comfortable. Every service performed here has been top notch. read more

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Highly recommend Edgar!! Responsive and great environment to get styled out. My son and I both are clients Thanks Edgar.

Ronnie is professional, highly responsive, and exceptionally attentive to detail. He has been my barber for the last 2 years. You can tell he truly loves what he does through his hard work, positive energy, and genuine care for his clients. He treats you like family, and is one of the best in the game! read more

When I moved from Tampa Bay the North County area. I knew I needed to find a good barber and it took me three attempts, but I finally found a good barber. I got my first haircut from Ronnie and he's a very talented craftsman and he really cares about the haircut you can tell overall I would suggest against the green barbershop to anybody because the overall vibe in the shop is just cool but like I said, Ronnie makes a great haircut happen no matter what I would recommend Ronnie to anybody. great barber. read more

Went in for a simple fade first time there couldnt call in because someone didnt hang up the phone and was on the busy line anyways waited finally got acknowledged barber that cut my hair was napping on his barber chair clearly had a long night and someone woke him up to cut my hair, 2nd sign, anyways showed him a picture of how i like my hair ended up getting a haircut that looks nothing like the picture i showed him ended up getting a generic mohawk (again nothing like my picture and didnt listen to what i showed or wanted from my hair) i should of read the signs i wont be going back there i ended up just wearing a hat for my bday anyways very disappointed read more

Edgar did a great job. I came in wanting a new hairstyle I've never had and he worked with me to decide exactly how I wanted.

Ronnie is the best barber I've ever had and I've been going to the barbershop over 40 years now. The guy is an artist, some make brilliant music, some athletes and some artists like Ronnie. He is an absolute perfectionist and is the type of guy that really takes pride in making you look great. I'm always getting compliments up to two weeks after he's already gave me a cut. He is the man. read more

Professional service. They listen to what you want, and make great recommendations too if needed.

Best barber I've had in years! Ever since i came to Oceanside it was impossible to find someone who could cut correctly, takes his time and always carries a friendly smile. Over time Ronnie had become not just my barber but a true person i could rely on. Now that i moved away i still come once a month to get my cut as there is no one else i trust! read more

Ronnie @ against the Grain is on point all the time! He sets the tone upon opening the door. I've had the chance to get both my boys haircuts here (they're 3 & 5) and he does an amazing job of keeping them calm and engaged throughout the process. They have fun and walk out of the shop lookin like a million bucks. Post cut lollipops help too. Appreciate the hospitality and always keeping them lookin good! read more

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It's always a tear to visit Edgar with my son. He achieves the latest cut he shows him. We have created a relationship where I trust him and my son feels comfortable. I highly recommend him. read more

Moved to the area recently and got a cut here as a walk in. Overall, the experience was good, but the prices were just that much higher than I was used to with my previous barber in the LBC. For that reason, I'm not 100% sure I'll be able to commit to this barbershop as my "all in" place, which is unfortunate since it's so walkable from my apartment currently. The cut+beard trim was good though and the ambiance of the place was nice; and they were able to fit me in right away, which was great. I'll consider it in a pinch, but will try to find some less expensive options for now. read more

I've been going to get my haircut by Edgar for a few years now and is hands down the best barber i have ever had. I go to school about an hour and half away and driving down to get my haircut is well worth the drive. Give this man a photo of what you want and you are leaving with a great haircut every time! read more

Reliable. Quality. Great Service. I highly recommend. I have been coming here for years at this point.

Ronnie continues to set the bar when it comes to the barber game. Very professional and personable, I've been getting my hair cut by Ronnie for quite a while now and it's always good vibes. He is efficient and attentive to detail, he takes pride in his work and his environment as a barber. A major plus is his ability to handle the kids as well, my son has been getting cut by Ronnie since he was 2 and he is now 5 and looks forward to getting his haircut! All in all nobody better and against the grain is fortunate to have a talent like his! read more

Great efficient service. You get exactly what you ask for. Great family oriented environment and understanding scheduling!

WOOOW! Amazing work by Eric! It was time I got a chop after I grew my hair out beyond 12" rocking a man-bun. He's been cutting my hair since my wedding day in 2022 and he's still the king at what he does. He's great with scissors and trimmers. He listens to what you want right now and how you'll want it to grow out because I only like to get my hair cut 1x/year. Super affordable pricing. Highly recommend! read more

Ronnie has been our family barber over a decade. Attentive to detail, versatile with trending styles, clean. Nice with the straight razor whenever I request a hot towel shave. read more

great vibes great cut! shop is amazing and all the barbers are dope and fantastic people

Ronnie does well doing the skin fade, he is quick and precise with his haircuts. Depending on the day, the barber shop can be chatty, or more quiet, but Ronnie does well with interacting with his customer. We've chatted about different hair trends, me going blonde (which he can help you out with) and awesome restaurant recommendations in Oceanside, Carlsbad & San Diego. A sweet perk is he also has an online website to book appointments. Only downside is parking, on weekends it can be a tad tricky to find since it's in the heart of Carlsbad Village, but definitely worth it. Uploaded images of my haircut by Ronnie. read more

Against The Grain - Skin Fade Haircut by Ronnie. - Barbers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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We take our son here for his hair cuts and Edgar does such wonderful job and keeps his chair and station clean. The shop is nice but could be a lot cleaner...some of the other stations still have a ton of hair on the base of the chair and under the mats after I saw the barber clean up and leave for the day. read more

Ronnie is the best barber I've ever had. I have a pretty serious beard and won't go to just anyone for a trim and lineup. The shop is always clean and the cut is always on point! read more

This is a typical, mostly guys', barber shop right in the heart of Carlsbad. The guys working there are very good, pay great attention to detail and you leave not feeling just refreshed but looking as good as you can look. My personal favorite there is Guillermo, a.k.a. "Memo". He does a fantastic job, I have been there 2x and my older son also got a great haircut, as well. I would love to give 5 stars (and Guillermo deserves 5 stars for his skill set) but here are the reasons why I can't (and hope the business owner considers some of these factors): 1. No way to pay other than using Venmo or cash. I am not a fan of Venmo, don't particularly carry cash with me so it is quite inconvenient for me to go to the local ATM (they have one inside the shop but charges big fees) and get cash to pay for my haircut 2. No hair washing service; if I am going home after my haircut, sure, no biggie, I will wash there. However, if my time is restricted and I have to go to work or visit a client or just go out, no matter how well they clean you up, you will have tiny pieces of hair all over you. No good. 3. Price: $45. I know it is subjective but pricing should be in the mid-$30s 4. Access via telephone: phone goes unanswered quite a few times. Please, either get someone to answer the phone or forward to whoever is working at the time, it can be frustrating when you call and no one picks up. Other than that, it is a decent barber shop. TIP about parking; only street parking is available and it can get very busy (since it is in the downtown Carlsbad area) during a work week day so plan accordingly. read more

First time to a barber in 24 years since I've been shaving my head and face every day since then. The place has a cool relaxed atmosphere and Edgar did an incredible job on my new beard! Will be back for sure... read more

If you're coming here and want to look like a Billion dollars please be sure to book with Ronnie Van Cleave!!! This is no joke, I contribite a very large portion of my success to to the hair cuts received by this gentleman. He's not only an amazing barber but also a family man and a great person with a great vibe that sets him apart from any other barber in the world. I would never cheat on this barber haha I even wait to get back in town if I'm on business traveling just to get the same exact cut so I can continue looking perfect. I have been coming here for years and years and you won't catch me anywhere else to get right! The shop itself is in an amazing location just 1 block away from a beautiful park and 2 blocks from the sand so if you have time to kill you're in the perfect place. Dont waste your time or money guessing if your getting a good cut, be sure to call in ahead of time to book an appointment or use the booksy app. Sincerely, Chris Reitsma CEO/Founder Reitsma LLC read more

Against The Grain - Barbers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

WOW! RONNIE IS THE MAN !!! I've had many people cut my hair and Ronnie is in the TOP 2, and that says a lot, because I'm crazy about hair! Thank you Ronnie, When I'm back area, definitely come to see you! i read more

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Highly recommend this Barbershop. The Barbers were all really nice, fast and professional . I brought my three boys for their back to school haircuts and they all look amazing! Thankyou read more

Against The Grain - Barbers Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Looking for a new barber in Carlsbad and read the good reviews about Against the Grain. Decided to try them and booked an appointment with Memo. He listened intently what I wanted, unlike my last barber in Carlsbad, who cut my hair so short I didn't need a haircut for several months. Memo will be my go-to barber for now on. read more

My husband has been complaining about the unavailability and price of his go to place and after the last scheduling mishap, he agreed to try Against the Grain and so glad he did. Ronnie did a great job and worked efficiently, effortlessly and was down to earth. Meanwhile, my teenage son has been wearing a beanie for the past 18 months because he hasn't been able to find someone who could make him happy. Memo broke the curse. He asked questions and looked at photos and made sure he got a good idea of what he wanted. Thank you Against the Grain for taking great care of my boys! Highly recommended by mother and wife who knows!!! read more

Great shop and location. Ronnie is one of the best skilled barbers in town. He quickly understands what I want to get done. Does a great job with my son's hair too. We turned into regulars. read more

Great shop, clean, friendly, & accommodating. I was greeted as soon as I got in. I got in contact with Ronnie earlier in the week and he helped me book an appointment through Booksy. I got in a couple minutes early and Ronnie was ready to cut my hair. I got in the chair and we did a quick consultation of what I wanted. I needed to look "office presentable" and he took care of the rest. Great cut, consistent, much appreciated! Will return regularly. read more

My husband's hair is always on point after visiting Ronnie. He always comes out looking good and has a good time while getting the best cut from Ronnie. read more

Awesome service from my barber Marcos. Been getting my haircut here for a few years now !!! Great service and back of neck shave with warm shaving cream and straight razor to top it off ! read more

Best place to get a cut. Super friendly and amazing decore and vibe. Ask for Ronnie when you go for a cut and I guarantee you won't want to go anywhere else. read more

Amazing shop! I've been seeing Ronnie for a while now and he's never let me down. Great vibes and always able to get an appointment when able! read more

Awesome haircut at an awesome price. Ronnie did a good job with my beard trim to. Quick, affordable, and pleasant. Will be going back