Friendly service. Quality and precise haircut. Fair pricing. My go to Oaktown favorite

Yes, they are open and active! Call Wally's cell at (510)815-6390 to schedule an appointment or just to simply drop by! Since that is out of the way... My aunt cut my hair growing up and she would always complain about my weird shaped head and how I would want my hair cut. After she retired, I had a hard time finding a barbershop that could cut my hair consistently the way I would want it. I've been to most barbershops in East Oakland and Alameda, but I found myself bouncing from barber to barber. It wasn't until I was walking on 23rd Ave and noticed Al's Barbershop... I took one step into the shop and I felt comfortable immediately. The decor and vibe was overwhelmingly friendly. I sat down and Wally promptly acknowledged me and informed me how long the wait would be. Once it was my turn, I sat in Wally's chair and explained to him how I would want it. I showed him some pictures and he knew exactly what I wanted. Talking to both Gia and Wally was a blast! Next thing you know, I felt the warm shaving cream on the side of my head and the cool razor gently scraping the side and back of my head... 45 minutes had passed by and I did not realize it at all! That is what happens when you are around warm and friendly people who know how to treat their customers like friends... the rest is history and I have been coming here ever since! I know there are some barbershops that do not have such a friendly vibe, nor is it as clean. There is usually a good amount of street parking, and is located right by International Blvd. Do NOT let this location fool you. You do not need to be "from the hood" to come here and get fantastic service and a cut that will have people complimenting you everywhere you go. The area is clean and they do not discriminate at ALL. There are multiple families that have been bringing different generations to this shop. It truly is a unique shop nestle in East Oakland. Give them a shot! read more

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Old school feel of this barber shop! Wally is thorough and precise with his cut. He knows what he is doing. You gotta tell him what you want.. ..he's not a magician. You'll be laughing and joking the whole time you're here! Makes ya feel like familia! (: Will definitely be back! THANK YOU WALLY! read more

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We were looking for a barber shop who could give my husband and son a nice cut, and were close to Al's Barber Shop. Wally and Gia greeted us promptly, and got to work. Gia took care of my 6 year old, after thoroughly listening to my requests, and also offered some suggestions before she started. She was great with him, and got his hair done so quickly and efficiently. I imagine it's hard for little kids to sit still very long, and she worked swiftly and communicated with him the whole time. She did a fabulous job. Wally gave my husband a real nice fade - exactly what he was looking for. Efficient, friendly, and the price is right. Go here for your relaxed barbershop feel. You will leave satisfied! read more

"Sometimes you wanna go to a place where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came"... then this is it! I've been coming here since I was 4 and that was 39 year's ago and my son comes here too! Wally and Gia are the best at their craft! Keep up the great work Fam! read more

I had a lot of people cut my hair but this place is by far the best fade I ever got anywhere. Special thanks to Wally for hookin up the quality haircut. Shout outs to Gia for answering my yelp message after works hours. You da best! read more

Currently attending UC Santa Cruz. I've been a regular at Al's for over half the year. Each time I left completely satisfied. Wally and Gia are very friendly. It's hard pressed to find them in a bad mood. They're also very funny and nice to talk to, an hour spent there feels very short. They're both very skilled and gave me haircuts the way I like. They really take their time to make sure your hair comes out right and the way you like. The place has a friendly family feel, especially with pictures all along the walls. Recently, I had to get a haircut in Santa Cruz because I had something coming up. The barber I went to had pressed the clipper a little too far into my hair at one point so I have a small patch of hair missing. I asked for a fade taper and got some half assed taper on my sideburns and back. I had to ask her to go over a few times. Anyways, I'm definitely coming back home to get a haircut from Wally and Gia from now on. Found no one else that can cut like them and can entertain me like them. 5 * Also, I usually go in the mornings and / or weekdays. There's usually no wait time. Weekends are always more busy. read more

Strangely, being an East coast Italian-Irish guy this place feels bone-deep familiar. It's completely got that real barbershop feel, right down to the straight razor neck shave. Gia and Wally are great to listen to, almost good enough to miss my brothers and sisters. read more

Ok, so maybe the neighborhood isn't the best. In fact, at times it can be downright horrible. I can say this, as I spent 22 years of my life living half a block away from Al's. As of today, I've been going there for almost 20 years, and I can't see myself going anywhere else. I remember getting my hair cut as little kid by Al himself (he's retired now), in fact there's a picture of (a very young, and seemingly angry) me and my dad amond the hundreds of pictures that adorn the walls. It's a real family atmosphere there, everyone seems to know everyone else. I go in about once every 2-3 weeks, and I've yet to get a bad haircut. I tried straying once, and I decided to try out Super Cuts. That lady jacked my head up so bad, I ended up wearing a hat all day at school and running to Al's as soon as school ended. I learned my lesson, and I haven't gone anywhere else since. Plus, it's a block away from Los Paisanos (see my other reviews) so you can get some post-haircut tacos. read more

This place is the best. My husband will wait on getting his hair cut until we head down to the bay from Sac to get his hair cut from Wally. This place reminds me of the old school barbers my Dad used to go to. Wally still does the tight fade with the straight razor and leaves it clean shaved. So worth the wait and trip! read more

Jack Nelson is the best! My son's cut looks amazing! He loved this place and he's 11. Wanna look your best? Get your hair cut here!

Wally did a superb job. Was my first visit and the Place was friendly and comfortable. Good people. They know what they're doing.

I have been going to Al's for years, and their hair-cutting quality still remains unmatched. Occasionally I am forced to go to some other mainstream, commercialized barber shop such as Great Clips or Super Cuts, and the quality there is completely dwarfed by Al's. When I go to Al's, I feel welcome. I feel like family. When I go anywhere else, I feel like just another customer, just another person to rob money from. But Al's is different. At Al's, there are normally two barbers, Wally and Gia. Both of them provide exceptional service, and they don't seem like they work for the work. For them, cutting hair is something they enjoy, and excel at. Again, I have been going to Al's since I was a toddler and I have never been disappointed. Their location and appearance is warm and homely, and I have yet to be disappointed by their consistently exceptional service. Wally and Gia fix your hair how YOU want it, unlike commercial haircutters who just attempt the general look of your previous hair and get there as fast as possible, no matter how much detail you give them on how perfect your hair should be. All in all, Al's is the best barber shop I have ever been to. Nothing even compares. There prices are fantastic, their service is exceptional, and the overall atmosphere and experience is in an entire different league than what places like Super Cuts and Great Clips provide. A+++ read more

I almost never review businesses on Yelp but I'm headed there tomorrow morning so thought I'd give them a shout. I've been coming here for years now. Wally and Gia both seem to know everyone that walks in on a first name basis, they really go out of their way to make a connection with people. It's mostly regulars who come here, including folks who have been coming here for generations, which says a lot. Definitely recommend. read more

Als is definitly a Oakland staple. They been around for generations and are still going strong. They give the BEST fades in Oakland. Ive never been disappointed with a haircut. Wally and Gia are masters with the clippers and will have you feeling very comfortable. I feel my best when I leave with a haircut from Als. read more

One of the BEST in the bay. The only place that I like to take my son. Weekend seems to be a wait but way worth it. My husband has been having his hair cut there for the last 20+ years as well as all his family. Al gave great cuts! When we took our son there to have his first cut he was in the terrible twos and acted like a little WILD thing, Wally was great! Everyone there gives 5 star cuts! By the way.....great deals too! read more

Gia and Wally are good folks who give great cuts! Walked in on a quiet Friday morning and got a no nonsense high and tight for $22+tip.

Recently got a cut by Gia and I have to say, I couldn't be happier! Left feeling like a brand new person. The barbers are super personable and they cut like no place I've ever been before. You can tell they have years and years of experience underneath their belt. I love supporting local business and I will definitely be supporting this one for years to come. read more

Even though the decor is dated it has a long generational history that shows the proud customers from the past. The barber was very conversational and makes you feel at home he even updates you about current affairs in the news. All in all he was a wonderful barber with a great attitude and home-styled approach to being a barber. read more

When my husband comes home with a cut from Gia he looks like a new man!!! She is an absolute pro at clipper cuts. Finding a good barber is not easy! Thankfully he has found Gia. He calls Gia and schedules his appointment. She is very flexible and accommodating. I totally recommend Al's Barber Shop!!!!! read more

Wally and Gia are both artists with a pair of scissors, clippers or straight edge razors in their hands. The shop specializes in fades but I once saw Wally cut the hair of a British Hooligan who walked in asking for a French Cut...which is what everybody's got in London now a days. Needless to say, the guy seemed pretty satisfied with the results. The atmosphere is great, both Barber's keep things lively yet mostly PG-13, Wally likes to moonlight as a DJ and keeps the tracks coming at you, but not annoyingly loud like in other shops I've been to, and there is no TV (which is a good thing because it would ruin the conversation). Parking is ample but bring quarters for the meters and park right in front. You could risk parking around the block for free but remember this is East Oakland and the area can be rough. Most of the clientele is Mexican American but everybody is welcome. A cut will cost you $20 including the tip. Wally takes appointments now so call in and avoid having to wait. read more

New to town and needed a birthday cut, I looked em up, and went with unsure expectations (but i needed a cut). Gia talked thru what kind of cut I wanted and sensing that I was a little unsure, communicated with me the whole time. The end result was a great cut that I usually pay $50 for in "boutique" shops. This is a humble and simple shop with highly skilled barbers. Thanks Gia... my haircut rocks! read more

Al's is NOT closed. Phone is out of service but message their Facebook page to set up an appointment. Excellent haircuts and service

Yesterday was my first time here. Paul was my Barber. This place is hospital clean. What do I mean? The floor was spotless, the combs, razors, and clippers were all sanitized and not used on customer after customer never being cleaned.Even at 9:15 all chairs were filled and was no wonder; the consulting and professionalism was not the likes I have seen in many decades. We talked about the physical make up of my hair, how I wanted it cut. Then Paul went to work. The man is a craftsman and artist. Although the price was much higher than I had been paying at other "salons", I got my full money's worth! I am so pleased. I will be back. read more

I just recently moved to Oaktown from S.F. and one of the last things on my to-do list was to find a good barbershop on this side of the bay. Didn't have a lot of time to spare today, between getting my laundry done and getting to my PM work shift on time, but I decided to give this place a try. I'd read some good reviews here on Yelp, but I needed to check out this place for myself. The shop is located away from any busy avenue so I found parking right in front (it was 3pm on a Tuesday, but I think the parking situation is good, overall.) I was greeted by Gia and Wally (co-owners of the shop) which seemed to be cool people. Gia cut my hair. She was friendly, asked me good questions about my cut preference and seemed to get a little nervous when I told her I'd be writing a review here on Yelp, which shows she cares and understands about the importance of customers' reviews on this site. Oh, and she told me not say anything about how she was once nominated Miss Manila, because it would bring all the krazies out da woodwork, so I won't......(hehe) Cut was $17.00, but bring a $20... Overall, good and fast haircut. I'll probably go back. read more

Good barber, tough neighborhood. Don't expect a bargain, but the barbering is professional and the loyal clientele speaks to the consistency of quality. I have been a client off and on for 30 years, and come back each time I end up in clipping range. -- Mike H. read more

just terrible, uneven, no ability to style, worse than going to hair school places.