During my lifetime, I have only ever been to two (2) places that have given me a haircut I was truly 100% happy to have once I walked out the door (not to mention days, weeks, and months after)! The first one was in Montréal, Québec, Canada (where I went to university), and the second one was Alternative Barbering Company in St. Albans (where I studied abroad for a semester). I'll never forget it. It was an average winter weeknight in St. Albans. I, the American, had spent the evening scavenging every corner drugstore for some egg nog to get me into the holiday spirit. Instead, all I got were a handful of confused looks and one chuckle that just said, "You Yanks and your egg nog!" Anyway, I decided I would try and spend my time in St. Albans in a more productive manner. I began looking up the nearest barbershops in the area. There was hardly anything in Hatfield (where I went to uni at the time), and I was very nitpicky about where I went. My hair is very important to me, and I am very difficult to please (I won't show it, but it's true). I finally found Alternative Barbering Co. nearby, and decided to give it a shot because of its high ratings and the fact that it was run by younger men. It must have been about an hour from closing time when I walked through the door, but somehow I managed to jump any sort of queue that there had been - or rather, let me correct myself. The queue seemed to instantly clear up FOR me. (Disclaimer: I'm not famous or anything.) It was just my luck that right as I walked in through the door, a couple of guys got done with their haircuts, those spots were filled by the two men in front of me, and Dan, the owner of the place, came to cut my hair. Let me tell you this - Dan is the MAN. He is such a cool, friendly, down-to-earth guy. We talked about films, growing up on opposite sides of the pond, and current hairstyles. Because he and I have similar hair textures, he knew exactly what to do to make me look my absolute best. He even gave me a few tips on products to use, etc. I was so happy with the results that even months afterwards when I went back to Montréal to graduate from university, I showed my other favorite barbershop a photo of the haircut Dan had given me, for reference! The man is a total pro, and if I needed a haircut everyday of the week, I would visit him! It's just a shame I live in San Francisco. read more

Had a hot towel shave here recently, second time I've ever had one and it was fantastic very comfortable and stylish setting and the staff were great. Went back for a haircut the following week, after using the same hairdresser for the last 10 years i was cautious but i was equally impressed with my trim as i was my shave. I'll definitely be using this barbers again read more

Alternative Barbering Company - Barbers Near Me - St. Albans, HRT

A very disappointing experience after they changed to a mix of "walk-in" and "appointment" only service. I have been a customer of this place for almost two years now. I cannot complain about the haircut they provide, otherwise I would not have kept on returning there. The shop is open until 8 pm on weekdays. However, for my surprise, they now only serve customers with appointments after 5h30 pm (plus a 5 pound surcharge...). Until then, they run a "walk-in" service. It is worth mentioning that until May they only ran a walk-in service and would not accept any appointments. So far so good, as this is what they actually say in the website. However, it is disappointing to observe that they do not care very much about relational marketing (returning customers), especially when they change the rules. I arrived there on a Wednesday at 5h10 pm, for a walk-in hair cut. "Unfortunately", they said, they were short on staff that day, so they could no serve me and they asked me to return on another day. This was a complete surprise to me who, being a regular customer, was used to a walk-in service all the time (as they still do on weekends, apparently). I would expect another treatment (or at least some effort) rather than shoving me away and try my luck on another day. NB: I would not mind paying for the appointment, but being a recent change, I was expecting another approach. Luckily enough, there are plenty of other good barber shops in St Albans. read more

Fantastic cuts but be prepared to wait. I have decided to change my review as the cut they did was great still frustrated by my first visit of basically being asked to come back another day. If you plan to use these guys best to book an appointment to avoid disappointment. read more

High class chops. Beard friendly.

Excellent barbers in a great location! The atmosphere in the shop is relaxed and stylish. I had been struggling to find a place to get my hair cut in St Albans for 10 years but hadn't been happy with the results. I kept going back to Trevor Sorbie in London which was both expensive and inconvenient. In December I noticed this place and went for a cut on a very snowy day (when they closed Holywell Hill) and had a great time and a great cut! I can't recommend this place highly enough and, just in case you are wondering, I am nothing to do with the business!!!!!! Enjoy! They deserve to do well. read more

What is not to like? I went in today, very busy but still friendly, chilled out atmosphere. I will be going back, waiting for the haircut was fine in a comfy chair and with F1 on a flat screen. I had a book so was quite smug as those around me got a little vexed with the queue, not sure who wouldn't expect a queue in a barbers at this time of year. All in all, it's nice to see someone that takes pride in their business, and the service they offer but won't make you pay £30+ for a short back and sides. read more