A great authentic barbershop where the people really take the time to give you a great haircut. Paying attention to detail, and making interesting and friendly conversation, are luxuries when you're getting your haircut, i'd recommend this to all people who are sick of typical cheap asian hair parlors :P read more

Great haircut, friendly staff, and I don't know why others think $21 for a haircut is expensive (maybe they also go to Great Clips)? These guys are good and I always get a good cut. ONe of the few places in town where you can get the final clean-up with a straight razor, although it would be better with a bit of shave cream and some Bay Rum. I like it old school - Eli can you do that next time I'm in? read more

There are very few actual barber shops in Berkeley; it is nice to find one so close to campus. The fellas that work here move between this location and a high-end salon in Walnut Creek. My barber had a good idea of how to cut my hair, explained to me what he did, and it came out pretty well. It was one of the better cuts that I've had in a while. He was also one the the most friendly barbers that I've had. He made sure to compliment all the hot girls that walked past the window, just between us of course. He asked me not to tell his wife. Cost: $18 plus tip. read more

I've been going to this place for about a year and have always got a good haircut. And the best part is that they keep working at it until you're happy with it. The wait can sometimes be a little long, but this is mostly when school is in because of all the Berkeley students that go there. Besides the haircuts, the guys here are always good for a few laughs. Eli has a great sense of humor, good with the clippers, and he's the man to go to for a straight razor shave (which is a disappearing art). He's even cleaned up my beard for no charge a few times. Great guy and overall great place. I mean, where else can you listen to 2pac while you get your haircut? read more

Eric does not follow instructions. Instructions were for a cleanup and low taper on the sides. That's it. In addition, I have shown him a photo so he can see how I would like my haircut. I do that when I go to a new barber. 10 mins later, the worst haircut I had in a very long time. Cut to much from the top and too much from the upper-sides and did a line on the side that I never asked for!!! I must mention, I have observed he cut my hair the same way he did for the person that was ahead of me which clearly indicates this guy just gambles with haircuts assuming people would like it. It is the most ridiculous b.s situation to be put in when you have a very bad haircut. There is nothing you can do when your hair is cut, unlike, food or service where you cancel or take your money back. Great way to start the New Year! read more

I come here often then guys are always upbeat and uplifting Chris the heavy set fellow is a great sport and even better barber and Eric the Latino fella provides premier customer service and an stellar haircut they are bringing back the atmosphere of love and care and not just a rush rush job they actually make you feel like they care thanks fellas read more

Used to go to their shop in WC but when I moved out here it was a little to far to go for a cut. Stoked Alan opened another one in Berkeley. Parking/traffice can be an issue as it's right next to campus. Great people, cuts, and price. People in the Berkeley/510 area, go to Amplify!!!!! read more

Hands down the best haircut I've gotten in a long, long time. Was looking for a barbershop near campus, checked out reviews online, and dropped in. The owner was friendly and great conversationalist. I told him I just wanted something clean and professional, and to use his judgment. He spent the next forty minutes giving me an incredibly meticulous and thorough haircut. When we were done, he even told me if I was in anyway dissatisfied or wanted to change something in the next few days, to come in and he'd fix it, free of charge. I would gladly pay two or three times the $18 cost for the haircut. I was so thoroughly surprised and satisfied that I signed up for Yelp just to post this. I'll definitely be coming back, as well as recommending this place to my friends. read more

Brought my co worker in here and they absolutely did an outstanding job such professional gentlemen and nice environment and the haircut was one of a kind definitely coming back here good job guys! read more

This barber shop was super cool. The barbers were laid back. I loved the music and the wait time was short. I got a quick and nice haircut by Chris and I am very pleased with it. I would recommend this shop to friends. read more

Best haircut I've ever had and also the FASTEST. I was honestly speechless. I walked in with a disaster on my head and walked out 10 minutes later with the best haircut I've ever had. Eli is as an absolute master of his craft. True Barber. read more

I live in SF and commute to this barbershop. Great prices, the chillest ambiance, an aquarium, billiards, and swift barbers. Lines go by fast and large comfortable couches circle the waiting area. Friendly staff with a clear commitment to not only craft, but community. read more

Best barbershop in Berkeley. I'm a regular with Chris and he always does a great job. Very fun environment. It's always a good time at Amplify! read more

I showed him a picture what I want and he did something different and really bad will never go back again....

Best shop ever! Eric & Chris always hooking it up. If you want a quick + best in class haircut this is your spot

One of the best haircuts I've ever had. Staff was great, a funny group of guys. Respected what I asked for. Didn't try to sell me on stuff / products / services I didn't ask for. Service was quick. Surprised I didn't pay more for such a good cut. read more

If you ever need a haircut this is the place to go you got great barbers great atmosphere great service they take care of you the way you like to be taken care of there is no barbershop ever around in Berkeley or in the bay area that gives this great of a service I'll give this place five stars any day every time I come in my hair is always looking as fresh as possible they know how to take care you here come get your haircut read more

The best barber shop in the area without a doubt. Got a haircut by Ely, who finished in 15 min and gave me an exceptional haircut. He works Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays. Great guy, great place, great haircuts. Must try, you won't be disappointed. read more

Eli is the man! Moved to the area 6 months ago, and I'm sure most of you are familiar with the frustration of trying to find a new barber, especially for white guy hair. Very friendly, no wait, and an outstanding cut. Yes it's slightly more expensive than others in the area but well worth it for the quality. read more

I was hesitant to cut my hair so close to campus knowing they can probably charge students a little more for a cut based on the convenience of having a barbershop so close to campus. Well. Eli cut my hair. He is the dude. What I like most about the barbershop is the close proximity of the other barbers/clients to you. It's easy to have a conversation with people receiving cuts and the barbers. The people in line (on the couch) are excluded from that vibe I mentioned but I think it's fine. I wish it was a little more affordable--don't get me wrong, I've paid more for a cut. I think his place would have more clientele if they dropped their prices to $17 and then the service would deserve a three dollar tip. As of now, it is set up to be $21 and then a full $25 for moderate tip. With this in mind, they would steal all the men from Edge Hair Salon among the other distractions from this decent place. Another thing I appreciated was the use of a straight edge for the details. I would've liked a little more lubrication/ protection but still: great service. I will come back again knowing that Eli will cut my hair. He did an awesome job to be honest. read more

Got my hair cut by Eric for the first time today and I will definitely be going back. He was incredibly precise and skilled while being completely accommodating and fun. Wait was short and he took the time to really get my hair right. Ambiance was great and both employees were super friendly and welcoming. Love the way my hair turned out, it was a great experience! read more

Great place. The staff are friendly, professional and explain their reasoning if their opinion differs from yours. Garrett was a perfectionist who took his time making sure that I got an excellent haircut, even though I came in just a little before closing. Definitely one of the best haircuts I've had in the past few years. Also got a free comb and a coupon for $3 off to their new place half a block away - next to Kips. read more

Great place! Barber was friendly, and I like the vibe they have going on. Great cut, too.

Eli gave me a fantastic cut, even when I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my hair. He listened to me and gave his own input as a barber and the outcome was nothing short of awesome! I'll be back for sure. read more

Went here yesterday, will be back again. Sat down in Eli's chair and let him do his work. He really knows his craft, one of the best cuts I have had in a long time. read more

Great service! Came in here for a cut right when they closed and eli was kind enough to still cut my hair! Really convenient too

Best haircut in Berkeley. Always get exactly what you want. Ask for Eli. Best haircut of my life. Will always go back.

Eric is the best barber of all time. He's charismatic and laid back. Prices are a bit steep but the quality justifies the cost.

Never in my LIFE coming back to this barber shop. I've been going here for 2 years, tip my barber E all the time. Now the shop is owned by a new white guy who needless to say, doesn't know when to stop opening his mouth. Went to the barber shop for a normal cut and he'd say things like "your barber isn't here so if you don't want to get in my chair you can go" and said to the other barber "I don't even know why you cut his hair in the first place". Prior to this, he made a sarcastic comment to a young Asian man and he got so uncomfortable that he left. The new owner (older white man) was VERY disrespectful and that's what we're not gonna do. Won't be coming back here again and I advice everyone else to stay clear of this shop if you want to get disrespected by his dry corny humor. Finding a new barber because I definitely don't want to hear his mouth EVERYTIME I come into the shop. Speak when spoken to. read more

Been coming here regularly for a year and just got my first cut from Eli. Definitely one of the freshest cuts I've ever gotten. Highly recommend coming in if he's there read more

The guy doing the haircuts is helpful and knows his stuff, made getting a haircut fun and gave a great cut. Definitely coming back.

Love this place. I've gotten my haircut by 3 different barbers and they all did a great job! This is significant because I've, literally, been to 5 different places and have been butchered by each. I have difficult hair to cut so almost no one ever gets it right the first time. But 3 different barbers here got it done the 1st time. Needless to say I'm impressed and will be coming back here from now on. You probly should too! read more

Elie, aka The Lebanese Magician, will take care of you; not only does he use a straight razor, but you can tell he enjoys what he's doing -- a true artisan barber. read more

Ask for Eli. The guy is probably the best barber in the bay,cuts hair like a magician

I feel like they're more focused on the image of a barbershop than on giving good haircuts.

I took my time exploring the area for different barbers. I found Eli at Amplify to be hands down the best barber Iv'e encountered in the east bay. He really knows what he's doing and gives you advice from a barbers perspective of what kind of haircut looks good on you which I really appreciate. He is also great with a straight razor. I dont go anywhere else, hes totally worth the $21. read more

BEWARE!!! Two weeks ago I went to Amplify for a haircut. Unfortunately there was a long wait so they recommended I go over to "The Hair Basement". It's run by the same owner and the Amplify staff assured me that I would be in good hands. When I got to "The Hair Basement", I was attended to by Billy. I told him my hair was getting long and needed a good trim. I specifically mentioned I wanted to go for a "refreshing look" and not need to have my hair cut anytime soon. He was quite hesitant in cutting my hair. Several times he declared he was done and I had to nag him to cut it shorter. Finally I was satisfied with the front, but I felt the side and back were still too long. Billy explained that if he trimmed the side any shorter he would have to redo the front. I gave in to his explanation, paid $21 (+ $4 tip) and departed. Over time I realized that my hair doesn't feel as refreshing or light as I'd hope after a new haircut. So I returned to "The Hair Basement" today and told Billy to redo the sides and back. He said he remembers me and would be glad to help. After he spent ~5 minutes reworking my hair he asked to be paid the customary $21. I was shocked. I complained that it is an outrageous price to pay for a 5-minute readjustment. Billy agreed completely with me and said if he was the owner it would be free-of-charge. But he is required by the establishment policy to charge the customer. I managed to get the price lowered to $18 and left quickly without looking back. It has been a horrific experience so I'm writing this review in the hope that nobody else has to go through with this ... ***Note*** Even though most of the review is about "The Hair Basement", it is the same establishment as "Amplify" and very likely to share the same dubious policy of charging full price for readjustment of unsatisfying haircut. I've had 2 good experience at Amplify when Alan did my hair and he does a great job so I've never needed a readjustment. However given how disappointed I am by their policy, I'm not sure if I'm willing to come back ... read more

Entertaining barbers and they cut hair well. Price is quite steep but again they do a good job cutting your hair and giving suggestions along the way. read more

Garrett gave me the perfect faux hawk! Ill definitely be back.

Definitely the best men's haircut in Berkeley I'd been going to the same guy at Amplify for a couple years, but he recently left so today I got my haircut by Eli. He did an awesome job, he's super friendly and told me all about his life and family in Lebanon (barbering is the family trade, how classic is that?) I always appreciate a barber that knows how to effectively use a straight razor, and Eli clearly does. I'll be going back to him for all my haircuts from now on. Overall great service and a great haircut for a reasonable price. read more