I wish I still lived in Berkeley so I could get my hair cut here. I have been searching for a place since I left last year and have not found anywhere nearly as good. There is no need for an appointment, just walk in and any of the friendly barbers (they are all kick ass at cutting hair btw) will cut your hair just the way you like it. If you don't know how you want it, I have had great success by asking them to "make it look good", and I have never been disappointed. This is not a shop for kids (they have playboys available), and it certainly has a bit of a mens vibe to it with hotrod magazines, sunglasses, and tattoos. That said it far outshines every salon in Berkeley (which seems to attract a ton of low quality extra cheap "stylists"), and is one of the best I have been to around the entire bay area as well. It is a bit expensive, and they only take cash, but it is worth it to get an amazing haircut from people who clearly enjoy what they do and are professionals at it. You will leave feeling confident in your looks. read more

I'm usually very nervous about getting a haircut; I'm always afraid it'll take an hour+ and end up a mess that I have to hide for three months. But this place was totally amazing. I got Eli, and he was super chill and professional. I was in and out of there in about 30 mins with maybe the best haircut of my life. Definitely my new regular haircut place! read more

This barbershop is a classic one for sure always come here for the straight razor shave and leaves me feeling brand new every time Eric is the best with the razor ! read more

Got a full haircut, my first straight razor shave, lined-up and tapered for 45 Bucks. I couldn't be happier, i left the barber and went straight for work and immediately got compliments from my coworkers and employees and my sharp-lookin cut. 1 word to describe this place: cool. They have playboys to look at while you wait for your cut. They had old school country music playing. We had intimate talks about comic books, DC vs. Marvel. A boys' club definately. Anyone wanting a cool atmosphere and nice clean cut should go here. Ask for Mike. read more

Excellent place! Garett gave me a tight cut and then I got the straigth razor treatment from the other guy (sorry cannot remeber your name) I had not shaved or cut my hair for six months when I walked in. They hooked me up and left with a nice cut and a vandyke with a handle bar mustach! Super geat guy thanks...see you this weekend. For the second visit! read more

I'm loyal to my old barber in SF, despite not having lived in his vicinity for almost 5 years now. Still, it's not convenient to go to SF everytime I need a trim, particularly since I have child care issues. I stopped by Amplify based on good reviews. It was a quiet Saturday afternoon so I got right in. The playboys and the pool table in the waiting area were a nice touch but not what I needed this time since I was in a chair right away. Erik from Hercules came out and gave me a great haircut with very little in the way of prompting; not bad for a first time. We conversed about jobs and cars and such...it was a little surreal having my haircut by someone about half my age. Surreal or not though it was a good cut so I'm happy and will be back if/when I need a cut and want to stay in BKY for it. read more

Got a haircut from Sonam after walking in on a whim while wandering down Telegraph. He was really meticulous and gave me a lot more attention than I'd normally get at a barber shop. He gave me a pretty dope beard trim too that was quick and painless. Definitely coming back. Great vibe in there. read more

Amplify Barber Shop - Haircut with a beard trim from Sonam. - Barbers Near Me - Berkeley, California

I had some spare time to kill, and I was needing a haircut anyway, so I stopped at the first place I saw which happened to be Amplify. I have never felt more uncomfortable nor more patronized than I did during my time here. I brought a girlfriend of mine to sit and wait since we had just got done getting coffee, so she sat on a couch near me as I got my hair cut. The barber (Eli) asked my name and then asked for my "wife's" name (we are both 18/19 years old, freshmen). As an openly gay male, I felt uncomfortable from this question onward. After I told him her name, he continued to mispronounce it and even just shouted it around for fun, something which my friend did not find very inviting. The conversation was one of the most uncomfortable yet. Usually I'm not a huge fan of talking during haircuts, but my barber back home is a warm individual who makes small talk more interesting. This conversation focused on Eli's "vacation plans" and how he broke his tooth a few days ago. After the haircut was finished - subpar, in my opinion, for $23 - I told him that I didn't have enough cash and that I would go across the street to get some from the ATM. I tried to hide the fact that my nails were painted rainbow from Pride the previous weekend since I knew that it was an environment that was not friendly nor the most open toward my community. During my time at the ATM my friend said that Eli implored her to cut her bangs "for free" and she politely declined. I quickly gave him the cash and left. Please do not make Amplify the stop for your next haircut. You will be much better taken care of by most - if not any - other shop in Berkeley. read more

Fun place to get a cut. My husband refused to go to any place with the word salon in it. Eli does a great job, and his quirky disposition is lots of fun. read more

Amplify Barber Shop - Eli with his magic scissors :P - Barbers Near Me - Berkeley, California

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DONT DO IT!!!!! The guy totally disregarded what i said (i said just a trim) and dod whatever he wanted to. $23 was a rip off for the job he did because for the job he did it should have been free. I honestly wish my hair was the way it was before he cut it. DO NOT GO read more

Chris hooked it up for me. I walked out crispy and feeling refreshed. Stop by and ask for him, bars off top!

Great place to haircut if you are looking for some real men's haircut. probably the only barber around the campus although there are plenty salons for some reasons Barbers are super friendly and they remember your hair type and style in detail so no wasting time on explaining type of haircut you want to get No appointment is necessary and they are open all 7 days read more

I never felt the need to make a Yelp account until I came here. This is my first review on Yelp, which means these guys were that good to convince me to review them. If you ever need a haircut, come here. Don't think twice. The barbers are super chill, and their service is top-notch. Although it is a little pricey, you're paying to connect with some of the most down-to-earth and friendly barbers around (and get a haircut while you're at it)! I'm usually pretty bad at communicating how I want my hair, but my barber made sure I got what I wanted by constantly asking me questions along the way. He also gave me a free massage after! Don't listen to the bad reviews. If you take the (minimal) effort to relax and just talk with some cool people, I can guarantee you'll have a good time and haircut. If you get a bad haircut here, it's probably because you didn't meet them halfway. read more

Eli is the man! I like my hair cut with scissors only and Eli gives me a great cut every time. He doesn't rush, but he is efficient and gets you in and out in no time. (He's there Mon/Wed). Amplify is a great spot with chill staff. The owner Allan is a cool guy and also gives good a good cut...but he can be a little eccentric. The waiting area has comfortable couches and a pool table...so bring a friend. Although I've never had to wait very long. Best spot to get a cut near campus for sure! read more

I was very hesitant to come here because of some bad reviews I saw online but I became desperate for a haircut and I walked in. Sonam took me to his chair for a haircut. I told him specifically what I wanted because it was my first time with him and he kept me turned around during the haircut so I was nervous the whole time but when he spun me around the haircut I saw was one of the best I've ever had. He said I looked like a movie star and it was because of my movie star haircut. The atmosphere was nice and really casual, not awkward at all like I've encountered at some other places. The guys are both really cool and make an effort to get to know you. I will definitely be back and be recommending it to my friends. Also, make sure you bring cash because they only take cash but there is a Bank of America ATM across the street if you don't have cash. Thanks Sonam! read more

I've never had such a terrible experience at any other barbershop before. Barbers were clowning half the time, they even sprayed a homeless man that was just standing outside as a joke. Didn't even listen to what kind of haircut I wanted in the first place, not only that but they didn't even do half a decent job, it was so rushed and extremely sloppy, I had cuts everywhere. Will never return and I recommend everyone to stay away. read more

I've been coming to Amplify Barber for over 7 years now, and have only had an incredible experience. Eli is the most skilled barber I've been to. I've gotten hundreds of cuts from him, and he cuts to perfection. He truly has a passion for what he does, and has really developed mastery at it. He usually has a couple people waiting for him, but the wait is well worth it. Everyone at the shop is fun, professional, skilled, and really wants to serve and make their customers happy. When I moved away for 2 years for work, I couldn't wait to get back. Finally I can have consistently perfect cuts. read more

Amplify has the atmosphere of a classic Barber Shop. The barbers here have a sense of humor and do a fantastic job taking care of you. Eli, Eric, and Chris are great at what they do. Just be warned that they take cash only, so go to the bank before you go. read more

So I'm usually very particular about my haircut and this barbershop was the first time I've ever experienced an issue with that. I was told not to come back ‍. The barber Eric has a disgusting attitude can't take criticism and just wants to do what he wants to do. I get the whole fun environment or whatever but they are just straight up unprofessional. The haircuts are overpriced speedy and mediocre it's usually a hit or miss so if you have a good standing with any of the barbers here (if you are coo with them) you might be OK possibly ‍but if not I wouldn't recommend taking that chance! Try headquarters down the street they are more reliable or Levels near the Berkeley Bart (pricey). The location is the only thing convenient about this place which is probably why they think they can do whatever. read more

Had to wait about two hours for the worst haircut of my life. Uneven, no fade and seemed to be finished relatively quickly, although the dude had a long conversation with and gave an extra crispy lineup to the guy ahead of me. Bro was talking on his phone and holding it between his head and shoulder while cutting my hair, with his head tilted sideways the whole time. They're very unprofessional and were throwing shit across the store and constantly going out for smoke breaks while I patiently waited. To top it all off, they have a sign inside which says something like "you WILL be satisfied with your haircut-- unless you are a douchebag, asshole, or otherwise in which case we can't do anything about it." Classy. read more

Great haircut. Great time. Thanks to Eli and the crew for keeping it real.

Sonom gave me a great cut, and for half of what other places charge. Even though it was the fist time I was there he understood my hair type and pointed out where my last (expensive) barber had screwed up. A month out and he was right - my hair is growing exactly into the style he said it would. Highly recommended!! read more

My worst haircut ever. I prefer a longer and a bit messy style and came with a lot of hair. While I was trying to explain what I want, the guy who cut my hair interrupted me and told that he totally understood what I need... and made some standard haircut which does not fit my type of hair at all. Now it will take at least two months to grow something reasonable. read more

These guys are great, have great conversations, and make sure you look better Han when you walk in.

I walked in to amplify looking for a quick haircut. After telling the barber what I wanted, a simple trim all around, and him telling me "I got you" he began to cut my hair way too thin, taking off atleast two inches from my head. It seems this impotent barber knows only how to do one style of haircut while charging way too much. I am disappointed and wish to ask for a refund. Do not come here, as all you will get is a lack of professionalism. While trying to make small talk, the barber asked me the same question three times in a row, signaling to me that he isn't the brightest crayon in the box. Do not come here, please. read more

Just swang through for last minute for a cut a day before attending a wedding. I wasn't expecting much but damn, met this really cool barber named Eric who had me looking handsome again. I'll be back in a couple of weeks. read more

When I'm in town I get my haircut here and 90% of the time it was good. However, a different guy cut my hair and I'm told him I wanted a 2-1 fade. Didn't do it at all. Gave me a 1 all around and cut part of the top off that I've been trying to grow out for months now. I had to present in front of the city looking like a clown today. 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

I shave my own head and face with a Gillette razor usually, but I've always been curious about going to get a straight razor shave. Finally took the plunge the other day.When I got there were a couple of guys waiting but I wasn't sitting down 5 minutes before Nick said he'd take care of me. I'm a bald bum, so my needs are simple. Straight razor shave my head and my face. Boom. It wasn't cheap, but I couldn't complain at all. Nick was thorough and friendly. Highly recommended. 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 is one of the worst costumer service in the entire world. There was one short and skinny barber (owner?) who was yelling at me for no reason while I was waiting on line and he kept spraying me water while I was waiting. I was like wtf!!! Then when my turn came, I told him I want hair cut and again he made fun of me to cut my beard too. I told him that I just need hair cut ad he kept telling me that what Abt the beard???? Now the other barber approach to me and he told me silently that he is an assh*** and now the 2nd barber is going to cut my hair. This is the horrible customer service I ever got. 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

So, today was my first visit at amplify. It was kind of the most awkward things I've ever encountered at a Barbershop. I got my cut by a new girl learning to cut hair D: she was trying but i felt she didn't know what was going on. She was very kind. But she left my hair all uneven and cut off my side cut hair, and messed up my lineup. Other barbers kept coming and fixing my hair super weird. Other thing some other barber which im sure was the lead barber or boss was using the hair dryer to remove his clients hair and he blasted hair all over my face so rude. The shocker was when she charged me full price when she doesn't know what to do i expected like 15 but no 21 i even tipped her a buck because i felt she was annoyed with other people telling her what to do. Will never go back. 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

I had a bad experience here today. I've been to Amplify three or four times before. I've always gone to Eric, and he's nice. He always seems to vaguely remember me, and I thought that was very comforting. Today, I went up to the door at 4:15pm, aware that Amplify closes at 5pm. The door was already locked, though one barber was open and another just started a client, with nobody in the waiting room. Two barbers looked me in the eyes and shrugged, leaving me outside. I blocked time out of my schedule to get a haircut, not to get turned away because Amplify wanted to close early on a Saturday unannounced. I went to World Cuts a few blocks away. Staff was friendlier, more detail-oriented, and the cut was cheaper. I've found a new place to get my hair cut, I really don't recommend Amplify based on this experience and the aloof attitude, which seems unfit for a place where people are putting blades and razors on my head. (The place also reeks of heteronormativity, so if that's not your thing, :/.) read more

I showed a picture og how i wanted the sides to look. I have usually medium length on the top and a smooth fade to the ears. It was supposed to be a fade, but the guy shaved off the whole sides. He went really fast and did not listen to my instructions. He gave back my tip and said sorry though read more

Worst experience. Ever. Stay away from this place as the positive reviews are VERY misleading. I went to the barber just to wait for my boyfriend - my mistake to even suggest this place based on the reviews we saw on Yelp and Google. I already had an appointment at another hair salon, but the barbers guilt tripped me into getting a haircut at their place by bringing up having to take care of children and saying their's is only $22 as opposed to $30 at my hair salon. Couldn't leave as we were decent and polite human beings. My haircut took the barber about 10-15 mins. That was the fastest haircut I've ever gotten in my life. Should I have complained and inquired on the spot, yes. But, did I? No. Why? Because we were decent human beings, and the vibe there just wasn't right. Everything felt uncomfortable. I just wanted to leave asap. My boyfriend's experience was the worst. His whole head looks like a different shape. Yeah - it's that bad!!! This is his experience. And again. I warn you. Don't go here. My boyfriend spent $70.. Ugh.. "The absolute worst haircut I've ever gotten. My experience here was nothing short of awful. I walked in asking for my sides to be taken in and a little trim on the top. I made sure to specify that I didn't want much taken off the top. After she finished I realised she had taken off about 70% of the volume on my top. And she shaved my sides so close that I didn't even have sideburns anymore. I couldn't tell what my hair was looking like during the cut because she turned me away from the mirror. They also forced my girlfriend (who was waiting on the couch) into getting a haircut there, instead of going to her typical salon. She hated her haircut as well. They cut half her hair and left the rest untouched. In the end I ended up wasting money and time on the worst haircut I have ever gotten in my 24 years. This shop is pitiful to say the least. Their barbers are the worst and most careless I have come across. I will never return. I strongly urge anyone that reads this review to stay far away from this shop. Good thing my hair grows back fast.." -Kyle 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