Update: June 2013 Ok, I am updating this because I feel like after a year of being a regular, the wait is just getting longer and longer. Even with appointments, expect 40mins to and hour wait during weekends or afternoon hours. I don't blame her, but it just that she has so many appointments; everybody is a regular. Will try to make my appointment her first appointment in the morning (9:30am?), that might be much better. --- I am writing this review as I wait. I've been here for the past year or so already. And I had very mixed results. To be honest, they do provide a very clean and realiable cut, and both Janney n the guy are very good barbers. However, I usually come in without a reservation realizing that the wait can't be as long as 40 mins. That I can do. But today is a different story. One after another, they took apointments after apointments, pushing me back twice to people coming in for appointment. The system just doesn't work. They should at least tell people coming in without an reservation that there will be a long wait if they are packed for the day. Never coming again without an appointment read more

Short version: Janney is the bomb. Word. Long version: Janney is a very meticulous hair stylist, and it shows from how many people are regulars there. An amazing thing is how many people's names Janney remembers! A bunch of my friends and I have been going there for many, many years (I went there for 8), and she always asks me how my other buddies are doing. On top of being a very friendly person though, she remembers my regular haircut, and she does a very good fade, even and neat. Plus, she's very fast! You sometimes do have to wait, even when you call in an appt. But usually having that appt. is better than just trying to walk in. Also, the price is friendly to a college budget. I think it'd be worth it even if it was more expensive - but I figure it gives me more room to give a nicer tip. It's definitely worth it. No better haircut (regardless of price) around in Berkeley! (I even went to Panache and forked over $25 for a haircut once - I figured it should be at least similar, but it was in fact worse!) read more

Graduated in '05 (shoulda been '04) and I'm still coming back. I used to get the Asian Fade-short on the sides, a little longer on top and spike that shit until you could take someone's eye out. Now I rock and Asian-Fro (Asio) and I realize that Janney is really good with scissors too. Service is frickin' great. I come in with waxy stuff in my hair-they wash it out, cut my hair, then wash it again. What is it about getting your hair washed for you that makes it feel so good? Maybe it's the massage, maybe I'm just a pampered bastard, either way, a haircut and a wash is fourteen bucks, and like Wayne S., I leave a 80% tip because it is far superior experience than what they charge. It does get crowded on weekends and word must be spreading because this time I went, the Asian to non-Asian customer ratio was just about equal. read more

When I lived in Berkeley, I went from barber to barber until I found Janny. I still haven't gone anywhere else, even since moving to San Francisco. Yep, I'd commute 30 minutes just to see her. Now, I live in NYC and I commute 5 hrs by plane to see her. I've seen her for 6 years. Longer than any pair of jeans. Longer than any girlfriend. Even longer than a lone beer in my fridge in Berkeley that someone brought to our housewarming which we finally threw out when we moved out 5 years later. I know what you're thinking...a beer lasted in *mikey and albie's* fridge for 5 years? And you threw it out?! To our credit, it was a pre-bottled black-and-tan. That equals a crappy brown. Anyway, after 6 wonderful years, she's started shampooing my hair for free after the cut. I love her. She's got two chairs and between 0 and 2 bettas depending on how many have died recently. Most of the time it's just her cutting hair. (But even when she has associates there, I've tried them and I can't complain.) Janny's really sweet and she gives the best haircuts ever. Not only that, it only costs just $11. I was going to her when she was just $8. I was happy when she raised her prices because it was (and still is) really crowded. Be aware that if you walk in, you can probably expect to wait an hour. If you ask her "How long is the wait?" double whatever estimate she gives. Even if you make an appointment, you'll probably wait 20-30 minutes. Just tell her you're getting a bite to eat and you'll be back. read more

Janney gives an awesome cut for guys. Probably one of the best for the price you pay. I've been coming here for over 4 years now and I'm still loving it. I've listed the pros and cons below: Pros: 1) Consistent 2) Cheap: Less than $15 3) Slim Look Con: 1) Wait can be long If you're looking for a celebrity hair cut, you're in the wrong place. However, if you want consistent and slim look, then you've definitely arrived at the right shop. I tell her the same exact thing every time I get a hair cut, and the result is always satisfying. But what I think is the most important point you should know is that she's pretty good at cutting a slim look on guys. Even if you're slim or have a nice face, you can look bigger than life if you don't have a nice cut. I give her props for figuring out this secret that most guys thinking about in their head when the cut begins, "please don't make me look ugly, nerdy, or chubby." The wait, however, can be a little long. I think she recently lost two of her assistants in the shop. Right now, she's an one woman army. I would NEVER recommend you to do a walk-in. Make sure to make a appointment two days prior to arriving. Also, even if you make the appointment, you will likely have to wait 30 minutes before she finishes the person before you. Her schedule is JAM packed. If the wait wasn't as long, I would have given her a 5/5 stars. There are alternatives, but likely more expensive. Give this place a shop. read more

TLDR: Make an appointment for the best hair dresser in Berkeley. Janney is truly a fantastic hair dresser. Yes, it can be a hassle sometimes. Making an appointment can be difficult, especially on weekends, and even if you do make an appointment you may have to wait a bit. But this is because she is so amazing at what she does. She knows how to blend the side and the top so that even after a few weeks, when the hair has grown out, it looks good. I currently attend Cal, but honestly, "whether or not I will still be able to come to BHS" will play a (small) part in determining where I live after graduation. I've been to plenty of other places in Berkeley, but none match up to Janney's consistent, high quality haircuts. I feel apprehensive writing this review because this place is already too crowded and too popular. But she's awesome, detail-oriented, and kind, and she deserves more good reviews. So make an appointment, get there early, sit down, grab one of her excellent selection of updated magazines, and watch a master at work. Do not go try to walk-in without an appointment. You WILL wait, because there will be a walk-in waiting ahead of you plus back-to-back appointments. read more

Janney is real popular. I've been going for 7 years now and on average still have to wait an hour in line before getting a haircut. It can be frustrating when people with reservations get put ahead of you. And if you have a reservation, sometimes you still have to wait an hour. But you know what....Janney is talented. The best buzz cut in town. She is so precise its uncanny, and she knows what looks good on you...not to mention the price for guys is affordable at $12. So bring a book, magazine, or some music...and keep eye contact with Janney... you'll get you're haircut, and you'll be glad you did. read more

I've been going to Janney exclusively for the past 5 years for her amazing, cheap, and meticulous haircuts. She is the only hair stylist I've trusted to do a perfect job each time. The wait can be long, with or without an appointment. I've had success walking in on weekdays when she opens, later in the day her schedule gets backed up. Bring a book, be prepared to wait, and once it's your turn she will give the same attention to your hair regardless of how many people are waiting. She usually takes an hour for me, first completing the main cut with wet hair, then blow dry, then trimming the dry hair. I really appreciate how meticulous she is, going over each side of my hair multiple times, sometimes even finding more to trim after the cape is off. It's clear she cares about her craft and wants you to leave fully pleased with your new look. While you wait, you'll notice how dedicated Janney's clientele is. Folks come from all over the Bay Area just to get a cut from her little studio. She remembers where you live, where you work, and asks about your family. Again and again you hear - I can't find anybody near me that gives such a great haircut! read more

I'm very particular about my hair. I'm also very cheap. Those are two very difficult things to reconcile. Janney is a some sort of sorceress, spinning out magic spells in broken English. The wait can be long, so book an appointment. If you have a male head, there is no better way you can spend 15 bucks to treat to a seriously good haircut. For the record, for a long while I went to La Tour on College, paying upwards to $70 to get my hair did. After the recession, I started going to Super Cuts. Then I found Berkeley Hair Studio. I can honestly say, I am most consistently satisfied at BHS. I mean, just look at my profile photos. Aside: Is it just me, or do the HOTTEST guys in Berkeley get their haircut here? read more

Best hair cut I've EVER received. I didn't catch the man's name who cut my hair, but he was so precise and meticulous in his technique that I walked out with a perfect, evenly layered haircut. The last haircut I got was from SuperCuts or something, and the lady there cut my layers unevenly -.- Cheap price for a woman's haircut, $19, AND he even conditioned my hair. I've finally found my hair salon. read more

Made an appointment with Lee, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. He consulted with me about what I wanted, looking at a picture I brought as a reference. He let me know what would or wouldn't work on my hair, and how he could modify the cut in the picture to fit my texture/face shape. He even sold me on purple lowlights! Lee Austin is a super warm, kind person, and I look forward to letting him play with my hair in 2016! His talent for hair, and his friendly personality combined with his competitive prices make him a must-see for anyone needing a good cut/color at a fair rate. read more

Janney is amazing! I went here regularly for 5+ years and I have not been disappointed with a hair cut. She's fast without compromising quality of the cut. I think another great thing about this place is that she's very easy to talk to and has a pretty solid memory. I went about once a month and she always remember what we talked about the last time I was there while more importantly, remembers how I like my cut. The price is unbeatable too. There is a drawback to this place though...and it's the waiting period. There's always a line there, especially after 5pm (assuming thats when the people that work 9-5 can make it. Setting an appointment doesn't really help, but its mostly to wait for Janney. Kim and the others are usually there and they can take you earlier if you don't want to wait. I've seen people wait for over an hour just for Janney. Kim has gotten a lot better though and I don't mind having her cut my hair if it saves me time. I don't live in the East Bay anymore, but if I'm in the area and I could use a trim, there's no where else I'd want to go! read more

I honestly don't know why everyone likes this place so much. They are expensive, have extremely long waits, is far from campus, and does a mediocre job on a simple hair cut. I gave this place a try a few times and have had quite a few hair cuts from here but they are so expensive. $15 i think a hair cut? I got charged an extra $3 for making an appointment. Apparently my appointment set back their customers who walked in. But isnt that the point of making an appointment? So you don't have to wait? Why do I have to pay for it? Their hair cuts are slow because they tend to be talking to each other and every other customer so they aren't as focussed. I usually am in there for about 10 minutes for my hair cut, 30 if i walk in and have to wait. But the amount of time spent on my hair is literally about 4 minutes. Anyways, its a not a bad place considering it is called berkeley hair studio and everyone likes them. But to me, they are expensive, bad quality, and over hyped up. I will be taking my business else where. Oh yea, they take credit cards, but there's an extra charge for it. I guess they try to make as many dollars as possible by charging customers in every way possible. read more

I've been coming here for the 4 years I've been at Cal, and Janney always gets the job done with amazing cuts and styles. This is the place to go especially if you're Asian lol. Be sure to make an appointment ahead of time though; the wait gets pretty long even if you have made one so bring something to keep yourself occupied. read more

I've been back 3 more times since then...everything is back to normal. Good haircut, just sometimes long wait. They do have a lot more extra help now though (if you're not waiting for Janney)...sometimes as many as 3 people cutting hair at once. Nice. Sorry I'm not bipolar but I posted my review last time hoping it was a rare and unique experience...good thing it was. Phew. read more

This place was my first time getting a haircut in Berkeley. It wanted a pretty dramatic cut-- from shoulder length hair to pixie-- so I was nervous. But I'm very glad I came here. The hairdresser was very friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive. I love my short hair. Was also very satisfied with the price, and will come back for my next cut. read more

I always go here. Jenny never misses a que! The prices are very reasonable. I always leave her an extra 3 bucks tip too. I think its $12 a cut - I drop $15 because I looks spiffy when I head out. read more

I've been coming here for cuts ever since 2007 and am never disappointed by my haircuts. It's a quaintly small place with just three chairs and a couple seats while you wait, and all the magazines are out of date (not that you would read them even if they were new), but that doesn't seem to bother anyone that comes in. It is a place for guys to get cuts given the layout and the supplies they keep on stock, but this just means the stylists have the tailored experience to cut guy's hair well. Most people I've seen don't even need to say anything (plenty of regulars), or they have decided that it's better just to let the ladies decide how to style. The ladies there do a good job, and it's true that a lot of people usually wait for Janney (or Jenny?) and even call in to make an appointment with her, but I personally am not so picky as to need to wait, so I'm usually in and out in under thirty minutes. I think the real draw is that Janney has been there for some years now and is a good chatter while the other ladies have limited English so it ends up being a quiet haircut. I at least can speak Cantonese with any of them, so it's a non-issue. Anyway, at $12 (there is a charge for credit card, none for debit) I just don't think it can be beat in this area. read more

*NOTE: I did NOT have Janney as my stylist. I was looking for a cheap and quick cut and went to this place based off the reviews. The line was too long and I would've had to wait over an hour for Janney so upon the other stylist's request, I entrusted her with my hair -- a mistake I will not make in the future. It felt as though it was the first time she had ever cut hair. She was extremely slow and her cuts were utilitarian at best. Some words of advice, if you're unsure about what your doing, take some time and figure it out in your head first instead of aimlessly snipping strands of hair without any vision. A timid stylist does not inspire confidence in his/her clients. If you say you can and offer to cut someone's hair, you should be adequately prepared to do so. read more

I went here with very high hopes based on the other Yelp reviews. At the time, I had been growing out ridiculous mutton chops, and I wanted just my hair cut, with the mutton chops left long. When she was cutting my hair, she trimmed one of the chops a bit. I told her that I wanted to keep my mutton chops and she stopped for a while, but then later she shaved most of the same one off suddenly, before I could stop her. Despite the mutton chop incident, I was actually quite happy with the haircut, however. It was done quickly, well, and cheaply. read more

After 14 year been with the same hair stylist , she retired her self and I was in situation to look for someone who is going to take good care of my hair. I decide to try someone close by, in my neighborhood , and just by chance vent to Berkeley hair studio at 2556 Telegraph Ave, in Berkeley. Janney Phang did great job, cutting my hair, and from now on I think I found my new place for my hair. She is very friendly and nice lady, but the most important she did good job . Place it self is not fancy but, I was not looking for fancy please. They are inexpensive and you definitely going to be happy. I recommend this place very much. read more

In short: great for clipper cuts (but not so great for scissors), dirt cheap, but long waits. I used to get god-awful haircuts in college until my roommate told me about her. No, I mean really, really, really bad. The kind where you go home afterwards and just have your roommate buzz your head because it's so bad. You can't imagine how many bad barbers there are in Berkeley. Then my roommate told me about Janney (I suppose he got tired of laughing at my haircuts). After that, I never let anyone in Berkeley touch my hair besides Janney (not even the other woman who sometimes works the other chair in the shop). Like Wayne, I still wound up driving back to Berkeley to have her cut my hair even though I had moved out of town. Janney does great clipper cuts for dirt cheap ($11 I think, $14 if you want a shampoo afterwards to keep those small cut hairs from getting down your back and all over your clothes). I only recently quit going when I decided to stop getting clipper cuts (and that's why it's 4 stars instead of 5 - her forte is clippers...scissors? not so much). Why she's great: good haircuts for dirt cheap, and she remembers your name and what you are doing in life. Why she's not so great: the lines can be really long (even with an appointment); I've had better results at other places if I want a scissor cut. read more

There is nothing more cathartic around campus than a haircut from Berkeley Hair Studio. Sure you hear all your guy friends take their monthly (or bi-weekly) trips to see Janney and her professional team of stylists. If you're a woman and are hesitant to step in to what appears to be a men's hair studio, fear not. This place is for the ladies too. I watched Janney and her friend lovingly snip away at the hair of a Cal Basketball player, a pre-med student, and a stunningly fabulous, aspiring schoolteacher. They work carefully and thoroughly, catching all the strays and making sure your hair looks good from every angle. The one hiccup I found was the two dollar charge for using my Visa. It is still a deal so I'll just remember to go back with cash next time. read more

If I could give her 3.5 stars, I would. Janney is great in terms of her hair cut, and I followed the advice of many on Yelp and got an appointment. Sadly, as many of us have experienced, her timing is not the best. I would arrive at my appointment time and be delayed approximately 30 minutes. Many of us are on tight schedules, so advice is to make an appointment, but expect it to take longer while you are there. The hair cut in general though is great. I will say that for a college student, and being very close to UC Berkeley, you cannot go wrong with her hair cut. I do only see her cut men's hair, as I have not seen a female client come in when I have gone in the three times I have been there. Her price is fair ($15 if you pay with cash), so every time I have tipped generously. Janney should really only do appointment only instead of allowing walk-ins to keep the flow of customers consistent. Sadly, I do not see Janney anymore after moving to Oakland. Although the price is cheaper and the quality is pretty good, I would have to say that my three star review would improve if next time Janney cut my hair, she would keep my appointment time. Overall, make an appointment! Anticipate a wait. Get a good cut at a good price. read more

maybe i shouldn't give this place five stars so then less people will come. place is usually packed, but that's only because janney and kim are so wonderful! they always remember your name and details about your life (in a non-creepy way of course). price is amazingly cheap and service is excellent. sometimes they even shampoo your hair (for free!) if needed. i can't imagine letting anyone else cut my hair. read more

Jin no longer works here and I'm sad because for me, her haircuts were just as good as Janny's and Jin was nicer. I don't really like Janny that much because she keeps stopping while cutting your hair to answer the phone and also getting a haircut from her feels very rushed since she always has like 3-4 other people waiting for her. Now when I request Janny I have to wait a lot longer and that sucks. I'm thinking about trying to find some other place to get my haircut that would be less of a hassle. read more

Awesome haircut for an awesome price. She's very patient with what you want and quite talented. My hair kinda grows straight out, so it's hard to get even, but she did an awesome job. I'll definitely be returning! It doesn't really have that barbershop feel, but that's probably because it isn't a barbershop. read more

I love this place. It's super close and I'd say it's the best haircut place in Berkeley. I've been going for about 3 years now and the Jenny is so professional, so fast, so friendly and always makes me look great. I don't even give her measurements anymore, I just go in and tell her "if you love it, I love it". And it always comes out so good. Will come again whenever I'm in Berkeley. She also laughs a lot, which makes it really enjoyable. Note: the reviews about the long lines are true. If you come in at a normal time without making a reservation, expect to wait 30-40 minutes. read more

Another wonderful hair cut. I am always pleased with Janney's work. I bring in photos and we figure out a hairstyle that will look good. Thank you! read more

My boyfriend and I are new to the region, and we have now gone to this particular hair place twice, and we will continue to go back. I would suggest an appointment, because there are only 2 lovely Asian women that run/work the shop, and they're always busy. This seems to be a hot spot. Simply put, they listen to what you want, do a good job, and spend a decent amount of time giving you the attention you need. Now if you're looking for something high end, this is not the place, if you're looking for a good haircut for cheap ($13) that is not the shit hair cut you'll get at SuperCuts, then I would recommend this place. The two times I've been there we saw no women getting their hair cut, it's a man's salon. Not really, I'm sure ladies could come on it too. So yes, I don't give out 5s frequently, but I am going to bless the Berk Hair Studio with a 5. Don't thank me, for I thank you. read more

My second haircut here and I think this place is great. Can't beat it for the price, and perfect if you are getting a short haircut (I was nervous for the girl asking for her long blond hair to be layered, but I left before seeing the results). I've gotten my haircut with both Janney and the other woman -- they both did an excellent job. Also, unlike some of the other reviews, I made a reservation the second time and was actually served before someone that came in before me without a reservation. read more

I used to come here to get my haircuts a lot back in college when I lived a block from here and I thought Janney was wonderful! She's so lay back and funny at the same time. Her clientale is extensive and they all love her. She boosted my self-esteem with her perfect fades! PS - Make sure you get Janney to cut your hair! She has interns in there who aren't as good as she is. Wait the extra time for her. read more

Janney is the BEST. I had a business above her and was there when she moved in. Pretty much what you want in a guys haircut. Clipper cut, a little style...fantastic. She even does coloring if you want to dye your hair for a party or new look. My whole team went there, she's fast and inexpensive. The ONLY problem is the wait. And that's because she is worth it!! She has a year or two worth of magazines to read, so it passes quickly. I don't live there anymore, but when I do roll through Berk-town, I always get tightened up there. Highly recommend for anyone, especially on a college-student budget. read more

I have been going to Janney for many years now. I love her cuts and the price cannot be beaten. I have read a couple of reviews here that say that Janney doesn't pay attention to women.......not true. I am a woman and she never ignores me. She chats with me and asks about my friends (also women) who get their hair cut at her place. I make appointments with her and I am not overlooked. Janney is a great stylist because she will tell you if what you are requesting looks crazy. I appreciate that. I have never been disappointed and my hair looks great when I walk out her door. Give Berkeley Hair Studio a try! read more

Lee Austin Hoffman rocks. He IS rock. Dyed and cut my hair in a timely manner. Super talented, professional, and efficient with affordable prices. Lee's got a creative style and a super sweet personality. I highly recommend him for all of your hair style needs :) read more

UPDATE: Janney still seems to read my mind when it comes to cutting my hair. HOWEVER, make sure you MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. Otherwise, you could easily spend 90 minutes there. Eaaaaasily 90 minutes. First thing I thought as I walked in: "There are waaaaay too many Asians here" - but I don't mean too many Asians in a clueless Charles Barkley sort of way . When I was younger my hair was perfectly straight, but now it's a wavy, frizzy pompadour-sort-of-thing and I was a little worried about whether someone accustomed to Asian hair would adapt to my own. Well, I needn't have worried. Janney did a out-of-sight job. I brought a photo of James Franco torn out of GQ with me, and sort of pointed at it, then at my head, and she went to work. It's the best haircut I've had since... I can't even remember. Very reasonably priced, too. The place was pretty busy, given that the only stylist who currently works there in Janney, and it's a fairly cramped space, so you may want to make an appointment. read more

Jenny is a very responsive hair stylist and takes great care and time for my hair. I have the Asian faux hawk and she does a great job. One major down side is the long lines. My recommendation is to make an appt first. I've only done walk-in and often had to wait over an hour coz she honored the appt people first. I suppose it's fair, but sometimes my meter would run out. Great haircut at a cheap low price of $15! Because of the lines I've actually gone to World Cuts on 2440 Bancroft Way (http://www.yelp.com/biz/world-cuts-berkeley) where they have more stylists and a faster turn around. read more

Excellent haircut, fantastic service. Super friendly! Love it! I called about 5 hours in advance and she was able to get me in without a hitch! read more

I brought my 6-year-old kid in for his first haircut. Jannie (sp?) did a fantastic job with him. He was nervous about it and ended up having a great time with her. She cut his long hair and bagged it up for him to take home. She also put highlights in his hair to make it extra fun. All for $24. I gave her $30. Very cheap compared to other quotes I had received. We made an appointment so as to not have to wait. We walked in and she got started right away. And she didn't offer candy which I was very happy about! FIVE BIG STARS for this place! read more

After going a year and a half without getting a hair cut, I got my hair trimmed at Berkeley Hair Studio a couple weeks ago. I walked in and was helped a minute after I sat down without an appointment. The lady who cut my hair (I didn't get her name) was really friendly and attentive to what I wanted. I usually don't like getting my hair trimmed because hair stylists tend to cut off more than I liked, however the lady who cut my hair made sure she cut off the length I desired. She was also very friendly, talkative, and just really sweet in general! The only thing that bothered me was that I thought my hair looked a little weird at first, maybe because it was a little lass layered than it previously was. I eventually grew to really like it, though! At $13, I really think I will be back whenever I decide to get my hair cut next! read more