So is it just me, or is it tough around here to find a great haircut that won't leave you absolutely broke afterwards? Searched all over yelp for a women's haircut that was under $40 and finally found it here. I had actually tried this place a year ago as a walk-in and liked it, but hadn't been too impressed. This time around was different. Scheduled my appointment about 3 days in advance for an 11:00 time slot with Trinh. Got there at 10:50 and she took me right over to the seat and got started. After some hair discussion I told her I wanted a trim and layers. Shampoo, cut, dry, and style later I had a fabulous haircut! I loved that Trinh took her time with my hair. The whole thing took her about 45/50 minutes and I felt like she was really making sure that the layers were perfect. Plus the products she used to give my hair volume smelled amazing! I've read some comments about her being a little rough, which I do agree with a bit (she's certainly not tentative) but really, who wants a sissy cutting your hair either? Over all, I walked out with exactly the cut I wanted and only $40 out of my pocket ($35 for the cut and a $5 tip). I loved the experience and I will definitely be getting my hair cut here from now on. read more

My daughter just got a cut. It took 11 mins for a straight trim. Pretty sure she used two spritz of water and maybe 10 cuts with the scissors, the cost was 25$! A men's cut is 19$ and they took 30 mins. She said my daughter's cut was more expensive because it's long, it's barely shoulder length! Then she asked if I wanted to add a tip, ah no, here's a tip, don't charge a ridiculous amount for mediocre service. read more

I came here recently for a much needed haircut. The bf frequents this spot for haircuts and recommended it so I came along with him last week. My haircut, blowdry, and wash was $40 which is double what I normally would spend in Chinatown. HOWEVER, I was very pleased with the service and results and that's saying a lot. I don't cut my hair often because I'm very particularly about length and such. I've been known to start crying when I'm unhappy with a haircut LOL. I definitely didn't cry this time which means I'll certainly be a returning customer. The hair products used to wash my hair smelled really nice and she really took the time to wash & condition it. So relaxing :D I forgot to ask the name of my hair stylist but will definitely try to find her again next time. She used all scissors which is a sign of good skills. I also didn't get hair all over me afterwards which I appreciate. Great local spot on Piedmont Ave. with plenty of street parking. Just remember to put enough $$ in the meter so you don't get a ticket! Takes credit card and appointments. Also sells an array of haircare products. They also have other salon services available. read more

I've come here for a shampoo, trim, and blow-out about 5 times now and have been very pleased each time. I've asked for Hana each time, and she's friendly, attentive, skillful, and definitely took my input and preferences into consideration. Very happy with my new haircut, and it was a bargain. Also love that she took me promptly at my appointment time. Updated again because apparently they take credit card again! Yay! Very happy about this. read more

Pretty surprised this place is so highly reviewed. I just got a pretty bad cut there... I think the woman spent less than 10 minutes cutting my hair, and it looks like it. The haircut was $17, I handed her a 20, and she made no intention of making change... The only reason I didn't give them one star is it was fast, and there is nothing "wrong" with the cut (it is even and whatnot), but overall it is pretty lazy cut. The details were lost - no fading the edges into the length, no transition from the sides to top, and the top is too short to style it as I described to her that I wanted. read more

If Yelp allowed half-stars, I'd give it a solid 3.5. What I like: * The men's haircuts are very reasonably priced. I usually end up paying less than $25 including tip. * I'm generally satisfied with my cut. And for the price, it's unbeatable. * Wait times are generally short for a walk-in, 20 minutes max * The floor vacuum is pretty neat to watch. Especially when they use that cool broom to sweep a huge mound of hair into the vacuum. What I dislike: * If you make an appointment, you might as well just walk-in instead because even though the appointment is on the books, you still have to wait anyway for the walk-in that came in ahead of you to be finished. Plus they don't seem to write down stylist preference and will ask you again. If you walk-in, you put the preference on the sheet of paper and you're done. I like appointments, but I started just walking in instead when I need a haircut... same difference and maybe even easier if you just walk-in. * Sometimes the quality of the haircut is inconsistent. I've tried all three stylists at BetterCuts and found my personal favorite. But even then, my cut seems to come out different each time. But perhaps they don't see me enough to know. I'll go sometimes for months between cuts. I still go and recommend this place, but the consistency isn't always there in terms of cuts and appointment scheduling. read more

My haircut was good and the customer service was great. I happened to be in the area at the time so I came here, typically I get my haircut in Hayward. Hayward has way more divey shops that do similar work for about half the price of this place. The value of paying almost double to the quality did not make it worthwhile for me. It was $19, then after 20% tip, $23.00. I typiclly pay around $8 to $10. read more

Great spot for a haircut! It's cheap, the staff is friendly, and they do an outstanding job. Exactly what I was looking for after my recent move to this area. I will definitely be going back! read more

See all

A 6 year old girls trim was $40 plus tip. I shouldn't have tipped when they left her hair super choppy (requested A line cut)and I had to stand next to stylist and tell her where to cut my daughters hair to even it out, then I discover that some of her hair was tucked in the cape, so she had to cut that long section. I will NEVER go back here again. I'm still so angry about the whole experience. I just didn't want to make a big deal because my daughter was with me but it's been 5 hours since that happened and I'm still so upset!!! read more

Better cuts... More like worse cuts! Lol :( Just take an inch off all around, you say? How about 3 inch off and u walk out bald!? U lose hair and leave now! -.- Never again.. I was just trying to get a little trim for work, for a good price, and now I'm down 20 bucks with 2 months to wait for my hair to grow back.. Just to fix it! Geez.. I do not recommend this place at all.. read more

Bit overpriced but sufficient for an normal, everyday haircut but not if you want a salon/consultant for a more young/modern style. -Got a women's long hair with parted bangs haircut, longer in the front than back. -Great location on Piedmont ave, convenient short walk if you live in the area. -Stylists demographic are middle aged and I believe Vietnamese, i found it a little hard to understand them -Charged for $40, bit overpriced for an Ok cut, and the stylist did not really have a eye or provide suggestions based on what is in vogue or what would work for me (which I personally would prefer), so if you don't care too much about those, this spot might be for you; just go with an exact idea of what you want. read more

OK, first of all, there is usually a reason why the "cheap" hair places are $20-30 less than the expensive salons. HOWEVER, I decided to give BetterCuts a try today because I desperately needed a cut and I can't afford those salon prices right now. I have to say that I was totally impressed! Kayla cut my hair JUST as I asked her to (trim only, not too much length off). I told her that I was unhappy with the layering from my previous cut at a different place. She spent some serious time back there on my hair and after she blew it out I could tell it was what I wanted. I told her I was thinking about a small change, but nothing drastic. She suggested a "side bang" which I agreed to. It looks good, and I feel like this is very little commitment because it's long and I could probably grow it out in a few months if I wanted to. I told her about all the yoga/biking I do, and she also considerately showed me how I could pin it up for yoga class. I am definitely going to return to this place. I liked the cut, the salon was clean and comfortable, and the price was great ($35!!). Kayla and the other stylist were both friendly. For reader's info, I have VERY fine, straight hair. read more

Found it! People that like you, love to cut hair, do it very well, don't charge much, and aren't totally booked. It's an excellent place, with parking nearby or on the street, although it's walking distance for me - and anyone near Piedmont Ave. I retired from that San Francisco commute, last year. Miss those good old Financial District barbershop haircuts, with warm shaving cream around the ears. After kicking around Supercuts and other local shops, am so happy to have found Son. He loves to cut hair and does it quickly and with precision. Haven't tried the the others, but everyone seemed friendly and competent. Now, I'm a half-bald 60 year old, and just wanted a buzz. But Son treated my head like I had Robert Redford hair. He tapered the back, so no line, shaved around the ears, and trimmed the eyebrows. He was proud of his work, and I felt better about my haircut than I had in years. Sixteen bucks (at least for the baldy). I was in the chair at least 20 minutes. read more

We've been here twice--both times for a child's haircut. There are a few hair salons on Piedmont Ave. and we weren't sure which one to go with and just decided to give this one a go. The first time we walked in and made an appointment for later in the day. Hanh cut our son's hair (he's 8) and was quick but thorough...and checked with us throughout the cut to make sure we were getting what we wanted. We were pleased with the results which led to a repeat visit 2 months later. The second time we called and made an appointment. We got Hanh again and it was the same thing--he was efficient while doing good work. A child's cut is $15. Both times we left $20 as we were happy with the cuts. read more

This place is my new spot. We just moved to Piedmont and I needed a haircut before we go on vacation. I had all 3 kids with me so it wasn't entirely quiet. Hanh was very nice helping the kids stay busy with a puzzle while I sat in the salon chair. Cindy did an awesome job giving me what I asked for, the short messy look...the kids were happy at the end with their lollipops.. read more

BetterCuts - Short messy look.. - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

Best Hair Cut EVER. Hanh is the best. Cute, convenient, cute.... read more

I found this place an hour or so after what was the worst haircut ever. Rather than going back to the chop shop my hair was originally cut at I went to BetterCuts. Within minutes Paula had me smiling and even talked me in to letting her color my hair. I walked in with horrible looking hair. I walked out with silky strands of perfectly cut hair that is now a deep rich chocolate brown, all for what one of those frou frou salons would have charged for just a haircut. Not to mention I felt a million times more comfortable at BetterCuts than I ever have at those high priced places. Thanks Paula! read more

I've read a couple of the bad reviews for this salon and it bothered me. This is a great salon I have been going to see Hanna there for as long as I lived in the Bay Area. She takes her time and pays attention to detail. My hair is always on point when I leave there. I've also gone in there and gotten my hair colored and was always satisfied. Hahn also cuts my hair when Hanna has days off and he is equally talented. I think people who wrote bad reviews didn't go in there considering the fact that the people who work there are Vietnamese. English is their second language. These are great stylists and their prices are excellent. Go there, talk slowly, and make sure you are understood and you will be satisfied and a repeat customer. I'm sure of it. Move to Vietnam and do your job... Good luck read more

I love Better Cuts and have been going to them for 9 years. Wanna (sp?) is my favorite. I'm a middle aged, slightly vain professional with fine, thinning hair. I salon hopped for years before finding these professional, skilled people. My cuts and hair coloring look good on my big Irish face for a month and more. Once, when I was first getting my hair colored, I was peeved at the tint. Han sensed I wasn't entirely satisfied, tweaked the solution, and I walked out pleased as punch with my hair. Wanna and Han are funny, relaxed, and patient. The price is right. The salon is an airy, attractive, well ventilated space. This is the second yelp review I've ever written, I'm writing with some trepidation, hoping the place doesn't become too popular. The street has many salons, I assume the competition is fierce. I feel lucky to have discovered Better Cuts. You will too. read more

Great cut at a great price. I walked into Better Cuts a couple of minutes after they opened (no appointment) and they got me started right away. Here's how it went: brief consultation, invigorating shampoo (with nice scalp massage), super quick cut, blow dry, finished with flat iron and some sort of anti-frizz serum at the end. All for $35 and about 40 minutes of my time. The cut was quick and well done. The stylist was a little assertive while dealing with my hair, but it didn't bother me too much. Plus the shampoo and serum smell like lavender (my favorite.) I'll definitely go back for a touch up when I need it. read more

Paula is awesome. She was patient, professional, and very friendly. If you are looking for a great place to get a excellent haircut look no futher. The shop is also very clean and has a very open atmosphere. read more

Great neighborhood spot. If you're looking for skilled, friendly staff, a haircut and a shampoo, these are your people. Han (sp?) gave me a fantastic cut and wash -- he was quick, precise and great at asking questions to get the right answers, even if I didn't know how to describe what i want (ie., "Uh, I dunno, I'm a boy, I just want a regular haricut"). This is definitely now my go-to spot when I'm in town. read more

I've never walked out mid-cut but that's literally what I just did. I paid and left. If you want your hair screwed up beyond imagination, this is definitely the place!! Granted the owner offered to make it right but come on... If the skills aren't there then it doesn't matter how much time you spend on it. The person cutting my hair clearly either didn't understand or didn't listen to the directions I was giving her. Or perhaps she simply didn't have the skills to perform a half decent haircut. If you value how you look, I'd recommend you avoid this place at all costs! Now I have to go to another place and pay even more for them to fix it! read more

Good place. Good for kids. Will take short notice appointments. Reasonably priced, clean, friendly. Pick this place over the mega salon at 5100 Broadway. They get to know you here. read more

I moved to Oakland a year ago, and finding a barber was super important for me. I went shopping for a barber for a good part of the year. I finally ended up with Hanh at BetterCuts. She understood what I wanted and replicated it every time I visited after. Highly recommend this place - ask for Hanh. They also take appointments. read more

I asked the lady to take about an inch off and keep the same style. she took out the buzzer and gave me a childish buzz cut look. Seems like maybe she only knew one hairstyle for men and she just made that happen. Make sure if you go here that you communicate very clearly what you want and that you ask them to repeat back to you what it is you're looking for. Or be prepared for a really generic cut. read more

They totally squeezed me in for some last minute hairapy. It looks amazing, and took no time at all! It was great to be in and out with fabulous hair. Made my day, thanks guys! read more

BetterCuts - Feeling pretty with some curls! - Hair Salons Near Me - Oakland, California

I always get my hair cut here and it's excellent! I generally try to find Loan when she's in since she's my favorite but they're all great.

I have been here 3 times and each time was a great cut. Hannah gave me a shampoo and cut the first time and it was great. She was extra thorough and very detailed. I do recommend getting your hair washed before cuts if you have product in or you might have stray hair everywhere once you wash it. The shampoo almost put me to sleep. It is close to a massage. The other 2 times I got cut by Cindy. She also did a great job as well with the cut and shampoo. I feel like all places around this price point are hit or miss. Im sure others have different opinions but having had haircuts at zipclips, super cuts, and higher end salons, this place is great for me and the nice is good. read more

I loved the way my hair color and the cut came out I also got my brows done. Which I loved the way they waxed my brows and tint .My daughter also decided to get hers waxed once she seen mines Thank you Hannah. My first time I will be back read more

I walked in without an appointment around 5pm and was seen right away. The price range for a cut ranges between $25 and $35 depending on your hair type and length. Monday through Wednesday there are two people on staff, the other days there's three. I don't remember the woman's name who cut my hair, but she was fantastic. I had a long frizzled and tangled mane when I walked in, and ended up getting it chopped and straightened, no additional charge. Even though it meant that she had to give up on seeing three extra customers, she worked with me until she was sure I was happy with it. Thanks, forget-your-name, I'll be back! read more

I have been here three times for a simple shampoo and cut, and I'm so happy every time. The stylists always do exactly what I ask (when does that ever happen?!), and they are gentle and courteous. Yay, I love this place! read more

I like Kim Xuan Thi Tran.She works really hard and is a great mom she does my hair really well and is a beauty rose.Anyways I'm not just saying this only because she's my queen my mom and also my friend she is hardworking and so much more.Thank you for your time. read more

Went to get my daughters hair trimmed. The experience was ok. I think it matters who you get. We got a person who wasn't great with kids and didn't speak English. The cut was just ok and the price was reasonable. It was crowded and didn't wait long read more

I loved this place the first time I walked in. The shop has a friendly atmosphere and Hahn and Trinh are masters of hair cutlery! Trinh does a mean fade and she listens to exactly what I want w/ my doo. Plus she's an awesome beautiful gal. read more

I just have to say that we both walk in with hair and came home and shave are hair off. It was so bad! fried and scabs. Never again.....

Overpriced and poor quality. Cosmetology licenses are hidden between stations behind plants and not prominently displayed. Despite having my hair cut here multiple times, never once saw any disinfectant. Last time I was there, a customer came in to complain about lice they acquired at BetterCuts. Never again. read more

I just got back from this place, wow, worst hair cut EVER!!! I have had some pretty bad cuts in my day, but this is terrible!! I asked for layers and they gave me layers, but they are super choppy and not blended. My boyfriend doesn't really notice when I do things to my hair, I even chopped off about 6 inches one time and it took him a few days to notice. He did notice the crap-tastic job they did. That's how bad it is! So disappointed. If they give you Susan, ask for another person, she is terrible. read more

If you want to get your hair cut by someone who can't quite follow directions, this is your spot!!! You'll be super satisfied by the lack of direction-following ability. I went in looking like a respectable, yet somewhat rough-around-the-edges individual, and left looking like a sad puppy. I can be the one to blame in this occasion, given the fact that this may very well be a pet grooming shop, and its proximity to Pet Food Express would indicate such a conclusion. read more

Its been weeks since I my haircut and it is still too short! I'm still amazed at how off the mark Paula was, even with photos of myself with a good cut. I knew I was with a hack when she used a round brush when I specificly told her I wanted lots of texture and messy looking. What a reck! I don't understand how so many people can give this place such good reviews. And it's not just Paula, the manager also came over and defended her haircut. They both argued with me about the photo I showed them. UGH! read more