Bravehold

Family-owned & operated

Established in 1996

Extremely Impressed…read more I was driving by the San Marcos shop and stopped in to see how much a haircut was. I was told an amount and thought this is great. Chris, the manager, took me right away. I showed him how I like my haircut and sat down in the chair. I was extremely impressed with the time and care he put in to cutting my hair. The cut was exactly what I was looking for. in addition he gave me a shave and did an outstanding job. I highly recommend this shop. Not only was Chris a great barber his customer service was outstanding. Aric - Fort Lauderdale

Absolutely the worst experience I've ever had at a barbershop I'm surprised people actually support…read morethis place

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Getting started

V&M Barbershop

4.8(100 reviews)

3.2 mi

Went there five times. Russian native immigrants. The cuts were good but there were other issues…read more My instructions are simple - keep it long as possible on top and at the crown. Fade the back closer to my neck. And most important: cut the sides down to 1/2 inch long from my part on down. I showed him where I part it. I always said "do not cut the crown or the back too short because I'm thinning." Every date the exact same instructions, on purpose. Michael did not even try to talk to me during any haircut, and they take time (shampoo, scissor cut, trim neck & brows). I would speak when I felt he was thinning too high in back, "just a reminder." His static reply "Don't worry, I know." EVERY TIME. In the end he held a small mirror to show me the back. He had cut it WAY too short and my scalp was showing 3 inches from crown down. I said "I think you cut it a little too short there", No apology, he just took the mirror and flipped it over to the non-reflective side and grinned. Problem solved? No, but too late anyway. I still tipped 20%. Good barbers need breaking in. So last Tuesday I called for my 5th appointment there, none available. They only book same day appointments so she said to call back next day. I called next day and I said "I have to be someplace as close to 5:00 as possible." But I ended up taking a 5:00 appointment. I arrive about 4:20 just in case I get lucky. One kid is a walk-in so they say he has to go. BUT they GAVE him an APPOINTMENT FOR THE NEXT DAY. There's three of us still waiting and 3 barbers and none of them look close to finished. I was surprised she did not remember me from previous visits, or that I had called by name two times just to get any slot. Plus I tipped 20% every time. Anyway, I wait and 5:00 rolls around. I'm estimating I would be lucky to get started at 5:30 which meant a 6:30 finish for me. At 5:15 I got up and said "I'm going to have to go, it's too late for me. Sorry." They were stoic. So I asked, "Do you think I can get an appointment for tomorrow?" I knew they generally only take same day bookings, so the full day must have been open and they gave a WALK-IN a next day appt. Michael says, "No, it's a problem now because now you said you are leaving, that's not good." I was apoplectic. So I just looked at him said "well, I guess I need to find a new Barber," and walked out. Good haircuts. Disastrous customer service.

Great place and cut !! Husband and Wife. Couple that give great cuts…read more Very friendly and very clean establishment

Haircut

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The Wolf Den

4.9(37 reviews)

2.9 mi

Excellent shop and great cut. The shop is small but packed with art and music. Enjoyread more

Friendly and cool place. Easy on-line appointment making. Fantastic hair cuts and beard trims!!…read moreVery reasonable prices.

Quarantine Cut

Men's Haircut

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Skin fade

Rite Cut Barber Shop

4.3(95 reviews)

2.6 mi

If I could give them zero stars, I would. First time coming here. Normal vibe of a barber shop…read more Brought in one of my clients. He didn't want to go short due to the cold weather, so he asked for a trim on top and just buzz off his beard. Since he is elderly , rarely get a woman's attention. Somehow she convinced him to just buzz his beautiful hair off. When it came time to pay, they didn't take card, Zelle, or Venmo. She sent me to the liquor store for the atm. Keep in mind, they had no sign stating "cash only" When I asked her how much it was. She said $36. Instead of arguing with her, I just paid it and decided never to come back with any of my clients. So, she ended up just buzzing his head with what looks like a 1 or 2 guard and completely took of his beard. In total I paid: $36 (buzz cut and beard removal) $7 in fees to pull cash in the atm $4 for tip - only because I took out $40. Total: $47 Do you think this is right? I think not. Never coming back.

This place is a family owned barber shop and everyone is really nice and detailed oriented when it…read morecomes to cutting hair. It's a little bit more pricey than the competitors but I would gladly support a family owned business than the corporate ones. I highly recommend getting your next haircut here!

We are together through this hard time

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Right next to Lees Locks and the Greek American restaurant on El Camino Real.

American Deluxe Barber Shop

4.2(267 reviews)

1.6 mi

All the barbers do a amazing job here! But my favourite one is Nikoli! He's very hands on and knows…read morehow to do a good taper

Nico was awesome and knowledgeable on my hair line! Also they have cold beer! Great vibesread more

Rico never disappoints.... same with the rest of his staff.

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Don't look at me look at the haircut. Exactly what I wanted. Thank you American Deluxe.

Barber Refinery Encinitas

4.6(14 reviews)

2.1 mi

great haircuts, nice people, well worth the membership, Dalton is the man, highly recommend!read more

Dom is seriously the best! He does an amazing job at cutting men's curly hair which is so hard to…read morefind. I highly recommend Wing and Blade Barber shop if you don't just want a buzz cut.

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The Proper Cut Barbershop

4.1(44 reviews)

3.3 mi

Been going to this spot for years ! Not only are the haircuts always on point, the staff is very…read moreprofessional and the environment feels extremely welcoming. Oscar is my go to barber but the others do a great job too. All their clients walk out happy. Try to call in or book an appointment because they can get pretty busy. All in all I would recommend this place to everyone !

Went in as a walk in, seemed apprehensive to take so I can back later as they requested. Guy…read morechopped me up so quick spending maybe 10 mins on the cut, I was in n out before someone who came before me was even finished. This is easily one of the worst cuts of my life. This shop is entirely dependent on who you have cutting your hair there. Wouldn't recommend it's literally a gamble.

The Proper Cut

What in the world ????? Oofffff so upset!

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Barber Shop

4.2(53 reviews)

1.9 mi

My daughter and I have been getting haircuts at Encinitas Barber Shop for several years now, and we…read morehighly recommend this establishment! Supporting independent family-owned businesses is a priority for our family, and between the welcoming environment, the fun banter, and the care and consideration with which Matthew handles our cuts, I can't imagine going anywhere else. The pricing is SO reasonable (cash only but they have an ATM) and we are always beyond satisfied with our haircuts. LGBTQ and kid-friendly! 10/10 experience.

We were traveling through Encinitas in an RV and my search for barbers landed on these terrific…read moreguys. No appointments, cash only and a generous senior discount. Great conversation with them, and an excellent recommendation for a pizza place very close by. Highly recommended.

Encinitas barbers get down.

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V's Barbershop Carlsbad

4.0(165 reviews)

4.2 mi

I've gotten two great haircuts here now! Fast reliable service, and it's great to find a barbershop…read moreas a woman with short hair, I feel comfortable going. So happy to find this place close by!

Great haircut while I watched football. Brittney was professional and personable. I highly…read morerecommend her!

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The Gentlemens Lounge Barbershop

4.7(16 reviews)

2.4 mi

Oscar was great; super communicative as far as scheduling via text, and a skilled barber in terms…read moreof detail work with facial hair a decent towel shave for the head. Very personable too and we had a good chat for the time he took. Would absolutely come back here, although parking was a little tough during lunch hour, but I was still able to find a spot.

Taryn always does a great job, lovely conversation and a great haircut. What more do you need ?…read more Worth making a reservation as they do get busy

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15 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Blake W.

82

3

0

13 years ago

THIS IS THE REAL DEAL! By far the best haircut I have ever had with Laura and Cat Martinez! They are the real deal, know their stuff, straight legit, and you walk out of there feeling like a million bucks with style. If you need a barber, this is the place to go. If you need a haircut, you better get with what's up and cruise by this place! I usually always get my hair done by Cat Martinez here. She's been a good friend for about a year now, and when I finally had the time to get her to tackle my hair, she did an epic job! I will never go any other place, or to any other person as long as she is around! Period. I can guarantee 100% that you will love what she can do, and the positive vibes she puts out makes your day just way better. Bless Cat, you rock! So stoked to know someone as talented as her! read more

S L.

0

3

0

8 years ago

A good barber is really, really, hard to find. Bravehold is, hands down, the best barber shop I have ever known. Seriously. I'm old enough and have lived in enough places to know a great barber when I find one. Laura is amazingly talented and cares very much about the quality of her work. She takes the time to give a perfect cut every time. The place has a chill vibe. The reservation app is so easy. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of the work. You can chat if you want or just relax and take in the experience. I will get every cut here until I've no hair left to cut. I 100% recommend without hesitation. read more

Jon A.

0

2

0

13 years ago

Worst $35 dollar haircut in the world. I tried this place out because my normal barber is always booked but never again. I would rather wait a month without a haircut then to ever set foot in this place again. And the worst part was that Laura lied and said she has been cutting hair for a long time when the truth is she hasn't even been doing it for more then a few years. There are plenty of other places in north county that do a better job for half the price. read more

Jamison T.

0

1

0

2 years ago

I really love this barbershop. There is a sweet Jewish women that works next to a sweet native black man. She tells this man to go fuck himself over 500 times a day, while she thinks to much about her life. They also say retard a lot. I love freedom of speech. read more

Kevin W.

8

6

3

6 years ago

Highly recommend Bravehold! I've been coming here for a few years now and always have a great experience. It's easy to schedule online and conveniently located no matter what direction you're coming from. Tyler is an awesome barber and a cool dude. read more

Josh T.

0

1

3

14 years ago

Really excellent barber, Laura is highly skilled and super friendly. She always does a fantastic job. I am never dissatisfied with the quality of my hair cuts and beard groomIng. I always walk way happy and looking good. I highly recommend her. read more

Ty L.

1

6

1

6 years ago

I have been coming to Bravehold for years. And have had my Whig busted by Bradley, Laura, Georgie! Super professional and casual atmosphere and they are family! read more

Ernesto L.

1

20

5

6 years ago

First time coming here and couldn't be more happy! Will definitely keep coming here! Great atmosphere and good people here

Nicola D.

0

1

0

1 year ago

Georgie did a great job! Quality cute and great vibe! Will be back for sure! Nick D, from AZ read more

Josh K.

2

0

5 years ago

I've used a couple of the barbers here. Everyone is great. You really can't go wrong.

ashlee s.

132

7

0

10 years ago

We love Bravehold! Laura and her staff are great with kids and adults!

Branham R.

20

17

0

10 years ago

Great service, quality haircuts and amazing staff.

Rusty E.

4

2

0

12 years ago

What a great place and great cut. Thanks Cat!

Jonathan K.

0

3

0

7 years ago

Great atmosphere and great haircuts!

Neal A.

0

15

0

10 years ago

Laura is amazing. Great haircut.

Bravehold - barbers - Updated September 2026

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5.0

(62 reviews)

Excellent service. Very respectful and I like the attention to detail. Highly recommended and eager…read moreto drop by next time I am in town.

Barber was on point. Took his time. Literally he finished in one hour. Usually when the barbers I…read morego to rush my haircut to 30mins. Which I still find strands of hair missed from rushing. I also got two hot towels for my face. Price was also decent. Thank you for your quality cut.

The Gentlemens Lounge Barbershop

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Oscar was great; super communicative as far as scheduling via text, and a skilled barber in terms…read moreof detail work with facial hair a decent towel shave for the head. Very personable too and we had a good chat for the time he took. Would absolutely come back here, although parking was a little tough during lunch hour, but I was still able to find a spot.

Taryn always does a great job, lovely conversation and a great haircut. What more do you need ?…read more Worth making a reservation as they do get busy

Barber Refinery Encinitas

4.6

(14 reviews)

great haircuts, nice people, well worth the membership, Dalton is the man, highly recommend!read more

Dom is seriously the best! He does an amazing job at cutting men's curly hair which is so hard to…read morefind. I highly recommend Wing and Blade Barber shop if you don't just want a buzz cut.

South Carlsbad Barber

4.9

(26 reviews)

Kinda a guy review, but I hope everyone reads and has similar thoughts and feelings. So this…read morehaircut thing started yesterday when I went to my normal barber because it's a good cut at an ok price. I know I get cheap sometimes, and this was one. So I walk in and there is a line of 6 people waiting on four full chairs. No thx! Go to option 2 in Encinitas. 2 chairs, 4 people waiting.... No. Like WAY no! So I call Kris at South Carlsbad Barbers and thought to myself "you get what you pay for.. " I made an appointment for 3pm in a beautiful building with other stylist types and nail salons. All very clean and professional. Need a code to get in. She meets me and gives me exactly the cut I wanted and needed. No waiting, no screaming (Encinitas...) and yes it's a bit more but I learned a valuable lesson that my time is worth more than hoping I get a chair for less. End of story. Happy haircut, happy life!

Just had my cut with Kris at South Carlsbad Barber and she's incredible. She gave me a sharp,…read moreprofessional cut that already looks like it's going to hold its shape well beyond the usual two-week slump. She's also extremely nice, easy to talk to, and makes the whole experience comfortable. If you want a quality cut that lasts and someone who really knows what they're doing, Kris is the one to see.

The Proper Cut Barbershop

4.1

(44 reviews)

Been going to this spot for years ! Not only are the haircuts always on point, the staff is very…read moreprofessional and the environment feels extremely welcoming. Oscar is my go to barber but the others do a great job too. All their clients walk out happy. Try to call in or book an appointment because they can get pretty busy. All in all I would recommend this place to everyone !

Went in as a walk in, seemed apprehensive to take so I can back later as they requested. Guy…read morechopped me up so quick spending maybe 10 mins on the cut, I was in n out before someone who came before me was even finished. This is easily one of the worst cuts of my life. This shop is entirely dependent on who you have cutting your hair there. Wouldn't recommend it's literally a gamble.

Golden Boy Barbershop

4.0

(32 reviews)

Highly recommend this barbershop. I have a tough beard and Alexa did an amazing job. The attention…read moreto detail is excellent.

I haven't been to Golden Boy in a while but I'm so happy to be back, usually the pope does my boys…read morehair cuts but his on vacation and jahir got to do their cuts this time & to be honest I was a little nervous but he did AMAZING too! Love it here! The owner is such a doll too! my hubby usually takes my boys for their cuts but when he can't I bring them here! I'm always HAPPY with their service!!

Cedar & Spruce

4.8

(10 reviews)

I really wanted this to be the place but it was far from it. My hair was just ok. Blending on the…read moresides was awful. She shortened the front of my hair too much so the front was shorter than the rest. Unfortunately this did not work out for me. Luckily today I found a hair lady that cut my hair very well and fixed the issues with the uneven blending and uneven hair altogether. I spent $70 on a cut that was not very good at all. After 2 weeks my hair looked even worse. Usually if it is a good cut, about this time it shows it's a good cut. Oh well. It is what it is. PS do not contact me over this - I did not like the cut, it was uneven and not done well. thx! - Response Also I did not micromanage anything, she asked questions, I answered them. No contradictions to anything, this is a fabrication. Not sure what I could contradict? I asked for this and that and let her cut away. We talked, we didn't talk, typical haircut stuff folks. I just felt it was not a good one that is all. I even texted her asking her to fix it. Her response was "Yes I can fix it if there's some sort of mistake. Can you tell me what's wrong?" I told her, "Blending on one side is not great and longer. It's Ok for now. I will live with it until next cut." Never heard back. Not a sorry, not a hey come in anyway, I will fix it. Nada! I opted to leave it alone and move on. I guess she only wants 5 stars every time. Unfortunately I can say without a doubt this cut was not great, my wife even commented it was not. One side was not blended well at all, there was a clear line down the side of my head, front was cut too short compared to the rest. What can I say other than I was not happy with it. That has nothing to do with me allegedly micromanaging her, she was quite assertive in what she thought I should do with my hair. She thought I should push my hair forward which is not how I wear it. She cut it. All I asked for was an even cut, simple level 3 clipping on sides and back blending up nicely. That's it. Nothing else was involved. Dani's response is not accurate at all and is more of a response for passing blame which is much easier.

Excellent vibe and great cuts always. Dani is the real deal and has been cutting my hair for over a…read moreyear now. Consistency is hard to find but here I'm always thrilled. My fiance always compliments how great I look after Dani's cuts too. Great value. I recommend this spot to friends all the time but book ahead she's popular. Trusting her with my wedding day haircut.

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My daughter and I have been getting haircuts at Encinitas Barber Shop for several years now, and we…read morehighly recommend this establishment! Supporting independent family-owned businesses is a priority for our family, and between the welcoming environment, the fun banter, and the care and consideration with which Matthew handles our cuts, I can't imagine going anywhere else. The pricing is SO reasonable (cash only but they have an ATM) and we are always beyond satisfied with our haircuts. LGBTQ and kid-friendly! 10/10 experience.

We were traveling through Encinitas in an RV and my search for barbers landed on these terrific…read moreguys. No appointments, cash only and a generous senior discount. Great conversation with them, and an excellent recommendation for a pizza place very close by. Highly recommended.

Rite Cut Barber Shop

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If I could give them zero stars, I would. First time coming here. Normal vibe of a barber shop…read more Brought in one of my clients. He didn't want to go short due to the cold weather, so he asked for a trim on top and just buzz off his beard. Since he is elderly , rarely get a woman's attention. Somehow she convinced him to just buzz his beautiful hair off. When it came time to pay, they didn't take card, Zelle, or Venmo. She sent me to the liquor store for the atm. Keep in mind, they had no sign stating "cash only" When I asked her how much it was. She said $36. Instead of arguing with her, I just paid it and decided never to come back with any of my clients. So, she ended up just buzzing his head with what looks like a 1 or 2 guard and completely took of his beard. In total I paid: $36 (buzz cut and beard removal) $7 in fees to pull cash in the atm $4 for tip - only because I took out $40. Total: $47 Do you think this is right? I think not. Never coming back.

This place is a family owned barber shop and everyone is really nice and detailed oriented when it…read morecomes to cutting hair. It's a little bit more pricey than the competitors but I would gladly support a family owned business than the corporate ones. I highly recommend getting your next haircut here!

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