Ok this review was a long time coming.
I HAVEEEEE to send the biggest shout out to the crew over at Danckuts in Irvine. These awesome people take their craft very seriously and ensure that all their clients feel like superstars every time they walk out.
Started coming here about 6 months ago after being introduced to it by one of my friends. He often said so many great things about this place, but I couldn't find the time (or appointment window) to get in there. I was a new resident to OC at the time and hadn't had much luck finding the right Barber / Men's Salon that cut my hair the way I liked it. That all changed once I finally get that appointment slot.
On my first visit I felt the cool vibes emanating as I walked through the doorway. It wasn't the biggest place, but they definitely have more than you'll need to feel comfortable and relaxed. The lobby area has a big screen TV playing something funny from netflix while some hip playlist is heard overhead. A soft leather bench and chairs will keep your arse nice and comfy should you have to wait a bit.
I was greeted by Augustine, the cool af greeter / receptionist who asked if I was thirsty that there was cold water / soda / beer in the back fridge. I'm was like "Sure, how much are they?" thinking they'd try to make money on me for simple beverages, how silly of me.. My face made a O__O once he replied that it was all free, fucking awesome. I grabbed a cold brew, took a seat, then started derping on my phone until I was called.
It didn't take took long before I was up. As I said before, this place isn't huge, but 4 stations are more than enough to crank out quality work while handing the massive client base that this place has.
So we're finally at the haircut part. I was in between hairstyles and was feeling brave enough to try something new just bc my dew was too long, I needed a refresh. You're taken over to the chair to get aproned and given a card w various cuts to circle your fave 4 styles. This gives them a much better understanding of the look you're going for. After you're done describing any other details, you off to one of the best cuts of your life. Not due to how skilled the staff is, but because the chill atmosphere and great dynamic they have with other clients, Zac, and each other. It's almost as if this was just a bunch of friends hanging out who also happen to be phenomenal barbers. It's really great, I often find myself cracking up at all of them making jokes and being so blunt with each other.
After your cut, you get rinsed, blow dried and touched up with product (if you so desire), and brushed off the way ALL barbers should... Bad memories come to mind when I remember too many barbers in the past who just take off your apron, ask for your money, then send you off, and yell next. Nah, not here. This place houses professionals who aim to give you the best experience possible and they achieve that masterfully.
Oh before I forget, one of the IMMENSELY valuable things about this place is how they're trained. They operate on this proprietary software that stores profiles for all their clients. Each station is attached with an iPad running this software for all barbers (Zac would prob prefer calling them hair engineers lol) to reference before getting started on your cut. This app thoroughly details all facets of the style you described. Long short, comb over, comb back, fade, undercut, line up, specific length, etc. This along with the 4 pics (front, back, left, right) that Augustine takes of you before you leave, really ensures that ANYONE on their staff can cut your hair the way you want it. There's so much value in that alone that will have me being a customer for life. Too often have I had to wait for specific barbers at other spots bc some cut better than others. That's really not the case here. Everyone is trained to use the software in that manner so you'll never have to be selective.
Also, making your next appointment is a breeze. Augustine shows you their availability a few weeks out and you pick your day and time anddddddd, wait hold on, it gets even better. Once that's booked, you get an email confirmation w an ICS attachment that saves into a calendar event directly into your iPhone. Are you wowed yet? You definitely should be. This place goes above and beyond what a normal shop should.
Lastly, and I just experienced this last night. My appointment was after work at 7:30, but they had a rush with all stations in use. I didn't mind of course, just chilled until I was called. Didn't get seated til almost 8 and went about my usual routine there. After my cut and and next appt booking, I hear the owner, Zac, tell Augustine to take care of me. I'm like what? I'm guessing because of my wait (it was really nothing if you're reading this Zac, but thank you very much), they gave me a jar of their ADH dry matte product that's fucking godly for styling.
Yea... 10/10 you fucking up if you're not coming here read more