Recently visited Alec at Dear Charlie for a haircut makeover. Been going with the long hair style for past 4 years and decided it was time for a refresh, long hair was fun but cumbersome at times. Alec was an absolute pro, listening, giving his feedback while making me feel comfortable. He was really good at knowing face shapes and best approach for the haircut to fit the person. I never would have imagined the haircut he produced, that's how skillful he is. I shared photos of me in the years past with shorter hair but he didn't just go with a repeat of that, he took my hairstyle to a level I never could have imagined. I couldn't be happier with the end result, really like it and feedback from friends and acquaintances has been amazing and makes one feel good. Never felt rushed during the session, nice calm flow from start to finish. Alec is very gentle and appreciated that. To close out the haircut he gave tips on how to maintain. The salon studio vibe is awesome, very chill and cool. Alec is really fun to talk with, he's a very talented person in many other areas of life and parlays nicely into his career. I can't recommend him enough. Location is great and near quality coffee shops like Work in Progress and around the corner is The Camp for nice discovery shops and restaurants. Thank you Alec! read more

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The space is great. The receptionist is a doll. The espresso and sunlit lounge dreamy. Thing is, we came for a shag haircut for a kid who keeps getting bad haircuts. The stylist, Lucas was nice but was running late from his earlier appointment. We waited 25 minutes. Finally my son got in the chair, I showed Lucas photos/videos of what we wanted, complete with cutting tutorials. Longish bangs, the crown and around the ears, you know a shag. My gorgeous son ended up with kind of a mullet, short where it should have been long. $75 + tip felt insulting but I'm trained to pay and be nice. Hopefully it grows into something because my son won't trust anyone to cut it again. read more

I wrote a review last year, but I had to come back to sing more praises for Dear Charlie. They are all an amazing crew, very welcoming, and provide a great atmosphere... with top-notch customer service. I have had the pleasure of having both Alec and Carlos work their magic on my hair since the beginning of their atelier. They both offer great advice and tips as well as great conversation. Going to Dear Charlie is definitely a great experience. I saw them both yesterday... Knowing that Carlos was gonna work his magic with coloring my hair, Alec was gentle while cutting my hair so as not to irritate my scalp (thanks, haha). And when it came time to coloring, Carlos took the time to work each strand of my black Asain hair and made sure he got the color I wanted. To say I'm obsessed with my color is an understatement. I absolutely love it. Run, don't walk to make an appointment. Shoutouts to Zach for always being helpful, and though I haven't had a cut by Jimmy, I've seen him do great work, too! read more

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Adam at Dear Charlie in Costa Mesa isn't just a hair wizard, he's like the Gandalf of haircuts - but instead of a staff, he's armed with scissors that could probably part the Red Sea. Every time I come in looking like a tornado survivor, I leave feeling like I could star in a shampoo ad. Plus, the vibe at Dear Charlie is top-tier - it's like hanging out in the coolest living room with great tunes, chill energy, and people who actually get your hair. If you're not seeing Adam, what are you even doing with your life? Your hair and your vibe will thank you! read more

Dear Charlie - Hair Stylists Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Had an amazing experience at Dear Charlie. They are extremely professional, love what they do and really take the time to explain everything. Great vibes! Looking forward to getting my cuts here read more

Dear Charlie, Great job acquiring Jimmy, he has been cutting my hair since I could grow a beard, I've followed him everywhere he's been and this is my favorite spot and he's been at. Drive from LB is easily worth it. read more

Alec has been cutting my hair for quite some time now. He's the first person I've ever found in all my years of living that I can finally trust with my hair. I've been playing roulette my whole life basically. Other than knowing lots about hair he's just an all around amazing human being. The space is still being built out, but still looks nice. There's a fancy La Marzocco espresso machine, in house made products, and more in the works. A warning to the average person: You're going to be shelling a little bit more than what you usually do to get your hair done. I have never paid this much. However, after meeting and getting a haircut from Alec for the first time, I didn't bat an eye about the price. The value and experience is there. Check em out, they're offering 20% off your first haircut currently. You won't be disappointed. read more

Alec is an incredible barber and stylist. I followed him from his previous location because he's the kind of barber you don't want to let go of. Before he does any cutting he gets to know your hair and your head. He makes recommendations if you're unsure of what to do and executes on those ideas flawlessly. I have had so many barbers and stylists over the years and Alec is the first one to truly understand what I need based on the look I want with the shape of my face and head but more importantly he truly helps educate you on how to recreate that "fresh out of the shop" look that so many of us (me especially) struggle to make happen when we're doing our own hair. So not only does Alec give you a haircut and conversation you won't find anywhere else, he also teaches you how to take control of your hair while at home to make the look he gives you repeatable every time. Dear Charlie is the place to get a cut. It's a high quality cut from a high quality guy. Thanks again, Alec! See you soon! read more

It's not just a haircut...it's an experience. The vibe is welcoming and laid back. Alec is very knowledgeable and really takes the time to give you the cut and style that suits your face and look. The hair products work great and smell amazing! 100% recommend Dear Charlie. read more

Dear Charlie - Hair Stylists Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I have been seeing Carlos since before he was at this spot and he is fantastic. The entire team at Dear Charlie is amazing. What they are doing at this spot is really building a strong local community where you go get your haircut and catch up with friends. The hair cut services are second to none and worth the price of admission. To top it off they create their own products. While I haven't tried everything yet, I love their conditioner and their uptight holding cream. I have their shampoo that I will be trying soon and likely try the other hair products as well. The team is constantly innovating to bring out new products, I can't wait for what is next. read more

Jimmy is the best!! Love my haircuts and I am actually getting compliments on my hair. I also use their products and find them to perform very well and I like the fact they use all natural ingredients. Studio has a cool vide and enjoy the espresso. read more

Genuinely the best haircut I've ever received and the best experience I've ever had while getting my hair cut. These guys know what they are doing. The space is awesome and inviting. Great conversation and vibes. They really put the time and effort into making the experience one you won't forget. I will not be going anywhere else for a haircut! (Also get their hair products! They are incredible!) read more

I've been coming to Dear Charlie for about a year now. It's been incredible, so I had to write a review. I had been looking for a good hair stylist / barber for years and just hadn't found someone that could give me the right cut for my hair and head shape. I was wearing a hat just about every day for the last few years because I just didn't love my hair. Alec changed my life. He was so great at listening to what I wanted and did such a great job at adjusting it to fit my hair and shape. I love what my hair looks like now. And each time I go in, it's even better than the last time. It feels wrong to wear a hat now, I'm that proud of my hair. It's so great feeling confident in my hair and look. I'm so thankful for Alex and the Dear Charlie team. They're amazing. I can't recommend them enough. On a side note, the space is beautiful and smells great. They always offer me freshly made coffee / espresso and the conversations are always great. Love this place. read more

If you're looking for a premium haircut without the bro-ey energy of your corner barbershop, this is your place. Carlos is an absolute master of hair and is one of the most detail-oriented and thoughtful people I know. I have been going to him for over a year now, and he's one of the few hairstylists who can actually tame my double cowlicks and leave me feeling confident about my hair. He and his business partner Alec have created this new salon that warmly welcomes everyone and will leave you looking like a million bucks. I can't recommend this place enough. read more

Amazing experience and Jimmy is the best barber I have ever gone to. 100% recommend booking an appointment with him, you don't regret it!

As a first-time customer, I found this place after a thorough search of options in the area. What really caught my attention were the videos on Instagram where Alec provides in-depth analysis of clients' hair. I was looking to change my look or at least improve the mess I'd been dealing with, and Alec exceeded my expectations. He was extremely thorough, and I thoroughly enjoyed the coffee and hot towel experience. I learned a lot about styling my hair and look forward to applying those lessons on my own. You won't be disappointed! read more

I been here a few times and thought to myself I should leave a review. First and foremost Jimmy the barber wow his cuts were amazing, he is friendly, easy to talk to and most of all his hair cut was very good. The venue is nice, clean and the staff is friendly. I can't wait to my next hair cut. Check this place out you will not be disappointed. read more

For years I've been trying to find the right balance in my hair, I love a good fade and same amount of effort with the top. I like to keep some length and movement throughout the top and it was hard to find a barber that could do both. I'm extremely happy with the work Jimmy does over at dear charlie. 10/10 will recommend! read more

This is the best haircutting experience I've had. The staff is awesome, when you walk in everyone is welcoming. They serve you delicious espresso while you wait (you only wait if you're early, I'm always early), the stylists then find out what you want done to your hair, not just the first time, every time! The vibes and energy are great, everyone seems to like each other, and the staff are fun and happy. On top of all that, my hair always looks amazing! read more

Absolutely thrilled with my experience at Dear Charlie! Carlos is an absolute wizard when it comes to cutting and styling hair - he understood exactly what I wanted and delivered flawlessly. The attention to detail and the personalized touch were truly impressive. On top of that, their espresso machine churns out some of the best espresso I've had in a while. A visit to Dear Charlie is more than just a haircut; it's a delightful grooming and relaxation experience. Can't wait to be back! read more

The best hairstylist you can find in the world! Alec and Carlos are incredibly versatile in their craft and had no difficulties working with my straight-course hair. They make their own hair products with a premium quality feel while having healthy, nourishing ingredients. So grateful that I found a place with amazing service, products, and ambiance all in one place. read more

Dear Charlie - Hair Stylists Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Incredible cuts, hydrating high quality products and really nice people! Would definitely recommend

Got my haircut with Carlos at Dear Charlie for the first time and was an excellent experience. Enjoyed learn about his background in the industry and his experience and his vision for how he loves to take care of his clients. Even crafted me an espresso!! Cannot recommend this salon enough along with the hair product he used. Will definitely come back and keep supporting. read more

Alec has been cutting my hair for almost a year now and he never misses when it comes to styling and completing the look I want to achieve. Dear Charlie is welcoming and full of great vibes. As soon as you enter the shop you're greeted by Zach at the front desk. Uplifting energy and a contagious smile while you get checked in and out. Alec and Carlos are consistent with their clients. Substituting each other when they need an extra hand. Great team. Extremely excited to see Dear Charlie grow and expand their team and product line. Speaking of products, their Curl Cream is already a win. A medium hold without weighting your hair down. An aromatic scent of spicy freshness. Matte finish. Perfect to maintain the hair during this hot weather. The unique consistency of the cream is also makes it easy to use and apply. Great if you have long hair with flyaways. Overall a good time at Dear Charlie. Will visit again. read more

The vibes are immaculate at this high-end men's salon. Not only are the products good for your hair, but they work great! Alec is so good at what he does and he does it without going over time. If you want great hair styling and cuts, come here! PS: The Vestaboard they have to display your name when you walk in is amazingly cool. read more

It's always worrisome trying out a new spot to get a cut, right when I walked in I was greeted with some coffee and the place was extremely clean with some good music playing. I've come to the point now where I only trust Jimmy Spicer to cut my hair and I'm never disappointed. His attention to detail is unmatched, his recommendations are always spot on and he's always receptive to what I'm asking for. Truly the best service and cut I can ask for while still catching up and checking on what's new in my life. Overall the best experience possible and at an unreal price for what Jimmy provides! read more

Honestly, this is the first review I've ever given but was super nervous going to a new barber and had the chance to get a fade by Jimmy he killed it such a skillful barber I came in there with a shaggy cut and he fixed it up very clean. Shit was so tuff it had me walking through the Barnes and Noble knowing damn well I don't know how to read. read more

Please elevate yourself and come get your hair cut at Dear Charlie. You'll be nicely greeted to your appointment with a beverage of your choice. The whole shop is aesthetically pleasing and the barbers know what they're doing. You can't go wrong with any barber here but I've been getting my haircut by Jimmy for a long time. Hygiene is extremely important to me and I've never had any acne or rashes after a haircut here. On your way out pickup the best gel on the market. Their products scent will keep you coming back. read more

Carlos is the best! Only man I trust when it comes to cutting & styling my hair! Great energy & vibe over at Dear Charlie. Check them out!!

This studio is exceptional! My husband just got the best cut he has ever had. Alec was extremely knowledgeable and hit it out of the park. Stoked on their products as well. Highly recommend! read more

Dear Charlie is an awesome place with amazing people. Carlos and Alec are some of the most skilled barbers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and the care and attention to detail they put into a cut, the shop, and their products are unmatched. The whole Dear Charlie team is great with ensuring that each client receives a genuine and personalized experience from the moment they book an appointment. If you are in the area and are looking for a high-quality haircut, some high-quality products, and some high-quality conversation with extremely knowledgeable and friendly individuals, this is the place to go. read more

Alec has been cutting my hair for a little under 2 years now. I wouldn't trust another near my hair. Highly recommend getting a haircut, enjoy the atmosphere, and leave feeling brand new! read more

I found my new go to for my hair! The guys at Dear Charlie are exceptional. They not only cut my hair but help educate me on how to style and care for it. They really take their time to get to know me and I appreciate that. Their product line of hair products are made on site and you can see the ingredients and learn about how their products style and nourish your hair. The space is really cool and does not have the typical salon vibe. It is a relaxing environment. They served me a really good espresso too! read more

These fellas are surgical with the way they approach men's grooming/hair. Not only are they incredibly talented, but they're also passionate about what they do. This is the place you go when you want to develop a style that's uniquely your own. Was absolutely thrilled when I found out these guys opened up a shop of their own. read more