Designer cuts is fantastic! Johnathan is a really talented, highly skilled barber. He always does a great job for me. I love going there

Affordable, fast, quality- trifecta! She came recommended from a close friend who has been going there w her whole family for years

Got my first in-shop haircut in about two years, after a long COVID hiatus. The cutter did a fine job and was personable to boot. I appreciated that they kept the door open to improve ventilation, and the cutter wore a mask, which I appreciated as I see it as an attempt to protect me as well (I'm immune suppressed, so these things are especially important). The cut was more than I was paying previously in another city, but my impression is that Berkeley is just an expensive place and that competing shops are comparable or even pricier. So one works with what is available. Bottom line: On the whole, I thought this was pretty good. I will go back when I need a real haircut (vs. doing it myself). read more

I love trish, she did an amazing job on my hair for the most affordable price i have ever found in the bay area. It was a quick haircut and she listened to every request i had and executed perfectly. I highly highly recommend. read more

I hadn't had a cut for over a year, and my long (mid-back length), layered hair had grown out a lot and was annoyingly unmanageable (tangles fast). Trish gave me a wonderful, transformative layered cut! She listened to me tell her what I was hoping for, and she did it! Their very reasonable prices are clearly posted on the wall. Women's cut $35 + $10 styling (optional). I chose to wash my hair at home, before my appointment, but washing is another option on the price list, too. Photo taken the day after I got this cut. Trish had blown it out straight using a big round brush, which looked really elegant, but a bit of my natural waviness started to show on "day-2". I love it both ways! read more

Designer Cuts - Haircut by Trish at Designer Cuts - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Trish has consistently done a great job on my long, stick-straight, fine hair. My hair is so straight and fine that if it isn't cut evenly it shows, and I never have to worry about that with Trish. Her pricing is fair. Over several years, she had never tried to upsell or push any products or extra services. She is kind and empathic, and she not only listens to what style you want but also has the skill set to execute it. I'm a fairly basic customer, as I never get color, highlights, or other special services. Yet, when I leave Trish's chair, I have a bounce in my step knowing my hair looks the absolute healthiest it can. The fact that Trish is so consistently sweet, kind, and lovely is just an amazing bonus. read more

My boyfriend has been coming here for over 10 years! Trish has always been the go-to for him. About a year ago I wanted to donate my hair and Trish walked me through the process and was very precise. $30 for a woman's haircut is a steal compared to the usual $70 I pay elsewhere. I came back today and even though she was busy she clearly took her time. Thanks Trish!! read more

Designer Cuts - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

My partner and I both go to Designer Cuts for our hair cuts and we are both happy with it! Make sure to make an appointment before going and come with cash or Venmo ready for payment. I've gotten a trim here for my medium length hair. It took a little over half an hour and I was happy with how it came out. Will definitely be back! read more

I've been going to Trish for several years. I have very fine hair and it's hard to do much with, but the cuts I get from Trish are better than cuts I've gotten in much more expensive salons. Highly recommended. read more

I don't want to call out the stylist, so they will go unnamed. But I came in with long hair (4-5" long), showed them a photo of a style with clearly long hair slicked back (see attached) and asked for that style, and I got a crew cut.... I love having long hair, and was really disappointed it all got cut off against my wishes. I pulled out my phone halfway through and re-emphasized the photo and the style I was going for, and the stylist tried to convince me that he was cutting my hair to look like the photo. He kept cutting it shorter. I had to show him the photo multiple times before he acknowledged that he gave me a very different haircut, and he apologized. I will give 2 stars because he seemed nice and he apologized. My advice is to look carefully if a customer shows a photo, and to ask more clarifying questions if the photo isn't clear. I feel like I got a completely random haircut that didn't reflect what I asked for / wanted. Unfortunately, this is the worst haircut experience I've ever had. read more

The cutting is not good at all, especially for lady's short hair. I will never go to this salon again.

Designer Cuts is open again and following COVID-safe procedures! Give them a call to set up an appointment as walk-ins are not permitted. Trish did a great job as always and is decked out in full blown PPE. I've been coming here for years so I'm incredibly glad they're open again for business. read more

Definitely my local go to for a haircut. Nice friendly staff that have been cutting hair for decades. Reliable hair cuts at reasonable prices. read more

It's been a long time since my last haircut (Thanks, Covid) so I went here and was very happy with the shampoo and cut I got from Jenny. Both ladies were very friendly and Jenny specifically was great at checking in with what I wanted for my haircut. Quick, easy, and affordable, will definitely be back here again! read more

Ended up here when I tried to take my 8 year old to get her hair cut at another place down the street, which was closed. We have never gone to a non-kid specific hair place before, and this was a great experience! John was very kind and patient and did a nice job shaping her long hair and getting it looking healthy again. He also talked to us about methods to manage the frizzles in her hair to make it glossier looking overall. Cost was $16. We will definitely be back. read more

Pleasant atmosphere with music and friendly hair stylists. I'm a repeat customer here and enjoy talking with my hairstylist John. read more

Amazing cut and color by Trish. No wonder I wait for her each time. This shop is the bomb.

I love Designer Cuts so much that I'm writing this review even though I've moved away from Berkeley! I had my hair cut by Trish at this location while I lived in the neighborhood between 2015 and 2019. She does an amazing job for an unbeatable price - even better with the student discount. I referred people to her all the time. One of my favorite things about this shop is that they don't push back or offer opinions about your haircut idea unless you ask. I have very short hair and many stylists - even in SF/Berkeley - act uncomfortable about giving me "men's" style haircuts, or suggest other ideas when I ask for them. Not Trish, and that's another reason I refer people to her. read more

Thank you Trish!! SO happy with my haircut, I feel great about it and I've also gotten so many compliments. She really listened to what I wanted (to keep my length and add lots of layers) and also recommended I get some side bangs, which I am loving. I had a lot of dead crispy hair that Trish was able to cut away without compromising the length of my hair, which I greatly appreciated because I'm trying to grow it out! Trish was so friendly and so sweet. Not to mention they have wonderful realistic prices for haircuts! I will definitely be referring her to friends and also going back for a routine trim! read more

Designer Cuts - Before and after, no styling needed! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I recently moved to Berkeley and was referred here by a neighbor, so I tried it out. I've been three times so far and have always had Jonathan-I've been very happy with all of my cuts! He is very friendly and does a great job. I highly recommend him and this shop! read more

Hurts to do this, as I've had nothing but good experiences here. But I walked in today, mind you it was busy, but I wasn't even acknowledged so I sat down as no one was waiting so I thought I'd be next. This lady and her kid walked in and they got immediately greeted and seated when I thought it was my turn. Still no acknowledgement that I was there, so I decided to walk out instead of make an issue. I used to give a $10 top on a $20 haircut there, but I have to move on. See ya. read more

Although it's not exactly the same as the picture I showed to Trish, it's a nicely done haircut job she has made. Walked out happily. read more

Designer Cuts - Nicely done, Trish! - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Quick, efficient and accommodating. Good haircut. Will go again. Convenient location for parking. I was impressed by the hospitality shown to customers. I felt very welcome in the shop. read more

Best haircut I've got in forever. Showed up looking like a deformed horse and left looking better I guess. Haha But I really think this place deserves the good reputation it has. I was a bit nervous when they started since I had some hat hair but they dealt with it excellently. The people are also very kind and if you let them know what you want, they got you. Im definately coming back here again. Additionally it was pretty cheap so thats a plus too. 5/5 read more

Designer Cuts - Hope I look better :D - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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My haircut turned out awesome and it's because Kirt (I think that was his name) listened to what I wanted and executed it perfectly. When he thought something wasn't a good idea he let me know and we collaborated on a solution. One of the best cuts I've ever had and it only took 15 minutes. This isn't a place where you're going to get a shampoo, scalp massage,and style on top of your haircut, and the price reflects that. I knocked off a star because the atmosphere was a little lacking, there was a single tv and it was showing some banal reality show. Also, when I first walked in there was only one stylist totally hidden from view and it took 5 minutes or so for someone to greet me, in that amount of time a whole family got sick of waiting and left. Could have used a "be right with you" to show they noticed us. Overall I'm very happy and I can't wait to go back! read more

Designer Cuts - Before haircut: very poofy and lopsided. Curls are overwhelmed by the bulk and they can't move - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I just can not rave enough about Trish at Designer Cuts. I have tried many stylists over the years paying both more and less and never have I gotten the quality of service, expertise, effort to understand me and my hair, and just plain skill that I do with Trish. She runs a clean, pleasant and well equipped salon with staff that are equally friendly and an excellent team working together. She is an artist and a perfectionist when it comes to hair. My hair cuts make me feel great and have garnered more compliments than I have ever gotten, she also knows color and what, when, where, how and how much to do and not overdo when it comes to color. Trish is also an incredible stylist because even if she is super busy she doesn't cut corners on anyone's hair. She always goes the extra mile as do the others in her salon with a friendly and welcoming attitude. Highly recommend. read more

I thought I would take a chance considering the positive reviews. I suspect some of the hairdressers are good. In fact, the guy sitting next to me seemed to have a great cut from a very experienced gentleman. My cut was done by a young woman whose hands were so unsteady on the scissors that I started getting nervous soon after she started. She ended up trimming some, then cutting, then spending most of the time using the thinning scissors to seemingly adjust things, and then using a hand held trimmer that she used to touch up... but for a long time. My cut was mediocre. It's unfortunate, considering the good experiences people have had. I don't think I'll be back. read more

Well, I am a tough audience so I HAVE to write this! Trish and the entire salon feel are GEMS. Hidden Berkeley secret..or maybe not looking through these reviews! I am female and get short, buzzy/trendy/fadey cuts and Trish nails it every time! One day I just walked in and hoped for the best. It's uncanny how natural cutting hair is for her. Like I said, I am pretty knowledgeable about the craft, super particular. She really listens, asks for approval here and there (which is great - many just plow through and at the end...ouch!) and just is all around gracious and confident. Kathy is also good though I have not had her cut my hair. She did a GREAT job on my daughter's long hair, 2-inch trim all the way around. read more

I've been here a few times over the past few years and Trish is always great. Got ten inches off today, so was a bit nervous, but I couldn't be happier with the result! The salon was diligent about adhering to covid restrictions, and I felt very comfortable in general. read more

Designer Cuts - Before - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I really loved this place. I've been cutting my own hair because every time I've gone to a hair salon in the past, I came out uglier than when I came in. This time it was different, and was cheaper than my other haircuts! I asked her for only 1.5 inches off, and that's what she did. I asked for layers, and she did a beautiful job. My hair looks so much healthier and better. I never got my hair stylist's name, but she was just so sweet. I'm happy I finally found a hair salon that I liked, and will be coming back in the future! read more

My husband keeps going back to this place because trish is great at her job. However, Jonathan is terrible and my husband doesn't have the heart to tell him "I want trish". When my husband comes home after a haircut from Jonathan I always have to fix it. Jonathan, please learn how to cut hair! It's your job! read more

Designer Cuts - This is the left side. I've attached the right as well. Htf do I fix this?? - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I always had a hard time finding a good salon that specializes on cutting Asian hair (I have black, long, thick hair) but I tried getting a haircut here and I was happy I did. Trish knew how to deal with it! And she's friendly and accommodating too. No questions asked when it comes to recommending this place. read more

Designer Cuts - Before... - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Solid hair cut at a great price on really short notice -- this place nails the basics! Also, you can tell they really care about the space, the ambiance and the clientele and go the extra mile to make you comfortable without being overly "chatty" while you're in the chair. I will be a repeat customer for sure! read more

I had an important meeting on Monday and needed to get a haircut, but my normal guy is closed on Sundays. After reading the good yelp reviews of a different barber on University ave, I show up to find he only takes appointments, and even though his place is empty, he won't cut my hair. So I wander over to Designer Cuts a few doors down. Always a gamble going into a new unfamiliar place. Are they going to be nice? Are they going to do a good job? And most importantly, are they going to actually LISTEN when I specifically tell them NOT to mess with the length of my sideburns? Well I can tell you, the guy here did just that. No wait either . I can't remember the barber's name, but he was an older asian gentleman, and he did a fantastic job. He listened to exactly what I wanted, had great attention to detail and delivered. Plus the haircut was only $15? It was easily worth double that. So I tipped him well, and heck, I think I have a new regular barber now! read more

do not go here!!!!! only 2 actual barbers in the place and the rest are all students! took an hour and a half on my friends hair and done an average job. too focused on talking then actually getting the job done. if you want a half decent hair cut that wont take 2 days to do id take your business elsewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Really disappointed with this place. I had my hair cut by Cathy and this must have been one of the worst cuts I've ever had. I asked her just to clean up my current haircut (just long layers and rounded at the bottom). She took off much more than I asked for, gave me a deep v-cut, and somehow got rid of my layers. Its also very uneven. The left side (where it frames my face) is shorter than the right! And it looks like she missed some areas as there are weird too-long pieces that stick out right in the front. Cathy really seemed to be struggling the entire time. She kept correcting each side over and over. At some point I asked her if something was wrong because she had been trimming my hair for a long time (30 straight minutes of cutting at that point, for just a trim!). She said she was just "evening it" but that she was done...but then she kept on cutting. I think she finally gave up when she saw that I was nearly in tears. She didn't even bother to blow dry out the frizz. I told her it wasn't what I had wanted, but that I hoped it grew back soon. I paid her quickly and left in tears. She took off so much from the front that I feel stuck with this horribly uneven cut until it grows out because I don't want to lose any more length. I am still so sad. read more

Designer Cuts - I left in tears as she kept "evening it" to this catastrophe. - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Trish is awesome. She asked what I wanted, made a suggestion, took her time and did a really good job on my cut. She's my new go to stylist. Super nice and efficient with great attention to detail. Top notch! read more

Getting your first haircut after moving to a new city is always daunting. You roll the dice and hope for the best. So, if you are looking for a solid place, this is it. A+ haircut for a great price. I called in advance to make sure they weren't packed, and they told me to come in less than an hour later. In and out in 25 minutes. total wait time 15 seconds. I will absolutely be coming here again. Also, I have never written a review about anything before, but I felt compelled after my haircut today. read more

FEAR NOT FELLOW BL LOVERS! Although, they will not tell you this when you call to book your appointment with the great BL...he has moved right up the street to Jenny's!! Same great service! read more

I always let my hair grow out too much and then chop it all off because I am so indecisive about what to do with it. This time I wanted to keep it long without the overgrown look. Luckily, my roommate Becky recommended Designer Cuts to me, and the next day I called in and landed an appointment (which seems like common practice here). BL was so accommodating - he knew what to do with my face shape (--rarely the case with others) and was true to my wishes - keep it long but make it interesting, easy bangs please. Ended up being $20. Since then, I have received so many comments: "this is my favorite haircut so far" - "whoa, your hair looks really good today". And it's really low maintenance.. don't need to wash or blow dry everyday. bullet points: same-day appointments - yes affordable at $20 (women) easy parking - free if you park in the neighborhood trust him - yes, indeed asian hair - yes support local business - yes time for cut - 20-30 mins recommend - yep read more