B.L. is a really nice guy and a very hard worker-- works 6 days a week! I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and there is no doubt that he is a great guy. However, I just have to say I'm really disappointed with my haircut. Maybe it will look good in 3-4 months when it grows out but I will likely be wearing a ponytail until then. I came in with shoulder length hair, and he tried to keep the length, which he did well. The bangs in the front look great, and so do the layers in the front. But then he layered the rest of my hair... with the shortest layers as short as my bangs all around. He told me he was going to try to give me a little more volume all around-- but now I have a round poof on top and super thin hair on bottom-- like I'm wearing Magneto's helmet. Reminds me of my super fobby haircut from China a couple years ago. It's just so piecey with so many short short layers. I feel bad for giving him a bad review because he really did spend a lot of time on my hair and is a great guy. But I have to be honest and as far as layering thick, asian hair at shoulder length for females, I would say go somewhere else. read more

I was conflicted writing this review because I feel bad leaving a bad one during a pandemic but I'm here to help people avoid this place. Do not trust these reviews if you have long thick hair or any type of hair to be honest. The "stylist" barely wet my hair before cutting it and rushed through the entire process. My hair was left uneven and just a mess basically. I'm so disappointed. read more

I am very happy with my experience here. I was a walk-in and only had to wait for one person to finish. The barber was very professional and did my hair just like my picture of my favorite haircut. Great price. read more

Designer Cuts - After haircut. Comfy and clean. - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Thanks to Matt's review mentioning that his mohawk was done right, I knew right where to go for mine (Raider season always starts with a mohawk!) This place is great, BL is cool and funny, the hair was done right and for only 10 bucks (plus tip people, don't forget to tip!) I will certainly be back here a few times to reshave the non-mohawk sections of my large odd shaped head, and from there when I decide to go normal again, maybe they can help me figure out how to hide my receding hairline :) read more

Affordable rates and friendly staff that listens to what their customers want. I didn't even have to wait! Parking is usually available right in front of the shop. I'll definitely be back. Bonus! ... stop at Fellini next door for some kick ass coffee too! I have a review for them as well. read more

I came here based on their good reviews, and I am so happy I did! I called on a Sunday to see if they had any availabilities and they scheduled me in for an hour later. I had really long hair and wanted to cut it short so I could donate it. I was a bit nervous but I am so happy with the way Trish cut my hair. She asked me what style I wanted but also gave her input on what she thought would look good, and she was right. She took her time and carefully layered the ends of my hair - even when 2 more customers walked in and were waiting for a cut. She also sprayed really nice leave-in conditioner in my hair and blow dried and styled it - and all for just $24!!! I would definitly go back to Designer Cuts to have Trish cut my hair again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more

Designer Cuts - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

Best haircut I've ever had. He was meticulous with the lines, faded my facial hair in perfectly. Listened to what I wanted but also offered advice based on my hair style. Deserving of more than the great price of only $18 for a haircut. read more

Trish is awesome!!! I have been going to a different hair stylist for ten years but wanted to find a person in Berkeley for a better price. I couldn't be happier with the experience I had at this salon! Fabulous deals for haircut with wash and style. Trish is very friendly and open as well as experienced. Two thumbs up! read more

I normally go here for a decent quick cut. I don't usually do anything fancy, but I get a decent clean cut for 14 dollars and am happy. Lately though, I've started to get a little frustrated with your average no-worries cut and decided I wanted something more specific, so I printed out a picture and brought it with me. I expected a slightly more convenient cut of about the same caliber but with better results. However, I was in for a treat! This time, my hair was cut by Van. Van said he was a bit newer to the shop, which is why I'd never seen him before. His great service was completely unexpected. He treated me like I'd walked into a top notch specialty salon -- he gave me the works, shaving, styling, etc. All in all the haircut came to about 45 minutes of careful work instead of the usual quick-and-dirty 20, and Van charged me the same 14 dollars as ever. Plus, talking to him was a pleasure -- he wants to open his own salon someday and I hope he does. Meanwhile, I highly recommend getting your hair cut here and asking for him -- you will not be disappointed. The same deal would have cost me 5 or 6 times as much anywhere else. read more

This is the first yelp review ever because this place is worthy of it. I literally came back 5 minutes ago from this place and I am very pleased with my haircut. At first, I was very nervous because the price is cheap and the stylist beforehand at some other place had really messed up my hair. But the haircut was so nice here and I only paid $16.50 and I have pretty thick hair. Even after months after not cutting my hair, the stylist (His name's B.L. I hope I spelled it right, it just sounded like initials to me xP) knew where my hair went wrong. I told him I was nervous but I gave him easy instructions and he cut my hair showing me what he was doing step by step along the way. It was very comforting knowing that I know what he's doing and that he knows what he's doing. Small talk ? Not awkward at all. We had a good conversation. Turns out he's trained for the Paul Mitchell school. That was already a thumbs up in my book. I'm definitely coming back to this place and only this place from now on. Most likely thinking of getting my hair highlighted here sometime soon (: Thanks B.L. !! I now have trust in someone handling my hair :D read more

It looks like this place is set to explode! Which means it'll be harder for me drop in randomly, but they deserve it so it's all for the best. I've been going here probably four years, from before it was named Designer Cuts. BL (the bald male barber) is what a neighborhood barber is all about. First, haircuts. I never really had a barber I liked until BL. The man knows how to cut asian hair like no one else I've gone to outside of Japan and often does this razor cut thing that you probably have to pay $40 bucks for normally. Seems like he does good work too with other patrons, including my dad who has like 10 hairs total. He knows what he's doing with hair. Second, wisdom. This man is wise and has been through adversity I can't imagine. And maybe it's because our countries of origin are next to each other but he fulfills that role of older man passing wisdom down to younger man that is supposed to happen in normal societies. Like I had this barber in Paris who had never cut an asian person's hair before and would tell me how France used to be before McDonalds took over. Why get your hair cut by some itinerant kid the same age as you whose hair looks like plastic glued onto his head? And who will be gone in a few months anyways and thus has little incentive to care for your head like the investment that it is (for him and for you)? In summary, I go here whenever I come home because it's almost like a part of home to go to your barber. And his haircuts are boss. read more

I got my hair cut by Curt, who was working there yesterday (Saturday). I came in hopeful but not too hopeful, cause this place had been so well-reviewed, but no one seems to know what to do with my hair. It sorta sticks out on the sides, and no one seems to be able to even it up quite right. So, I come in, sit down, ask for what I want, and Curt lays his barber's smock over me with a dramatic flourish. It becomes apparent after a few minutes that he's only using the clippers, which kinda irritated me, but then I was thought, "well, it's going to be cheap, and he's going to at least make it even and clean up the back: that's probs worth a few bucks versus me just doing it in a mirror myself." But then, imagine my amazement as he goes and gives me a better haircut - clippers-only - than almost every more expensive barber has done with way more time, and careful trimming with a comb and scissors. i think he just really knows what he's doing. Granted, the cut doesn't look fancy, but I like it. Four stars for the price; would go again. read more

I got a yelp account just to rate this place... SOO BAD I had to speak out. I went there after seeing some good yelp reviews, and maybe its true for the girl who works there she seems nice. But I got the guy, and it was the worst ever. His name started with a Z... couldn't see the rest of it and he muttered his name when I asked. First of all, I tried to talk to him, would not talk to me. Showed him a picture of what I want, just said what do you want? 1? 2? I already had a bad feeling but I thought since I was sitting down, I'll just let him cut it. He takes a buzzer and does it in a few mins. I pointed out places that were uneven, but he says "thats my bone structure". WTF a good hair cutter compensates for that. I got short cuts at many places and at each place the hairdresser compensates for unevenness. 5 mins later I he rushes me out with the worst haircut ever. And its so short I can't really fix it anymore. Not looking forward to a month of bad hair. read more

Went back on October 2nd and I think the prices changed a bit: Haircuts for Kids & Seniors: $10 Haircuts for Men: $13 Haircuts for Women: $16+ But it's still an awesome deal! =) read more

Been coming here for about 3 years now. Really great pricing for what you get. I've gotten cut by all the stylist here. Almost all of them are good. Except one. I wasn't very satisfied with him at all. He just did my hair in 20 min However, I highly recommend John. He's Wednesday and Sunday's only. He is immaculate at making sure my hair is perfect and also great at recommending new styles. Trish the owner is also wonderful. Even though it was one bad experience. I trust the store overall and have always been satisfied with them. So still 5 stars. read more

Good for trims or average haircuts. Do NOT go for a root touch up if you are blonde or have blonde highlights. Just don't. Walked out 2.5 hours later with orange hair. read more

This place isn't bad for a $14 men's cut. What i like best is that you're out within 15 minutes of hitting the chair. I'll have to ask him to go over the sides twice next time, however, because I found a few lonely strands. Not a big dealfor me. On the other hand, I've been to some places that stretch to 40 minutes by going over and over and over your hair with the clippers; not needed. I'll keep coming here. read more

Great Hair Cuts. Cheap Prices. This is a small hair salon, owned by a couple, Christina and BL, who are extremely nice and helpful. I went in and got a hair cut for the low price of $10. It was a simple buzz cut, with a mohawk, which was then dyed red and lined up. Yes, it was a crazy red mohawk. The dying was an extra $20. I've also been in for normal haircuts and they do a great job at those too. It looks like they know how to do just about everything there, braids, lining up, perms, etc. They do men, women, kids, and best of all its really affordable, only $8 for kids. They take walk ins and appointments. And most importantly, now you know where to get you red mohawk. read more

I started going here about a year and a half ago after I moved to the Berkeley Area based on yelp reviews. The two people who you'll find there most often are Trish and Kirt. Trish does great work. She takes criticisms well and will understand what you're asking for. She does a fair amount of clipper work and scissor work. I'll rarely find any stray hairs I have to hunt down and trim to match the rest if I get my cut from her. Kirt is a factory style worker. He gets you in the chair and out the chair as quickly as possible. He doesn't seem to take criticism well though so if you ask for some adjustments to his cut you will get some push back. I will find a few stray hairs here every time I get a cut from him. I get my cut from Trish 95% of the time because she's friendly and easier to work with. read more

AMAZING! absolutely amazing! I just came back from this place and I must say I am beyond amazed. My hair is super thick and long and I decided to chop it off in order to donate it. B.L. was super nice and helped me throughout the entire process. I have never had super short hair but I must say that I love my new cut. B.L. has over 20 years of experience (and I believe him based on the amazing job he did with my hair)! I recommend him to ANYONE!! he only charged me $18.00 but I ended up giving him $25.00, it was more than worth it, he has magical hands!! P.S. the long is not too long and no appointment needed! read more

I have to update this review. I used to come here for Christina but found out last time I went (few months ago) that she is no longer working there... seemed a bit awkward when they told me she left. I took a chance and tried a new person. They were very nice but literally did nothing to my hair... he actually messed up the current layers so I had to go to another salon the next day to just even it out. They couldn't work with my layers so it seems they just faked it to make it. Didn't look like anything changed once I got out of the chair, but one star added for the good customer service and friendliness- the skills are just not there anymore. Sorry! read more

Trish has been cutting my hair for a couple of years, and I've always been happy with the cuts and the very reasonable price. I just hope this business survives the Covid-19 pause -- I'll be calling for an appointment as soon as it's possible and prudent to do so. read more

Warning! B.L. doesn't work here any more! I called the store and the lady told me he left. She didn't say where he went or why he left. B.L. was the only good thing the place had going for it. Since he isn't there, I'm basing my review off the cut I got from the woman who works there. Saving you the horror story, it was terrible. Worst cut I've gotten in years. Guys, save yourself the embarrassment and don't have her cut your hair. read more

I have gone here twice already and have been very happy with the cut I received. The service is friendly and they do a great job getting my hair to look how I want it to. You can tell that they know what they are doing. And they have always been able to get me in very quickly for a cut. I'll continue coming here for all my hair needs! read more

I came here for a haircut a week ago with a couple of friends. The woman working was friendly and quick. I got exactly what I asked for at an affordable price and pleasantly surprised to find that she was also Vietnamese. I'm quite particular about my hair and I prefer Asian stylists because they just ... know how to deal with Asian hair better. Overall good experience! read more

Great Place for kids haircuts!!!! I am pretty picky with the way barbers/stylists have cut his hair. I have payed mucho $$$ at some of those kiddy cut place's=NOPE, Supercuts, Great clip's=BIG No!!!! He likes to come here and talk about soccer with BL. Christina does a great job too. I have finally found a place to cut his hair RIGHT....yaaaay PLUS his haircut is $10 bucks they are GREAT!!!!!! read more

The best hair cut's!! Great price and my hair always looks great:) this is coming from a girl who always went to expensive solans!!

Worst haircut ever. Trust me. My request was simple, but I had a totally wrong cut. Also the haircut seems done by someone who have never done this job before. I'm talking about the man who cut my hair: I have long and short hair mixed without any sense. I don't know how to fox this mess. I write this review hoping that anybody else will experiment this place read more

Best prices you will find in the east bay area for quality hair cuts. I am only speaking of experience from a male who gets a fairly short cut + bleach blonde. The staff is chill the only problem is their English is not very good so it can be difficult what they are saying. (I do not know which language is their primary) read more

Designer Cuts is fantastic. I'm heartened to see that they're still open and made it through Covid. John gives a great hair cut and is a great person too. read more

My kids have been getting great haircuts here for years. They handle teen boys with thick hair as well as my daughters's fine hair. A great place. read more

I've been coming here regularly for the past few months, and every time B.L. gives me exactly the cut I want. He is friendly and efficient, and gives a haircut that is worth far more than he charges. (It's just $14 for a men's cut, without washing.) I highly recommend checking our B.L.'s service. You won't be disappointed! read more

BL did a FANTASTIC job cutting my hair! I am super particular about my hair and the last few expensive ($100-200) cuts I have had left me utterly disappointed and extremely upset by lack of client/stylist communication. Don't let BL's humble place fool you-- he really knows what he is doing and gave me a HEALTHY, flattering, sexy, simple cut that I can straighten or curl in big Victoria Secret-y waves that look great. He took off what he had to for my hair to get rid of damage and split ends- while being sensitive to my desire to keep as much length as I could. Thanks BL-- can't wait to come back in a few more weeks for my trim. read more

I made an appointment on the phone a few days ago with Trish for today at 1 (since I've been miserable with my hair after a bad bang trim). However, when I got there, I was told Trish wasn't going to be in until 2. However, Curt was there, and I decided to get a cut with him instead. He was amazing! My hair looked dull and lifeless before, but now it has body and all the nasty split ends are gone. Feels so soft, too! He even managed to fix my butchered bangs while still saving the length. Honestly glad I got him. Will ask for him next time. read more

Ive been going here since I first moved to Berkeley and it has been by far my favorite place to go. Trish is an amazing hairstylist very friendly and kind. The prices here are very reasonable and the location isn't bad at all. I've recently moved out of Hercules and I still make the commute back just to come here. I've been going here for about 6 years now and will continue going. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an inviting affordable salon. read more

The worst hair dye job ever in my life. I asked for a nice light brown. This is what I ended up with. read more

Designer Cuts - Hair Salons Near Me - Berkeley, California

I hate to post this review because, owner and hair stylist Trish is already so well known in Berkeley that I fear her schedule getting more full, but I have to say I have been coming here for four years straight for my hair color and cuts, and Trish is amazing!!! Prices are so affordable and her quality and attention to detail and kindness to her customers is unprecedented. I have referred many friends, and they always thank me. She does an amazing job with both color, including highlights, and cuts for both men and women. It is really hard to find someone flawless with color and cuts for both genders, but there you have it folks, TRISH is the only stylist who can do it all perfectly and charge you modestly. The other stylists at the shop also strive for perfection and are great too. But Trish is my gal. read more

Great little place for a quick haircut at great prices. Trish is delightful and really listens. Senior rates! Can't beat $15 for a good hair cut. read more

Years ago, I remember reading a Yelp article when searching for a new place to get my haircut, for a venue that employed brilliant people who understood the art of simplicity, and who took the time to render perfection thus. And then, I decided to give Designer Cuts a try. And then, my life (or, at least, the having-my-hair-trimmed aspect of it) changed. Though some of the stylists have moved (apparently just up the street... I'll have to check to see if that's true; BL is that f**king good), the talent that remains is still superb, and never fails to help me obtain a simple cut that possesses just the right amount of spice (when the situation calls for it); something that's extraordinary everyday. I'm going to miss this place, should I ever leave the bay. read more

I walked in here and had a men's haircut with Kathy that looks great. Great results and friendly people. There were a couple people ahead of me in line but the wait was not long at all. Looking forward to coming back here again. read more