Adam Shadi was completely rude and offensive. Full details to come…read more..
Backstory: I'll start this off by saying I've been going to Livermore barbershop brand since there was only one location, the OG. The crew knew me and I didn't even need to say anything, I got the "hey, Mike, the usual?" Love that experience.
I moved out of Livermore, tried several places close to my new place but I missed the experience at OG. I decided, I'm going to come back and bring my two boys, even if the drive is longer.
Based on timing for three cuts, this location had the best option. Appointments at 12:30, 12:45, and 1pm. I intentionally booked times so I can talk to the barber befoee my cut. Robert and Lauren were great to work with for my boys. More notes on the booking site and I'm open to adjusting my score here later to be fair to the other barbers, but I want the owner to see this review.
1PM comes and Adam takes a walk-in over my appointment. I let Adam know that I think there's a mistake as that's my appointment. He starts by trying to gaslight me saying he has a kids appointment. I promptly pull up the email confirmation showing two kids appointments for the other two barbers, but a traditional with Adam. He apparently thinks I don't have kids, so he says where are the kids??? *With extreme attitude*. I point to them getting their hair cut already.
He says, the guy already sat down so he'll cut my hair afterwards. I was expecting my seat to open up for my appointment or apologize with an offered a drink, then I'd be open to waiting. Not gaslighting me suggesting I booked a kids appointment with him or questioning if I even have kids.
It's finally my turn (again) and I'm not thrilled about the interaction already but still think we'll get through it. He's rushing though my haircut and I say, hey no need to rush. Let's just focus on getting a clean cut. His response is that he has been cutting hair for 13 years so he's fast. I think about all the more seasoned barbers and award-winning barbers I've had and I don't feel good about his statements.
The 12:30 appointment is still not done, my 1pm started rushed around 1:20 ish and we're done at 1:30. He shoves a mirror in my face and says "take your time" with a rushed aggressive tone. I point out my hair is sticking up in the back and politely asked if he can do something about it. He says that's your hair bro, not his haircut. I was thinking some product would do the trick, not blaming me. Taken aback, I sat there bewildered by the awful experience and lack of ability to listen to the slightest common fix feedback. He then frantically says, fine I'll cut it and does before I can say anything. I know there's a patch of hair on my back right that's shorter than the rest, which will then make it stand up more later. He then escalates the issue mocking me, telling other barbers and customer saying he gave me one whiskey and that how I act.
Unable to take the massive disrespect, I stand up, throw the cover to the ground, and say I'm done with him. If he wants to be disrespectful, I can match the energy. I go to the front to pay while my boys are still finishing up their haircut.
Another barber sees the interaction and notices patches of hair still left uncut. Ariel apologizes, offers to clean me up and I accept. I get a new fade and neck cleaned up, which I appreciate. Other barbers stopped by and apologized for Adam's behavior, which is excellent de-escalation behavior. Adam never apologized, only says I hope you have a better day in a sarcastic tone. Not liking the tone I say I hope you learn better customer service. He says he has the best customer service. Ha, clearly not.
Ultimately, I think customers deserve not to be gaslit and to try to do a good job. We don't pay a premium for a churn and burn place. I think all the other barbers did a fantastic job of going above and beyond. For that reason, once the owner reaches out, I'll upgrade my rating, but will never be a five star for as long as Adam works there.