I was visiting Oakland for a few days, staying with family before heading out on a cruise from San…read moreFrancisco. I needed a last-minute haircut and happened to come across RL Cuts. I'm so glad I did. Barber Roy Lewis welcomed me in as a walk-in and made time for me without hesitation. Not only did he give me a sharp, clean cut, but he also took the time to educate me on better hair product choices--specifically ones that wouldn't weigh my hair down with heavy grease. What really stood out was the atmosphere. Like many African American barbershops, RL Cuts had that authentic, community-based vibe where real conversations happen. During my visit, we had some great dialogue on the rise of African leaders and other insightful topics. Roy is a skilled barber and a great person overall. If you're in the Oakland area, I highly recommend RL Cuts--and definitely ask for Roy Lewis. You won't be disappointed.

Listen... if your barber ain't Roy at RL Cutz in Oakland, then I genuinely feel bad for your…read morehairline. This man is a straight-up artist. I come through for the signature taper with the mustache and beard, and when I tell you Roy has me looking like a Dominican uncle who just stepped out the Bentley on Easter Sunday? I mean that with my whole chest. The fade? Butter smooth. That taper? Crispy like fresh toast. The way he lines up the mustache and beard? Man, I swear I see angels singin' when he pulls out the straight razor. I don't just walk out the shop--I glide. I've had people ask if I was famous. Little kids salute me. My reflection even winked at me once. And the vibe? Immaculate. Roy got the type of energy that makes you feel like you've known him since childhood. Music on point, convo on point, whole shop got that Oakland flavor. It's not just a haircut, it's therapy, stand-up comedy, and a glow-up rolled into one. Man's got wisdom, jokes, and a steady hand that could probably do surgery if he wanted. Booking's easy, he stays on time, and he never rushes. Roy really puts care into every cut like he's prepping you for your wedding day--even if all you got planned is tacos and a nap. I've been loyal ever since my first cut. This ain't just a barber--this is a self-esteem technician, a confidence architect, a beard-blade Jedi. Don't walk, run to RL Cutz. Ask for Roy. Tell him my dope review is why you slid.

Friendly service. Quality and precise haircut. Fair pricing. My go to Oaktown favoriteread more

Yes, they are open and active! Call Wally's cell at (510)815-6390 to schedule an appointment or…read morejust to simply drop by! Since that is out of the way... My aunt cut my hair growing up and she would always complain about my weird shaped head and how I would want my hair cut. After she retired, I had a hard time finding a barbershop that could cut my hair consistently the way I would want it. I've been to most barbershops in East Oakland and Alameda, but I found myself bouncing from barber to barber. It wasn't until I was walking on 23rd Ave and noticed Al's Barbershop... I took one step into the shop and I felt comfortable immediately. The decor and vibe was overwhelmingly friendly. I sat down and Wally promptly acknowledged me and informed me how long the wait would be. Once it was my turn, I sat in Wally's chair and explained to him how I would want it. I showed him some pictures and he knew exactly what I wanted. Talking to both Gia and Wally was a blast! Next thing you know, I felt the warm shaving cream on the side of my head and the cool razor gently scraping the side and back of my head... 45 minutes had passed by and I did not realize it at all! That is what happens when you are around warm and friendly people who know how to treat their customers like friends... the rest is history and I have been coming here ever since! I know there are some barbershops that do not have such a friendly vibe, nor is it as clean. There is usually a good amount of street parking, and is located right by International Blvd. Do NOT let this location fool you. You do not need to be "from the hood" to come here and get fantastic service and a cut that will have people complimenting you everywhere you go. The area is clean and they do not discriminate at ALL. There are multiple families that have been bringing different generations to this shop. It truly is a unique shop nestle in East Oakland. Give them a shot!

I stopped by Him Barbershop, which was conveniently located right off the 24 freeway. The…read moreatmosphere was cool and welcoming with reggae music playing throughout the shop. My barber did a clean job on the cut and the lineup was sharp with no line marks left behind. Definitely a solid experience and I'll be back again.

My husband has been getting his haircut here for years and now takes our 3yo and 1yo too. Our 3yo…read moreloves getting his haircut by Mr. Jerron. We appreciate how easy it is to book appointments and pricing is very fair. Always punctual too and the shop is quaint and Afro-centric. Super patient with young kids and they always look so great after their cuts!

If you're looking for a mediocre job this is the place you need to be at. The fade was wack, it…read morewasn't even a fade the next day. The line up, pushed... hospitality, none. Bathrooms don't work. Dude was high off his ass cutting my hair talking his ass off and not cutting it to his 20 year "experience" he claims. It gives 3/10 for a black guy cutting black hair. His 'years' don't equate to his skills. Don't come here.

The cut was fine. If you go here only pay cash. It may have been a coincidence, or it may have been…read morethe fault of the app they used for payment, but the debit card had fraudulent charges after using it here. The card had not been used any where else in months. Not a card I normally use. The bank reimbursed it, thank goodness.

This is one of the dopest shops I know. This is where you can get a cut, have a talk about…read moreanything, relax (pre Covid), or just pass by and say wassup. I've been going here for years seems like it and love it. I lost one dope barber to only find another one and that's hard to do. Yusef is fam and will treat you like it and I giving you a clean cut. Malik is raw as well. They homie in there. Both coo dudes. Vibe in there is unmatched. Kid friendly, professional, clean. You won't be disappointed

Malik is one of the best barbers in The Bay! His level of professionalism and attention to detail…read moreis 10/10. I appreciate the fact that he never rushes through a cut and gives the time and attention that is needed to give a great result.

Clean cut no disappointment…read more I've been looking for a great barber for my boys for the last 4 months since I moved to the East Bay. I asked a friend for a recommendation because his cuts are always clean and he referred me to Adam at Legends. We arrived promptly at 11 am. He greeted us and started on my youngest son several minutes later. He was welcoming and friendly. He introduced himself to my boys, asked them the kind of cut they wanted and went to work. We were there for about an hour. He cut their hair very well; their hairlines were clean and their cuts were sharp. The boys and I were very happy and look forward to becoming regulars.

Coolest bunch of guys cutting hair this side of Oakland....sharp tapers, fades and anything else…read moreyou may want! All of the barbers have excellent skills but the one I've been going to for many years is Ad. Call for an appointment and you'll be in and out in less than 30 min!

George has been cutting my son's hair for years. Clean shop, clean tools, Great shop!read more

This was my first haircut during the covid era (back in 2020) when barbers were allowed to cut hair…read moreagain. Anthony was my barber and did an excellent job cutting my hair. I showed him the style, and he was on point. He even suggested not to cut it too short as being Asian, my hair would stick up. Really cool place and love the ambience inside. It reminded me of a 30s to 50s classic barber. The chairs too are classic. Very, very nice. I highly recommend. Cheers!

great barber shop. I love the lounge feel of it. Like hanging out in your cool friend's living…read moreroom. And JR is a great barber. Pays attention to detail and clearly loves what he does!

As far as skill and the diverse number of cuts that are offered I don't know that it gets better…read morethan JR. I never ask for anything that requires a lot of work. He usually finishes with me in about 5 minutes. I keep going back to him because he gives me what I ask for and does quality work. Its crazy but its rare to find a barber that will simply give you what you ask for and do a good job. When I've been in his shop I've seen JR do a number of different cuts on many different types of hair. Regardless of your age, your ethnicity, your gender, or what type of cut you want JR seems to know how to do it. Its actually impressive to watch him do cuts that involve designs. He's got very skilled hands. I highly recommend JR if you're looking for a barber.