Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Barber Shops in San Diego

Our Recommended Top 13

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored San Diego Barber Shops on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

309

Reviewed

190

Curated

13

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
1633 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Shave
  • Beard Trimming

Why choose this provider?

Barber Craft is a barbershop that serves clients in the San Diego area. The company was started by Tony Costa, who was inspired by the barbershop culture of his home state of New Jersey. He and his team can provide highly detailed cuts, which can include creating fine lines and curves. They offer beard crafting with shaving, which includes a hot lather and towel. They can also provide classic haircuts for every hair type and shave heads.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.0 / 5 (199)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (68)
Facebook
4.3 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
8690 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
  • Shave
  • Beard Trimming

Why choose this provider?

Rawknykz Barber Shop serves clients in San Diego. Its team provides beard and hair cutting services, which also include lineups. Moreover, they offer hot towel royal shaves and facial cleansing. Clients can purchase various hair care products from the shop, such as pomades, gels, and beard oils, as well as styling tools like combs, pocket brushes, hair picks, and disposable razors. They can also watch games, listen to music, and drink espresso while getting a haircut or treatment.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (187)
Google
4.0 / 5 (157)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (61)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
8555 Station Village Way, San Diego, CA 92108
  • Shave
  • Beard Trimming
  • Kid's Cuts

Why choose this provider?

Located in San Diego, Classic Cuts Barber Shop specializes in modern haircut types including line-up, even with line-up, taper, skin fade, straight over, and comb over haircuts. Customers may walk in or book an appointment with their barber of choice. Seniors and kids under 12 are welcome. Classic Cuts Barber Shop also offers packages that combine haircuts with beard trims and hot towel shaves. In addition, the shop carries styling gel and cream products from Johnny B and Evolution.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.0 / 5 (157)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (145)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2035 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
  • Shave

Why choose this provider?

North Park-based Goodfellas Barbershop x Shave Parlor specializes in men's haircuts. Serving clients in San Diego and its neighboring areas, its team provides hot towel straight razor shaves and facial grooming detail services. With an experienced team of barbers, it also provides haircutting services for various hair textures and styles and offers various hairstyling services as well. Company founder Aaron A. established the first Goodfellas Barbershop in Bonita in 2008. In 2014, its branch in North Park opened.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (144)
Google
4.0 / 5 (85)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
322 1/2 West Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103
  • Shave
  • Beard Trimming

Why choose this provider?

Dame And Dapper Barber & Shave is a vintage-style barbershop that serves clients in San Diego and the surrounding areas. The shop's barbers, who have been hand-picked for their training and skills, provide haircuts and full-face shaves. The shop also offers gentleman's services, including beard line ups and cuts and straight razor shaves. Dame and Dapper Barber & Shave strives to meet the ever-changing needs and demands of the barbering industry. The shop operates from two locations, Hillcrest on 5th and Mission Hills on Washington St.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (118)
Google
4.0 / 5 (54)
Facebook
4.0 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
8283 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91942

Why choose this provider?

Boulevard Barber & Shave provides traditional men’s grooming for communities in San Diego. Beyond haircuts and hot towel shaves, it also offers beard trims and shampoo service with complimentary beverages. It has services for kids 12 years and under, seniors, and active military personnel. It also offers men's grooming products such as Suavecito pomade, Firehouse moustache wax, and St. James of London grooming items. Boulevard Barber & Shave's lead barber, Azaleah Ashmore, has more than two decades of experience and is slated to become the business' new owner.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.8 / 5 (83)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (75)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1604 State Street, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Shave
  • Beard Trimming

Why choose this provider?

Black Market Barbershop is open to clients in San Diego and the surrounding areas. The business offers a wide range of services, such as haircuts, beard trims, and hot towel shaves. The business is home to a team of hair professionals who have decades of experience in the industry, consisting of Kurt, Ruben, Haley, Molly, and Riley. Black Market Barbershop has customized a mobile application where clients can book the service they need.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (108)
Google
4.0 / 5 (50)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
930 West Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103
  • Beard Trimming
  • Kid's Cuts

Why choose this provider?

Top Cutts Barber Shop is a local barbershop serving clients in San Diego and the surrounding communities. It provides a wide selection of services, including hair cutting, beard trimming, and razor shaving with hot towels and steam. It offers various types of haircuts, such as classic haircuts, fade, skin fade, and tapered. Furthermore, its team performs nose, facial, and ear waxing, eyebrow threading, and provides kids' haircuts, as well. Top Cutts Barber Shop offers complimentary ice-cold beers and water for its clients.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.2
Google
4.0 / 5 (81)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (22)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3506 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
  • Shave
  • Beard Trimming

Why choose this provider?

Barber Side is a barbershop located in San Diego. Established in 2007 by Marvin Attiq, the shop offers a range of haircuts and styles such as low and high pompadour, skin and shadow fade, gentleman's cut, and buzz cut. Its other services include razor lineups, mustache and beard trims, shaves, facials, and threading. Barber Side carries its own brand of cruelty-free grooming and shaving products. Marvin personally oversees production to ensure the quality and safety of the products.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (528)
Google
4.0 / 5 (186)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (72)

Website
2637 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
  • Shave

Why choose this provider?

The Barberos is an establishment that specializes in traditional hot towel shaves and handcrafted haircuts. Catering to clients in San Diego, it offers services such as haircut clippers on the side with scissors on top and all scissors haircuts or long hair trim. In addition, the business provides options like haircut and beard lineup, as well as beard trim and lineup. Its barber, Omar, has over 10 years of industry experience in providing fades and hot towel straight razor shaves.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Google
4.0 / 5 (80)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (31)

Website
1917 Cable Street, San Diego, CA 92107
  • Shave
  • Beard Trimming

Why choose this provider?

OB Barbershop is a San Diego-based barbershop that has been serving the metro since 2005. The studio was established by Bay Area surfer Darin Wright, who decided to build a business after years of international travel. Nowadays, OB Barbershop generally specializes in haircuts and beard treatment for men in the area. It performs buzz cuts, hot shaves, and grom cuts while also offering hot straight razor shave, mustache trims, and beard trims for its clientele.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (140)
Google
4.0 / 5 (131)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (35)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
6485 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92115
  • Shave
  • Beard Trimming
  • Kid's Cuts

Why choose this provider?

The Cutt'n Edge is a family-centered barbershop that has been serving San Diego since 2013. It was founded by Tony Ganaway, a veteran in the business. Ganaway is joined by master barbers in providing customized haircuts and designs with different styles and razor options. With a focus on customer service, they offer head or beard lineups and hot towel shaves. Their other services include beard trims, neck tapers, and haircuts for children who are aged 13 years and younger.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Google
4.0 / 5 (104)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (67)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (22)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
899 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Shave
  • Color / Dye
  • Beard Trimming
  • Kid's Cuts

Why choose this provider?

Floyd's 99 Barbershop is a barbershop that has been serving the San Diego metro for over two decades. The studio was founded by the O'Brien brothers Rob, Bill, and Paul, who wanted to get a good haircut in a comfortable and aesthetic setting. At present, Floyd's 99 Barbershop has expanded into 125 studios nationwide and is still built on delivering convenience through haircuts, coloring, shaving, and waxing services. It also performs beard trimming and detailed color treatments.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.3
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (442)
Google
4.0 / 5 (292)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Barbers primarily provide grooming services for men. That includes hairstyling, hair cuts, shaves, and beard trims. Some barbers also offer additional services, such as skin care treatments and eyebrow grooming. While barbers mostly work with men, some do offer limited services for women, as well. 

    When searching for the right barber, it's a good idea to check reviews online and look for someone you feel you can trust. Make sure the barber you select takes time to understand what it is you want when you get your hair cut or beard trim.
  • What is the best way to describe to your barber the haircut that you wish?

    If you have something specific in mind, it's always best to bring photographs for inspiration. That being said, keep in mind that every person's hair is different, so in some cases, it can be difficult to replicate inspiration photos exactly. If you can't find a photo, be as descriptive as you can by providing information about the length you want and the style you'd like to achieve.

  • What to expect when you go to a barber for the first time?

    When you visit the barber, you can expect to spend the first few minutes discussing your services. If you're there for a haircut, your barber will likely ask you questions about the desired outcome. After, your hair is washed or wetted, and then your barber will begin to cut using either scissors or clippers. At the end of the cut, most barbers take time to dry and style before taking payment.

  • What is the difference between a hairstylist and a barber?

    Barbers are most often trained to provide cuts and other services for men's hair and shorter hairstyles. They often work with clippers over scissors. On the other hand, hairstylists most often work with long hair and use a variety of scissors, clippers, and styling tools.

  • Do you tip barbers?

    It is customary to tip barbers when they provide good service. Tips range from about 15% to 20%, but of course, most barbers appreciate tips in any amount. If you feel that your barber did an exceptionally great job, it's acceptable to leave a tip that's higher than 20%.

  • What kind of men\'s haircuts are available?

    There are plenty of haircuts for men of varying lengths, and each style is best suited to different hair types. Men who are unsure of what they want should take time to research styles prior to booking an appointment with the barber. Some of the most popular haircuts include the pompadour, textured crop top fade, and faux hawk fade.

  • What is the barber\'s paradox?

    The barber's paradox is a puzzle, also known as Russell's paradox, about a town in which all residents must be clean-shaven. In this town, the barber is one who shaves all those, and only those, who don't shave themselves. In the paradox, it's assumed that everyone is male, the barber must be shaved, and townspeople may only shave themselves, not the barber. The question in this paradox is, who shaves the barber?