Mark-Jason Solofa, Men's Grooming — Local services in Berkeley

I've been with one three barbers at this place, the most recent with Mr. Solofa himself, and I've only gotten great service and amazing results.

I went the first time about six months ago to see about getting my beard (which has been growing mostly unfettered for about 6 months before that) under some level of control. It's not as long as I wanted it to ultimately be, but I'm also not going for the Grizzly Adams look either so it needed some work.

I took a couple of pictures with me of folks who had a style I think would work well for me. I strongly recommend that to anyone. The best way to get on the same page as your barber is to show him what you are looking for and not just yammer on in a confusing way about your vision. Harold, who was the first gentleman I worked with, and I chatted about the beard, and my hair, and then he got to work.

Everyone I've met there has an easy going attitude and are pros at keeping conversation going while fixing you up. The place itself puts you in a relaxed mood. I really like the shop near my house, but relaxed is hardly what you could call the atmosphere. This place is clean, organized, and thoughtfully kitchy in it's embellishments. I felt at home there, like I'd always been a customer and it wasn't my first time.

The waiting list can be long, and it's not the most convenient place for me to go, but that's doesn't matter as much as how I feel (and look ;) ) when I leave. This is my barber shop of choice...

UPDATE BASED ON OWNER RESPONSE BELOW It was a haircut. Nothing special. Just a cut and a beard trim. No towel treatment. No shave. Way overpriced for the service provided. Plenty of quality shops without overcharging for run-of-the-mill services.

UPDATE BASED ON OWNER RESPONSE Hi Mark. I appreciate your response. However, a clarification: I DO fall within your target demographic. You are selling an experience for gentlemen, and you and I completely agree that there is no price for a proper experience. But that was my point; there was no experience offered the day I visited your establishment. I received an overpriced haircut and beard trim without the experience you claim to offer. Perhaps I visited on an off day, or maybe the pandemic has taken the experience element and cheapened it. I'm not clear on what happened. But... instead of attempting to price-shame someone who SHOULD have become a repeat customer—but who instead had a bad experience—you might consider finding out more about what happened. Otherwise, you just come off as elitist and uncaring about your customers.

Humble advice: if you're going to sell the Rolls Royce of haircuts, your brand is everything (as I'm sure you know). But I didn't receive the Rolls Royce I paid for when I came in. I received a Honda, and I'm not clear on why you would try and blame me for...

If you're looking for an old school barber shop vibe with exceptional service, look no further than MJS in Berkeley! From the moment you walk in the door, you'll be greeted with a warm smile and made to feel like they’ve know you for years. The barbers here are true professionals, with years of experience and a passion for their craft. Whether you're looking for a classic haircut or something a bit more modern, they'll know exactly what to do without having to explain it. But it's not just their technical skills that make this barber shop stand out. It's their commitment to customer service that really sets them apart. Being in a service industry, my entire life this is something I truly appreciate when it’s genuine and not forced. They take the time to listen to your needs and preferences, and they always go the extra mile to ensure that you're completely satisfied with the final result. And it's not just your barber who is friendly and helpful. The entire staff takes the time to be welcoming and attentive, making you feel like more than a customer every time you visit. Overall, I can't recommend MJS highly enough. If you're looking for a barber shop that truly cares about its customers and provides exceptional service, this is the place to go. Five stars...