Shear Design — Local services in San Mateo

Joaquin is a great barber. First, some basics: It's located toward the back of the complex-- walk through an alleyway. Make a reservation ahead of time. Cash is best. There's a stand with credit card stickers, but cash is pretty efficient.

Being from the east coast, I'm used to old fashioned barbers who cut hair mostly with scissors and then use clippers around the edges. I've found most CA barbers go straight for clippers and tight fades. Joaquin is a classic, very skilled barber. He uses his scissors well, is very cautious to get the right haircut (look book with about 100 different styles included), and will wash/dry your hair. It's not the cheapest at $30 for wash - cut - blow dry, but it's money very well spent. He even made clear that he was going to cut my hair, check on progress, and cut it shorter if needed. He did exactly that, but the great news is he cut it perfectly the first time.

I highly recommend, and I will be a returning customer. (Note: as of 2018, Joaquin is on vacation October 25 -...

Made an appointment for my husband yesterday with Joaquin, based on the great reviews and how close he is to home :) And when I called my Hubs afterwards to ask how it was he said, “It felt like home” awwww! He said, he was the best, trimmed his beard perfectly and is so happy to have found him.

Thank you Joaquin!! Finally he found someone who guys his hair just the...

Joaquin is such a friendly and experienced gentleman ... I gave me a cut exactly how I wanted and with his suggestions, I came out looking way better than I had expected. Highly recommended...