La Arcada Barber Shop — Local services in Santa Barbara

I feel kinda bad writing this review because the older gentleman who cut my hair was very friendly. But, quite frankly, I had probably the worst haircut of my life. I described pretty clearly what I wanted and even had photos of my hair right after a haircut. It's a pretty normal and modern haircut. He seemed on page with what I wanted. His hands were a little shaky with the clippers but I didn't think too much of it at first. I became more and more nervous as the cut went on and I could tell he was just going in and chopping stuff with no real organization or consistency. The end result was bad enough where I went to another barber shop later in the day. The other barber was kind of in shock at the cut and I had to get my hair cut significantly shorter than I like it just so that it looks reasonably presentable. I understand this is a neighborhood-type friendly vibe of a place but damn the haircut was bad. I'm not sure how this place is rated so highly. I cannot...

I've bounced around a few different barber shops in Santa Barbara over the years, but after having my hair cut by Daniel the last few times in La Arcada I won't go anywhere else. Daniel takes the time to get your hair cut just the way you want it, but also has the experience and poise to give his own recommendations and fine tune the best look for you. Where other barbers have struggled with my thick hair and unruly cowlicks to the point where I've had to settle for "good enough," Daniel has raised the bar to a whole new level.

Besides their skills with the razor, both Daniel and Hank are genuine conversationalists and quality gentlemen who go out of their way to make you feel comfortable in the chair. To top it all off, the shop itself has a classic, homey feel to it with decades of history that give it a character all of its own.

All in all, the best barbershop experience I've encountered, hands down! Keep up the good...

I agree with all of the other reviewers--Daniel rocks! Full disclaimer, I work downtown so La Arcada Barbers is super convenient. I love getting coffee at my local coffee shop, lunch at my favorite local haunts, and my haircuts at my neighborhood barber. Daniel knows how to work with my unruly hair, he's got a great conversation game, and knows how to be creative without being too radical. Daniel's got that old-school barber sense, and more importantly he's just all around a great guy. Hank, who runs the shop, is cool, too. He's always got the most genuine smile--like a man who's found his little corner of paradise and appreciates every moment of it.

Stop in and get a cut, you'll walk out feeling like a...