Don’s Headquarters

Coming from New York City, I was used to my pick of excellent barbers – barbers who know how to get the fade smooth (it’s called a «fade» for a reason) and the lines sharp. Also, a good barber should have a sense of artistry about their ish, and a pride in their work.
Since moving to the Bay several months ago, I’ve tried several barbers, and was never completely satisfied. But then I found Anthony at Headquarters. And now it’s all good. He’s thorough, quick and was able to give me exactly what I wanted.
I waited to write this review until after my second cut, which was even better than my first. So we got a good thing goin’…

I’ve been going to this same spot since 1968. Don, Jason and the crew of barbers know what they’re doing. The atmosphere is straight out of the «A» lot in Hollywood. Whatever style of cut you want they can deliver. You have to know your stuff if you’re going to jump in the shop conversations from sports to politics and everything in between! Turner

Surprised it took this long to finally check this barbershop out. I skipped my normal spot because it was out of my way from work on an evening when I wanted a haircut. I decided to get a haircut at this South Berkeley barbershop which is walking distance from my place.
Anthony cut my hair and did a pretty solid job and I’d highly suggest checking Don’s out for a great cut.

$ 25 for haircut & shave.
Traditional Black Barbershop, but super friendly to this local brown dude.
I enjoy the razzing that goes on between the owner (Don) and younger barber (Jason).
Usually good music playing and/​or television playing news or sports.

I stumbled on this barbershop. Walked in and was greeted by Anthony. Service was superior, cut was excellent! Highly recommended. If you are looking for an official black barber in Berkeley… Headquarters is it!

I needed a trim and I wanted to stay in the east bay, rather than going into the city to get my haircut. My sides were bushy and I wanted to get a good blend transition to the longer hair I had on top. After reading reviews on Unilocal,I called Don’s Headquarters and asked how soon they could get me in. «Right now!» I was told and when I walked in the door Anthony was up and ready to cut. AND CUT HE DID!
Anthony used 6 different clippers to get my hair «just right»! Couldn’t be happier. See you in 6 weeks!

Came in for an appointment and was cut by Anthony, as soon as I walked in he had the chair ready for me to get a hair cut, he did a really good job! I been coming to see this barber since he was in his old location, even though he’s farther from my home I commuted just to go get a haircut from
Him, he’s great knows what he’s doing he wont disappoint you at all I recommend him to anyone! will continue to come see him even if he’s not around the corner.

Hey Readers – Be sure to check out th e Filtered Comments at the Bottom of the Page here. For some reason Unilocal takes certain reviews and puts them in Filter, where you might not ever look.
We used this place and didn’t really think much of it. They could bother to clean it up a little, straighten out all those magazines that look like junk city, open the door or windows and get some fresh air in there. You practically choke on all the chemical stench from all those hair products (watch out — the FDA does NOT regulate any of these cosmetic products, and yes, a lot a re made with Toxic Chemicals). THe worst thing was Don’s haircut – sloppy, too fast, you get home next day and comb it and it looks pretty bad.

Let me first by saying this. This is the low rating i have every given. My brother friend referred me here, and he love it, then I check this place out on Unilocal and it had flying colors. what did I have to Loss– Well ill tell you…
Don is the owner really nice man. This place has been around for 38 years, I know WOW! s
Now on to it. Dons the owner and he cut my hair, I ask for a #1 all the way around, tapper in the back and watch my line in the front. THATS ALL! very simple. I did not get what I ask for, My Hair cut was uneven all over, lines… well i cant even explain it. My lines look like my little 2 year old nephew did them, and the tapper in the back was so so. I’m not trying to bash on Don. I just didnt get what I ask for. Even with this said, I showed him the areas that I didnt like– he tried to clean it up, But i could not take it at that point I had to get out of the seat. he was making more of a mess. One top of that my face was in FULL DISAPPOINTMENT! … he still charge me $ 17dollars, i gave him a $ 20 then was hesitant to give me my $ 3 change back as if he did a great job and deserved a tip.
I believe the other barber their are very good. But my experience was not.

Best haircut I’ve gotten since moving to the Bay Area. The barbers are cool and laid back. The location is ideal (a few blocks from Ashby BART station). The price is right ($ 17 – 20). I’m elated to find a reliable black barbershop in my new neighborhood.

This is a good, old school black barbershop, which was exactly what I was looking for when I went looking for a place to get my hair cut in the Oakland/​Berkeley area.
The shop was clean. The barbers were nice. Good music was playing and college football was on the tube. The older cat (Don, I think his name was) was talking about the economy and politics. Everyone seemed glad to be there.
The older fella cut my hair. I like getting my hair cut by older cats, because their knowledge often extends beyond just cutting heads. He was able to answer a bunch of questions I had about shaving techniques and skin care.
I was in and out in less than an hour with no appointment, which is more than I can say for almost any other barber I’ve ever been to. $ 20 for a men’s cut is a bit steep where I’m from (in the South, a simple cut is only about $ 10… $ 15 if you’re ballin’), but I guess everything is just more expensive in the Bay Area. The barber did a good job, so I felt it was worth the money.
I’ll definitely be back when it’s time for a trim.

I’ve been going here for years and I have not found another place that compares. There are three barbers: Don, the owner who serves an older clientele; Jason — my preferred barber who always does a great job; and Ken — the fastest trimmer in Berkeley, a lot of people like his style, but once you have picked a barber it’s not good to change.
This is your spot if you are looking for a hair cut with the ambiance of a traditional black shop (re: the movie Barbershop) with a touch of progressive-​black commentary (I wouldn’t declare your love for Pres. Bush in this spot) and a TV that is tuned to sports (or occassionally CNN). Plus, Don’s deep roots in the East Bay means you never know who might show up to get their haircut, from old-​school community leaders to a Janet Jackson band member (honest!).
Don’t forget to ask for a calendar if you go in January.