The Urban Shave Barbershop

i had been going to urban shave for about 2 years. during that time period, david cancelled my appointment on 3 occasions with 1 day or less notice. these appointments were always booked 30 days in advance by me. he never once tried to get me in on a different day.
i do not question his knowledge or ability, but as a businessman, he fails miserably. my time is precious also, be considerate and honor your appointments. his customer service is nonexistent.

I have made my round throughout San Diego, in the hunt for the best barber. And after about 2 years of constant searching, well you can guess, this is the real deal. I always book with David, so mainly I am speaking about him, although the other lads do a great job as well from what I can see.
Do not expected to just walk in and be able to get your hair cut. Your best bet is to make a appointment, which is painless. Overall I have never found another shop, none the less, a barber that even compares to David. He is very refreshing and is up to date on all the favorable cuts and trends. They also carry a wide range of products that you simply cannot find anywhere besides the internet. I will always return here, love this place.

Don’t you love it when a company provides crappy service, you Unilocal about it, they send you msgs with the sole purpose of getting your review down, when you refuse they complain to Unilocal and think they’ve won? Well they didn’t win with me.
So let me be really clear why I am leaving a one star review. This company basically has two locations but only enough employees to fill one. So instead of being open every day, they are only open at one location every day.
Maybe that’s not enough for a one star review. But me calling in and some guy picking up and refusing to answer any questions because you are online only is enough. And if it’s not, then certainly him providing me incorrect information is enough. And if it’s not enough, him hanging up on me is enough. And if its not enough, then you guys trying to get rid of my review is enough.
**Update**
I had to remove a line from my review because the owner wrote the following:
Hello,
Again thank you for valuable feed back. I have reported your review based on the last portion «we will just have to see when enough is enough»
I have also sent a copy to our local police station and have filed a report.
You are entitled to your opinion and to share your account of your experience with my business and fellow barber. However I’m not going to stand by and let you harass and threaten us.
Respectfully,
David
I guess all I have to say is hahahaha. I bet the cops have 4 new detectives working on it. To quote the Big Lebowski… they’ve got them working in shifts.

As soon as I left the barber shop today a woman in the coffee shop outside of the barber shop stared me down and said, «Hi, how are you?» She clearly wanted to begin a conversation, but I had to run. Yes, I am still kicking myself in the @!# for not staying. I instantly loved my barber shop choice. This place will get you looking right EVERY TIME regardless of the barber. Love it. Will not go anywhere else. Try it out!

Got my haircut by David at the Little Italy location. Best haircut I’ve had in a while! David was really nice and easy to talk to. Place was very clean and had very cool atmosphere and décor. Definitely going back and already set up my next appointment.

Amazing experience getting a cut and beard trim with Dave at the hillcrest location. Conversation chill, music chill, and everything else icing on the cake. I don’t get the negative reviews… All I can think is they gave off bad vibes themselves or are just complainers. Would recommend this place to any of my friends because they aren’t creepy and have respect for other people’s time.
Thanks for the top notch service Dave!

I found this shop on Google after my son received a bad haircut. It had great reviews so we booked with David. I can’t say enough good things about this experience. That’s right. Not just a haircut, an experience. David knew exactly what my 12 year old wanted (a hard part comb over). He treated him like a man and hot lathered and shaved his neck. He used a straight razor on the part. It was a true barber shop. Friendly conversation from all the guys while I enjoyed a cup of coffee. Great atmosphere!

Barbers here are great. Shop is really great and I like it. Except their policies.

Wonderful and friendly barbers. I’ve had both David and Blake, both highly skilled, friendly and have provided me with a great haircut both times.
I find a lot of places you aren’t perfectly happy with how your cut comes out right after, but here, I definitely do.
If you’re of age, they offer you a drink, treat you super professionally and kind. I showed up a little late to my last appointment, but that didn’t stop david from providing me the best service, even tho I caused him to go into another customers time.
5 stars all around!

I have been searching for an exceptional barber since moving here in 1997. I think I have tried all of the top ranked Unilocal Barbers, only to be disappointed.
However, today my persistence paid off. David, you are the man. David took the time to listen and cut my hair the way I like it. This is definitely the best cut I have had in years. I was really beginning to loose faith in California Barbers. Thanks David and Corey. I look forward to seeing you in 3 weeks.

What an amazing experience in an surprisingly small barber shop. This was by far the best personal care that I have received, from the awesome barber Blake to the hot towels throughout the whole trim. Thank you so much. See you soon.

The best in San Diego, seriously.
For those that have never been here, David is a master barber who has a small shop featuring just one chair in the whole establishment. I’ve been there twice over two years, first for a clean shave and most recently this past weekend for a haircut and beard trim.
I booked my appointment with David at The Urban Shave two weeks ago after two months of growing out my hair and beard. After a short wait which I was given notice about, (David called me 40 minutes ahead of time and told me he was running 15 minutes late as he was attending to the previous customer), I sat down in the shop.
I spent a few minutes showing David two photos I found online which I hoped would model what type of look I wanted for myself, and he soon got to work.
The entire experience was exceptional from a barbering standpoint, but even more than that I felt at home talking to David about whatever came up in conversation. He even offered me a drink to sip on while I got my hair and beard cut.
He spent time carefully trimming my hair and never seemed to rush his work, even when the next customer had arrived outside the shop. Next, he carefully shaped my beard while answering all my questions on the upkeep and grooming that I would be doing at home. The entire process included hot then cold face towels along with a straight razor line up of my beard and neck line. Finally, David washed, shampooed, then styled my hair with pomade and dabbed beard oil on my face.
After the whole cut and trim, I was able to easily checkout via iPad looking the best I think I ever have plus I even purchased the pomade and beard oil – products that David never tried to upsell me on. I had to ask for them myself, and I appreciate that.
I decided to write this review after checking out the few 1-​star reviews people have left. Honestly, if you take a look at them or at the Unilocaler’s history, it’s clear that these reviews were written by A) people with unrealistic expectations B) people that weren’t even rating the barbering experience itself or C) People that don’t understand the concept of a 1-​on-​1 service requiring an online reservation. As a customer, I am grateful that I don’t have to have a sense of professionalism like an owner would have to hold on Unilocal.Fortunately, because of this I can say things like: «you cut yourself shaving with a razor blade at home, so you’re blaming the guy that sold it to you?», «you don’t get why you’re being charged even though you cancelled your appointment outside the clearly stated grace period?», «you’re leaving a 1-​star review because you don’t know how to make a username and password to make a reservation?», and «you people are all idiots.»
Sarcasm aside, this is the best place to go to if you want a proper haircut and beard trim. Yes, the services are not priced the same as a place like SuperCuts (a place that I regularly go to because I don’t have the time or money to go top tier with my haircuts every few weeks.) But honestly, you get what you pay for. As a guy if you’re looking to do something nice for yourself once in a while, this is the place to go. Most guys can’t go get their nails done or have a «spa day» because, well, honestly most of us aren’t into that, but a fresh cut and shave is the closest male equivalent to that kind of experience.
In short, if you’re looking to present a clean and professional look and want a custom old-​school experience, go see David – tell him I sent you!

It might be me, but I feel like there was a bit of sarcasm in your reply to my post based off of your comments in your reply to me mr. Owner. I (wow this has went on long enuf lol). I’ve seen your «feedback» and sometimes, well it’s just sometimes lol.
Criticism is hard, everyone knows that. Especially someone who is what seems to be a perfectionist at his work. But that’s what Unilocal is for. The customers opinion. Why shouldn’t I be unhappy with service on multiple occasions if I feel I was slighted? You would too!
Further I don’t understand why we couldn’t have at least tried to talk this out some other way that friggin Unilocal postings lol. Why can’t you just own your mistake and say sorry with humility? Or at least try to talk it out. This all might have been avoided by now. But i don’t think you can take criticism easily. I know it’s hard — everyone knows… But that is a price of being a business owner in a digital age with things like Unilocal.
And so why am I getting the finger pointed at me? Can’t resist that itch to slam a Unilocaler for what they feel is their honest and forthright opinion on an experience? Perhaps I should ask YOU if this is really about blades and a Unilocal review lol… Bcuz maybe there are bigger issues than replying to your Unilocal with couth.
1^st off what does the time me writing my review have to do with anything? Some people work off hours and my nighttime may not be yours or others. Totally irrelevant. Your argument is null and void.
2^nd you do not remember me. You took MONTHS to reply lol. What all of the sudden cat got your tongue because my review got a lot of attention? And yes it was a tip at first, till one of your blind minions started slamming me in messages with his bellicose rhetoric, outshining what a fanboy he was only by his bad manners… But that’s ok he was eventually blocked BY Unilocal for misconduct. That wasn’t (presumably) your fault, but highly irritating. So, I Unilocaled it. I’m sure you know who it was. Take it up with that guy. If not for him it would have stayed a tip.
And no, you never gave me free blades. Pretty sure I would know. How many people do you see in a week? A month? 6 months? A year? And yet after months and months you eventually reply. I should ask you the same, are you sure you remember? Maybe the barbacide is evaporating too much in your shop lol. Sorry Chris but you just didn’t give me blades for free nor did you specially ask for a honest review. But again we could always hash this out, although I think that train passed lol.
Wow what a… BLAH. I even complimented you in the review on your genuineness, manners and friendliness. I feel that’s a partial now. So what if I am a ‘good’ customer I get nice replies? Sorry man but that’s not Unilocal.Unilocal is ALL of that — the good, the bad, the ugly. Take it or leave it it’s here to stay. Sometimes it does wonders for you and makes you smile, while others makes you feel like you’re sitting on a case of thumbtacks. But as with everything digital, anyone reading it or hearing it should take it with a grain of salt because after all it is the Internet. Look for the truth. Extrapolate the realness. And move on lol.
Well hope your $ 400+ is worth it every month. Not a good show in my opinion Master barber.
My FINAL 2 cents cuz I’m tired of having to deal with all the crap that comes from a single review of your business. If I see you out, I would buy you a drink and we can hash it out over some 12 Ur Macallen scotch but other than I’m done with this lol.

Unbelievable. A truly exceptional barber experience. Got the traditional shave for my wedding day with my wedding party.
First class experience from start to finish. Blake was our barber and he was excellent. Took his time on the four of us and it paid off.
You can also bring your own booze.
Is there a better way to spend $ 35 legally?

The Urban Shave is the real deal! I went in for a beard trim and shape but it was the overall service and experience that will bring me back in the future.
David has a passion for his craft and gives very good advice without being pushy on some of the better products for beard care. His customer service is top notch.
Can’t say enough about this place, you need to experience it for yourself.
Book online in advance and set up your next appt before you leave.

Today I arrived at my 2:30 appointment with David O. early, and almost received a ticket by the meter maid because I did not have change… too funny.
The visit went well, and I was very satisfied with the outcome of the beard trimming. David was very meticulous and shortly before he started I wanted to have a specific trim. He listened very attentively and understood exactly what I wanted, awesome experience and full of valuable information.
Additionally I bought some Urban Shave beard oil, something I needed. Great American made product!
My expectations were exceeded by this unique barber shop.
I am that loyal customer, thank you once again David.

I was about to throw in the towel on my 7 month long beard before I found the Urban Shave and I’m really glad I didn’t.
I set an appointment with Blake from my phone and was in the next day. The level of skill, knowledge and professionalism that guy has is amazing. I feel like he took every single hair on my face into account when trimming up my beard. I’ve never had a traditional shave before but after this visit, it definitely won’t be my last. Blake had amazing precision while trimming my mustache and beard, measuring every step of the way.
I will definitely be back every time I need a trim, thanks Blake!

The one star Unilocal for this place are ridiculous. It’s a bunch of grown ass men with sore butt holes, bitching about what? …
Appointments?!
Yeah. This place does a quality job. And yes, it will book up fast. And yes, you’re gonna have to wait for it. Tough nuggets.
Do your follicles a favor. Get to the urban shave and for the next hour pamper yourself and your beard. You won’t regret it. And I’m pretty sure you’ll be coming back for more.

I have a beard which I think I like way more then I should. I have been weary as to trusting anyone get near it with scissors. Today I made that decision to come here. All I can say is Blake Is the man I will be going to from now on. He was super nice and Very easy to talk to. Not to mention did a killer job trimming my beard. I was very satisfied with the outcome and would recommend only coming to this spot if you’re a bearded man with the same fear that I had. The overall experience I had here was nothing short of amazing. Oh and when I walked in he offered me a cold beer!

First of all, I have to say shame on me for not reading ALL the reviews here on Unilocal.I read quite a few great reviews and, as my last great hair stylist/​barber moved out of state recently, I was in need of someone new to cut my hair. And David sounded perfect from several reviews I’d read below.
So, a few weeks ago, I booked an appointment for a haircut this week on David’s website. The policy is very clear: It’s $ 40.00 for a haircut and you need to provide a credit card to hold your appointment. And if you cancel within 48 hours, I suppose you’re just S.O.L., as the saying goes.
On the day of my appointment, I drove over to the shop and — because the shop is so small and there isn’t any sign that’s clearly visible from the street or that stands out in any way — I drove right past the shop down Park Blvd. in heavy traffic. I made a Jason Bourne-​worthy U-​turn and managed to find a metered spot to park across the street and, as I was now running a few minutes late, I ended up jaywalking (well, *running* actually) across the street, getting honked at by several motorists and flipped off by some 50-​something year old woman in an SUV, who had one hand on her phone as she was texting while managing to use her other hand to give me the finger. (Perhaps she was using her knees to drive?)
After all that, I was a bit rattled and out of breath when I finally got up to the shop entrance — and my heart sank as I saw that the place was dark inside and the front door locked.
But, wait — from the very back of the small room, I saw I figure rise and glide slowly to the door: David. I recognized him from his picture on his website: tall, slim, bald — a sort of Chucky from «Sons of Anarchy» thing going (minus the missing fingers, of course). He was in the middle of a text and told me to have a seat in «the chair,» motioning me toward the antique barber’s chair in the center of the small, darkened room. As I began to sit, he «instructed» me on how to sit in the chair, telling me that the chair is very old and I shouldn’t put my weight on the foot rest but I should straddle the chair carefully. He seemed pleasant enough at first but I was already starting to have misgivings. However, as I’d already given out my credit card info. and was «bound,» as it were, to the appointment, I figured might as well go with the flow and hope for the best.
A few moments later, David finally finished his texting and we got down to talking. I asked him if I should remove my shirt and/​or was he going to put some sort of smock on me and he «reminded» me (with more than just a hint of irritated condescension in his voice) that «this isn’t a spa.»
Okaaay.
Next came our «thorough hair consultation,» which lasted approximately 45 seconds in the semi-​dark. I started to explain to him what I wanted in regards to my hair and suddenly — and seemingly without any warning — he stated flatly that there was «nothing» he could do with my hair: It was too short, he said. (My hair looked like a mop, it was so long.)
«Come back in three to four weeks,» he said. He was standing behind me — both of us facing the mirror — and I could just make out his reflection in the sepulchral light. He looked as cold and remote and uninvolved as they come. Yikes. Not exactly a professional stance.
«Three *weeks*?!» I was incredulous: If I had to wait another three weeks for a haircut, I’d probably have to wear a hat or a wig to leave the house without frightening pets or small children.
«Sorry, buddy,» he said. (At this point, I had to restrain myself from pointing out to him that I may be a lot of things in this life but one of them was definitely *not* his «buddy»!)
“Did you want to reimburse me for the haircut?” I asked, feeling a mixture of extreme annoyance and disbelief.
«Did you have a gift certificate?» he asked with a straight face.
«No, I paid in advance on your website.»
«Oh,» he said, «that’s just to *hold* the appointment in case you didn’t show up.»
Oh yeah, I showed up, all right. The question now was WHY? I hefted myself — very carefully, mind you — out of the Antiques Roadshow chair and headed for the door. I thought how I’d rearranged my *entire* day for this — not to mention all the work it took to set up an online account on his website and all the emailing back and forth in the interim re: confirming this appointment, etc. All to be dismissed like some recalcitrant third grader. And why? Did he just feel like taking an hour off work and didn’t want to bother contacting me prior? Did he just finish texting with someone who invited him over for a «nooner»? What?
So, a day after the aborted above appointment, I found someone else to cut my hair. And, I have to say, my hair looks great! There was no problem with the length, no melodrama, no subterfuge and no head games. Just a haircut, plain and simple.
P. S. Below is a belated note from David «thanking» me for «sharing» in what has to be one of the most hilarious non sequiturs ever written.