Get Your Best Scissor Cuts, Tapers, High-Tops, and Fades

Written by: Tyler Holland Barbershops in San Diego

Finding a new barber can be tough. There’s a lot of guesswork involved with trying to explain the style you’re going for, and to top it off, each stylist can have their own opinion on how to best execute it. This can lead to a great cut, or something you cover with a hat until you can find a new stylist that can create something that won’t leave you feeling embarrassed. We wanted to find the best of the classics, and here are some of the best barbershops in the city!

 

Vince’s

Vince’s specializes in all haircut styles, whether modern or classic. Favorites include tapered cuts with comb overs as well as classic fades and other old fashioned styles such as flat tops all done using classic straight razor work that is rarely seen in today’s shops. The interior features antique barber chairs and a barber pole, giving Vince’s a real vintage feel straight out of the 1940s and 50s, which makes sense considering this San Diego landmark has been in existence since the 30s. In fact, the owner is a 5th generation barber.

Recommended styles: Classic taper with comb over, flat top, scissor cut, faux hawk and the high and tight.

2030 India St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.623.0798

 

Urban Shave

Urban Shave is not your regular barber shop. Instead of giving standard haircuts chosen from magazines, Urban Shave barbers customize styles based on face shape and lifestyle. Appointments are booked in advance online and customers are educated on the shop before they arrive. Because of this, barbers know exactly what the client wants as soon as they step in the door.

Recommended styles: People come in and typically ask what styles they should get. Fading is a technique that comes recommended, but since Urban Shave customizes each haircut, each style is different.

2355 India Street
San Diego, CA 92101
619.208.1040

Pappy’s

Pappy’s specializes in traditional haircuts from the 20s and 30s with a modern twist. Any style you can think of, modern or traditional, you can get it here. This venue has a traditional vibe with red chairs, mint green colors and traditional equipment like what was used back in the day, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.

Recommended styles: Old styles come recommended, such as the flat top, undercut with hair slicked back and the traditional side part.

6528 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115
619.885.2887

 

Freshly Faded

Located in San Diego’s artsy North Park district, Freshly Faded caters to all types of styles. New or classic, straight or curly hair, the barbers here can handle it all and will have you leaving looking sharper than you could have ever imagined. You can even get a hot towel shave using a straight razor.

Recommended styles: tapers, mohawks and fades.

2850 El Cajon Blvd Ste 1
San Diego, CA 92104
619.677.4733 

Lefty’s

Lefty’s has been a working barber shop since the 1950s and still manages to hold on to the vintage charm of the era. With antique chairs, checkered floors, vintage photos and music from artists such as Frank Sinatra playing over the stereo system, Lefty’s goes the extra mile in creating and maintaining a classic ambience. All haircuts are finished off with a hot lather neck shave and bay rum.

Recommended styles: Scissor cuts and tapers. Hot straight razor shaves are also specialties.

1339 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
858.274.5913 

Ducky’s

Ducky’s carries on the traditional barber shop vibe with checkered floors and vintage chairs, paired with exceptional customer service and an experience reminiscent of shops in years gone by. All haircuts are executed with precision, creating tight lines and cuts that compliment your look. Each barber is experienced and knows what styles work well with each face. To top it off, customers get offered a beer, hot lotion and a razor touch up.

Recommended styles: razor skin fades and tapers

941 Broadway Ste L
El Cajon, CA 92021
619-456-3232

 

Mister Brown’s

Mister Brown’s specializes in the classic gentleman’s cut popular throughout the 20s and 30s that’s now coming very much back into style among the young artistic types. From fades to pompadours and tapers, if there’s a style you’ve been dying to try out, the barbers here can handle it. When people walk in, they are often blown away by the amount of detail put into the establishment. From the 100-year-old original Koken chairs to the rustic copper design, vintage pool table and exposed brick, nothing is done half way.

Recommended styles: high and tight, mid and low fade, razor fade, skin fade and under cut. Gentleman’s cuts are what Mister Brown’s specializes in. No man buns here.

3064 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104
619-501-8407

 

Normal Heights

Serving San Diego since 2013, and even being voted San Diego’s best barbershop by A List in 2014, Normal Heights can’t be overlooked. From classic fades to modern cuts and designs, Normal Heights can handle anything you throw at them. Each barber pays close attention to the customers’ wants and needs, making sure their chosen style is executed with razor-like precision (pun intended). Thirsty? Upon arrival, customers are offered a beer or nonalcoholic beverage, adding to the friendly ambience this venue exudes.

Recommended styles: Classic fades, skin fades, high and tight, undercut.

4684 Mansfield St
San Diego, CA 92116
619.564.8942
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