Mark-Jason Solofa Men’s Grooming

I wrote this review a few years ago, and I still stand by it. With the addition of Michael and Al, Mark has built an awesome company and frankly he’s set the standard for what a barbershop should be.
Awesome barbers, friendly people, good products, and a relaxed atmosphere.
I’ll keep coming back again and again.
Once again– I’m writing a review out of appreciation for the ownership, not because I want all of you guys booking the place up.
Cheers
From 2013:
«Must agree with all of the other 5 star reviewers here.
This was the best haircut & haircut experience I’ve ever had.
Great guy.
Bad ass barbershop.
Awesome haircut.
¹⁰⁄₁₀ would come back again… my only reservation writing this review is having you people take up all of Mark’s availability.»

Very solid barber shop in pretty much every way. Was greeted with a very friendly welcome. was even offered a shot of whiskey which I gladly accepted
I got my first cut from Al Guerrero because I needed a haircut ASAP and he happened to have a slot open. Technically he’s an apprentice, but I’m very satisfied with the cut he gave me, and would highly recommend going to him, especially if you’re in pinch because he seems to have more availability.
Overall, a great experience, and I’ll definitely be back.

These guys are awesome! Michael took the time to give me a solid cut. It was not your run-​of-​the-​mill haircut. Michael heard me out and personalized my cut to look good with the shape of my face and head. The customer service couldn’t have been better either. Will definitely be going back!

This place is awesome thy really know what thy are doing. It’s is definitely the best barbershop I’ve been too

«I’m going to call Gino, you’re going to see him, and we’re going to get that haircut fixed up.»
Kramer, Seinfeld
da Scene: It’s 1am and I have an epiphany — I need a haircut! Couldn’t get in impromptu to see Mark or Michael the next day, but I saw there was an apprentice Al, who would take a booking. 3 chair shop, classic feel to the décor, barbers themselves were all class acts — truly caring to know a bit about you to guide a good experience.
da Service: As I entered, Al guesses it’s me…“Kimo?” and slid me into a chair — we just chat a bit, after all I’m a 1^st timer, no referral, I’m going in cold. All 3 barbers were there jumping into the conversation, just some guys hanging out, no pretension. Mark stayed close, mentoring Al through my cut, but not getting in there himself. A good mentor leads & teaches, but allows you to work & grow.
Al landed me where I like to be: Neat & clean, with a cut that doesn’t scream «I just got a hair cut». A little house «clay» to style my hair, add a little straight razor shave to clean up around the ears and back of neck, plus a light shoulder massage w/​an old-​timey hand held unit — good finish.
da Verdict: I’ll be back! Very curious to see what the man himself (Mark) or Michael might do with my head of hair, and will try a shave next time as well, for the whole manly experience. I felt connected through the conversations and connections. Looking forward to my next visit (booking now!). Every man should take step out of the daily grind and give themselves an hour or more to step into a world & time where they can disconnect, relax and revel in being a well-​groomed man. Thanks guys, cya soon!

I had put off writing this review for over a year. The reasoning? It was hard enough to book an appointment without adding more hype to the mix. Now, I’m in a far off state and have no problems writing about the awesomeness of Mark. By far the best experience I have ever had, and hands down the best haircut I’ve ever had. When I fly back into the Bay Area, I will take time out of my trip just get a haircut from Mark. That’s how great he is. He books up fast, so make sure to book all of your appointments in advance.
Hurry up and book your appointment now. In the time it took you to read this, every good time slot you wanted has now been booked. Seriously! stop reading and make your appointment!

Awesome shop, great haircut (Michael) – super cool atmosphere… started right on the appointment time, easy to schedule online etc. Strongly recommended

I had a fantastic experience at Mark-​Jason Solofa Men’s Grooming. The vibe is relaxed and old-​school and reminds you that being well-​dressed and groomed is as integral to manliness now as it was in the bygone era. Mark himself cut and shaved me and to say the guy is both genuine and skilled at what he does is an understatement. It was closer to hanging out with friends than any barber experience I’ve had before and I’m looking forward to my next visit.

I was looking for a new barber then found this place by far the best place to get a haircut. My favorite guy there is Michael he is really good at cutting hair and using the razor.

Fantastic haircut, straight razor shave, conversation, and décor! A great experience and would recommend to anyone who wants a truly relaxed and personalized haircut experience.

This is exactly the experience I was looking for. In a world that is far too busy and rush, rush Mark gives you a reason to slow down and enjoy something.
The best haircut experience I have had. More than happy to make the drive to visit him again!

I thought I had visited good barbershops before, I was wrong. This is by far and away the best barbershop I have ever been to. I had my hair cut by Michael who took the time to not just give me the best haircut I’ve had, but also to explain how I could better style my hair and what I need to tell other barbers (as he knew I would not be in the area long) to do to maximize my specific hair/​face type. As for conversation, Michael was awesome to talk to and so was Mark. Both of them are really chill guys that take their craft very seriously. I highly recommend this place!

I love going here for my hair cut. As a man, I have never found a barber who will actually take his time and TALK about what we want to have happen. It is usually a matter of ‘shorter all around’ and then out comes the razor. I have been very pleased with my hair cuts. Mark is a great guy. It’s well worth the extra dollars to walk away feeling stylized and ready for the world.

Had been growing my beard for over 6 months without trimming to avoid messing it up. Decided to let a professional do it this time. Made sure to make an apt with Mark since he sounds like a God among barbers. My beard ended up way worse.
Didn’t notice while I was there since I had a busy day and wasn’t worried because their reputation but when I got home I was pissed. Totally slanted, chunks that were missed, and crooked cheek lines. It’s been almost a month now and it still looks worse than before I had it trimmed, but better after I cleaned it up a bit. Debating on shaving it off and starting over.
Hey I’m sure they do great work on hair, but if you have a beard, FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE. Any advice on a barber that does well with long beards I’m all ears.

It has been pleasure getting to know Mark & his service. If you are a man who take grooming seriously and lucky enough to live near his shop in Berkeley, give them a try. You’ll find out what I’m talking about.

They really take care of you and want you to look your best. Very high quality service; you will feel relaxed the moment you step in.

Their advertising is all about how there are certain things a gentleman should do go take care of themselves, and boy does this place take care of you. Very welcoming interior, no wait time, a long and thoughtful consultation, a perfect haircut, and then a razor shave on the neck and a back massage.
My barber was Harold. He was easy to talk to, did exactly what I wanted generally, and told me when something I wanted wouldn’t look good. I showed him a picture of an actor for the cut thinking it would just be a rough guide (obviously I’m not actor-​handsome), but he made it perfectly and took photos to get it right again next time. Fantastic barber.
The only downside of this place is the price-​especially if you’re a student and can get a $ 15 haircut-​but this is the correct price to pay for consistently excellent haircuts, and the added services here make this place a bargain in the long run.
Would recommend and will go again

My first visit to this establishment was two weeks ago. Sometimes you have to let things settle and see how they work out before reviewing. Sure when I left I looked good; but it takes a few days to see if your hair is going to stick out in all angles after a few washes.
That’s not the case. I saw Harold Yabut Sr. to see about getting my beard (which has been growing mostly unfettered for about 6 months) under some level of control. It’s not as long as I want it to ultimately be, but I’m also not going for the Grizzly Adams look either so it needed some work.
I took a couple of pictures with me of folks who had a style I think would work well for me. I strongly recommend that to anyone. The best way to get on the same page as your barber is to show him what you are looking for and not just yammer on in a confusing way about your vision. Harold and I chatted about the beard, and my hair, and then he got to work.
He had an easy going attitude and we talked about a few different topics as he worked. I’m not sure how he managed it but he did less beard hair pulling while cleaning things up than I do when I’m getting ready in the morning.
The place itself puts you in a relaxed mood. I really like the shop near my house, but relaxed is hardly what you could call the atmosphere. This place is clean, organized, and thoughtfully kitchy in it’s embellishments. I felt at home there, like I’d always been a customer and it wasn’t my first time.
The waiting list can be long, and it’s not the most convenient place for me to go, but that’s doesn’t matter as much as how I feel (and look ;)) when I leave. This is my barber shop of choice from now on.

I was able to get an appointment on a relatively short timeline (~2 weeks in advance) thanks I assume to the addition of a second barber.
Harold was excellent and went to great lengths to make sure that the cut and style would work with the shape and texture of my hair, so I walked out not only with a great cut, but knowing much more about how to care for it.
He also sold me on a pomade they carry, so I’m officially a hipster now.
It can be a bit nerve-​wracking going to a new barber, since most of us guys find one we like and stay there for years and years. But I’m not in Brooklyn anymore, so it was adapt or die. For a semi-​exclusive place, they were very friendly and engaging. And of course, very professional. So if you’re worried about being treated like a stranger, don’t be.
I will definitely be coming back in February.

Okay, so I have been around, here and there always looking for that one Groomer who will take care of my type of style and could not find, or connect with anyone, because I would travel a lot and go to Sportsclips, Supercuts and so on. I was searching Unilocal (I should have done this sooner) and finally found Mark-​Jason Solofa. His name and symbol stood out as well as his All Positive reviews. I made an appointment and got my hair styled and groomed. Great personality with great conversations and looks like I found my Barber. You have to also check out the interior design. It brings you back. Great way to make you feel in the moment. Mark-​Jason is one Cool Cat with a touch of ol’ school. Mahalo my friend!