Around The Edge

I don’t like giving low star reviews — but when you walk away with an icky feeling, you need to let others know.
I made an appointment, still had to wait 15 min.
My main concern was keeping most of my hair & just a simple trim was in order, however I came out with hair so short there was no use in combing it.
I told him exactly what I wanted — the barber reviewed what I said, which I thought was spot on, but then cut my hair how he wanted & didn’t listen. He kept re-​doing parts of my hair as he progressed; which would work if you’re creating art work or creating a building; but once you cut it ~NEWS FLASH~ It’s GONE! The fade was choppy & he seemed to purposely jiggle the mirror when he eventually showed me the back — I thought it was from the awesome Bass of the music ((*once I got home I found out why & saw several cuts in the hairline on the back, not scars or anything, but from his razor)).
Afterwards — despite my thoughts that a light trim would cost about or less than the sign posted (*which was on the rather high side anyway) he asked me to dig out a small bucket of Gold to pay him for shotty work — probably because he knew by giving me that terrible cut I would never come back once my friends slammed me for such a Wonky cut. I obliged, as we didn’t discuss any cost upfront, so that’s on me (I should have & will in the future discuss how much my haircuts should run).
On the down side, the music is SO loud in there, most of the time he was talking to me or me talking to him & I had to have things repeated (no I’m not a deaf man, nor partially hearing impaired of any sort).
These guys are sooooooo full of themselves, that I really wanted to like them too; but bottom line = bad, terrible, waste of money, poor customer service, they don’t listen to your needs/​wants & they think they’re so impressive that it makes you feel like shooting yourself afterwards because there is no point in you even competing in the human race anymore.

I’ve been getting a cut from Ren at Around the Edge every two weeks for the last 3 months. The vibe there is lively and pleasant. All the barbers are great and make you feel comfortable upon walking in. They keep the place pristine and looking good always. Ren gave me an awesome cut that just keeps getting better over time. He is getting to know my hair and every time I am more impressed with the attention to detail. He takes his time and does the cut right always making me feel like a welcome guest and not just another customer. This place is great. Ren is great. Make sure to make an appointment, stay consistent with your cuts and you’ll be looking fresh in no time.

Excellent service. I came out of town, called in the morning, came over and received a great haircut, exactly what I was thinking about. Affordable price, great service, keep it up guys. Highly recommend to anyone!

After a slew of terrible haircuts from Supercuts I finally decided to try and find a good barber shop. Scored with Around the Edge! Got a cut from Danny. He gave me a perfect cut, exactly what I asked for. Can’t get much better than that! This will be my new barbershop. It’s also got a good vibe in the shop, the barbers joke around with each other, every barbers station is personalized with stuff, etc. feels like a tattoo shop, but again this place has a great vibe. Danny was very professional with his cut and I would highly recommend him and this shop. You know you’ve got a great haircut when after you mess up the gel/​pomade, and wake up the next morning, the hair still looks damn good.

They don’t take walk-​ins. I went at 11am. There where three guys cutting hair and no one waiting but the earliest they could fit me in was not until 2pm.

I took my 2 year old to get his haircut by Neelo & he did a great job. I’m loving his new look will definitely be back

After moving back to the Bay Area I was in need for a barber. After doing some research I landed on Around The Edge. I called and was instantly accommodated for a haircut appointntment. I walk in the door and was greeted by Ray by name even tough I never met the guy before. I sat down at Rays chair and we discussed what the plan was. I wanted a one two fade with some length on the top because I put it up in a messy way. Ray did a amazing job on my hair. He practically read my mind on what I wanted and always checked in on me to make sure we agreed on the next step. His touch is so gentle you don’t even notice he is even cutting your hair. I am pleased to say I have found a new barber and that is one less thing to worry about. If you go, make sure to ask for Ray.

Overall great barbershop. Julian does great work and so do his other guys. They need to figure out better scheduling and bring down their hour appointments to 30 minutes.
Would go back.

I know they are always packed. Book one week in advance and you’ll leave saying
«I gotta stay FLY-​Y-​YYYG TILL I DIEEEEE»
Booked with Eli, and could’t be happier!

nice shop. barbers are legit. I personally get cut up by nilo (2^nd chair from the door).solid cuts every time. i’ve gotten comb over sheer cuts, tapers, shadow fades and all are official. been going to him for about 9 – 10 months now.

Great shop! I’ve had cuts from 3 different dudes, all of them are great. Great cuts, fair price, awesome barbershop! Make an appointment before coming in!

Neelo is amazing! He has been cutting my sons hair since he was 2 ½ (almost 4 years) and we have followed him all over San Mateo. We live in San Bruno and I make the trip once a month because it is well worth it. I tried a bunch of different places until we found Neelo. He is patient and takes his time cutting my sons hair and the results are great every time!
This shop has plenty of street parking and has a very welcoming environment. All the barbers in the shop are friendly and professional. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a clean cut.

First came here a little longer than a month ago. I live in Fremont, but work in San Mateo and I’ve been looking for a new barber for quite some time. Thomas was nice enough to fit me into his schedule around lunch time.
Thomas really knows what he’s doing and he uses top of the line products on you. Blow dryer, comb, hair product, etc. They are all great!
I’ve had two cuts so far and I’ve been very satisfied each time. Definitely the most expensive haircut I’ve ever gotten, but I think it’s worth it.

I have to give it to these guys that cut in this shop. I always feel like it’s an exclusive club for a hair cut due too.. . They usually never have time for last minute appointments or walk ins because they’re already booked a week or two in advance. That’s really say something about they’re quality of work.
Me personally, I get cut by Eli. He’s pretty laid back and is pretty patient me. I’m a bit picky about my barbers and cuts and I’ve never been let down since I’ve been coming here.
My self, I live across the bay in union city and am glad I started working in San Mateo. Never would’ve known about this shop.
So if you plan on visiting this place it might help out to make a call and book an appointment in advance. Don’t waste your time by trying to walk in.

My last hair-​cut was at Around the Edge and I was really impressed with these guys. Definitely take an appointment before you visit this place, because everyone here is super busy and their schedules are already booked, especially on the weekends. I called a couple days in advance and got an early morning appointment with Eli. He took his time with my hair cut, asked me questions about my preference a few times. He was focused during his work and very attentive. I also got a traditional razor shave after my haircut. Definitely the place to get my next haircut!

Julian, the owner, has been cutting my hair for a year. I’m very pleased with his work. He runs on time, takes his appointments seriously, and doesn’t cram customers in only to make someone else wait.
He runs a clean shop, and hires an array of barbers that all seem to wield their own styles and craft.
The place is almost always busy because his customers are loyal, because he’s reliable, honest and performs an excellent cut.
Kids are welcome, and he takes credit cards.

I missed having Joel near by in Redwood City; he opened his own shop in San Mateo and his reputation follows him! He is by far one of the best barbers I go to! He takes pride on his cutz!
Do set an appoitnment ahead of time — he is BUSY all the time and I will not recommend doing a walk in on him or any of his other barbers!
Love him but do miss having him near by!

I’m feeling like a handsome dude again after getting my cut from Barber Baum.
Since we had never met, Thomas took some time to discuss my preferences and to understand exactly what I wanted. After he was sure we were on the same page, he started to work his magic. He gave me a scissor textured feathered trim on top for a more natural spike, sculpted the sides for a darker look, and finished with a razor on the corners to lighten up the edges.
And, with the relaxed vibe and chill conversation at Around the Edge, you feel like you’re just hanging out with some buds.
I walked out looking cleaner and sharper than I’ve looked in years. On top of that, Thomas is a cool guy. I’m happy to say that I’ve definitely found my new spot.

Around the Edge is a cool spot to get a haircut. All the barbers, from my experience are cool, chill guys. I can’t say how good their cuts are, though, because I’ve only gotten cuts from Tom. From what I’ve seen, everything looks good. Good lineups, clean fades.
I found the spot because I’ve been getting cuts from Tom for the past 7 years. I started going to him when he worked at Philgood Cuts (which is also a good spot to check out if San Mateo is too far for you further up the peninsula) and followed him when he moved here. When I started seeing him, I used to just get the basic taper/​fade with a lineup. I’ve been to other spots where the cost is a little bit cheaper, but the cut is nowhere near as clean. Originally, I only thought Tom could do lineups and tapers, but as I’ve been growing my hair out a little, he’s definitely proving he can do a lot more. He not only suggests what would look good, but he gives a nice cut that I haven’t gotten from anyone else.
The few downsides for me are the distance, and the prices are going up because it’s the Bay Area. Have to make a living. But you’re definitely getting what you pay for. I have no desire to try any other barbers. If you’re looking for a new barber, I definitely recommend hitting up Around the Edge.
Tom is also very accommodating. If you contact him early on, he may take you either before or after hours.

Now that I’ve been to the shop a few times, allow me to update my review.
My boy Nilo is the kinda barber all guys need. Example. I show up asking for a 1992 cut and he says «all good Hec.» As he begins he starts to give suggestions like, «so how about a #2 taper Hec?» I know enough to understand that this is the type of suggestion that is more like «this is what’s best for you bud.» The cut gets deeper into it and again, he says «You know hec, how about we do a taper fade on the side? I think that would look super clean bro.» I just go with the flow and let my barber do what he thinks best. This is one of the benefits of going to a barber who knows your hair, who knows what’s best for you, even when you may not.
When I got home my lady said «baby, you look so handsome.» Let’s put it this way, had I cut my hair MY way, she would have said «Oh. It looks good babe… what’s for dinner?»
The shop is clean, they have DirecTV on the giant flat screen, this is a really great spot to get cut. Make an appointment. It’s possible that you could walk in and get cut, it’s just not likely.