Harken back to the days of old, before men used to go to salons to get their hair cut there were these places called “barbershops”- (say it with me “bar-ber-shop”. That’s it, very good!) They were easily identifiable by looking in front for a spinning white pole with red and blue stripes, and inside men got haircuts and straight-edged razor shaves while reading men’s magazines (including Playboy) and having conversations without gossipping. If you thought those days were done, guess again because they’re not- they exist right here in the East Bay!

With locations in Berkeley (1.5 blocks from the Cal campus) and Walnut Creek, this men’s-style barbershop provides haircuts, old-fashioned straight-edge shaves, scissor cuts as well as design work, fades, clipper cuts, beard trims, eyebrow trims, and more. They service women, offering cuts, color, updos and formal hair, as well as straight-edge leg shaves (call for an appointment for any women’s services). Kids too, though I doubt kids need any shaves- probably just a haircut.

By the way, if you haven’t had an old fashioned straight-edge razor shave, I highly recommend this pampering experience. Hot towel, thick lather and a nice sharp blade make for quite a combination and at Amplify they do it to near perfection.

2nd location: 1343 N. Main Street
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Open: M-F 11am-6pm; Sa 11am-5pm; closed Su.