The Best 4 Hair Salons in Arcata, Humboldt (part 2)

Olivia Fox Shop got busy while I was getting my haircut so I got a rushed cut that I had to fix at home later. Also pretty sure the prices increased so I spent like $73. They did offer that I could come in and get it fixed for free, but I wish they’d just had the time to get it right at first.

Suzanne Abernathy The first time I came I got Naomi and she was really nice and made sure that I was satisfied with my cut. She books out pretty far (I can understand why) so I came back and got another lady. Not as nice but the cut was ok. Came back and had her again and she was rude and made me feel like I was a huge inconvenience to her, barely looked at the picture I showed her and acted like I was being unreasonable. I’ll be looking for a new salon.

Bree Holthus Naomi is so nice and she did fantastic work. I will definitely be returning!

Samuel Schulman I came in originally to get a small trim after a botched attempt at a home trim. Thats why theres professionals I suppose. I had to have two cuts done here today in part because the first one was butchered by the first stylist. Im refusing to mention their name because overall theyre well reviewed here and It seems that the error stems more from a failure of us to communicate with each other, tho they did cut off lengths of hair that I specifically requested not to be chopped and they told me they hadnt. That was a red flag and Im hoping its a result of an off day and not something underlying. Ultimately, she ruined my hair style which I was happy with and just wanted touched up. I came in later to have this rectified by another stylist (Serena, who I will mention by name because she did an excellent job.), and because of how radically my hair had been messed up, I asked for a partial refund because it would take close to a year to grow it back the way I had it. The girl at the counter told me that was a no-go and mentioned that they had also given me a discounted rate, as tho that was my responsibility or something I had asked for. Tho we butted heads for a moment, she was professional and handled me and my sour attitude with grace, tho there was no apology for mistakes made or an admission of wrongdoing. The lack of sympathy in a situation like this should say a lot. Im unhappy that the hairstyle I had was ruined for the price I paid (apparently it was discounted and this was held over my head despite not having been informed at checkout that it had been) and with how much time it will take to grow it back to where it was and should have been cut down to, but I am happy that Serena was able to salvage something. Its not at all what I want, but its what Ill have to put up with until it grows back in ANOTHER YEAR. I personally wont be returning, especially now that this incident has shaken my self-confidence and stolen my smile from me. The salons failure to own up to their damage (a touch up is not owning up to what happened after something this severe and taking 5" off that I didnt ask them to touch. The touch-up was for damage control, and not saving what had been destroyed) was ultimately the difference in whether or not I return again or encourage others to do the same.

Julian Baltzley They hire inexperienced workers and immediately let them start cutting hair, asked for a mid taper and this man had the side of my head cut up all the way to the top practically and not even blended. It looked like i had a mohawk. They didn’t even do my sideburns or square the back of my head despite asking. After asking for it to be fixed I was told I’d have to get it fixed by the same person who messed it up. On top of this and having an uncomfortable experience with a predatory female, I will not be going back. If you want a good haircut I’d recommend Blades in fortuna, they’re not as expensive which is humorous because the quality of their cuts is 50x better. They will even condition your hair and spray you with a little cologne, as well as line you up without even having to ask. This place used to be good but they’ve gotten lazy recently.

Tyler Wallin I really enjoy going into The Pressure Shop for my haircuts. Oscar does a great job and pays attention to detail. I have a simple cut, but I have seen him do some really great fades and more complicated styles while I have been waiting for my appointment. Scheduling and payment is super easy through their website. Sam and Oscar always have hold lively conversation with clients. I’ve been coming here for almost 2 years I think. I’m excited to see the business continue to grow.

Alexsander Tijerina My girl always tells me I make the back of her neck hairs stand up when I get back from getting a fresh crispy fade from my dude Oscar!! Def worth 5 stars review! Book em up they won’t disappoint.

Nick Tovik Ive been coming here for a little over a year and everyone is so good with hair and the shop has a great vibe! several people I encountered the day after my last cut complimented the hair cut. if you want people to say, "hey, nice hair cut" go here.

Justice Reckis I have been going to Oscar since he first opened in Arcata. I’d been a regular at another Arcata shop and was almost always settling with the service I got from them. I saw an Instagram ad for this shop and went out on a limb. I was pleased to return to a place that ONLY gives consistent, high-level barbering services. Throughout the years since, I’ve shopped around here and there to see what other shops offer. Never because I am unhappy, but just to see what’s out there. Some shops are pretty decent, but none of them touch Oscar. So if you’re unhappy with your cuts where you’re getting them, quit playing around and book with Oscar and co.

Shawn Mudarri Best cuts in town. Hands down. Oscar and Sam do a great job over here. It’s hard to find a barber that does a good straight razor in town and Oscar does a great job. Straight every time. Sam got her fades on lock. They look great every time. If you need a good cut and a beard clean up.. look no further. You found your spot!

Judy Houck Shes a great hair stylist and we have fun while she works!

Zachary Cochran Dena is amazing! Ive never left her business unhappy. Shes gotten my hair right every time, and she prices her haircuts fairly. Definitely my favorite barber in Arcata

Ingrid Martin I was travelling and desperate for a hair cut and color - blond highlights and a pixie. I was clear about what i needed. Dena gave me an appointment; i was so happy since my town didnt have services open (covid). The color was AWFUL. Purple, orange, brass mixed from the toner ... She tried putting another brown over it which was ok, worse than when i came in but at least it was like 3/10 vs -50/10. Of course that color washed out in 4-5 days. She was very apologetic. Ok. Told me she rarely does blonds. That might have been helpful to know before she booked the appointment. Then Dena cut my hair. I was on my way out of town and had a schedule I needed to keep. She spent an extra hour trying to fix the color. When i looked at the cut, i was pretty overwhelmed by needing to get on the road, and having horrible color. Only the next day did i realize how badly she cut my hair. Very uneven, including super short pieces. Thinking it was just the color, we agreed to 50% payment. Of course, a few days after i got home, services opened back up and I went to my regular guy. Had to pay him more than what I normally pay him because he had to fix the mess. What a waste of time and money.........

Damla Gungor Dena is amazingly friendly and she genuinely cares about your life, which means your hair too! She is curious, attentive, generous, and super present. My previous hair specialist messed up my hair color and Dena did a fantastic job to create the brick red color I wanted. I LOVE IT! :)

Nathan Sano Whats better than a fresh haircut? A haircut and beer. Thats what. Definitely recommend this place as Dena is not only the friendliest stylist in the area, shes also very skilled. I think after going to mediocre barbers for so long I forgot how nice it is to get a haircut from someone who actually knows what theyre doing.