Paradox

This spot is just what San Jose needed. Nothing pretentious, solid craftsmanship, modern interface to book with. Will be back again. Shout out for Riv for lining me up proper!

I usually get cut by riv & he does a stand out job on my hair all the time. But i had to get chopped by martin yesterday because riv was out; let me tell you. Dude knows what hes doing; was very impressed. Nothing but good things to say. Paradox has the best barbers in town hands down. I never see anyone walk out of that shop unless they have a fresh cut. Highly recommend you try them out

Came here today for a cut… walked in a solid 7.5 (possibly an 8 after a few gin and tonics)…walked out a 10.
No, but really, super pleased with my haircut here. Jon cut my hair and it looked great. Cool guy, down to earth and personable. The spot is nice and clean inside and everyone was friendly as well.
Heads up, it’s behind the building facing W. San Carlos and up the stairs. Tips are cash only, which is hard for me cause I stay with that plastic, bruhh.

Hi I’m new to the area and I needed a haircut before work tomorrow. I walk in and asked if anyone could see me today and they gave me an appointment with JR at 1:30.
I know I looked up to get the appointment but really want to say thanks to the staff. Looking forward to work tomorrow with my new fresh cut.

I scored an appointment with Martin just one day in advance. Martin and everyone else in the shop seemed friendly and without pretense. Since it was Martin’s first time cutting my hair he asked a lot of questions, paid close attention to detail, and made sure to be conservative in taking length off so that we had some wiggle room if it wasn’t just right. He definitely knew what he was doing, and I left with a cut I’m super happy with. I’ll definitely be back.
Sure, the price is a bit higher than other shops in the area, but you definitely pay for what you get.

This place is awesome! Scheduled an appointment because it got stellar reviews on Unilocal.The reviews don’t lie. Riv was awesome! He took the time to go over my options and do it right. Since my hair was too short for the undercut I was going for, he cut it so it still looks amazing while I wait for it to grow out. I’m never going anywhere else.
I should mention that all the cuts I was seeing on the other customers there were great too. I bet you could schedule with anybody at Paradox and get a top notch cut. They’re all talented and professional.
Much respect! Thanks, Riv. Thanks, Paradox.

Riv is the shizz! Love this place! Book in advanced though, cause you can’t do a walk in. They are way too busy.
The prices is decent for the Bay Area. The location is chill, it’s upstairs next to the tattoo shop. The only thing I hate about this place is the bathroom is outside and pretty dirty. Probably from the shop next door.
Also the AC is broken so in the winter time, it’s hella cold inside the shop. But it’s still worth the time.
Go check this place out!

Before, I was telling — no, begging girls to slide into my DMs. After I got cut at Paradox, all my exes be playing Drake wishing they still had dis ass.
But foreal, their staff is super friendly and crazy talented.

I’ve been going to Paradox over the span of two months and came here based on the overall positive reviews this place got. I can attest to the fact that the five star ratings are fully substantiated from my perspective. I started getting lined up by «Riv». Since day one, this dude has come through and I have mad respect for his skills as a barber and for him as a person. «Riv» is a straight up professional who will certainly do his due diligence in his work to ensure your total satisfaction. Additionally, he gave me some good tips in terms of maintaining my hairstyle and beard line up until I see him the next time around.
As far as the shop itself? Well kept and I will say it’s definitely on the high end of presentation. Always pristine, and stocked with modern hair products which you can buy if you need them.
The staff as a whole? My primary interactions have been with «Riv» up to this point, but I believe the backstory is that all the barbers at this shop came up together and definitely demonstrate professionalism to their customers, but «bust each others balls» which makes for some entertaining dialog. (They never rip on their customers, only on each other) But when it comes down to it, and from my observation, all of those guys are dialed in when it comes to taking care of their customers.
As far as price? Look, I’ll tell you straight up this ain’t no $ 10, 5 minute haircut place next to a Phở restaurant on Tully road. The pricing of their services are considered «moderate», and some may say expensive. But you truly get what you pay for: Great results, great service, and great atmosphere.
Lastly, be cool with these young bucks as all of them are working hard to make sure you get the look you want. Don’t be a patsy and leave them a good tip (has to be in cash though because when you check out, you can’t add it to your credit card charge).
*Bonus: Their online appointment system is awesome. They kept it simple in terms of barber selection, services you want to buy, and you get automatic reminders via email and text to keep you reminded of your appointment (s).

My boyfriend booked an appointment with jay. They sent him a confirmation about it but then right after; received another text message saying that it has been cancelled/​denied. that was strange right? so he emailed them personally and told them how weird it was that this happened all under 5 minutes and they told him that there have been a glitch with their system so to make it up, they re booked my boyfriends appointment with the top barber Jordan.
This worked out all so well, because he wanted to get his cut done by Jordan to start with but him being over booked til January was impossible. (the cut happened Sunday after thanksgiving) This was his first time coming in and was expecting the best of the best and when that happened he somewhat didn’t want to pull through with re-​scheduling a cut from them but they were able to accommodate and booked him to Jordan.
Got there, I’ve never been but the place rang a bell! I’ve been here before! I remember going to Humble Beginnings tattoo shop back in the day and they happen to be right next to it! I remember this place being a fixer upper and when we walked in, it was like every girls dream of lighting perfection! LAWDDDDD jesus, and they had this big ass body mirror on the wall. i literally held myself down but took a couple photos LOL the lighting was just amazing! and on the other side of the wall was white, and the other side wall art was hand painted. We went on Sunday so they had complimentary beer. I got the Botherhood (IPA) and kev got the Beer pub (tasted like Pale ale or something) That was a plus! their waiting area had high chairs facing the barbers chairs. Playlist was lit.
anyways, my boyfriend did a bald fade and a part with Jordan and it was just amazing. He did a good job and i’m so happy that he pulled through and they didn’t let their glitch cause them to lose a customer. Jordan was a very humble easy going dude, they were talking the whole time and it turned out that, one of Jordans homie was kevs old co-​worker/​homie too! what a small world!
Definitely would want him to come back to this place even though i waited for an hour but it didn’t feel like it at all the set up of the place was relaxing and well maintained.

I realy like the vibes of this place, and Don did a amazing job creating my new hairdo, it was a total transformation, and totally worth the wait ;) they know what they are doing, and are good at it. Greets from the dutch guy.

My husband and I have been loyal to the TaperGang guys for the longest time. We are super happy that they are living the dream and opened this shop up. All the barbers are top notch and I would highly recommend any of them. Both Jordan and J.R. are our personal favs.
You can’t find this type of barbershop with a smooth vibe anywhere else. Don’t be fooled by the tats on these super talented dogs. It’s definitely about quality over quantity. Each head is treated with proper care.
Stop shopping around for a mediocre barber/​salon. Appointments ate not required but are recommended.

After going to four different places in the area I think my search for a barber is over.
Scheduling an appointment online was very easy (you do need to put down your credit card so be sure to reschedule /​cancel with enough notice if you can’t make it) I went with the first available barber and I ended up with Riv as my barber. You can book either a 30 minute session if you’re only getting a cut with clippers, or a full hour if you need more precision work. This model makes so much sense and I’m surprised I have not seen it before
The shop is very professional and the vibe is pretty relaxed. These guys know what they’re doing and they take their time to make sure the execution is flawless
Scheduling is very convenient and some of the guys are available Sunday and late Wednesday (they take appointments as late as 8PM).

I booked an appointment with Martin because he was recommended by my cousin. Turns out he’s my brother’s barber as well and have been cutting him for years since his garage days. Small world.
Anyways, these guys are really professional. I had never done anything other than a buzzcut before, so I wasn’t sure what I really wanted to do with my hair. I talked to Martin a bit and decided to keep growing out my hair for a comb-​over. He gave me different options with the fade and what not. At the end, I was completely satisfied.
The store is upstairs in a small lot. It is next to a tattoo parlor. The store is well lit and very well kept. They have a floor vacuum for all the hair. It’s pretty neat.
Pricing is fair and honestly, you get what you pay for. I will definitely be coming back here for future cuts.
Tips: Schedule online through their website. You can pick your barber and the day/​time.

This place has great customer service and very good barber/​stylists. I was referred here with high recommendations and everything people say about this place is true, they do an amazing job and know everything there is to know about hair.
While I have dealt with barbers that try to rush through the appointment to get to the next, this place makes sure that your haircut is absolutely perfect first. They cater to people that are looking to get a stylistic hair cut, which most barbers have long forgotten. Their ideas are fresh and understand how to give customers what they want, still sharing their opinions and expertise.
The pricing is fair, $ 35 for a hair cut for something you’d be proud of and happy for a long while. I tried these guys because someone insisted I go here, but I will probably stop going anywhere else and start insisting that you do so as well.

By far the best barbershop in the Bay Area. From the atmosphere, décor, customer service, organization, and precision. These talented barbers can do whatever you ask for and more!
I always go to Don. Sometimes I want to switch it up and every time he does something different he always executes. However, the other barbers are also talented.
For my last trip I booked a double appointment, one for me and one for my nephew for the same exact time since we were on a tight time schedule. I booked mine with Don and my nephew with Riv. My nephew loved his haircut and said all the kids in his class complimented his hair. Riv did an awesome job handling my 7 year old nephew. These barbers can definitely handle kids and turn them into lil’ gentleman. At the end of our appointment we both got our own pomade to try out as well.
They usually suggest good pomades depending on your hair texture and what style you are going for, but they do test it out on you when they finish cutting your hair so that it helps you decide.
Overall, I recommend this place to anyone with either modern or traditional taste. These guys will give you exactly what you ask for.

Man, Marten totally screwed up my hard part right before a wedding. I always get a hard part and my old one was easy to spot and dude straight made a new one an eighth of an inch away. Now I have an old vague one and a new very prominent one with a wisp of hair in between. For $ 40 with the beard trim (which was exceptional). Didn’t notice it while I was there but I won’t be back.
And to be fair, the rest looks pretty sharp, but messing up a hard part is a deal breaker. 3 stars overall if it wasn’t so damn expensive.

My husband followed Don from his old shop to Paradox and he’s been so pleased with his hair each time.
Location: When you get the address, drive to the back lot and park anywhere. Take the stairs up and it’s the shop on the left next to the tattoo parlor.
Price: Very fair prices. Quality is top notch.
Scheduling: Super convenient! You book your appointment online and just reserve your place with a credit card.
Cut: My husband comes out looking fresh each time! Don is so damn precise and is truly talented. I love his work! He also makes you feel warm and fuzzy too because he’s so nice and sociable. Seriously, thank you.
Service: Service is amazing. Very friendly chill guys working here. They offer you water while you wait too. :)

Shoutouts to my barber Don and the Tapergang, they be doing their thing. Compared to Legends, you’re paying about the same price, but you get shampoo’d and hot towels. I’ve never felt so pampered in my life. It was lovely.
Go here for clean, consistent cuts. All the barbers are skilled in their craft so don’t sweat it.
If you confused on location, it’s on the second floor.

Shoutout to T A P E R G A N G for finally opening their own shop! I’ve been going to JR to get my haircuts since his garage days into Legends now finally at /​Paradox/​. I am super excited to see what else the future has in store for all these guys that works at /​Paradox/​. Every barber that works here has their own type of style to make your hair look dope. I would highly recommend you guys to stop by and give them a try.
TIP:
Make an appointment to save you guys some time. They’re super busy!