Alternative Barbering Company

First time here and highly recommend to everyone. Friendly staff!

During my lifetime, I have only ever been to two (2) places that have given me a haircut I was truly 100% happy to have once I walked out the door (not to mention days, weeks, and months after)! The first one was in Montréal, Québec, Canada (where I went to university), and the second one was Alternative Barbering Company in St. Albans (where I studied abroad for a semester).
I’ll never forget it. It was an average winter weeknight in St. Albans. I, the American, had spent the evening scavenging every corner drugstore for some egg nog to get me into the holiday spirit. Instead, all I got were a handful of confused looks and one chuckle that just said, «You Yanks and your egg nog!»
Anyway, I decided I would try and spend my time in St. Albans in a more productive manner. I began looking up the nearest barbershops in the area. There was hardly anything in Hatfield (where I went to uni at the time), and I was very nitpicky about where I went. My hair is very important to me, and I am very difficult to please (I won’t show it, but it’s true). I finally found Alternative Barbering Co. nearby, and decided to give it a shot because of its high ratings and the fact that it was run by younger men.
It must have been about an hour from closing time when I walked through the door, but somehow I managed to jump any sort of queue that there had been — or rather, let me correct myself. The queue seemed to instantly clear up FOR me. (Disclaimer: I’m not famous or anything.) It was just my luck that right as I walked in through the door, a couple of guys got done with their haircuts, those spots were filled by the two men in front of me, and Dan, the owner of the place, came to cut my hair.
Let me tell you this — Dan is the MAN. He is such a cool, friendly, down-​to-​earth guy. We talked about films, growing up on opposite sides of the pond, and current hairstyles. Because he and I have similar hair textures, he knew exactly what to do to make me look my absolute best. He even gave me a few tips on products to use, etc. I was so happy with the results that even months afterwards when I went back to Montréal to graduate from university, I showed my other favorite barbershop a photo of the haircut Dan had given me, for reference! The man is a total pro, and if I needed a haircut everyday of the week, I would visit him!
It’s just a shame I live in San Francisco.

Had a hot towel shave here recently, second time I’ve ever had one and it was fantastic very comfortable and stylish setting and the staff were great. Went back for a haircut the following week, after using the same hairdresser for the last 10 years i was cautious but i was equally impressed with my trim as i was my shave. I’ll definitely be using this barbers again

What is not to like? I went in today, very busy but still friendly, chilled out atmosphere. I will be going back, waiting for the haircut was fine in a comfy chair and with F1 on a flat screen. I had a book so was quite smug as those around me got a little vexed with the queue, not sure who wouldn’t expect a queue in a barbers at this time of year.
All in all, it’s nice to see someone that takes pride in their business, and the service they offer but won’t make you pay £30+ for a short back and sides.

High class chops. Beard friendly.

Excellent barbers in a great location!
The atmosphere in the shop is relaxed and stylish. I had been struggling to find a place to get my hair cut in St Albans for 10 years but hadn’t been happy with the results. I kept going back to Trevor Sorbie in London which was both expensive and inconvenient.
In December I noticed this place and went for a cut on a very snowy day (when they closed Holywell Hill) and had a great time and a great cut!
I can’t recommend this place highly enough and, just in case you are wondering, I am nothing to do with the business!!!
Enjoy! They deserve to do well.