East Lake Barber Shop

Last week, the shop quietly turned 5 years old. I’ve always had a hard time expressing being prideful in something. I’ve always seen humility as one of the most important virtues that anyone can espouse. That being said, all of the barbers that have worked alongside me East Lake, all of the clients that give us their loyalty and trust, and every person that helped build this idea into a living, breathing thing.

My wonderful partner Vanessa, too, is celebrating a 5 year milestone with her nail studio - Strange Love Nails. To be honest, this message/post/update can only scratch the surface of how proud I am of us, the teams of people next to us, and every loved one, builder, and designer that made East Lake Barber Shop and Strange Love Nails possible.

Please help us celebrate at Lake Merritt near the Cleveland Cascade on Sunday August 23 from 11am to 3pm-ish. Gimme Chopped Cheese and More will be vending bodega style Chopped-Cheese sandwiches both vegan and regular varieties. Look them up on instagram! Miguel and Theresa have been long time friends and patrons and we’re so happy to have them with us.

The barber shop will have some new shwag giveaways plus new Summer merch!

Please save the date and come party on what’ll be a beautiful, warm Sunday on the Lake.

WITHOUT YOU, THERE’S NO US

Will you come party with us at the lake on Sunday August 23rd?! East Lake Barber Shop and ⛓ Strange Love 🖤 celebrate 5 years! Come join us with a@gimmechoppedcheeseandmore vending the sandwich of your dreams right across the street from the Cleveland Cascade.

And that’s a wrap on 2025.

Hey folks,

A few weeks ago I sent out an email regarding the government shutdown, paused SNAP benefits, and generally tough times that the holidays means for a lot of people.

Our clients, friends, and loved ones truly showed up for our community. Through donations, we now have a Community Fund to cover haircuts for people dealing with financial insecurity.

When booking your haircut, please indicate “community cut” or something similar in the memos and we’ll handle the rest. It’s that simple.

If you’d like to contribute to the Community Fund, please send a DM for details.

We all hope you and your loved ones have a safe and peaceful holiday season (or at very least, try your best to keep your head above water).

Please welcome our newest barber Branden Valentine! . Branden has over a decade of hair cutting experience here in the Bay. While he gets settled in at the shop, you can book with him directly through the link in his IG profile. He’ll be working later evening hours, so if you’ve been unable to make it in before 5, here’s your chance!

Hey friends! This year we’ll be collecting new and very gently used
toys for .oakland.punks.with.lunch

You can drop your donations off at the shop during business hours until December 6. All donations will be gifted to our neighbors in need on December 7 at the West Oakland Punks with Lunch care village.

What was your favorite holiday gift of all time?! Let us know in the comments!

And on the 2nd day (after the end of Daylight Savings) said “let there be light.” And it was good.💡

Our new online store is now open for you to buy our shop logo shirts and caps!

East Lake Barber Shop East Lake Barber Shop

If you have a moment of your time, please consider voting for us as the Best of Oakland for the year 2024. Your support would mean a lot to us and help us grow even further!

Check out East Lake Barber Shop. Nominate your favorites now for 2024 Best of Oakland!