Clean Fades
Customers repeatedly describe the fades as clean, with one review also praising the barber’s attention to detail.
Back Alive Barbershop
Al Wasl
Back Alive Barbershop is a haircut and grooming spot in Al Wasl, with reviews especially focused on clean fades, taper fades and beard work. Customers also mention hair washes and full facial waxes, alongside a music-led atmosphere that makes it suitable for anything from a quick trim to a fuller grooming session.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
402 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Detailed Work
Several customers say barbers listen carefully, take their time and match the requested style rather than rushing the cut.
Welcoming Atmosphere
The shop is described as modern, spotless and lively, with music that adds to the experience and a friendly receptionist.
Family Friendly
Reviews from parents describe staff keeping children comfortable and delivering the requested look, including when the parent was not present.
Extra Care
The service can extend beyond the haircut: one customer specifically praised a hair wash, while another booked a full facial wax.
Tips for a Better Visit
Confirm Style. Explain the exact cut and length before work begins, especially for a fade or goatee; one customer had to correct the result elsewhere.
Check Symmetry. Before leaving, check both temples and the hairline in the mirror; one review found a noticeable left-right length difference.
Allow Time. If you book an appointment, leave extra time in your schedule because reviews report waits beyond the appointment and a late barber.
Ask About Tools. If hygiene is a concern, ask how razors and equipment are cleaned between clients before the service starts.
Try Walk-In. A walk-in may work even when it is late and busy, though availability is not guaranteed; one customer was still fitted in.
Ask Parking. If driving to the City Walk branch, ask about parking validation; one customer said the host helped with it after arrival.
Plan the visit
Practical details
City walk- building - 10 - 01 Al Mustaqbal St
Al Wasl, Dubai
| Mon | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Taper fade
Customers mention taper fades as a specific style, including a clean mid taper and detailed finishing around the sides.
Beard services
The shop is also used for beard grooming, with one customer describing the combined haircut and beard service as phenomenal.
Common Concerns
Inconsistent Results
Some customers report uneven work, including a noticeable difference in temple length and a haircut with uneven fades and hairline.
Style Misread
One customer says the barber ignored the requested style and left the goatee length and shape needing correction elsewhere.
Appointment Delays
Reviews mention waiting beyond the booked time and one barber arriving 20–30 minutes late to an appointment.
Hygiene Allegation
A serious review alleges that razors and equipment were not washed between clients and reports an infection afterward.
Price Concern
One customer considered the haircut expensive and said the price was the main drawback despite liking the work.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
130AED
haircut
“A 130AED haircut has now cost me hundreds and hundreds of dirhams as i have now taken him to the hospital due to an infection caused by the dirty razor”Google review · August 2024
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Back Alive Barbershop in Al Wasl is mainly known for fades, taper fades and beard grooming. Reviews describe clean fades with careful detailing, and several customers say barbers take time to understand the requested look. Beard services are also mentioned as a strong part of the visit, while a full facial wax and hair wash are available extras noted by customers.
The setting is a big part of the appeal. Customers describe a modern, spotless shop with lively music, a friendly receptionist and a welcoming atmosphere. Parents also report good experiences with children, including staff keeping a son comfortable and delivering the requested cut.
A late, busy walk-in was still accommodated, although that should not be treated as guaranteed. Consistency is the main caution. Other reviews describe an uneven temple length, a goatee that needed correcting elsewhere and a barber who did not follow the requested style.
Appointment delays also appear in the feedback, including a reported 20–30-minute late arrival. One serious review alleges that tools were not cleaned between clients, so it is reasonable to ask about hygiene before the service. Pricing has also been called high by one customer; a separate review specifically mentions a 130AED haircut.