Pro Tip - don't take someone if you cannot perform the haircut as requested. I've never been more disappointed with a haircut in my adult life. Either follow the request or tell the customer it's not something you can offer. Improvisation without permission from your customer is a violation of their trust and the epitome of disrespectful. There are so many options for hair salons in this neighborhood; no need to ever come back here again. read more

I've been going to here for years and the service has always been great. Great staff that are meticulous in their care to make sure you look your best! read more

It had been several years since I'd been back here, but I thought I'd give it another chance. I got my hair just trimmed, with the sides and back cleaned up, and my part shaved. I thought things were fine until I got home.... Where they used a razor on my part, something I always get done at the barber (though this is becoming more of a challenge lately), they actually CUT my head. Like, blood. See the picture. So, while I guess the haircut looks fine, it wasn't without injury.... Super disappointing. read more

Ballston Barber Shop - So, here's the cut to my scalp.... - Barbers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I started going here when I first moved and just needed a fast trim but now I go regularly and even my 7 y/o son likes to get his cuts here "because they are super fast and super gentle and they get the right cut". I admit that a couple of the cutters I got a not-so-great cut from but I usually go to Kristina and she is fast and remembers exactly how I like my cut each time. And the prices are super low. read more

Ballston Barber Shop - Done in 10 minutes! - Barbers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I like the barber she is on the left maybe second from the back. She is good. Very talented on new trends.

I like this place. The haircuts are good and they really try to keep the times down. They have plenty of staff so I have never had to wait long. read more

Not a bad option, just in case you happen to find yourself stuck in Ballston in need of a haircut. No BS, in and out in half an hour. Walk-ins accepted, $20 for the basic cut, no problem with credit cards. read more

The BEST barber shop in the Arlington area! Service is excellent and prices reasonable. Full service includes razor neck shave, hot towel and a truly relaxing head massage...I really look forward to getting a haircut here. Most highly recommend Ha who is super nice and an expert stylist who is very meticulous in her work. read more

Ballston Barber Shop - Barbers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Child's bangs were cut too short and crooked. Very poor quality/service. Won't go back.

They don't face toward a mirror when cutting your hair. I asked for mainly using scissors to cut my hair, probably pretended not to understand my English and proceed to use clippers most of the way (I had given up by then). I will not be going back. read more

Living in Virginia Square, the Ballston Barber Shop was very convenient for me. I thought mid-morning walk-in would work for me. When I got there, I was surprised that all 8 of their barbers had customers. I was immediately greeted and shown a chair for a few minute wait. Lisa was first available and we chatted about what kind of cut I wanted. It had been more than a year since COVID had discouraged me from visiting a barber shop. It was time to get my ponytail length locks removed and acquire more manageable style. At first, I asked Lisa to only cut the long rear locks. But when I still saw hair potentially tumbling over my ears, she swiftly accommodated my request to trim that area. Bottom line, Lisa did a wonderful job to offset many months of growth and produce a cut that subsequently received my wife's happy blessing, gave my neck and head a soothing mini-massage and finished with a hot towel caress. All for $20 plus a well-earned tip. It will continue to be my hair salon. read more

Ballston Barber Shop is absolutely excellent! Ha is an amazing stylist who is incredibly attentive to details and also very friendly!

Disappointing shave service here. Not the cleanest barber shop I've ever entered, but not the dirtiest either. Everything used in my skin was dull - the trimmer, the electric razor, the straight razor (especially the straight razor). My barber's hands smelled fishy - literally of fish. No hot towel or shave oil at the start, just straight to the trimmer and electric razor. The pain started promptly. I found it highly ironic that after fish-hands had already trimmed and electric-shaved my face she announced, "oh, let me wash my hands." Good idea. Slightly late. As far as I could tell the 3 hot towels used on my face were clean, but came way too late and weren't on long enough to make a difference. And at the end? No cold towel, no balm, no lotion, nothing! Probably the worst part of all was the way fish-hands pressed hard into my throat to check for stray whiskers. Do you think she knows there's a bone in there? A tiny, fragile bone that really hurts when you push hard on it. At times she pressed so hard I couldn't breathe. The results were decidedly mixed. The shave was thorough, but it took a serious toll on my skin. My neck was so red and irritated by the end of the shave that fish-hands said she wasn't going to put any aftershave or lotion on my neck, but I should do it when I get home. When I get home? Are you serious? You've never had a man with sensitive skin in your chair before? The only reason this is two stars instead of one is that the shoulder and neck massage at the very end was very nice. Massage is also the only reason I left any tip. As I said on FB, everyone has a calling and I think this barber's calling is "massage therapist." I won't be back. read more

Ballston Barber Shop - Taken ~10mins after my shave @ Ballston Barber Shop. Note the angry red color. This is not normal for me, and it really burns. - Barbers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Would be absolutely devastated if this place ceased to exist. Began coming here around 2010 when living right down the street in Cherrydale. Where else can you get a haircut, hot towel, massage and the back of your neck shaved with a straight razor and warm shaving cream for under $20 (not including tip)? Moving to DC has not dissuaded me from continuing my patronage of this place. I see Vicki (first chair on your left immediately when you enter) regularly and have been for multiple years. I have great rapport with her and feel very comfortable with her skills and consistency in cutting my hair. Also, I make sure I take care of her by way of a generous cash tip. During the rare times she goes on vacation for a stretch, the girl right next to Vicki has done an admirable job filling in for her. Rarely do I ever wait to be seen. My trick you ask? Call ahead. Most of the ladies' have consistent schedules, working the same days each week. I know the days Vicki works because I cared enough about a consistent haircut to inquire. Now, I just call in advance and let her know around what time to expect me and she makes sure she's available when I arrive. If she's finishing someone up when I arrive - even with a packed house - i know I'm her next cut. It's that simple. On occasion, I even spring for the facial ($18) which my wife tells me is crazy cheap compared to what she pays at spas and other spots geared toward women clientele. Truth be told, I'd never had a facial before indulging at Ballston Barber Shop. I'm glad I did because it is not only beneficial from a skin health perspective it is the perfect way to relax. Love love love this place! Go here, you won't be disappointed! When you do, don't forget to read more

Walked and seated right away, even on a busy Saturday afternoon. I was greeted by all 5 barbers on duty then one walked up, introduced herself and got started on my haircut...35 min later I'm out the door with a great haircut by Kristine go just $20! My new favorite barber shop!! read more

5-Stars for Rose! I have been a long-term client of Rose's at Ballston Barber Shop. She gives a great haircut, and gets you in-and-out. Also, fun to talk to. Can't recommend Rose enough. Go see Rose!!! read more

This place is great! I've been going here for a couple years now and recommend them to everyone. - Great haircut - Straight razor - Finishing with a hot towel head and shoulder massage - All for $18...unbeatable! Shoutout to Ha for always being amazing! read more

The ladies are super friendly and always do a great job on the haircuts. They're extremely welcoming to our kids and always make them feel comfortable! Highly recommend! read more

Ha is simply the best hair stylist I've ever been to. A perfectionist who considers every detail and to top it of she's super nice and personable. Highly recommend! read more

I asked the woman to cut my hair. I told her i wanted a taper and showed her a few pictures of what i wanted it to look like. she said that she got it so I felt really relaxed about the cut. not 5 mins in and she already buzzed almost half of my top hair. I asked her why she did that, and her response was "you said you like flat hair" ofc i was already disappointed with the cut so i let her finish it, paid, and left. I'm really really disappointed and i have to wait over 2 months to grow my hair out again. read more

The place was sparkling clean. Ha was wonderful. Professional and personable. She gave me a great "high and tight" haircut and was skilled with a straight razor to make my cut look extra sharp. Went in Sunday afternoon; my first haircut since we entered the Covid era. Great service for $20. read more

Ballston Barber Shop - Post-haircut. - Barbers Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

This place is close by, and I didn't get a good haircut from another place, so I decided to give this place a try. Let's say I won't be coming back and rather go to Rosslyn Barber Shop. I asked for a 3 on the top, and a 2 on the sides; how do you mess that up? After she said I was done, I walked over to this mirror and noticed my hair was cut so unevenly. I had to ask her to recut it because it was so bad. The only good thing is that they take credit. read more

They were open and ready to go at 9:55 am on Sunday morning! Professional, clean, quick... my husband had his hair cut in less than 20 minutes which included a scalp massage Thuy was very sweet and did a great job. The place was well staffed and started to get busy around 10:15! I was surprised how many people walked in during the time we were there. Oh and they had little water bottles too... overall good experience and good price ($18 for men's hair cut) note.. cash only tip and minimum $12 to use card) read more

Went in for a cut to clean up my sides and back and got a quick and easy cut! Even on a busy day you don't have to wait long for walk-ins. They also massage your neck and shoulders at the end which is a really nice touch. read more

Wow. I've never had a haircut that left me feeling like I just need to buzz my head. I've been to this shop before with mixed results, but it's near work and hasn't made me think I'd wasted my money and came out disfigured-- prior to this visit. I asked the barber for what I wanted, a clean up around the neck and hairline and thinning out on top without losing length. She proceeded to ignore these instructions and completely assume how I wear my hair. She used a shaver to basically make my hairline something else, almost a straight line from my beard to my crown. She took off at least an inch of length off the top. It's not even. I'm honestly at a loss, because the only thing that would remedy this at this point is a very high skin fade or a complete buzz. I was growing out my hair and all progress is lost. Unless you have a standard business cut, avoid this place. read more

To truly capture the flavor of this review, I need your inner monologue to read this like one of those annoying "Hey Bill, did you just get a new car?" "Yeah, Steve! I just got this baby from Stan Josefowitz Peugeot/Gremlin, Exit 59 off the Pioneer Turnpike" commercials you hear on the radio. "Hey Jason, where'd you get that shitty haircut?" "I'm glad you asked, Yelp! I got it at the Ballston Barber Shop. Pretty effin' sweet, huh?" "Damn straight Jason! I've been looking for a place that'll fuck my hair up juuuust so." "I know! Shitty barber shops are a dime a dozen in this town, but finding the place that'll mess your hair up juuuuust right is a challenge." "Wow, Jason! So like, tell me more!" "Well, if you're looking for a crappy cut, look no further! We're talking sideburns at an angle. Barbers who cut your hair waaaaay too short, even after repeated instructions not to. Neck massages that feel like really awkward foreplay." "Wait, wait, wait Jason! I don't have the money like you and those other fat cat, inside-the-Beltway power brokers. Helloooooo! Recession anyone?" "Not to worry, Yelp. A one-month walking monument to failure that's perched right on top of your head won't set you back over $20." "Wow, I'd have to be a fucking Grade-A, USDA-certified moron to let anyone else butcher my hair!" "You sure would, man... you suuuuure would!" The verdict: Yeah, I raved about Diego's Barber Shop. And I'm kicking myself for not going there for my last haircut. Unfortunately, my hair was getting a bit ragged and the Ballston Barber Shop is (unlike most other barber shops) open on Sunday. In all seriousness... look at the other reviews here. It's a total crapshoot. I've had a few good haircuts (last spring and summer they were on a roll in terms of consistency), but those have been effectively cancelled out by all the sub-par ones I've received. If your typical haircut is anything beyond "gimme number X on the sides, number Y on the top," you're pushing your luck. read more

Where to begin... I really only have myself to blame as I continue my emotionally abusive relationship with the Rub & Cut. I want to believe they didn't mean to do it ...and they promise it will never happen again. Let me take you through my last two trips to this mecca for anyone with an Asian fetish. As Jason so perfectly describes, you are greeted by a (in unison now) "Helllooooo siiihhhhhhhh" Followed by the the three stragglers in the back who just whisper "hello" because they really don't want to be part of the group. As you walk over to the seats and grab one of the plethora of gentleman day reading piled high on the table, you wonder .. Is it to distract me or to get me the mood me for what is about to take place?? I would later find out it was for both. You're brought to your seat by one of the barbers/stylists/masseuse. They face you away from the mirror so that you don't try to run as they have their way with clippers with a number 1 blade (when you asked for a 3 blade - or scissors) to your head. As 30 minutes and many patches of hair fly by, your mind wanders. What is the meaning of life? Is there a god? Why are my GF's friends so hot? I digress. They spin you around and present you with the new conversation piece for the bar this evening - the business end of a red butt baboon, a beacon of all things unholy - now sporting the top of your dome. Guess I'll have to wait to breakup with my girlfriend until this grows back. Women will NOT be dropping their panties for this. They indulge you with a head and neck message done with such skill, that it makes me wonder, "is there is a private room at this joint where this could ... "continue"? Is there a password? Hopefully I'll learn from my mistakes and I will not return for another round of what can only be described as the worst hair cut ever.... The little kid with the dull safety scissors in the neighborhood is looking like a much more reasonable option. Now given the fact that this is cheapest head and neck massage inside the Beltway, I give it 2 stars. read more

When I was a young lad I used to go to a barber shop that after they gave you a haircut they also gave you a hot lather and shave. Then, I didn't truly appreciate the so fresh and so clean feeling that one gets after such treatment, but as I grew older I realized that it is one of the subtle joys of being a man, a joy that I truly missed. Behold, the clouds parted, the angels sung, and revealed to me the reviews on yelp about the Ballston barber shop. True, some were sketchy, but for a hot lather and shave I was willing to take a leap of faith no matter how high the jump may be. With mediocre expectations and a shaggy head I went at 11:30 am, I walked in and sat in the waiting area for 30 seconds before being seated. On my way in, I noticed a tacky neon sign saying "free hot towel massage" and I was wondering if that was some old promise from yesteryear that time and the people who run the place forgot, or if it was true. In mid daydream of such a thing, after all, I just sat down, I was interrupted by a stylist who showed me to her area and to my chair where my haircut would occur. She asked what I wanted, I told her, and she went to work. She had a different method than the $40 salon I went to usually so for a few minutes I was wondering if I was going to regret my choice, but after awhile I saw she did exactly what I had wanted. (keep in mind, i'm a dude, meaning, i wanted a trim, get my hair off my ears and clean me up, pretty simple) After she cut my hair, she put a napkin on the back of my collar and I knew what was about to happen. I heard the hot shaving lather machine whir while it dispensed, and realized that all my barbershop hopes and dreams were about to come true. With a straight razor she did her work and I couldn't have been happier. I went to the Gentlemen's Quarters in Alexandria once for a hot lather and shave and they used a Mach 3 razor, but my faith in a good shave had been restored by this woman who cut my hair. After she was finished, she then did just what the old neon sign out front promised, she gave me a hot towel massage and on top of that, a head massage. At this point I had to restrain myself from getting on my knees and pledging my undying loyalty to the entire establishment. Haircut, shave, massage, and all was... get this.. $14. You get old fashioned barbershop treatment for next to nothing. I can't remember the last time 14 bucks treated me like a king, and from now on, I know where to go when I need a relaxing haircut. I feel like I have discovered a small piece of suburbia gold. read more

I saw an episode of "The King of Queens" once where Doug got caught going to get his haircut every week because the barber was hot. Ballston Barber is kind of like that place multiplied by twenty. Certainly not a place for the ladies or kiddies to go. When you walk in, you are greeted with a chorus of Hello Sirs! There is a lone male who runs the joint. Always crowded, the wait isn't too bad since you can sit in some leather chairs. With the TV permanently on Fox News, I turned to the massive library of FHM, Maxim, Stuff, and Road and Track. Seriously, this place has a more extensive collection of stag mags than any military school. When you are called to the chair, this is where the risk begins. Some of the barbers are great. Some have no clue what you're saying and just nod and cut at will. After the cut you often get a back massage with a large personal massager and head massage with a hot wet towel. I've gotten it sometimes and other times nothing, so I guess it's subjective. Usually they'll trim your neck hair with a straight razor. I tried the full face shave (an extra couple bucks) here once which was a terrible mistake. I've had straight razor shaves before and they always felt great. This time felt like I pulled a used disposable lady's Schick Intuition out of the garbage and dry shaved... twice. I swear my face was red and sore for at least 4 days. I used to love Ballston Barber but it became too inconsistent. I also felt increasingly dirty each time I left and got "Come back soon sir!" from eight different women. If you want a less than mediocre haircut for an average price, it's ok, but like Ike S. said, I don't think the haircuts are why people keep going back. read more

My first two experiences here must have been outliers, as those two times would have warranted four starts. For me, they just haven't been able to get it right ever since (going on 7 total visits at time of writing). I don't know how it is that every time I come in here with my roommate, we ask for the exact same thing and he gets what he asked for and I get the almost deliberate contrary of my instructions to LEAVE THE LENGTH ON TOP. Sometimes, I get a lucky compromise and a little length is left in the front. I'm really starting to wonder if I'm just not effectively communicating my hair cut preferences. If you, the reader of this review, speak Vietnamese, I would greatly appreciate it if you could message me to tell me how to say "Please leave all the length on top." I'd go back to the alternative in the neighborhood, the barber shop in the Ballston Commons mall, but at Ballston Barber Shop, I can at least be sure I won't get a lopsided haircut. Special tip: the woman who "Hello Sir!"'s you at the door when you enter seems to be able to get this right. I think it's no coincidence that she sometimes has a line going just for her. read more

I've been going to this barber shop for a few years now and I see Rose every time. Rose is, hands down, the best barber I've ever had. She always cuts my hair the way I want it and I've been seeing her for so many years now, that I don't even have to tell her what to do or how to cut it: she just knows. It always looks great and I'm always satisfied. She's friendly, attentive, and is always asking about my life, my well-being, my family, my girlfriend, etc. She is great with her customers and knows how to make them feel unique and special. That personal touch, thoughtfulness, and consideration for her customers keeps them - and consequently, myself - coming back to see her, again and again. Overall, the location is great - it's a few blocks down from the Virginia Square Metro stop (Orange Line) so it was always nice to stop on the Metro ride home but now, I mainly just drive over on Saturday mornings to see Rose once a month. In general, there is always street parking right outside the shop (same quarter block along the shop and neighboring shops) for a small fee of $1.00 - $1.25 or around there. The staff is friendly and always greet their customers with a smile. It's generally pretty crowded with customers so I recommended calling ahead of time to set up an appointment. With Rose, I usually just call her and let her know that I'll be able to be there in around 15 - 30 minutes and generally, she is wrapping up with a previous customer as I enter, so I don't have to wait more than a few minutes, if any wait at all. Haircuts are very affordable (for men - it's $18) and you can pay with credit card (no AMEX so I like to use VISA) and I like to pay a cash tip on top of my credit payment. Finally, a hot towel massage on your neck and upper shoulders is included with your haircut. No wash with shampoo and conditioner is included (like they do at Hair Cuttery) so you'll have to do that at home after your haircut. I highly recommend Ballston Barber for a quick, affordable, and quality haircut and I especially recommend Rose! :-) read more

The best part was that I didn't have to wait. A barber was ready before I had time to hang my coat. The cut was okay. I got no verbal confirmation beyond "Yeah, sure thing," that convinced me that she understood English, but the end result looks fine, even if it wasn't exactly what I wanted and not exactly even on both sides. The massage was awful. This is how it went: 1. Pet the head. 2. Pinch the neck. Repeat ten times. I regret not asking her to stop after the first few pinches. I have gotten better massages from machines and infants. I won't be back. read more

Great place to go. It's a bit unnerving to walk in and find a series of Korean women talking to each other in Korean while cutting and shaping a dozen different peoples' hair all at the same time. The cut was quick and efficient, the woman was very precise in her hand movements and quick scissor skills, and even cut my neck with hot foam and a straight razor. Best part, it was $16 total for the cut. (And they do a straight razor shave for 8.) Will be returning. **UPDATE*** I've been going there for over a year now, and they haven't stopped being great. The ladies are all very nice and greet you upon entering, and they cycle through customers quite quickly. Once you find a stylist that you prefer, you can enter and wait for her to free up. It will take longer to get through, but once you've built up a rapport, you can get the cut that you want without having to say anything. read more

My favorite Barber in the area. Thorough and Detailed Haircuts? - Absolutely Awesome Back and Neck massages? - Yes, please Friendly Staff? - You better believe it - Good Location? - Does a bear shit in the woods... - Would I recommend the Ballston Barber Shop to my friends and family? - Is the Pope, Catholic... read more

I travel a lot and get haircuts at different barber shops around Virginia and surrounding states. This was one of the best by far I've went too and very pleased with the haircut. It was no wait and I walked right in with no appointment. The price of 18 dollars was very reasonable especially for the northern Virginia area. Hopefully I'll need another haircut when I'm nearby. read more

After reading many reviews about bad haircuts in the DC area, I just decided to go here since it was so cheap. It is quite funny listening to all the women greet you with hello sir and goodbye sir, thank you. Much like Jason, they cut my hair way to short and the message was pretty pointless too. None of the hairdressers I saw working there were attractive either, so don't think that after reading these reviews it is full of attractive young women. I'm sure I'll go back though because of the price and location. read more

My new favorite barber shop. Ballston Barber Shop has a wonderful staff of barbers who provide first class service in a great environment. I received an excellent cut by Ha ahead of a job interview. I will certainly come back and ask for her by name. Keep up the great work, ladies! read more

I normally come here at the end of the week as more of a relaxation/treat for hard weeks work. By far, Mimi cuts the best hair, is the hottest and gives the best back rubs; the other girls are just ok and the one lone guy almost cut my ear off and luckily, didn't offer a massage. The prices are reasonable and their products (i.e. hair gel and shampoo) are better priced than the ones that are sold at Giant and Target. So if you decide to come here, make sure you ask for Mimi. Also, although she cuts hair really well, she is prone to cutting it too short so make sure you tell her exactly what you want. I had a hot shave one day and they new lady really messed me up...I never saw her again after that so I assume she was let go. Once I build my courage back up..I will ask Mimi for a hot shave. Thus far, they cut the best hair in the area for under $20...I've been to several places in Arlington and Alexandria read more

I can't do it. I can't bring myself to go back to Ballston Barber Shop. This place scarred me in more ways that one ... see my older review below to learn how I walked out of here bloody. I'm now going to Willy's exclusively. read more

Well I have to admit, I'm typically VERY wary of cheap haircuts, but the girl (Hang) who cut my hair today did just as good of a job as my $45 salon cut in DC. In addition to that, she warm straight razor cut my neckline and I got a nice massage out of it. I have wavy hair, which typically presents a problem for stylists without decent scissor skills. She also managed to not get a single hair down the back of my shirt, which in and of itself is somewhat of a feat. I'll be back next month. It's cheap ($14) and it's 1/2 block from my front door, this is a no brainer. read more