I figured it was appropriate to post an update as current conditions warrant it. I was able to get an appointment on their second day open after being closed for 9 weeks due to COVID. It had been 11 weeks since my last haircut and absolutely nothing had been done to the mop on top of my head in that time. It was brutal. It's important to mention that yes, I did wear a mask and wash my hands upon arriving as required. And my stylist (Mallory) wore a mask during the entire appointment as well. They've done some rearranging and spaced out the chairs to accommodate distancing and blow drying/hand details aren't currently offered either. Considering it was almost 3 months since my last haircut these minor inconveniences didn't bother me at all. Mallory was ready for my right at my scheduled time. Aside from the few changes already mentioned it was like nothing had changed (except the few jokes made at my hair's expense when I first sat down!). Got my shampoo, a perfect cut, and condition then happily bought a bunch of products that I was running low on when it was time to check out. Scheduled my appointment for next month and was on my way. I also want to point out that these businesses have been shut down for months and in order to reopen were given an entirely new business model that they had to abide by. Employees have been out of work for over 2 months. No one asked for this, but they are learning on the fly and doing what they can to make sure the customer has the best experience while they figure it out. If you can't handle that it might be better to buy a Flowbee and continue staying home for the next few months. I chose to happily sit back down in Mallory's chair and enjoy another top notch haircut. Thanks EJ staff, see you next month. read more

This is a great place to get your haircut. The new upstairs location has an awesome vibe. Lizzie, who was my hairstylist is always up to par and I always have a fresh cut, feeling confident about myself when I leave EJ! read more

Emerson Joseph - Mini Bar - Barbers Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

See all

Been here a few times for various male grooming services, they are super professional and really take the time to explain how they do things and make sure you're comfortable. Great place to visit if you have an event like a wedding, or just need some relaxing self care. Upscale without feeling pretentious. read more

We made our second appointment at Emerson Joseph three months in advance for my son. Our appointment was changed and our hairdresser was changed without our knowledge. No phone call or text asking if the new time or provider was okay. The day befmore the appointment, I received a text to confirm the appointment with the new time. I didn't notice the new time and just hit Y to confirm. Then got another text day of that said we were late. I called and the manager tried to scold me saying "didn't you get our text". Once we arrived I asked to speak to her. She was snotty and dismissive. I asked for her name and she refused to give it to me and told me that I had to "sit down" and "stop screaming". I am an attorney and professional and never even raised my voice. She also said she was the owner. So that is zero stars. We will not support such terrible unprovoked unprofessional service. read more

Emerson Joseph - This is the manager owner who was extremely unprofessional and dismissive. - Barbers Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I love the woman who cuts my hair. I love the concept. I only like the experience because if it's management. What is the concept? A full spa for men. A masculine form of pampering. Attractive women sashaying about and a male clientele. Haircuts, shaved, facials, massages, pedicures and manicures are all on the menu and while you are enjoying these you can enjoy a complimentary beer and have your shoes shined. The woman who cuts my hair is very pleasant and does a really good job. She even trims my eyebrows while she is at it. The woman who gives me my massage is very good, a real pro. And the woman who provides the facial does s good job and is really funny to boot. So, why only three stars? Management. They have screwed up my account for three years (I prepay a volume commitment of services to get a discount). And now I find that the commitments the general manager made to get me to renew last year will not be kept costing me potentially several hundred dollars in lost services! Needless to say I will not be renewing and probably will not be going there after next month. Too bad. read more

Emerson Joseph - Barbers Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I went to Emerson Joseph thanks to a package my wife bought for my birthday. I got a 60 minute massage, hand detail (manicure) & foot detail (pedicure). I worked which Sara while I was there, she was talkative and very nice. Massage ($80): Sara was awesome, she did a mix of a Swedish massage and a deep tissue massage were I was having some extra pains. The atmosphere was soothing (although I could vaguely hear some outside conversation and music). Extremely professional and I'd definitely recommend her and EJ for this service. Hand Detail ($20): Simple enough ... they clean your cuticles, file down your claws, and buff them. I've never had a manicure before so I'm not able to compare, but it was quick and harmless (much to my dismay). Foot Detail ($50): This is a little pricey. The service was good, and if you're already here for something else I'd recommend it if you're looking for one. I would make a stop at an actual nail place if that's all you're looking for, however. EJ's was basic, cuticles, scrub, file, clip. I've gotten one once before my wedding, and it was $40 bucks and had all of the above, and also included a hot paraffin wax dip with a hot stone calf and foot massage. read more

Emerson Joseph - Waiting area - Barbers Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Highly highly NOT recommended. Very unprofessional staff (although very nice) but for $44 you would expect the bare minimum skills but that's also not to be found here. Basically you are paying for nice amenities (the welcome drink, shoe cleaning...etc) but definitely not for the hair-cutting quality or skills read more

went to sign up and the owner was there and i saw how he was disrespectful to his clients and co workers i do not recommend this place at all!!!! read more

Tried 3 times, 2 stylists. 1st time was an absolute botch job by Kayla(I think that was her name). Never went back to her. Second time was a good cut by someone else. Same person then cut it again and it was a disappointment. There's so much inconsistency in this profession unfortunatly This time BROOK BAUSTIC BUTCHERED. Avoid both abs the whole salon. I would say they are overrated but from what I hear lately not many people have good things to say about Emerson Joseph. They are no better cutting men's hair than any other good salon. BTW- they're 30 minute appointments so basically they're an overpriced Supercuts shop right now. read more

QUICK: Hair cut was good, environment is nice, management and booking experience left a LOT to be desired, issues with website booking. Note to Management: the CUSTOMER is always right. DETAILED: I have been going to a competitor a few blocks away for quite a while. Said competitor has issues in that they don't allow you to make an appointment (a la supercuts or some mall-type butcher shop). I had to endure multiple bad to mediocre haircuts before finding someone I like. The problem is, without an appointment I often found myself waiting 45-60 minutes for a haircut, with no idea how long I would be out of the office. I just want to find a person that does a good job and that I can make an appointment to see. A colleague recommended a specific stylist at Emerson James. I did my research online and found that I could book an appointment with a specific person at a specific time. I tried to book with that person on a Thursday, but she was unavailable. I searched online to find her next available appointment and was booked an appointment with a specific person at a specific time. I was given confirmation. I showed up for the haircut and was greeted with a friendly smile and taken to a seat. After being given a glass of water, I waited for my stylist to call me. Unfortunately, someone completely different suddenly shows up and I asked why she was cutting my hair. I was told they moved me around to accommodate someone. That's exactly why I quit going to the other place!!! Now, to be fair, the lady that cut my hair was friendly and did a decent job. I was very polite to her and thanked her for her time. At checkout, I asked to speak with a manager. At first there was hesitation on the part of the cashier, but the manager (who I knew from the website) was standing next to her, so she eventually came over. I calmly explained that I was satisfied with the haircut, but I explained why I left the competitor and that I booked an appointment with a specific person at a specific time. I asked why I was changed to someone else without notification at the last minute. Their website indicates customers will be charged for making changes to appointments (50% if within 8 hours, 100% if within 3 hours). This seems analogous to me - they canceled my appointment with the stylist 1 minute before it began. First, I got a lot of attitude from the manager. She tried to tell me I was wrong, that I made a mistake in booking and that I selected any staffer. I told her that was not the case, and I was again told that I was wrong. She then explained that she switched stylists without telling me to accommodate someone that was there for another (more expensive) treatment. Playing favorites and moving me around is what caused me to leave the other place. I told the manager I would just pay and not come back if her attitude was that I was wrong. She said OK. I put my card on the table and then she got more attitude and told me it was on them. I said OK and left. Credit to them for doing the right thing and not charging me (honestly, I would have settled for a discount and a promise that I could get the person I selected next time). I went back to the office to see if she was right - maybe I did screw up in booking the appointment. I went through the exercise again on the website and it turns out I was NOT wrong. There is a problem with the website. I called the manager to (calmly and politely) explain that they have a problem with their website. I thanked her for doing the right thing, to be met with more attitude. I then pointed out the problem with the website. She said she did not disagree and then told me good luck with my life. So - Five Stars for the haircut, minus One Star for moving me to another stylist without telling me, and minus another star for the terrible attitude and customer service = 3 Stars. NOTE TO OWNER: If you're going to charge $50 for a haircut, you might want to be nice to your customers. "The customer is always right." (And in this case, I was literally, technically and figuratively correct.) read more

Good haircut but soaked my collar instead of folding my collar down so it didn't get wet. Clothes covered in hair trimmings .. $100! I think not again. It is about the details and they missed them today. read more

This place is honestly one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It's a hidden gem. I'll never let anyone other than Brooke ever cut my hair. Her hands are soft and her precision is off the charts. The massage services here are also top notch. All around good spot with tremendous customer service. read more

I'm in love! Danielle is amazing!!! This is the only place I have found, that works with a busy schedule and doesn't make a fuss about moving appointments around! The staff is phenomenal and genuinely possess a servants heart! read more

Best facial ever!! When I walked into the salon today my skin was dull and dry but florisel turned that right around. She really know what she's doing and I left with my skin feeling and looking brighter, cleaner, and clearer! I highly recommend florisel for your facial needs! read more

Excellent stylist who take the time to give you a great cut while you are pampered with a cold beer or hot coffee, your nails are cleaned up and your shoes are shined all in one setting. If you need a shave, facial or massage they offer those services too in a cool men's salon setting. My favorite salon in Charlotte. read more

Emerson Joseph - Lounge - Barbers Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

See all

Excellent services provided, with a unique male-centric concept. Fits well into the Uptown Charlotte scene and demographic. Utilized the services many times over the years. That said, my experience becoming a tiered member (Platinum level) was far less customer-centric than expected. Not only was the subscription, a "use it or lose it" regardless of renewal, but management wasn't very understanding of my concerns or feedback, and seemed welcome to lose the $1000 guaranteed income per year. Wasn't worth fighting the battle, so willingly sacrificed remaining $500 in services owed. Saddened that this was the case. Again, services and atmosphere are great. Overall, people were nice. Management policies and procedures leave something to be desired for those choosing where to spend discretionary funds. read more

Best haircut I have ever had and an even better experience. Danielle provided the perfect haircut. She was easy to talk to and so sweet. I can't say enough good things about this place. Can't wait to come back. read more

Checked Emerson Joseph out last week using a gift card from the wife...thanks babe! Yes, I'm a fan. Will I be a regular...probably not due to price. The place is a man's haircut joint as Michael E states. You walk in, and it's got the old school barber shop feeling. You are greeted right away and offered soda, coffee or beer and directed to the couches with Sportscenter on the TV while you wait for the stylist. I chose coffee on my visit as it was 10:30am. My stylist was Kelly and she was great. She sat me down and asked my style and how I like to "wear my hair" and how I wanted it cut. Then, we went to get the shampoo out of the way. Then came back and she started the cut. A few minutes in, a manicurist comes around and asked if you want your nails buffed or a hand massage. I went with the nails buffed, as I'm sure the wife would appreciate that more...ha! After a few more minutes the show shine guy came to ask if I wanted a shine...well yes I would. When the cut was finished, I was taken back to the sink area for a scalp massage and facial hot towel. Very nice indeed. Junior stylist cuts start at $39, but includes everything above. Kelly is more senior so her cost is $49. Yes, it's steep, but all things considered not too bad. For me, not a regular occurrence though. They do have private memberships that will save you some money over the course of the year, but those start at $500. They also have all the spa/massage/wax services a man could want. So again...yes, I'm a fan, just not a frequent fan. read more

I have been going to Emerson Joseph Uptown for over a year now. I highly recommend Taylor M for a haircut! She has a great personality and is very talented with the scissors. I also recommend getting a True Grit massage with Sarah. I've never felt more relaxed after a True Grit!! 5 stars! read more

This is the coolest and closest things that guys can get to a Salon... now I am not one of those guys that care about my hair but i will pay to get my hair cut here... here is a typical experience... when you walk in the door you are greeted and asked what type of beer you would like... they sit you in a comfy leather chair while you wait for your hair cut person to get ready... while there a man comes over and takes your shoes so that he can shine them... after a few sports clips from the ESPN that is on the flat screen you are escorted to the chair... they cut your hair and while they do that you get a "man"acure... this is basically a 5 minute per hand deal... including tip all of it is 50 bucks... I am a huge fan... every time i get back to charlotte I make an effort to go back... they also offer a yearly membership that allows you unlimited usage... they have a poker room downstairs for members and also offer massages... it is a boys only club and rocks! read more

This salon is terrific and offers many services for men! Mallory does an amazing job and comes highly recommended. I highly recommend Emerson Joseph. read more

First off, Emerson Joseph is an excellent place to get a haircut if you're looking for more than just a quick trim by the local barber. The point of establishment such as this is to go and be pampered the way a modern gentleman ought to be. This is Madison Ave meets modern times; not the corner barber who charges $15 to give you a 10min clip. In addition to a variety of great services, the ambiance and staff are why you will come back. True, it's more expensive with hair cuts starting at $40, but that includes shampoo, a rinse after the cut, edges done with a straight razor, scalp and neck massage, and a beer. Comparing Emerson Joseph to you're childhood barber is like comparing a luxury sports car to a Carolla; you get what you pay for. read more

I bought a gift card online for my boyfriend's birthday and he absolutely loved it. I called ahead of time and told them the appointment was his birthday present and they went out and bought his favorite beer, put a bow and a card on it from me and gave it to him when he arrived. Amazing customer service. Highly recommend!! read more

Emerson Joseph - Barbers Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

See all

This is a special occasion haircut/grooming place. Every time I have visited Emerson Joseph, it has been the result of a gift. It's not to say I would not go here more, because overall, the place is great, but $40+ haircuts aren't going to be routine for me in the near future. The location of Emerson Joseph is subtle. It is right across from Ruth's Chris on S. Tryon. The interior is nice, kind of like a modern rustic speakeasy. This place has lots of services (e.g. haircut, massage, facial), but I have just gone there for the haircut. The stylists are very good and friendly, and make sure you get what you are looking for. You also got a complimentary adult beverage offered to you when you walk in, so outside of an above average price tag, there is a lot to like about this place. read more

I only visited Emerson Joseph because I bought a Dealsaver for a microderm, haircut, drink, and a cigar for only $65. After a $5 tip for the microderm and $5 tip for the haircut, I ended up spending $75 out of pocket for the total experience. Even though this was a "deal" compared to their usual prices, I wouldn't pay $75 to go through the experience again, but that's not to say I didn't enjoy myself. The customer service and engaging personalities of the employees was top notch ... having booze on-hand, a pool table available while I waited, and comfortable seating w/ big screen TV also contributed to a more favorable rating. They also had that game where a string hangs from the ceiling and a metal ring is at the end of it ... you stand about 10 feet away from the wall and try to catch it on the hook. Fun game, but it will drive you bananas. In summary, if you've got the means to pay for the various services provided by EJ (and if you enjoy the royal treatment), I think it's a great place. However, if you don't enjoy being pampered and/or don't have a complex haircut, this just isn't the place for you. read more

Friendly greeting upon entering establishment. They immediately offered me a cold beverage (coffee, water, beer, etc). Hostess led me to a comfortable wait area with television. This was my first visit. Personnel were extremely friendly and a very good conversationalist. Topics were broad and diverse. Provided excellent tips on food in the area. I will visit again. My experience was pleasurable. read more

Was in town for work and I got a walk in appointment, saw Kayla who absolutely have me one of the best haircuts I've had. Kind of pricey but you get a hand massage and shoe shine included so it's actually a good value. Nice comfy shop and talented barbers! read more

Showed up late to my appointment by 10 min after speaking with them and the gave my appointment away. Not cool. Nothing against my stylist she is great. Management not so much read more

This place is second to NONE! Whether it's a haircut, pedicure, massage or shoe shine you won't leave disappointed. Until next time! Highly suggest getting a massage from Cindy! read more

Great male grooming lounge... Great service, great prices. They make you feel like family. High quality shoe shine services with a friendly atmosphere. read more

Emerson Joseph - Barbers Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Run away!! They conned my husband into the automatic monthly payments, which was fine and his choice, but after he canceled his membership (3X!) they continued to send random charges to our credit card. We're now going on three months of disputing this with our credit card company and they continue to charge small fees here and there thinking we won't notice. Complete scam and con artists. read more

Hands down the best men's grooming salon in Charlotte. The stylists are constantly training to improve their craft and bringing new creative styles for their clients. Great atmosphere, great staff! I highly recommend Kayla Carr, but have had great cuts from several other stylists. Also, Cindy is one of the best and highest trained massage therapists I've ever had work on me. 5 Stars all day. read more

I have to admit this place is top notch. The atmosphere and decor is pretty awesome. I went in for a full service hair cut and beard styling and trim. From the moment I was greeted at the front desk to the services I received I was very pleased. The pricing was very fair and I will definitely be going back and recommend this place to all my bearded friends. Brooke did an outstanding job on cleaning up the beard and great razor line work. read more

I was visiting from Baltimore and this salon is fantastic! Crystal was very accommodating with coordinating my appointments during my visit. Brooke did a great job with my haircut... A true professional. And I can't say enough about Cindy... A fantastic massage therapist with a personality that just shines! Top notch service from start to finish! read more

Great customer experience as you will always feel welcomed and appreciated. One of my favorite services is the staight razor shave, it's incredibly relaxing! read more

AVOID! I have never been so furious in my life. I went in to get my beard cleaned up. This wasn't my first time getting it cut, but the first time here. Thought this was a high-end barbershop. It took me over a year to grow it to exactly where I wanted it. I was EXPLICIT on how I wanted it cut before we started. I stopped her several times during the cut to ask if she understood what I said. She hamfisted the trimmer and whacked the whole G**D** thing off. Took it from 3 inches down to half an inch. If you want to play pool or drink a beer or flirt with chix in short dresses, by all means hang out here or Sports Clips or Hooters. You want a professional beard trim? RUN AWAY. read more

IN LOVE! I bought my boyfriend a gift card for our anniversary so he could go in and get pampered for the day and he absolutely loved it. The staff was so welcoming and friendly. He got exactly what hair cut/shave he wanted and they did an awesome job! He also got a massage while he was there and he would not stop raving about how it was the best massage he ever had! He also said it was his favorite birthday gift yet! So needless to say he will definitely be back and I will be back for more giftcard purchases! lol read more

Great atmosphere and everyone was friendly. Got a shave and hair cut by Brooke which was fantastic. She is very accommodating and talented. Will definitely bring going back. read more

WONDERFUL experience here!! They offer many services and incentives, cool vibe, and the staff is great. The owner introduced herself to me which I thought was very nice. Oh, and complimentary beer while you wait! On an even cooler note, they have a speakeasy downstairs for members. I love this place and would recommend it to anyone looking for a perfect cut and a great, unique experience. read more

Received a gift card from a dear friend but I will sell it on eBay. Booking an appointment is a hassle and waste of time. I have spent more time calling and entering requests for services on their website than what it's worth. Was told I would get a call back to confirm my desired time slot.....that was a week ago (and past time date/time of my desire appointment). The concept seems cool but you cannot have an elite men's grooming offering if your customer service and follow through is lacking. This location will be home to another business in 2013. read more