As a first time (and single) mum, I never wanted to cut my baby boy's hair. If you have a little one, you know, their hair grows in this perfect "hair cut" and it's hard to say goodbye to. My mom, my dad, his grandparents all started getting worried. Some even went so far as to say he looked neglected... Swift Cindy SAVED ME. She used blunted scissors, not terrifying buzzers, and gave my baby boy a truly amazing haircut while he stared wide-eyed at the collection of family photos around her mirror. She took off inches and while it took me a little while to adjust I NEVER once thought he looks like he was wearing a wig, or had a flat line cut under the bowl. She showed me all of his cowlicks (he has 5!?!), and explained how they can make his hair flip one way or the other and get out of control. She filled up a balloon and tied a multi-colored ribbon to the end for him to take home. This is not a "kid's salon" with neon lights and princess dresses, it's a neighborhood barbershop where the same people will be everyday (except Monday) to cut your boy's hair for $10. I feel blessed to have Fast Phil's and while some of you may feel that's overpraise, in my situation it is not. They're cheap, stress-free, LOCAL and friendly. My boy gets a good cut, is never afraid (let alone crying), and doesn't leave smelling like "pomegranate passion pomade!" I LOVE FAST PHIL'S. YOU WILL LOVE THEM. YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE THEM. That's it. read more

This is exactly what a man's cut should be: fast and impeccable. I've been going to a "real" hair stylist for a year now and figured I'll do fine. She was definitely better than a SuperCuts haircut but last month was the last straw. As a guy what matters a lot in a haircut is that they pay special attention to areas where skin meets hair and that the cut there is precise, blends nicely. With women this is not an issue because of the way they carry their hair. Unless it's a butch lesbian or Natalie Portman a woman will most likely not need a clean cut around her ears. Anyways last month was the last straw, I was sick and tired of doing my own touchups at home after every haircut and I decided to switch barbers. I got a cut by Phil and he was amazing. I didn't even have to tell him to pay special attention to neck and ears and blending, he just did it and did it with perfect precision and incredibly fast and for half the cost of a salon. I can't wait to go back. read more

Wow. Fast Phil certainly is a character. Phil is one interesting dude. Empty wine bottles are tucked away neatly in various strategic spots and photos of him with various celebrities adorn the walls. The guy even somehow managed to cut my hair perfectly wearing sunglasses. Love it. Walking in I was one of two customers needing to get his ears lowered, but within 3 minutes of the commencement of cutting, the place had a line nearly out the door. This place is tiny, so people were nearly sitting on top of one another. Topics of conversation included, but were certainly not limited to: * Alternate uses of green unripened bananas. * Reasons he burns incense in the shop. * Ways to hide the fact that he was using the word "shit" in a sentence with children present (hint: pretend to say "Chicago"). The final product was a haircut that was absolutely worth more than the $10+tip that I paid. Although he wasn't necessarily fast, the total elapsed haircut time was most definitely not long. Perhaps his new nickname could be Fast "Moderately Paced Phillip" Phil. My head is losing hair faster than Whitney Houston popped prescription pills, so no Newbury St. haircut would be worth it. Phil made my noggin presentable once again so I can stop being ridiculed at work for looking homeless. Well, at least the top of my head is business, but the lumberjack facebeard is all homeless, all the time. read more

I took my 18 month old son here for his first haircut and he was a total disaster, but the woman cutting his hair was excellent! She was quick, fed him lollipops, and took out her phone to show him videos. He screamed the whole time but she gave him a solid haircut. Unfortunately for them, we will be back! read more

Don't come expecting a high-fashion do, but Fast Phil's is truly a neighborhood barbershop, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else. In addition to the $10 haircut, you'll get enough conversation and entertainment to keep anyone happy. Some of the nicest people anywhere, and they actually remember you and your friends when you come again. This is a really kid-friendly place, as they've got little toys and novelties around the shop like a fake slot machine. The barbers are great with kids, work fast, and the price is right. Lots of fun characters from around the neighborhood, including a guy that comes around that tells the tallest tales you'll ever hear. Phil himself is an interesting character. He's a barber, but he's also been a sushi chef and works security at the TD Banknorth Garden. Talk about a diverse background. Fun little trip. read more

A great barber has to do a lot. He has to be part psychologist, part sculptor and all friendly. Fast Phil has near-perfected the barbershop business model. He not only sells you a haircut but some words of wisdom and perspectives on current events, who could ask for anything else? I see the girls looking when I walk down the street after I've received my latest 10 dollar Fast Phil's haircut, they be like "yo mack where you get that fly cut?" I look at them and smile and say "Baby, at FP's " I plan on living in this area for a while and having a barber that you trust and like is worth more than all the money in the world. Kudos to Fast Phil and all of the staff that work there, they like what they do and it shows. read more

The friendliest dude ever. Gives excellent haircuts, and his shop is a little kid's dream. Also has tons of random sports paraphernalia that's always fun to check out. Go, get a haircut (do not be alarmed if a half dozen people are in front of you, it won't take that long trust me), and just watch how a man treats people so kindly and makes their day. Prices are very reasonable, and true to the name, it's fast. The second barber, Cindy, is also very good. This place is a gem of the neighborhood and of life. read more

I love this place more and more each time I go. Actually, I used to religiously only go to Fast Phil, but I've since just decided to leave it to chance. They're all excellent. They're really good about listening, and adjusting to whatever needs you have during the cut. I like my cut done a little differently than the typical high and tight, and so I let them know that in advance. I give them specifics....2 on the sides, 1.5 inches on top. Most of the one star reviewers seem to be the type simply looking for a different kind of place. My advice here... just keep the line of communication open during your cut. They are an extremely friendly and good-humored barber shop. They're very fair priced. They tend to be quick, which I appreciate, and if you tell them what you want, they do it. read more

Phil and Cindy are a ton of fun--as are the regulars. The place has more color than a Monet, and yes, a gentleman can get a fine haircut there! I was very pleased with mine. Cindy (who took care of me) made me feel welcome and like a friend right away. We japed and swapped stories, and I was even pulled neatly into a conversation with one of the regulars in order that I might not feel left-out. Thanks, Cindy! For the haircut, all I had to do was show her my ID photo and, besides a question or two about length, she just went to town and had me out of the chair in a bit over 10 minutes. Waiting in line? Grab a coke (not free, but reasonable) from the fridge and read the paper. Don't like the current music? Too bad! (It's classic rock.) Come for the cut, stay for the fun. If you're looking for a more professional style of service, it's not the place for you, nor is it probably where you want to go get your haircut for your wedding, but for me (a short-haired white dude), the haircut was at least as good as other trims I've gotten at shops that cost 3 times as much and took twice as long (and weren't half as enjoyable). read more

I've been looking for a good quick place to get a hair-cut. This place is awesome! Plus I got a good haircut out of it. It's cheap ($10), relatively quick, and a good place to have a conversation. The inside is really cool with a bunch of sports photos around. I didn't go in when it was busy, however due to the limitations of the place, I can see it getting crowded easily. read more

It is without hesitation the I recommend Fast Phil's in Cambridge! If the phrase "where everybody knows your name" could apply to two places in the Boston area, it would be Fast Phil's and Cheers. I have been a faithful customer for three plus years and am happy to drive well out of my way for the Fast Phil's experience. At just $10.00, the haircut is the best value around. Don't let Phil's nickname or the low price fool you, a Fast Phil's cut could beat any cut you'll get at a high priced salon. Phil and Cindy consult with every customer and aim to please. Voted Best of Boston 2008 read more

Since moving to Boston/Cambridge I've been looking for a decent, affordable barber. It only took 2 years, but I have finally found it, at Fast Phil's. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was very welcoming and positive. Everyone, customers, staff, and children were all smiling, talking and laughing. I arrived behind 3 people, and was seated within about 10 minutes. As Sanel S. mentioned, this was one of the most efficient hair cuts I've ever had. I was in and out of the chair in a matter of minutes. The haircut I received was superb, very crisp and even. As I left the shop, the whole staff made a point to smile and bid me farewell, a surprising, but very nice gesture. Without a doubt I will be back every few months for a trim. One of the great things about the shop is the cost, $10 haircuts. I'm used to paying $20+, so leaving a $5--10 tip still keeps me below the other shops. read more

Here is why I love Phil's: 10 minutes, 10 dollars, 10 dad jokes. And you're done. Bliss.

One cut and already, I'm a fan. Not only did Phil (who happens to be a really gregarious guy) live up to the name of the establishment, but he also gave me that rare men's haircut that trims the sides while preserving the volume and waves of the hair you've grown on top. And as many people have noted here, the cost was $10 before tip. Ten dollars. In Boston. That is, quite simply, incredible. I'll definitely be back for my next hair job. read more

I like going to the barber about as much as some people like going to the dentist. For someone like me, this place is perfect. No appointment, but got in a chair in a few minutes. Phil asked me what to do, I said real short, he said above the ear, I said as much as possible without looking freakish. He waited a beat - to make sure I didn't want to elaborate - and then went ahead, no persnickety questions. Smooth. I wasn't feeling like talking, he seemed to get that intuitively, although it was also clear from the client he was with while I was waiting that he'd have been happy to. Instead, I got to hear him talk with an old-time customer who was waiting, really funny, and made me feel like I wasn't making his job unenjoyable. Talk, don't talk: either way, stress-free. The haircut was really fast and totally fine. And insane-inexpensive. As a corollary to my love of barbers, my hair was really long. He was the only barber I've ever gone to who hasn't made some snide remark in that situation. Instead, he thanked me for my business. Phil: Thank you. read more

Now, I'm a pretty sensual guy (I promise this isn't a personal ad, give me a second!). There's more to a good barber shop than just the haircut. I like the sights, sounds, and smells of a place and how it feels over all. I've been to many a barber in my day but none could ever compete with Fast Phil's for its ambiance. It's ADD-kid HEAVEN with pictures covering every available inch of wall space, piles of magazines, and a t.v. playing in the background. The chick who cut my hair (I assume she isn't Fast Phil, unless she's Fast Philomena?) chatted cheerfully with the regulars who came in and out. Laid back, chill, comfortable, and relaxed. Major points for no forced, awkward barber/barb-ee conversation about school, girlfriends, jobs, and/or pets. It's summer crew cut season and Fast Phil's does it right. My hair looks great for cheap, and the place lives up to its name: it's fast and efficient. Thanks, Philomena (I'm gonna catch her real name when I go back next time)! read more

Been going to Phil's for a long time but never took the time to write a review. Like another reviewer wrote - 10 minutes, 10 bucks, great haircut, and always a few good words from Phil, Cindy or Zen. They are really, really nice people and always give great service. read more

I've only had my hair cut by Phil himself once. I tend to prefer getting my hair cut by Cindy who I think does a better job with my hair, but both are good. I love this place, and you seriously can't beat the price. read more

Not just for men and kids! My wife was driving through Cambridge today when she noticed Fast Phil's. Assuming they did not cut women's hair (many barber shops do not) or that they would increase the price for a woman's cut (as many salons do), she skeptically went in to inquire. As it turns out, they do cut women's hair for $10 and in less than ten minutes, she came out with a fabulous cut (three inches off plus new long layers added). The woman with the long, brown hair did the cut. She was excellent and also gave great advice on coloring hair (my wife is transitioning colors). We plan to bring our 13 year-old daughter here, too. Great find at an unbeatable value! read more

A few of my buddies are Fast Phil's loyal customers and all they talk about is how cool Phil is, how good and cheap the haircut is and how I should go here. So I decided to check it out this weekend and they were right about one thing, Phil is a cool dude and provides a fast and enjoyable experience while getting a haircut. Other than that, I am not sure what the hype is about because it is not a great haircut. read more

Forget about this place or at least swift Cindy. She sucks. No regards for your head whatsoever. Had long curly hair, first time there and she took me into the chair. Told her I wanted a trim on the side and full on top. She summarily grabs a razor and buzz cuts my entire head except the top. It was allover in six minutes. Military cut that I never wanted. i was sitting there shocked. She didnt give a &&^$%$%% bout anytghing. Basically crew cutted me. No regards whatsover..... never back there again stay away from her ....she is dangerous. !!!! Thanks for your response Cindy, I will see you in about six months. My hair should be grown back by then..... read more

I took my 9 month old here on a Saturday morning, just as they opened. This was our first haircut so didn't know what to expect. This place is very kid friendly with toys, balloons and lollipops. Phil was incredibly quick. My son started screaming as soon as he heard the clippers buzzing but Phil was unfazed, chit chatting with me while giving my son an awesome haircut. He was done in 5 minutes and had a balloon to cheer him up. Thank you for putting up with my squirming screaming child! We will be back for future haircuts! read more

I was excited to try this place out because of all the positive reviews, but I guess it was just not meant to be. The basics of the haircut were fine, but everything else was done very poorly. After the cut, I had tons of stray hairs that were sticking out of my head (that were missed), my shoulders were covered in hair (i don't expect to be spotless, but this was just ridiculous), and if there was a TV in the place, he must have been watching it when he cut my sideburns (literally an inch difference). It was cheap, and I wasn't expecting something amazing, but this didn't even reach decent for me. For what it's worth, Phil was extremely friendly, and I enjoyed the small talk during the cut, but I came for a haircut and did not get a good one. read more

It's not even close. Fast Phil is the best! Best barber. Super guy. Great company. Great host. Solid sports fan. Big Bruins fan. Huge Bobby Orr and the Big Bad Bruins fan. Has the walls and memorabilia to prove it. His shop is like a museum to Orr, Turk, Pie, Espo, Cash and all the guys. Ridiculously low price from yesteryear of $10. Great staff. Super Sandy is marvelous. Get there when you can. Phil deserves your confidence and your business. Tip well. Where else you going to get a $10 haircut today? read more

It sure is cheap which is great but that comes with its own price. I'm a guy so I don't have high expectations when it comes to my haircut, but my first experience at "Fast Phil" was somewhere between a "good enough" and a "Jesus, they missed things!". I had to take out a scissor myself - once I got home and checked my hair closer - and cut the patches that were either missed or left intentionally. Update: I gave them a second chance and I was disappointment again. And I really wanted this place to become my go to barbershop. What I can say is that kids are well taken of and will have fun at this place. read more

Nice guy. Creepy orange-dyed rat tail & wears sunglasses indoors. they pass a jigger near the holidays. kinda small. Go a little too quick. But its in the name i guess. my cut got messed up, but at least hair re grows. read more

Went in today and got a low-average haircut. The woman I had didn't look like she was going to ask me how I wanted my hair done. I had to chime in so I could have at least some say in the matter. She didn't do my sideburns until my smock was half off and I asked her to. Then I had to fix them when I got home. She also forgot to trim my bangs. On top of it, her and her coworker were talking about private matters regarding her boyfriend. She also made a homophobic comment about her boyfriend's lesbian sister. It was quick though --- I'd only go back if I was in a crunch for time. read more

I've been coming here for the past three years or so and I used to not look forard to getting a hair cut, but now, it's something I quite enjoy. Never before have I had the pleasure of going to any sort of establishment in Boston where they treat you as if you had known them for twenty years. By my second visit, they knew me by name. It's never boring to sit and wait for a trim at this place, and all though the wait is pretty short, I wouldn't mind waiting an hour, making conversation with the fine people of this simple shop. Did I mention a trim is $10? When I first came here I was looking for the cheapest haircut, and now I continue to go out of my way, six or seven miles from where I live, despite the dozens of barber shops in my neighborhood. In other words, this place is worth the extra travel. Keep up the good work and don't ever change, you guys are more deserving of this 5 star review than anyone else in the world. read more

I was just lamenting to a friend about how when I move to the 'burbs, it'll take that much longer to get to Phil's for my monthly (ish) cut. She told me not to worry, I'll find another barber -- I told her no way. I won't rehash all the reasons that Fast Phil's is great (everything everyone's said is true), but suffice it to say the 40 minute trek will be worth it. Just in case she wouldn't believe me when I told her this is the best barber shop ever, I showed her this page. Lo and behold, my previous review was gone! What is this, Yelp!? Censhorhip?! Has yelp succumbed to anti-good-review-for-barbers-ism? I kid, I kid. But seeing as some server glitch has deleted my previous vote, I felt I had to put my five stars back up. Fast Phil's is one of those places that leaves me with a smile and the feeling that it's great to be in Boston. Plus shorter hair, which is always a plus. read more

I call Fast Phil Evil Phil but I am just kidding. He is an awesome guy. I have never had my hair cut here (I do it myself), but the shop is a sight to behold. NOTE: if Fast Phil challenges you to a tennis match, it's probably best to decline. He will kick your ass. Respectfully Submitted, Good Phil read more

After reading the reviews about Phil's, I decided to give it a try. Everything said here is true. I strolled in at 4:30 on a Saturday, was greeted and cut by Phil and left at 4:50 with one of the best cuts of my life. Everyone was super friendly and the place had a great vibe about it. I look forward to returning in a few months. read more

I don't know if we came on a special day or what, but Cindy was totally ignoring the swath of sixty-year old sugardaddies in favor of giving my two toddlers some pretty sweet haircuts. It's a real feat, too, considering the fact that the one-year old has had one previous haircut (horrible disaster) and the two-year old would stab me where I stood if I ever approached her head with scissors. The kids looked great, my husband -- very much not sixty-years old -- also got a nice cut and left looking sharp as ever. So, we were either crazy lucky, or it's a terrific place to get quick and affordable haircuts. I can't make your decisions for you. read more

You know how they say "You get what you pay for"? That doesn't apply at Phil's. A month after paying $17 for a subpar haircut at SuperCuts, I went to this place thinking that 17$ was the norm for a haircut in this area (I just moved here). I was expecting something sloppy and maybe even painful. But I am a penny-pincher, so I gave it a shot. It was honestly one of the best haircuts I've ever gotten. Cynthia was awesome, friendly, warm, and a pleasure to speak to. Despite having zero directions from me (I'm used to just getting "the usual" from my barber at home and didn't know how to describe it) she gave me exactly the haircut I was hoping for. Even better, I was out in 15 minutes flat. I'll definitely be back, and recommend this to anyone in need of a cut. read more

Great place to bring a toddler boy for a haircut. Toys, balloons, lollipops and a patient barber made this a tear-free trip. Thanks Fast Phil! read more

Best hair cut in Cambridge and entertaining conversation while you are getting your cut. If you are looking for an old school barber this is the place for you! read more

Best barber shop around Boston. Phil really knows how to cut hair but the best thing about this place is it's better than therapy. Can't think of how many times I went in there down in the dumps but when you leave Phil has you back on top of the world. As far as Phil D's comment about playing Phil in Tennis.......I played Phil twice and it was like taking candy from a baby :-) The barber shop is amazing with so many sports photos and the people are nice not to mention how cheap it is. I used to get my hair cut on Tremont St. in Boston for $30 but Fast Phil's is so much better. Ps.....get there early, this place is mobbed. read more

Fast Phil's is the best place on earth! I could go on at length, but I just suggest you check it out on your own and see for yourself. If the rest of the world was like Phil's, there would be no stress in the world. I always look forward to my next haircut!!! read more

My three kids were entertained while we were waiting. Great cut, can't beat the price. Will definitely return.

Great haircuts, great prices, great people. Can't really ask for anything more. Oh yeah and there is a stripper pole.. Now you can't ask for anything more. read more

An excellent, speedy haircut for $10 is nearly impossible to find these days, and Fast Phil's delivers on that front. However, a visit there holds so much more. It truly is a neighborhood place that has cultivated loyal customers for many years. On my first visit there, on a Saturday evening, I met friendly customers and even friendlier dogs. Entering with a positive and open attitude, you will feel right at home within minutes. Everyone is chatting and laughing, and Phil and Cindy offered the waiting customers small plastics cups of Grand Marnier. My hair was cut by Phil, who chats you up, entertains the other customers, makes everyone laugh, and enjoys himself the whole time. He cuts your hair the way you want, has an eye for what looks right, and makes sure to compliment your good looks. It is easy to get caught up in the cheerful vibe and comfortable environment, and $10 for a fresh cut and new friends makes it a steal. Best haircut experience I have had! read more