First off, I had a great (partial) haircut. I wanted to be clear on that. My review is more about…read morethe experience and the value for the price. I have never been to a barber before, but have been struggling to find someone to cut a feminine short haircut. This place seemed to fit my needs. I called to make an appointment as I was not familiar with barber terms and didn't know which scenario or which person fitted my needs and availability. The person I spoke with scheduled me with Cassie (after they inquired what kind of cut I was looking for). The place is off court and I knew parking might take some time consideration, which I factored in. I also saw a review on Google when a client complained about being late to an appointment and a response from the owner to that, which I agreed with. The space is small! For me, uncomfortably small. Everyone was in everyone's space and not much room for movement. No one acknowledged me when I came in, so I just took a seat and waited on the couch. My person was running behind and apologized for that. Something that bothered me was that they did not sweep up between clients. It came my turn and I had to awkwardly climb into the chair. I am used to a salon chair where it's at a lower level and they pump the seat up to the necessary height. I showed Cassie photos of what I was looking for in a cut and she made some suggestions and off we went. I don't know exaxtly how long it took as the other person was running late, but I would guestimate 20 minutes. This being my first barber experience ever (possibly my last), I found the experience lacking. I wasn't offered a drink, I didn't get a shampoo, she was very rough with my ears when shaving around them and the back of my neck felt a bit raw from all the shaving with the electric razor. Maybe this is common? I have nothing to compare it to. She did not cut the top hair at all (in hind site, it needed weight taken out). I go to pay and she tells me she is cash only. Ummmmm......ok.......that's fine and all, but I don't carry cash on me. She offered that I use one of those janky ATMs sitting in the corner of the restaurant across the hall. I was not happy and being in such close proximity to everyone else in the room, I didn't feel comfortable saying something. So? $50 + for the haircut and $6 in ATM fees was definitely not worth the experience. I noticed that other barbers had an electronic device to take payments, so apparently they each have their own payment system? The person I spoke to on the phone should have told me it is cash only and I would have planned accordingly and saved myself $6 on fees. Again, great (partial) haircut, however this barber shop is not for me. I have received a way better experience at many salons for the same price and even less. This partial cut was way overpriced. I do not know if I will give another barber shop a try.

I'm a road warrior & therefore always looking for a good barber while out on the road. I went…read morethrough Des Moines, IA last year & happened upon this AMAZING barbershop!!! Not only does it have an ultra cool vibe & decor, but the ladies that work their are truly hair magicians!!! The first time I had the honor of getting a cut from Robin (not sure in the spelling or if she's still there, but still got a great cut, so that's the important part). This time I was blessed to get the owner of this gem; Riva; and BOY WAS I LUCKY!!! I'm being 100% honest when I say that it's one of the best haircuts I've received in my entire life!!! I live in NYC & if I had the finances to do so, I'd ONLY get my haircut by Riva...she's just that good!!! If u are in the Des Moines area, and in need of a cut, DO YOURSELF A HUGE FAVOR, visit Riva & the gals at DAPPER DSM...u can thank me later.

West Des Moines Barbershop, located off Grand Ave. just west of Val Air Ballroom, is a small but…read moregreat place to get a haircut. Recommended to me, I decided to give this place a try due to its price and proximity to my home. It did not disappoint. Truc is my barber and she has always done a fantastic job. I get a simple taper cut but I'm positive she's great at other styles as well. To top it off, she ends each cut with a neck shave and hot towel. She has even gone above and beyond for me when I had a scheduling conflict. You'll need to schedule an appointment ahead of time for availability. And they do offer other services as well. Just check out the website for those details. Highly recommended!

Great haircut. Friendly service. Only two chairs. Might want to call for an appointment before you…read morego. It's clean and quaint.

my first time going to a barber shop and Paul did a very good job. the price is not bad and he has…read moreexcellent detail. I will be back here for a haircut!

Stopped in while I was working out of town. Super friendly barber, great conversation and an…read moreawesome bald fade! Clean cut, shave on the neck, just what you expect from a professional shop. Highly recommend

I ran into my friend Ian the other day who has been a barber now for the past few years and he…read moreremembered how I told him I would come get my hair cut from him someday! Well I'm a man of my word, and even though I probably wasn't really due for a new hair doo I made my way to Universal Kutz to get my hair chopped! First off this place rules, there were 9 barbers in all, shaving, snipping, and cutting at the same time in the big rectangled room! Everything from Kid N Play flat tops, to shaved heads, to afro cuts, to whatever I was about to have! I gave Ian full reign on what ever he wanted to do to my head! He told me he would give me a great clean cut that will be perfect for the summer and will grow out better then the cuts I have been getting at home! I really loved the atmosphere in here, dudes chatting, watching ESPN, and a couple a little kids dancing round the room. It was a super fun environment! Now most of the time you need an appointment but Ian said he would fit me in when ever I came in, and he did! I got on the chair and was out of there in less then a half hour! He did a fantastic job and I even ran into a friend later that day and he said I looked, "Hip" that has not been a word some has chosen to describe me in a long time! I will definitely be back to Universal Kutz, hell I might come just to hang out!

By far the worst hair cut I've ever gotten 0 star for the guy who cut my hair from the back door…read morefirst seat on the right

So I just recently moved here from Madsion and live a 2min walk from this place today was very…read moreexcited to try this place out for the first time today-10/8 as I walked in for the even before saying hello to the barber he tells me what do you want? I told him I am new to the area and need a hair cut and also needed to know if they take card or cash. The man tells me I can't do anything for you I don't take new customer or anyone I don't know. I laughed at first thinking it was a joke. But no he was serious not a laugh or smile. So I politely leave and say thank you as I'm walking out I can hear him talking to another customer that he was already helping say he ain't taking me with that beard and that hat. So word of advice if your new don't even come to this place they guy was extremely rude. I even went back to Make sure he wasn't joking sadly enough the door was locked. He did come to the window in which I asked if him not serving me was a race thing but all he started saying was go to another barber. It's a sad day haven't dealt with something like this in a long time. Please please don't go here.

This place is pretty low key and old school. I didn't have to say much about what I wanted, and the…read morebarber knew exactly what to do. He has a ton of experience, holds a great conversation, and makes you feel comfortable. The barber has been in DSM his whole life, and is very in tune with the community. Come here if you want to hear some of the going-ons in DSM, or if you want a no-frills, efficient and quality hair cut.

I've been coming here since I moved back to the area in 2015. The ownership changed just over a…read moreyear ago, and the tradition of a barbershop that's been around since 1934 continues. The previous owner, Rick, continues to cut at the shop, and the new owner Luis, has brought in Adrian, and Mayra, and all of them are very busy when I come in. Everyone is very welcoming and genuinely glad to see you walk in the door. Appointments are necessary (thank you? COVID), but that means you'll be in and out efficiently. Parking in front and back, with other interesting shops in the mall. Great, central location. Give them a try!

The first barbershop that will touch my one year old head! They were so patient and so kind to our…read moreson! The finish work was outstanding! We will continue coming here and supporting this small Latino business!

In a downtown area full of barbershops, you have finally found a salon-- and it's a darn good too…read more Not to be outdone by the many barbershop experiences downtown, this gem blends the best of a salon with the best of a barbershop: a fabulous haircut, excellent conversation, styling, and even a neck massage. Heck, you can get it even get a quality shoeshine! Located at 655 Walnut, you can reach this haven by skywalk. I will definitely be back, and you should stop by too.

I've been getting my hair done by Randee for over 8 years. Before I went to him I hated my hair,…read moredidn't know what to do with it other than shave it all off or cut it short. Randee is the first stylist I've ever had who not only gave me a wonderful haircut but also taught me how to style my hair at home, and what products to use. He and Wendy are great with kids as they cut my kids hair too. Highly recommended.

Always a great job. The girls are wonderful! I always feel great afterwards and their hours are…read morevery easy to work with.

Would love to tell you to look elsewhere, since it was SO BUSY this morning. However, this is a…read moregreat barber shop and to write anything less would be dishonest. I brought my son in for a haircut and I got a nice beard trim--we are both pleased! True professionals and they do an amazing job. I love coming back each year we return home.