I booked and prepaid for a haircut appointment at 10:00 AM. Unfortunately, I arrived late at 10:19, and I completely understand that being late was my responsibility. I don't expect a business to rearrange its entire schedule because of my mistake. What left me disappointed was how the situation was handled afterward. Since I had already prepaid, I was hoping there would be some effort to find a reasonable solution. The only option offered was a later appointment at 12:00 PM, but I was told I would have to pay for the haircut again. What frustrated me most was that the original haircut cost $75. Being asked to pay again for the rescheduled appointment would have brought the total to $150 for a single haircut, which felt unreasonable given the circumstances. I'm all for paying for a service and understand that missed appointments can impact a business. However, in this case, I struggled to understand what value I received from the original payment. No service was provided, and there didn't seem to be any flexibility or consideration despite the appointment already being paid for. I respect their scheduling policies and take responsibility for being late, but I believe customer service is often measured by how businesses handle situations when things don't go according to plan. Unfortunately, this experience left me feeling that finding a fair resolution was not a priority. I don't ever plan on coming back to this establishment. read more

I called this barbershop in the morning to ask for the earliest available appointment, and they were able to book me in, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, that's the only positive part of my experience. When I arrived, I asked for something very simple: shorten the hair on top and trim my beard -- nothing complicated. However, the barber treated my request as if I was asking for something extreme or unusual. His attitude was unpleasant and dismissive throughout the process. The end result was very disappointing. My beard was noticeably uneven -- one side much thinner while the other side looked bushy. My haircut was also poorly done and not at all what I had asked for. The reason I came here was because of their positive reviews and high ratings, but based on my experience, I don't feel those reflect the actual service I received. If this is considered acceptable here, then I believe customers are being misled. I left very unsatisfied and will not be returning. read more

J.P. Kempt - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is the first time I have ever reviewed anything in my entire life. I actually had to create this account just to share my experience in the hopes that no one else has to suffer through what I just went through. I just received the worst haircut of my life--possibly the worst in the history of haircuts. I told the barber that I have a wedding in two days and just wanted him to clean up the back and give me a slight trim; I specifically asked to 'bring it in two weeks.' Instead, he proceeded to cut about four inches off my hair, leaving me with a ludicrous length on top. To make matters worse, he performed a 'reverse fade' on the sides and back, where the hair actually gets longer as it goes down. To top it all off, he began shaving the back of my neck with a foil shaver and then, without warning, violently transitioned to shaving off my beard (which I had not asked for). By the time I could stop him, the damage was already done, so I had to ask him to at least even out the rest of it. His actions with the foil shaver were so jagged and rough that I actually jerked my head back and told him to stop. I ended up walking out of this shop (with half of a beard) $75 lighter after a truly horrible experience. This even beat my previous worst haircut, which was done by a friend in a tent in rural Poland with cheap clippers and zero experience. I would take that haircut over the one I received at J.P. Kempt any day of the week. I wish I could give zero stars. I want my money back. read more

ive been here a few times and although the vibe is alright, it is pricey. There's no distinction between the different types of cuts on the page and when I walked in, the barber told me that I booked the wrong time immediately in a way that was very disgruntled. He also didn't follow the pictures I showed him / the vibe and ended up with a lot shorter haircut. Although the cut itself was fine, definitely going to a different place next time read more

Just got the worst haircut two days before my college graduation. I asked them to take none off the top and they cut off an inch of my already short hair. Not a good very good listener and even worse timing read more

I've come here a couple times. The people there are cool but every time I've scheduled an appointment on the phone they either mess up the appointment time or the person scheduling never actually puts me in the slot. I called earlier this week to book and when I called two days later, they said they don't have me on the schedule. The woman who answers the phone is always nice but for some reason whenever I book with her there's always an issue. So if you go double check your appointment lol read more

Great hair cutting skills. And focus on customer service from managers/owners. Also very cool vibe inside.

Shorty has assembled an excellent team in a warm, yes social, environment. I've been well kempt thanks to Shorty's barbers exclusively since 2009. I highly recommend going old school for a shave if you have extra time. read more

Now, this is going to feel weird for both you & me, since in plain sight I'm not an actual customer of theirs. But I'm like, since the government does not apply "Joy Tax" for the amounts of joy we collect just for being happily alive or going through this human experience in a movie-like content & flow, I feel content to create this flow of positivity for this particular business and would like to spread the joy they cause back at them, publicly! At night, after they close the store and the sun goes down, a colorful, dancing version of their handsome logo is projected on the ground like a virtual door mat; which I think is super duper cool; and more important than that, it conveys to me a message about the foundation of detail orientation which they must be running their business on, like a humbly untold vision statement! I moved to San Francisco from Istanbul with the aim of making my move to the USA a permanent one; because at times I seriously believe that my being was coded to appreciate the American style in particular concepts in life and barbershops happen to be one of those; for I was magically influenced by the fun, fraternal energies & interactions portrayed in those shops especially in old cowboy movies, if you will. I became a Freemason in San Francisco, it was a goal that I had in mind prior to making my move to this tiny beautiful city which absolutely feels like a modern village to me. Seriously, like a literal village where I hoped to find stronger, unconditional fraternal bonds compared to Istanbul, a city which is like thrice as big as San Francisco, yet with almost 30 million people living it!! The first time I saw this shop a few days after my move, I remember how I had an instant crush on their logo as my mind processed it as 'the compass & the square' and I remember admiring the creative mind(s) who created that to represent their brand. It looks like a talisman, you know!.. I remember standing there in joy for like around 10 seconds only to observe the projected logo on the ground as it kept dancing the night. I must also let you know that I wanted to extend the duration of my observation by deciding to wait for the 24 bus that also stops very conveniently right by the shop. What makes this comment truly weird is that I have simply never tried this business myself; nor do I think that I ever will as I've been taking care of my own shaving needs for almost two decades by now and I still do. * The eventual shaving perks I have due to being bald Ain't gonna make me a neighbor who is distant or cold Particularly towards good neighbors with good deeds So go somewhere else if you're gonna complain about the prices, please * The willingness that I have to praise this business originates quite selfishly yet romantically from the things that its existence reminds me of; like the rare & precious brotherly scenes from the journey of my own life; which feel comforting to reminisce of. I live in the neighborhood, and do indeed happen to walk by the store quite often and it sincerely makes me happy to see that they always have a few men seated inside by the window waiting for their turns to come, patiently, even in these post-pandemic times which make us all feel anxious & impatient to wait for something good to happen to US, especially when that thing looks attainably close! Quite frankly and honestly, I BELIEVE that a MAN, especially in this day and age, would agree to be made wait for a hairdresser only for the sake of the exceptional and great quality service they know they would receive not in any other barbershop around, but here. I also observed from the outside more than a few times the barbers being so very in the moment, totally dedicated to their customers making it a conversational and engaging experience for them which I'm sure only contributes to the excitement & impatience levels of men in the waiting area patiently waiting for their turn to come! These guys deserve my 5 stars - Yes, although I haven't ever had a transactional relationship with them - as I process their survival efforts as well as the classy way that they deliver their services to be inspirational especially given these tough times we live in, you know. Thank you guys for contributing to my perceiving of this whole experience as a movie, with the Western movies flavor you bring along to it. BROs before Kudos. Gracias muchos. A Dios! read more

Have been going here for about a year now, specifically to get my haircut my Shelby. She's amazing. She's a perfectionist and doesn't rush your haircut. She's able to achieve that fine balance between your personal style and what will make you look best. I highly recommend her. For the first time in 15 years my wife approves of my haircuts. read more

Cool decor, average haircut. I don't think it's worth the money you pay considering how pricey it is. There are many other barber shops in the city that will give you a better haircut for a more reasonable price. read more

I've been growing my beard for two years and decided to get it trimmed very short. Shorty did a great job and is very friendly and nice. He was able to translate my poor description of what I wanted perfectly and I felt really comfortable with him. Love the atmosphere and honestly there isn't anything I can think of that could have made the experience any better because it was great all around. Definitely recommend. I'm not a big yelp reviewer but I think they're still bouncing back to pre-pandemic business so I wanted to add an extra recent review that they're a great option right now if you're looking for a beard change. read more

EDIT: They did end up giving me a full refund. ORIGINAL: I would give this barber a 0/5 if I could. This was hands-down the worst haircut of my life. Giovani was terrible and left my hair unfixable, he didn't do anything I asked and wouldn't fix it when I requested at the end of the haircut. For a place that gets such good reviews, I genuinely don't understand how they are still in business - unless Giovani is a weak link. Either way he should be fired and NEVER CUT ANOTHER MAN'S HAIR. I have never written a review but this needed to be said. read more

I'm a big fan of the straight razor shave. Been doing them for several years. I've tried several places in San Francisco, but I always end up with razor burn or other skin issues. Not so with J.P. Kempt. Working with Giovani yesterday took me back to my favorite barber when I was in SoCal. The care for the skin, the attention to detail, the understanding of musculature and how to work with the client - he was outstanding. Best shave I've had in a year since coming back to SF. Will definitely be seeing him again. *Further high marks for switching up the music to some Miles Davis for that great relaxing jazz and hot towel combo. read more

Today I had one of my best haircuts in a long long time Giovanni is amazing! The barber shop has a good vibe everyone is friendly make you fell comfortable when you first walk in. Finally I have a new fav barber read more

Don't be fooled by the star rating, I wanted to give a no star rating. Alas, yelp won't allow a no-star review to post. So here we go. If you have a beard...avoid this barber like the plague. During the pandemic, my barber of 3 years moved due to career endeavors. I spent the last year researching barbers, instagram and facebook photos of their clients, and read the reviews. Once Cali opened up officially on 6/15/21, I was super pumped to get my beard trimmed by Shorty, the Master Barber. For context sakes, I have been growing my beard out with beard trims here and there for 4 years. Safe to say, I'm pretty attached to my beard. I get to the shop, I meet Shorty. I show him twice what I want done and I tell him what I want done. I have posted pictures of what I wanted done as well as before/after pics. Shorty completely chopped my beard off, took chunks of hair from the beard, and didn't even line up the neckline. The overall appearance of the beard was uneven all over. Where there was once hair, there are now 'balding spots' under my chin. Regarding the neckline, he took the neckline up too short. All I asked Shorty to do was take in the sideburns a little bit and line up the neckline, but most importantly, I told him that I like the length so keep the length. Words cannot describe the anger and the disappointment from this barber. I cannot stress enough to those with beards...please look elsewhere, this is not the shop for you. It's clear that Shorty did not listen to what I wanted done nor did the picture help read more

See all

Editing my review because Shorty from the barbershop gave me a refund and was very professional. Overall, I am still disappointed with the haircut but it seems like J.P. Kempt is an honest organization that wants to do right by it's customers. Regarding the haircut itself: I had past my shoulder-length hair. I am half Asian and my hair is thick and wavey. I asked for them to take 4-5 inches off and showed a few pictures of men with shoulder-length hairstyles I liked. The person who cut my hair - I believe he is an apprentice - started cutting my hair from the back, which I thought was odd. I couldn't see that he cut closer to 8 inches off until the time he got around my hair to the front - making it way less than shoulder length. And then he layered it in this weird way that makes my hair splay outwards instead of falling down . I asked for 4-5 inches off and now my hair is significantly above my shoulders. I'm also pretty sure that they paired me with the apprentice barber without asking for my consent on this. read more

For me, the search for a new barber is always filled with a mixture of excitement and dread. Particularly after you've established a relationship with a fine craftsman, it can be a bit daunting to go out and try to find someone else who equally measures up. But this was the fate I was dealt when I moved back to SF from Boston a month ago. I was fortunate to land back in the Lower Haight area, and had always walked by JP Kempt's before moving out east. So I gave them a go for my first cut, and I'm so glad I did! On my first visit, I lucked out and got Jeff (as I did not specify a barber ahead of time). Jeff was super professional and also provided some great conversation during the cut. But of course, most importantly, he gave me a cut that met (and perhaps exceeded) the standard I had become accustomed to. With very little instruction on what I needed, he went to town, and I got to walk out fresh and sharp once again. I've already been back to JP's once more, and again, got an excellent cut by Jeff. Will certainly be continuing my monthly visits going forward. One tip for newcomers: while they do accept credit cards, they're NOT able to add tip onto a credit card transaction. When (not if) you leave a tip, make sure you either use a debit card (and request cash back) or have cash available. read more

This is my first time at J.P. Kempt. I made an appointment on the same day and was booked with Giovanni. He was an excellent barber. He provided excellent service and took good care of my hair. The place was well-maintained and kept clean. The other stafd were also very nice and hospitable. I am definitely returning for future appointments. I appreciate the care and service! Thank you! read more

I'be been to this place a few times now with the S/O and he loves this place. Perhaps I'm biased but I think he looks extra fresh when he leaves this place with his new cut every time. read more

See all

J.P. Kempt is one of those establishments in the neighborhood that has withstood the test of time due to their service and the warm hospitality. I've lived in the neighborhood for well over a decade. I'm always greeted with a smile and sincere engagement, I'm "someone" there ya know! Johnny is my go to guy, and his attention to detail is flawless. I cannot recommend him enough. read more

Shorty gave an ok haircut, but mistreated his employees in front of me and made me very uncomfortable. I came in shortly after the mask mandate lift, and another customer that came in told the woman checking him in that he was uncomfortable with the maskless customers. She said she couldn't do much or force people to put their masks on, maybe he could come in at a less busy time and ask if the people around him would be willing to mask. Shorty was not a fan of her response, which I could agree on, you can't make everyone else accommodate to a single customer's complaints. However his responses to her were disrespectful and rude. He proceeded to scold her while cutting my hair, and yell across the shop that she can "get a job somewhere else" if that's how she wanted to handle customers. He then started ranting and asking me to weigh in about the conflict for the majority of my haircut and complain more. He whispered to me that the customers in the shop still wearing masks were arrogant ***holes. He continued to chastise the employee whenever she would walk by, and occasionally yell remarks to her across the shop. After he finally stopped ranting about the situation, he spent the rest of my haircut talking about burps, farts, and colonoscopies. As soon as I was done he took the employee outside to yell at her more. Shorty: I understand the situation, and in fact agreed with you at first. But yelling at your employees in front of your customers while cutting their hair, and asking them to weigh in on the drama is not appropriate. read more

Best Barber Shop SF is open and back with Covid-19 safe service. Shorty and crew do everything top-notch and this is no exceptions. Just fantastic! read more

J.P. Kempt - Super cool, super clean, super Covid-19 safety protocols. The best barber shop in SF is back! J.P. Kempt Barber and Social! - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Visiting from out of town and heard a lot of good things about this place. Unfortunately had an average experience with a below average haircut and shave. I told my barber (Zack I think??) I'm going to a wedding tomorrow and would like help and tips on how to style my hair when we're done. After my shave he puts some putty in my hair and says "just do something casual". My hair is thin so I trusted he'd give me a good style that'd suit me - instead he styles my hair up exposing my scalp all over with the tips of my hair curling back. I told him I definitely don't like it, and he just tells me to style it how I want when I get home... He starts cleaning up his station leaving me looking like an idiot, so I get up and proceed to pay $80. The hot shave was a cool experience but I get closer shaves with a 2 month old Gillette razor.. read more

J.P. Kempt - I thought it was called 5 o'clock shadow.. not 5 minute.. - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great for fades and always consistent. They have great barbers. The place has such a unique vibe too. I've come here for a year and will keep going for sure. Sold appointment system too, NO WASTING TIME E-40's cover was shot here. read more

This was by far the most unpleasant experience I had at JP Kempt , Jeff - my barber was treating my head like it was a punching bag constantly hitting it , bumping , pulling hair , way too rough and borderline mean , I felt like he was taking his anger out on me . Terrible! I have been a customer here for a couple of years , needless to say I won't be back . Very disappointing! read more

I would have loved to give this place a higher rating after the initial 25 minute hair cut, things were looking good. Then Kevin proceeded with the shave and that's when things got messy, not one cut but two, which were relatively deep, on my neck. If you don't know how to use a straight razor, you shouldn't be using one, it's unacceptable. Then after that, charging the customer, while not being able to contain the bleeding (he literally tried to send me away while I was still bleeding, horrible behavior). Very unprofessional, very upsetting, especially since I had to cancel a meeting I had shortly thereafter because of my unacceptable appearance with the potential of the wound opening back up. I came here to get a tight haircut and just a regular shave and left with blood and scars. Really messed up the 3 days I had in SF. I would probably recommend this place had this entire incident not have happened, but I really have to say, stay away. Even though other barbers and employees could see what was happening, no one really did anything to help, it was left up to me and then I was treated as if I was pestering them because I had blood from a wound...WOUND..they had caused. Messed up. read more

J.P. Kempt - Hi I'd like a bit of a shave...oh, not that close, oh it's too late and you want me to leave WITHOUT helping patch this thing up? Horrible! - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Like some of the other reviews, I was once a Public regular in North Beach until I moved to NOPA and discovered this special shop. At that time, I had developed a regular routine of blowdrying my hair for 15 minutes each morning and buying a handful of expensive "must-have" products per the advice of my "barber" at Public. Since seeing Jourdan at JP Kempt, I've shed the blowdryer, resigned myself to one affordable product that gets the job done... and regained my mornings and swagger in the process. I can't say enough about the quality of work they do at JP Kempt. However, this review is not about the haircuts. Or the good beer. Or that towel they put over your face. As more and more hip places are popping up in this city, it's wonderful knowing that a place like JP Kempt stands for much more than being a hip spot that's goal is to make a buck off the techies and bearded folk. About 3 months ago, my girlfriend Jeannette was diagnosed with breast cancer and immediately began chemotherapy treatments. Our oncologist informed us that she would begin to lose her hair come the 2nd week of treatments and I scrambled to find a means to make the idea of hair loss feel less daunting. I reached out to Jourdan & Shorty and together we arranged a Go Bald Event at the barbershop. I've posted a photo of the night to this Yelp page for those who are curious. The night was nothing short of special and it provided a great morale boost to what was otherwise a dark time. Many friends came and volunteered their locks for the cause. The team of barbers assembled that night was superb, full of support, enthusiasm and compassion. JP Kempt is more than just a place to get an amazing haircut. It's a spot that looks out for its fellow man/woman in the community. Thank you to Jourdan, Shorty & the great people of JP Kempt. read more

J.P. Kempt - a shot from the Go Bald Event at JP Kempt - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Brittany cut my hair and she is fantastic!! I went in looking to go from shoulder length to a pixie-like cut. Didn't know exactly what I wanted but I showed Bittany some pictures and she really took the time to figure it out and also gave really good advice. At first, I was really nervous to get the cut but Brittany has worked in a salon and has had short hair which made me trust her even more. She's really good at what she does for sure and she is absolutely lovely. Could not recommend her more! read more

J.P. Kempt - By Brittany Robin (she's a beast) - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

This was not just a cut and shave, it was one hell of an experience and can hardly wait to go again. Jourdan was my Barber and what a mighty fine job she did. I could barely leave the chair I was so relaxed, and my face just feels magnificent. The scene is definitely grand, the decor, the people and the chairs. I highly recommend this place, it is one of the best and I have been around the world. Also Jourdan and I have a mutual friend and that added to the whole experience. Thanks, Tony B. read more

J.P. Kempt - The result! - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

I came in for a haircut correction, I took clippers to my head, and Kyle hooked it up. Good convo and also attentive to what I wanted my hair to do. Great service and great result! Highly recommend. read more

JPK has been my go to place for getting cut now for well over 3 years. I've been cut by several barbers - including Shorty, Scott and Ryan - all more than capable and talented barbers - I'd recommend them all...however my "regular" barber is Adam. Great guy and super-talented. Adam takes his time to give you just the right cut whether using scissors or clippers. He takes time to understand exactly what you want then executes superbly. He's a great conversationalist and has an engaging personality. Highly recommended. Shop offers a pre-service beer or espresso which is always a welcome and refreshing touch. Additionally, Shorty also stocks a nice array of hair and grooming products, including my favorite line, Malin + Goetz. My favorite aspect of the shop is the personality of all the barbers - and the banter that occurs between them. Shorty is larger than life and entertaining and Jordan is an absolute riot. Sit back and enjoy the free show... Prices are about what you'd expect for a better barber shop so don't expect a 20 buck cut. read more

Got a fantastic cut from Jo, who was friendly, professional and fast. Can't recommend highly enough!

I went 6 months without a haircut because it is hard to find a good barber. Not one person that I asked was able to give me a confident referral. Each of them telling me that they were still searching for one themselves. So after a lot of my own Google/Yelp searches, I went on good faith and trusted my shaggy hair with Ryan. I honestly felt like he took the time to understand the look I wanted. He kept me involved with each step he took and gave honest feedback. I would go back. Thank you Ryan. I'm very happy with my new cut. read more

Shorty and his team are great. I've been bouncing around barbershops ever since moving to SF and J.P. Kempt is the clear victor. They are attentive and take their time with you. Plus, they guarantee the cut and welcome you to come back in if something doesn't seem right. I felt super safe and all COVID restrictions were clearly followed. Top notch customer service and good vibes despite the stressful times of operating a small business nowadays. Keep up the good work! read more

Go here if you want a great men's haircut or beard trim! After a few bad experiences with barbers in the area *cough* The Refinery in the Mission *cough* I have to say, J.P. Kempt was a refreshing experience. They have all the amenities you'd expect at a proper barbershop. My haircut and beard trim were timely and executed with precision. My barber also did a really great job translating what I wanted into my result, which granted, is very hard to do at times. Dude with a beard bigger than mine, thanks a bunch Kyle, see you in a couple weeks for a trim. read more

My haircut was done well by the person who was assigned to me but not the quality I'm used to for $50 (before tip). 4 out of 5 for being a barbershop and the haircut. A loss of a star is due to the person working the front could have done a better job by: 1. Sweeping the mounds of hair sooner 2. Not telling me I'm being "reminded" tip is cash only, the first time I'm told at the end 3. Having a walk-in go ahead of me even though I had an appointment If you can avoid those three items your first time, your review will likely be 4 stars also. read more

I realized today the most commitment I've shown in SF has been with JP Kempt (I'm a millennial, leave me alone). This is a great barbershop that has an unpretentious, old-fashioned vibe. Can get busy so make an appointment online if you're requesting a barber and show up early or on time and you're good! Expect SF prices, but you get what you pay for. I've been seeing Steve for my monthly cuts and trims since September 2016. Steve is very attentive and he clearly cares about his work. I'm a bit introverted and often the guy who hopes no one will talk to him in ubers, public restrooms, or anywhere really. Steve strikes a nice balance between personable and professional though. It's safe to say I enjoy our chats as much as I enjoy the way I look and feel after getting my haircut here. read more

Good vibes here. My go-to spot for a haircut in SF.

A few weeks ago, I went in for a 4:45 appointment on a Sunday. I waited for 25 minutes, and after no one gave me an update on my appointment, left. A couple days later, I got a call from Shorty, the owner, apologizing for the incident and offering me a free haircut. He said that they expect customers to be on time for their reservation, and therefore need to hold the same standards for their staff. I was very impressed - Short went above and beyond what was called for given the situation. JR Kempt's barbers give great haircuts, and after this experience I know that they highly value customer service. read more