Nancy has sold her shop to a nice young lady, and was not there when I went in today. I gave the new team a try, and they were great! I don't think their shop is listed by name on Yelp yet, but they are in Nancy's former location. Nancy had been cutting hair still for a while as a guest of the new owners, but they told me it had become a little too tiring for her. read more

Nancy is great. Straightforward haircut with no politics! I'll be back! No reservations, just walk-in.

I'm so glad Nancy is back cutting hair. I hadn't seen her since pre-Covid times, and she stopped during the pandemic. I have since moved out of state and flew back today for a wedding. To my surprise and excitement, she's open and cutting hair. It was like we saw each other last week, and her cuts are still top notch. This type of service is dying in my opinion and I'm glad I could experience it again. I feel like it's the highlight of my trip. read more

I just recently moved to the area and went looking for a badly needed haircut on a Saturday morning. I saw Nancy's on Yelp and stopped in. I got a great haircut and some welcome conversation. Nancy's story is remarkable and I can see how she is one of those people who quietly help bind a community together and add to its richness. Bottom line, it was a great, no nonsense haircut and very affordable. Meeting Nancy made it even better. Highly recommend. Open 10-4, Tue-Sat. read more

Tried Nancy for the first time. Incredibly lovely woman who did a great job. So glad to find a good well priced barber again after moving out of the city. read more

Great service!! Thank you Nancy!!! My husband is very happy with his hair cut. We're both so happy to have found someone that takes the time to know what the client wants. read more

Moved to San Rafael recently and based on reviews here went to see Nancy What an amazing lady. Did a great cut and told me about her amazing life. I'll be back every month. read more

Nancy's new number is 415-295-7408. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday 10-4. She is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Nancy is very sweet and knows her stuff. I asked her to make me look handsome and she did just that, even trimmed up my beard nicely. I am happy I found this place. read more

Imagine a world where every Marin proprietor is a clone of Nancy - a tiny, blonde, Vietnamese octegenarian who coaxes blooms out of the most difficult of exotic flowers. Now imagine that Nancy: * Remembers your name and the haircut she gave you (right down to the razor settings) after just a single visit; * Offers up free candy, free soda, and water while you wait or after you are through; * Finishes haircuts with a neck and shoulder massage then says "Mama, you get in chair now" and proceeds to give you a free mini-facial; * Fills your arms with garden fresh fruits and vegetables before you leave her shop. Clearly, every business would be improved by having a Nancy. Hell, life itself would be improved. read more

Nancy's phone number has changed +1 (415) 295-7408. She is open again (Tues to Sat 10-4PM) but business is down - partly due to AT&T changing her number plus COVID. read more

Nancy's back!! New hours and new phone number (415-295-7408) and she's looking for new clients! Nancy's the best!! She's been cutting my hair for +20 yrs now and I love her! She's always got a smile for you, even when she's been working non-stop without a break. When I first started getting my cuts from her, I had longish hair and my cut is now fairly short, but she always remembers my style and still double-checks each time to make sure I still want "the usual". She doesn't do appointments, but you can call and she'll let you know how busy she is and how many people are waiting. Cash only, too. read more

I was looking for a barber after moving to san Rafael about 1 month ago... And man am I glad I stumbled onto Nancy... She is a cool ass older vietnamese lady... And that does not mesh with my idea of what id be looking for in a barber but I saw that she had good reviews on Yelp and also that she was only charging 25 bucks... I have tried two other barbers since I moved to San Rafael and they were both decent, but both of them charged me upwards of $50 with tip and everything included... Not that I'm complaining about either of their work but I just didn't feel it was worth the price tag (I wouldn't have been happy with it for even half as much)... Which brings me to Nancy... I was kind of reluctant to even try to get a fade from an elder immigrant woman, but I'm really glad I kept an open mind. She worked really quickly, got the job done no BS, did exactly what I asked her for, turned the air conditioner on in her shop, gave me a scalp massage, and made pleasant and funny conversation. She even gave me an ice water bottle to take with me for the road because I was hot. But all that is just the extra details.. the most important part is that she gave me a hella good fade in under 30 minutes from the time I walked into her store to the time I walked out... She knows what she's doing. Honestly if she had been the one to charge 50 for her haircut I I would say it would have been worth it. So to get it for only $25 was a steal. I will definitely be going back to nancy... Probably today actually. To sum up 10 out of 10 highly recommend!! read more

I brought my 6 yr. son in today based on the majority of the reviews. I have to say that we have gone to many of the kids hair cut places and we haven't ever been very happy with the outcome until now. Nancy was so sweet and patient and did a stellar choppy short style for my son who has pretty thick and straight hair. She was knowledgeable and quick. 20$ for a great cut! Very happy and we will be back! If you do come, just be prepared for a bit of a mess. However she didn't make us wait so she could sweep up the hair from the last 4 customers, so we were in and out pretty fast without an appointment. She is chatty and sweet. Also, this woman has a following! She has generations of men coming back for a reason! The shop is not going to be everyone's cup of tea but I think she's worth it. Don't call, just go in cause she doesn't take reservations and she takes cash only! read more

Nancy's Barber Shop - Before picture! She had a lot to take off and did a great job! - Barbers Near Me - San Rafael, California

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My hair is crazy curly and Nancy keeps it in good shape. Top that with inspirational conversations, a great relaxing neck and skull massage at the end, and I am ready to face another week. Love u too Nancy! Update 07/14/17... To Linda B. Yes, most of Nancy's clients turn into friends, so you bet your bad spelling behind her friends write reviews. If you had a bit of shame to bad mouth a working woman way into her seventies, you would remove your review. Bad spelling your vent, from behind your computer without an ounce of thought you are not "straightening" anyone in the facts. I can't believe a hair stylist who has worked over 50 years of her life would not know how to cut hair. I bet your untrained eye could not see "streight". PS She doesn't have any relatives left in the country but her regulars are good friends to her. To Cynthia C. Nancy doesn't cut women's hair not because she can't but because that's her business typical style. Nancy also first come first serves, no appointment needed or expected, it's a barber shop no a salon. It's evident she is not a good fit for you, but knocking her down to one star for that is rude, unnecessary and not in the best interest of people who use Yelp as a source of information. We could use less "dumping" and more honest reviews. To others please realize she works alone and she cleans as quickly as she can, sometimes when too busy she would skip extensive sweeping for a moment to give faster service, but she sweeps regularly. Her shop is old and run down, if you enter expecting something else, the pictures are clear, please don't vent out on her yelp. Trust me if you need a good barber shop treatment for blue collar guys who don't pay salon prices but who pay for good value and excellent service this is your place. There is no amount of money that covers Nancy's great work ethics and good spirits. I pay her $20 and leave $10 tip often, I pay $60 plus tip when I go to a hair salon in Marin, so it is a bargain. She is not young, so don't expect her to take abuse from anyone. No Credit Cards, No checks, No Apple pay, No WiFi. Read Lucas G. he's got it right! read more

Yay - I finally found my new barber! Nancy's Barber Shop had been recommended to me by a number of friends and Yelpers. I wanted to schedule a hair-cut last month, but Nancy was on well-deserved, month-long vacation. I love businesses like Nancy's. This isn't just a mom & pop operation. It's strictly a mom (no pop) operation. Nancy does EVERYTHING herself. She's been working out of this this hole-in-the-wall San Rafael location since 1991 (right across the street from United Markets). I swung by one afternoon without a reservation. In fact, I don't even think she takes reservations (I'm not even sure if she has a phone!). When I arrived, there were 2 guys ahead of me in line. Nancy was kind enough to offer us bottled water while we waited. The place is super tiny. There are 2 barber chairs, 4 seats in the waiting area, and an old school cash register. What immediately struck me about Nancy is that she knew all the customers by name. Clearly, these people have been coming to her for years (and that speaks volumes). When one guy finished his hair-cut, Nancy gave him a big hug and told him to say hi to his father (who is also a customer). Since this was my first hair-cut here, Nancy was naturally curious about me (my name, where I live, how I found out about her, etc.). I told her that she came highly recommended by friends and Yelpers. She just smiled and replied, "Everybody loves me." It wasn't meant to be arrogant. I think she was just proud. It was adorable. Long story short - Nancy gave me a great cut in less than 15 minutes. And the best part - she gave me a complimentary 2-minute neck massage at the very end. What a treat! The whole experience was just $20 (cash only) + tip. That was half the price of the last hair-cut I received. And the quality was the same. I can't recommend Nancy's Barber Shop enough. She just picked up a new regular! read more

Slowly doing the disappearing act, my mane needs professional grooming attention only so often these days. Nancy does a wonderful job in disguising the rate of decline so I can still pass as a Yelper in his youth. She adds a nice touch with the head and neck massage at the end. And ALWAYS gives me a bottle of water when I leave. "Water good for you! I see you next time, Bob!" Classic Nancy. read more

Everything you've read about Nancy is spot on: she's friendly, loves cutting hair, and the price is great. It's just her in the shop, so you might have a wait. She does NOT take appointments over the phone, so it's first come, first served. However, if you pop in and tell her you'll be by at such-and-such time, she'll keep the seat open for you. read more

What an amazing, kind lady! Nancy is a very, very sweet old lady who knows how to cut hair-- old school style! When my mother and I walked in, she had said that she doesn't cut women's hair, as it took too much time. My hair is also dyed green, and she doesn't deal with chemicals either. After my mother said "just a trim on the bangs", she invited us to sit and said it was okay. She offered us some water, and talked to us throughout the entire cut-- about her travels, Vietnam, and her family. She is a very interesting woman, and offers some wonderful advice. After an amazing cut, a head and shoulder massage was given, and it was simply wonderful. Nancy offered me a free cut that day. Of course, I gave her money, but she was so polite and so kind. I told her I was starting college soon, and that may have been why. Nevertheless, it was kind of her to offer, and my haircut looks fantastic! The experience was worldly too. I will definitely be back--thank you Nancy! read more

Great experience. Very personable. A haircut that I got a compliment on not 20 minutes later. Anyone looking for a great haircut in the San Rafael area should stop in and get a trim. read more

Nancy's Barber Shop - Best Hair Cut In Marin - Barbers Near Me - San Rafael, California

From what I've read, Nancy's Barber Shop is the best place to get a good and quick cut. They weren't kidding. I visited her place at around noon expecting a long wait. The only thing I waited for was her attempt to pay bills on a computer (which I thought was precious). I was immediately offered water and had a full on conversation with her as she cut my hair. I showed her a picture of what I wanted and mentioned the numbers to use. She followed suit and the entire process took no longer than 15 minutes (5 minutes of waiting when paying bills). A simple get in and get out. I would highly recommend her. read more

Nancy is awesome; there's just no other way to describe her. She's an elderly lady who you can immediately tell has experienced a lot of life. Vivacious and full of energy, she will offer you bottled water or even snacks while you wait to have your hair cut. She'll embracingly swap stories with you and consistently remember your name and/or face along with your specific desired hair style during and in between visits. Finally, the head and neck massage at the end of your cut is ALWAYS welcome, and provides an especially relaxing and therapeutic end to your experience. PROS: * Amazing customer service * Friendly conversation is a plus * Price is fair * CUTS ARE ON POINT CONS: * Only one barber (Nancy); may take a while on busy days. BUT she's fast and efficient, and I've never felt my haircuts were rushed read more

I found Nancy through Yelp. Tired of one too many mediocre and inconsistent haircuts, I used Yelp to find me someplace new. Even though it's a 25 minute commute from home, it's been worth it every time. Nancy is a great personality. She is always cheerful and not only does she remember me and my son (who's hair she also cuts)- she asks about my wife and daughter by name every time we go in. She also has my haircut down and has delivered a solid haircut for more than 15 months. Even though she doesn't accept reservations- I've rarely had to wait more than 15 minutes. If there's no one waiting after your haircut- she also offers a "facial" or neck rub. Fast, cheap, friendly, consistent- there's no reason to go anywhere else! I have to be honest- I was reluctant to Yelp Nancy myself. I don't want there to be longer waits as people start to discover her- but I weighed that against how much I want to see Nancy do well...and Nancy won! read more

I'm a huge fan. Nancy is one of those special people who inspire you to keep on moving. Her haircuts are great, reasonably priced and I always seem to walk out with a piece of fruit. My first visit I didn't know she didn't accept CC, but she insisted on giving me a haircut entrusting I would stop by later with the cash (which I did of course). Super friendly! read more

Excellent place!!! I went there based on the other reviews and was exactly as stated by others; Nancy is the sweetest woman! My son got a terrific hair cut and mommy got a massage yes she gave me one too- all for $13.0 so I gave her $20. Must the review by Tracey A. because it is absolutely true! Nancy always: * Remembers your name and the haircut she gave you (right down to the razor settings) after just a single visit; * Offers up free candy, free soda, and water while you wait or after you are through; * Finishes haircuts with a neck and shoulder massage then says "Mama, you get in chair now" and proceed read more » s to give you a free mini-facial; * Fills your arms with garden fresh fruits and vegetables before you leave her shop. We will always go back and support Nancy who is such a wonderful person as well as a very savvy business woman! Cheers, read more

I've been going to see Nancy for nearly 12 years now about once a month. If the length of time itself isn't testament to how great her services are, let me tell you a bit more about what to expect. Nancy works alone. If there are other people in the shop, you will have to join the queue. That being said, I don't think I've ever had more than 4 people in front of me and even then, I prefer her skills so much that I've been willing to wait an hour for a haircut, although that's extremely rare. More often than not, there is no wait or perhaps about 15 minutes. Once she knows you she may even be willing to hold your place while you duck out for a bit to run an errand. When you are fortunate enough to have no one behind you, Nancy will of course cut your hair just the way you want it, but she'll also follow the haircut with a hot washcloth on the face and a brief neck rub. She even offers classic barbershop lather and straight razor shaves, although I've always done my own facial hair. Nancy is extremely friendly and a real character. Her stories are great and she always remembers my name, recent life history and asks about my family/circumstances. Nancy often gives me fresh fruit from her garden, cookies from the Buddha and soft drinks/water from the fridge. More often than not I decline at this point, but the gesture is generous and unique. Since I found Nancy over a decade ago, I've only had someone else cut my hair once, when she was out of town and I needed an emergency trim. I'm ashamed to admit I haven't reviewed her sooner, but I was reminded during my haircut today that she is on Yelp and I made an account just to endorse her. The only negative thing I can say about Nancy's Barber Shop is that, if and when she retires, I don't think I'll ever find another barber whom I trust and enjoy visiting as much. read more

When I moved to San Rafael in January 2014, I was looking for someone to cut my hair that would be as good and around the same price as the barber I was using in Santa Rosa. I found a Yelp review about Nancy and decided to give her a try. When I arrived on a Wednesday afternoon, I was able to get right in for a haircut. Nancy listened to me about how I wanted my haircut and gave me a good haircut from the first time. I have continued to go to her for my haircut every month since. Nancy is very friendly and engaging. She loves what she does and takes pride in her work. She includes a short neck or head rub at the end and gives me a water a piece of fruit from her garden when I am finished. Nancy makes the experience personal and relaxed always remembering my name and all of her regulars who come in for a haircut. Nancy's pricing is reasonable especially for the Marin area. Only $20.00 for a men's haircut and I always like to tip her well. She is quick and gives a quality haircut. Thank you Nancy for doing such a great job and being in a convenient location. If you are looking for a barber in San Rafael, I highly recommend seeing Nancy. read more

Nancy's is exactly what a corner barber shop should be: Fast, cheap, and super friendly. I've been getting my hair cut here for a couple of years now. Granted, my hair doesn't require any fancy snipping -- "four and a half, medium fade." But she busts it out in record time and I'm always happy with how it comes out. Even more important, Nancy is always super friendly. If she's not too busy she even throws in a little face massage and shoulder rub at the end of the haircut. Last time I went there she even gave me a fresh orange off her tree at home! read more

I always have trouble with new barbers, even though my hair is really simple to cut. Nancy listened to what I wanted and nailed it on the first try. She reassured me that she could consistently provide the same cut time and time again, so I will definitely be a repeat customer. In addition to her exceptional barbering abilities, she is incredibly friendly and fun to talk to. read more

Classic Nancy. I'm not sure how she does it. I suspect some sort of cheat sheet or super-human (super-natural) brain functions. But every time i go in for a haircut, she remembers my name. She does this as well for my son, who sees her HALF as often. And i've seen her do this with other guys who come in. One after the other she greets them by first name. And she also remembers what cut you had last time. It is insane. In a world where even the local shops seem to treat even repeat customers like an ID number, Nancy is a throwback from a bygone era. She is very consistent with her ability to re-create the cut i either had last time or change-ups requested in-chair. She offers water and soda and candy for my son. Nice little shoulder massage thrown in at the end, too. And if she's not busy, it sometimes gets expanded to a mini-facial with a hot towel and everything. read more

I wouldn't usualy write such a bad review but I saw so many good ones for this "Barber Shop" I had to set the record straight. I took my grandson there for a haircut and it was THE WORST HAIRCUT I HAD EVER SEEN! Nancy took a big sissor and a handfull of hair and cut streight across - In bunches. There were "cat steps" all across his hair. I asked if she was going to even them out and she said "but you wanted it long"! She didn't even them out and his hair was all uneven and chopped! I was in such a hurry to get out of there to take him home and "fix it" before his mother got home, I actually left without paying. She ran after me and caught me. Ofcourse I appologized and handed her the money. Took my grandson home and fixed the cut the best I could, but his mother is going to be mad at me because now it is short. Not only was the haircut HORRIBLE but the place is filthy and there are piles of Cut hair on the floor. I should have left the minute I walked in. This woman does not know how to cut hair (OR CLEAN THE FLOOR) and I think the people who gave her a good review must be friends or relatives. Do not go there! read more

Nancy is the best! I've been bringing my son and my husband there for years, she never disappoints! Little eclectic shop that is full of stories of travel and life. Never a dull moment, and talent! She has been in business for over 25 years and it shows. Only $20 gets you everything you need and fast, plus Nancy won't let you leave without a shoulder massage and some love! You might even be lucky enough to walk out without a piece of fruit from her tree! We love Nancy, grateful to have her. read more

Had a rats'-nest 'do going for far too many months. Waited to go to Nancy, finally made it over to see her last week. People have been complimenting me on her work all week, nothing fancy just a solid cut. She deserves a big tip! She also gave me an awesome facial massage, which I highly recommend after a super close shave. read more

Nancy rocks! She knows how to use the clippers... like Nancy Scissorhands... a very nice facial massage and ALWAYS remembers my name as well as that of some of my friends that go to her as well. The other review about her loyal following is true. You can tell she REALLY cares about you, your life and making sure you look great, and feel totally relaxed. P.S. Her business says "Nancy Barber" I understand she changed her last name to "Barber" when she bought the shop. What dedication... We love you Nancy Barber! read more

i have been going to Nancy for about 2 years. She gives a great haircut, but it is her warmth and story that makes me so loyal. It is not a fancy haircut, but indeed she offers fruit (from her backyard), bottled water and a massage at the end. She is in her late 70's and escaped from Vietnam. She goes home for several weeks at New Year's every year; in the past it has been so see her mom who just died at 104 (or was it 107?). Amazing stories and a lovely lovely woman. read more

I used to get my hair cut here(and sometimes 'styled') and the service was always top notch. Nancy were super friendly and the price was excellent. The barber shop itself has so much character, thanks to proprietor Nancy that visiting the place was always a fun experience. I highly recommend checking this place out next time you need any hair styling, a barber shop for MAN!!!!! read more

I didn't go here but because I was female she would not cut my hair. You are all smart here so I'll let you figure out what's wrong with this.. read more

A great haircut at a very good price. Nancy is super friendly and not only remembers pretty much everything about you, but more importantly remembers how you want your haircut. She asks if you want it the same first, just in case, but you can bet she is consistent time and time again. Her customer service is simple and friendly. The shop itself is well kept, not too hard to get to and generally there isn't more than one person ahead of you. I've tried other places, but I'll be staying here. read more

Nancy is 100% awesome. Great haircuts and affordable. She loves to chat and always asks what you want. My last cut was a *little* short, but was my bad in communication. Of course I'll be back. How can I refuse the little neck massage and soda when she's done? read more

Nancy is a riot. She has no time for TV or the internet. Or dumb questions. She's a sassy, classy lady. And she can work a fade with those clippers like only someone with many, many decades of experience can. No frills, no fuss, no fawning, but a damn good $20 man's haircut. read more