I have been here four or five times, and I have not been disappointed by Carlos' ability to cut hair and trim my beard. He absolutely takes his time and aims for perfection. I can count many times where I have had to tell other barbers that my beard line (or even beard) was uneven, but Carlos really takes his time and examines his work. I enjoy the hot towel, the shave, and the quiet atmosphere provided to you by Swarthy's. I do not enjoy the typical barber shop where it's crowded, loud, and fast-paced to the point quality can be compromised. This will never happen at Swarthy's, as his appointments are set up to allow customers to experience a one-on-one type of hair cut. The price is definitely a bit more than other places I have frequented, but in my opinion, it's worth it. For some people, understandably, it may not be worth it. read more

This place is amazing. First, if you have to wait they've a nice foosball table and a respectable pool table. Second, I don't know of many barbers in this area that know how to use a straight razor around the ears, and take the time to give you a great haircut like these guys--There's few with this kind of skill around any where nowadays. They're pricey, but in this case you get what you pay for. read more

Had a great experience at this barber shop, Oscar is a very skilled barber and made me look fresh and picture ready for my homeboys wedding since I was one of the groomsmen. Will definitely be coming back read more

This is strictly a Beard review. Knowledgable barber with a skilled hand for the shape, design, and beard trim/line up or shave. Gentlemen's shave through and through. Another factor I also took into account of this place is the quality of products from shave foam to towel and razor feel. Everything was on point, they have a great beard brush for sale read more

It's more than just a trim, it is an experience. A vacation for your face! The gentlemen take their time and everything comes out great!

Best barber I've ever been to in my life. No joke. Carlos is a damn artist but you need to make an appointment because he's flying solo, last I checked. read more

Carlos is an artist! No joke. He's friendly, and is really attentive on details. I'd recommend calling to make an appointment first. If you don't mind waiting he has billiards, foosball & Tv. Great barber shop. read more

Harold hooks it up. Wasn't sure what I wanted but was left very happy. You pay for what you get here, higher price equaled a better cut.

Carlos is a great barber. Very happy with my hair cut and beard trim. And it's not that expensive for LA. I've had too damn many $20 bad haircuts in my years. I'll happily pay for Carlos because I walk out looking good (at least that's what the wife says). read more

Great haircuts. He has an eye for detail and remembers how he cut my hair every time.

Great haircut. Carlos worked with my hair type and pointed out some key things to remember based on my hair and head shape. He took his time with the cut, and made sure I left satisfied. The price was more than I normally pay, but worth the dough. read more

Kenny has an attention to detail like no other... I enjoyed the information he gave throughout the cut and shave. I would recommend this hair artist to all my folks. Thanks for the cut Kenny... read more

Carlos did a great job on hubby - everyone deserves to be pampered! Cool atmosphere at this place

Great experience with excellent staff. Will certainly be back on a regular basis to get my beard groomed. Thanks Swarthy's!

First time there, but excellent in every respect. And this is coming from me, a pain-in-the-ass haircut -- not because my hair's difficult, but because *I'm* difficult. You'd think by now I'd have managed to become a stoic old man, accepting the a-haircut-is-a-haircut-is-a-haircut way of life. But no -- I fuss and whinge and moan when I exit a barber with an indifferent trim. Carlos pays attention, goes slowly but efficiently, and gets stuff right. A pleasure to talk to, he also has the vibe of someone who can respect your quiet time when you just want to sit and get a cut. I also like the fact that he went out of his way to stay late for a guy desperate for a Christmas Eve clean-up. The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star, all-time, wish I lived in South Pas review was the place itself -- the place has amazing potential, and could so easily turn into a chilled-out palace of barbertastic relaxation -- a paint job, a few furniture adjustments, maybe a PBR handed to you -- and this place could vie for best-in-LA status. Right now it's just a damn good haircut, straight ahead and no whistles. read more

I decided to try out this place, and made a reservation with Carlos. Not only did he take the time to get to know me, but he took his time with my hair and the result was great. I will definitely be back and recommend everyone I can! Thanks again, Carlos! read more

Awesome!! 10 stars!!! I'll be back for sure!!! You get what you pay for!! When someone has a skill like Chris has you can see it in his eyes and hair cuts. They care about what you want. There is nothing like getting a clean straight-edge shave. It was my first time getting one and I can't wait to get my next. This is a TRUE BARBER SHOP. Give it a try and treat yourself... You're worth it! . read more

Brought my severely overworked, super scruffy husband here for a birthday treat. Carlos is the MAN! He has wisdom in his hands and old school tools - and he knows how to use them! Hair and beard were trimmed beautifully, massage and hot towels to relax. Boom! New, rested, sharp looking husband! Plus pool tables and lounge chairs! Why go anywhere else? read more

Carlos is in a class of his own. Bring the impossible to him and he'll make it happen.

A good barber is hard to find. Luckily, I've found Carlos prior to him opening Swarthy's and have been going to him for several years now. There is something about getting a quality haircut from a genuine barber who desires to bring back the true barber shop atmosphere. Carlos gives a great haircut that is not rushed and uses both electric razor and scissors skills. He always makes sure you are satisfied with the cut and provides helpful recommendations on men's care for hair, skin, and beard. I'm happy to pay $30 for a great cut, attention to detail, and flexibility when I just walk in without an appointment. Always satisfied! read more

Cool place to get a cut a play some pool! I have had a hard time finding a great barber but, low and behold I found one here!! Thanks Carlos!! :) read more

Heard a lot of great things about Swarthys so I stopped by this past Tuesday morning after work to get a fresh cut. A gentlemen by the name of Chris helped me out. Told him exactly what I wanted and he made it happen. I am very satisfied with the end result and I am definitely going back. I highly recommend Chris. The shop itself is awesome. Old fashion vibe but with a foosball and pool table and TVs. read more

I've been to Swarthy's on many occasions and the haircuts I get always look great and importantly grow out well over time. My hair can still be styled easily when it gets longer. You can tell Carlos takes pride in his work and is a really great guy. The shop has a relaxed environment and making appointments via the app is straight forward too. read more

I live in Long Beach, but work in the corporate world in Pasadena. I've had a tough time finding someone capable of executing a great FADE near my place of business. No more, Carlos is the man! Swarthy's is the only place I'm going to when I need my hair cut in Pasadena. I was very pleased with the service and hospitality. I highly recommend Swarthy's Barbering! read more

I haven't been to any kind of barber shop for over 20 years. Just shaved my head and buzzed my goatee short. When I decided to grow my goat longer, I had a style I was looking for but had difficulty achieving it. I got frustrated and made an appointment with Carlos. Just tell him what you want and he'll give you honest feedback on how to obtain it. He'll ask you if you chew on your hairs to make sure he's on the right track of styling your stache. He is very detail oriented and meticulous. In this case he doesn't use any machinery. His touch with a razor is excellent. He uses hot towels with lathers and creams that don't make your face feel you've been run through a Cuisinart. What I went though is preliminary styling to get me on the right track. His prices are above average but the service and quality is top notch. He is friendly and engaging. When done, you will feel like you've been treated like royalty!! read more

Last Friday I called and made an appointment for today at 3pm. They said they would send me a confirmation email. Never got it. Called several times to confirm, never answered and voicemail isn't set up. Left work early to make the appointment. Closed. Unreal. read more

I had not had a haircut or had my beard trimmed in almost a year and at this point, I was looking like an island castaway. On top of this, I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do with my hair. After a few brief questions about my lifestyle, and my opinion on a few adjustments, Carlos took control and gave me an outstanding haircut and beard trim that fit me perfectly. The whole experience is incredibly laid back and I feel Carlos took his time with every aspect. read more

Great experience..!! Carlos was welcoming an gave his opinion on my hair cut and was prompt on my appointment time. We'll be coming back for sure. Worth the money and my haircut come out great.! read more

SImply the best flat razor shave I have ever had in my life!! Period! You can't ask for a better establishment than Swarthy's. Carlos is the ultimate pro! You can thank me later! read more

First time I have let anyone trim my beard in 48 years....and I'm REALLY HAPPY I DID! THANK YOU CARLOS. skill and conversation was perfect. Much better then the last time I tried and gave up. read more

I have searched all over Los Angeles for a good barber. I found Rene and Carlos at Swarthy's and I haven't gone anywhere since. These 2 guys are true craftsmen who stop at nothing to give you top shelf service. read more

Wendy is by far the best person to ever cut my hair . She always hooks it up and makes me look sharp . Love her !

I made an appointment for 2 slots. My friend and I arrived on time for our noon and 12:30 spots. We were greeted by the barber who was still cutting someone's hair. There was one other customer. I wasn't sure if he was waiting for his friend to finish or he was the next customer. Then another customer came in and sat down. The barber finished the current customer and told us he was running 15 minutes behind and then started to attend to the waiting customer. We asked how long because it was already 20 minutes past our appointments and he wanted us to wait longer. To make it worse the customer who walked in chimed in to say he was the 12 noon appointment. So the barber checked his ipad scheduler and didn't have any record that guy's appointment. He then asked us to wait again after the guy with no record of an appointment. What the hell? What type of customer service is that? I can understand if this barber shop was one of those no appointment walkin type shop, $10 haircut service, but the going rate at this place was $30. You would expect better service. I really wanted to try this place out, but we just walked out. He picked one customer over getting 2 customers with possible repeat business. So this review is about the lack of customer service. We can't comment on the haircut because we never made it to the chair. But if you're going to pay $30 bucks for a barber haircut, the cut and service better be damn good which I can say -- the service was horrible! Why have appointments if you can't follow your schedule! Go figure?! read more

there are no prices posted and no "old men" waiting which should serve as a warning to potential customers. $45 for a 15 minute scissor cut and blow dry ( no shampoo or wash ) is excessive regardless of how "talented" the barber may be. take down your barber pole and replace it with a skull and cross bones. never going back. avoid at all cost. read more

I've been coming here for around 2 years now. I've found that I get a consistent haircut every time. After years of being experimented on at supercuts, I've really come to appreciate that my hair looks exactly the same every time I get a cut here. I also have a deep appreciation for professionalism. Carlos is a consummate professional. He studies and trains constantly and he also teaches others. He's basically a professor of barbering. I was surprised to learn that he also knows a great deal about fashion. Once, he advised me on what kind of suite would look best on me, given my body type, facial shape, hair color etc. I've been impressed with every single visit to his shop. He's friendly, easy going and a good conversationalist. You won't find another barber like this guy. If he ran for president I would seriously vote for him. Oh by the way, he does great washes and even facials. This is a one stop shop. read more