Wowowowowwwwww My first visit here was today! (7/8) And wow, what a pleasant and fun experience -- I am typically super nervous whenever I get my haircut especially if I'm going to somewhere new (due to botched haircuts in the past), but Public Barber Salon did not disappoint at all. Not even a single bit ... I booked an appointment online for a haircut with Jeanie and wow, she is diligent and gentle with my hair throughout the whole process. She made sure I was aware of what changes were being made and what I wanted before the whole cut, making the experience relaxing and more comfortable. Jeanie was kind and a good conversationalist the whole time -- I would highly recommend booking with and coming to her if you want an amazing layered cut with a blowout. Thank you so much for this awesome experience! Definitely will be visiting again when I need a trim. ^__^ read more

Public Barber Salon - layered haircut !!!! - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amanda did an amazing job getting my flow under control and gave me a fantastic cut. She was friendly throughout and it was a great experience. She also offered great advice on styling and upkeep. read more

Amanda B is not only a great stylist and colorist, but a rad conversationalist as well. Got a healthy little shag cut with Amanda a few weeks back and, while my hair wasn't color-treated, I did receive incredibly helpful insight into how to approach my color routine after telling Amanda what I wanted so I feel confident adding "colorist" to the list of things I appreciated and enjoyed about Amanda's services. Felt like I had a new friend AND a cool haircut by the time I left. Win win! Great vibe here. read more

Public Barber Salon - Front desk ambiance, cool mags - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Ruby was great! Great cut and color. Kind service. felt very taken care of. Just a great vibe overall read more

Public Barber Salon - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Going on three years now having haircuts from Alex Lucania. Consistently great and clean cuts - whether I want to buzz more hair off on the sides or just maintain my cropped pixie style - he always does a perfect haircut. I love our conversations and his warm energy. I always look forward to my visits - usually every 5-6 weeks. Thank you Alex and Public Barber! read more

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Shoutout to Melissa, who has taken care of my haircuts since I moved to the city. She's been highly knowledgeable, friendly, and creative with the cuts she's given me over the past year, and I have never been dissatisfied. The shop is very clean. Also, the stylists and front desk employees are very friendly. It's a shame I'll need to find a new barbershop once I move out of the city, but I'm glad I could patronize this Public Barber location during my time there. read more

Lindsey is my go to for haircuts for months now. She is extremely detailed oriented and knows her way around clippers and scissors very well. I have crazy thick asian hair that most barbers have a challenge with getting evenly and she does an amazing job every-time. I've tried barbers all over the city and she's the best. PS she is not racist and does not bite =). read more

Good haircuts but very poor customer service. Both times I have been here I have scheduled an appointment ahead of time and shown up 5-10 minutes prior to the appointment. Even still, each of these times I have been forced to wait 15-20 min after my appointment time, spending nearly 30 minutes waiting for a pre booked slot. With the prices they charge you would think they could at least be timely... read more

Ruby has been cutting my hair for several years now. She always does a great job cutting and styling and is a pleasure to talk to. She keeps me looking good! So glad this place is close by and she works there. read more

Public barber salon has been a go to of mine for 12 years. The service is always top notch. I get compliments on my hair all the time. The vibe is very fitting for North Beach with lots of books to peruse!! Sage is great! So is Spencer! I usually come in for a cut and color. The prices are really reasonable too! read more

I've been going to Public Barber for the last 3 years , because I've almost always enjoyed my cut and I like the experience. Last year, PB closed its Geary location and moved all business to their North Beach location. Even though the commute to NB is significantly longer for me, I continued to go because I enjoyed my experience, and I always got a great cut from Daniel Tolbert. Today I was running late and my arrival fell outside of Public Barber's 10 minute grace period; I had some unexpected traffic crossing the city and arrived late. They called me right at 10:10 to let me know they were cancelling my appointment due to their policy (which to be fair, is well stated in their booking app). I was only 5 more minutes away, but they wouldn't allow me to keep the appointment. They cancelled my appointment then charged me a $55 cancellation fee; also something they make clear on their booking app. I absolutely understand that these policies are in place to keep things moving. However over the last 3 years I've never been late to an appointment, and when necessary, I've always cancelled within the shop's 2 hr. cancellation period. It's very disappointing to me that my 3 years of loyalty mean nothing to the salon, and when I said as much to them, they showed little empathy for my situation. I would have been ok with the shop cancelling my booking, so they don't leave other clients waiting. Charging me a fee after 3 years of on-time appointments and loyal patronage, however, is a deal breaker. In short, you should absolutely go to Public Barber for a quick cut, and I highly recommend Daniel for men's hair! He's done a great job on my hair for 3 years. Just remember that your loyalty ultimately doesn't matter to this shop. Take care. read more

I really love this salon! I've gotten cuts with Melissa and Lindsay, both are wonderful. My bobs are alway roberting afterwards I feel like a new woman. read more

Okay so throughout my life, I usually had long hair. It's super thick and SUPER straight. SO, it's super flat, curls never stay in because it's so thick and it was just too much to maintain for me. I made an appointment with Spencer a little while ago (a few times but this is my first review) and he was just literally the best. I was pretty nervous to chop all of my hair off and I'm sure he could tell so he was super communicative and always kept me in the loop of what he was doing while cutting. One of my biggest pet peeves anywhere is poor communication and assuming they know what I want. We talked through the entire interaction and he made me feel like I had a "say" in my own hair unlike other places I've been to!! We talked, giggled, gossiped and the rest is history! Definitely 100% recommend! read more

Public Barber Salon - Before, pretty long hair, wasn't doing much for me lmao - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Today was my first time going to this place, and I was extremely pleased. I have very difficult hair to work with, yet, Steve nailed it. I am very pleased with my haircut and yes, will be coming back. Everyone was very professional. I highly recommend this place. read more

Anyone who has short hair can agree, one missed move with the scissors and you've got a bad mullet situation going on for a few weeks. It'll eventually grow out and fix itself, because well that's the wonderful magic of hair, but those few weeks can be a dark and emotional time. This review is for Kristen Sutherland, although I found the entire salon to be delightfully retro and bad-ass. My partner has been raving about Kristen for some time, so I thought I'd wait and get a haircut on my next visit to SF. My untameable cowlick and I are thankful for this wise decision. We booked back to back appointments, and I enjoyed a great conversation with Kristen while she cut my partner's hair. As she was working, I was watching her technique, and she made cutting and styling hair look effortless--not an easy feat. For my cut, she did a dry cut. She got the side-tips of my pixie, probably not the correct term but that's what I call them, perfect! I've never had that happen with a haircut, let alone a dry cut!!! Her technique, personality, and skill, make her an absolutely wonderful stylist. Definitely recommend her and can now see why my partner loves the haircuts he gets from her. Thanks for making our hair sing, Kristen! read more

Public Barber Salon - salon decor--old books galore - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing service, amazing stylists! The welcoming and kind nature of all the staff just makes this the homiest barber shop/salon in the city. I always know my hair is in good hands. Thanks to Danielle, Melina, and Melissa, my go-to stylists!! read more

While I can't attest for the female haircuts or styling here, I can tell you that from being the spectator and +1 of a male haircut that this place just oozes hipster! The decor is so fitting for the North Beach area. The walls are lined with books on books on books! It was the right amount of antique vs. modern without being overly done up. When you first enter, they offer up water or a can of beer and you can wait on the wooden benches, read a mag, or watch strolling patrons outside Grant Ave. I made a couple acute observations and concluded that they provide great attention to detail for the male haircuts. The stylists also make just enough conversation to the point where it's not overbearing. Sometimes silence is golden folks. Props to Brandan for being so attentive and patient with the haircut. I know sometimes patrons can be demanding but I saw he took his time to really perfect the vision. He was also helpful in explaining the Kevin Murphy products when I had asked for something with restoration and protectant properties since I apply heat to my hair often. Settled with the "Young Again" hair serum but truthfully I only bought it because of the moniker. I liked that they weren't too pushy with the products, especially expensive ones! Heavy points for the playlist they were busting out that night. I asked if it was a spotify playlist but they said it was just pandora. I'll come back here to test out the women's cuts and update my review later on, but if you're a dude I suggest you come here and get your shaggy mane cut! The appointment system online was also super easy but you can also call in. read more

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I went to Lindsey for an extra long haircut and she did an amazing job! I showed her some inspiration photos and she tailored what I wanted to fit the texture of my hair. She's super sweet and will be coming back! read more

I just had an awesome haircut by Melina. She's super talented and thoughtful, and now my hair feels healthy and bouncy and looks so cute. The salon has a really nice atmosphere and it's in such a sweet location, too. read more

Public Barber Salon - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Finding a new barber can be stressful (at least for me) So when I wanted to make a switch, I was looking for a place close to where I live near North Beach (I used to go to the Mission). Found Public Barbershop (after trying another spot) and booked with Daniel - I was very happy with the first cut - nice fade and he was meticulous about the shape. I held back posting a review, because I wanted to comeback a few more times to see the consistency of his work, and I can say he is spot on - (4) clean and perfect cuts - plus shampoo and style, but the best part his cuts hold there shape as your hair grows out. Highly recommend Daniel if you like short fades... read more

I had a bad experience here in 2015 and never went back... but yesterday... My girlfriend came here to get a cut and color, and showed up on time for her reservation. She was ignored and finally left after waiting for half an hour. After she left, they took $100 out of her account without authorization. It took an irate phone conversation to get it back, and the employee was rude and abusive on top of it all. I heard my girlfriend's side of it, and this person on the other side was loud enough to hear without it being on speaker. And she's been informed BY THE OWNER that she's being banned for being "hysterical" - this person is a liar. Not recommended. read more

Ridiculously canceled my booking and refused to refund the $100, refused to discuss any reschedule, attitude was really rude and impolite. Do not come here if you expect to be treated decently! read more

Here two of my favorite things have come together; books, & getting my hair done. I don't like to use the word hipster. It is way too overused, & the word has developed a stigma, which I don't understand. By definition, hipster means "a person who is stylish, trendy, or progressive in an unconventional way." First of all, what's so wrong w being stylish, trendy, or progressive, in any way? And, second of all, what exactly is unconventional about any of it? Tats, piercings, shocking hair color & cuts...haven't they all become the norm? Even standard? And since what used to be unconventional has become totally conventional, doesn't that translate to being just current, rather than progressive? So, not hipster? So, I won't call this salon hipster. I will call it cool. This salon is very cool. I had an appointment for root coverage w full highlights. I met Bridgette & she sat me down, heard me out, & gave me her thoughts. She explained that I didn't need full highlights, that partial highlights would work great until my next visit. Didn't up sell me? Props. Bridgette was concerned about preserving the health & integrity of my hair. Props. When shampoo time came around, well, let me just say that she is an angel at the sink. She massaged my scalp so well that I thought I must be mistakenly getting an upgraded service. Love. I opted for a moisture treatment, which is imperative for me after years of processed color. While it took a bit longer than I anticipated, I left this salon w beautiful, bouncy hair w gorgeous highlights. A woman that saw me down the street a few minutes later told me that my "hair just looks amazing." The best part though? It didn't break the bank. The books came from a library that was closing in San Diego. It's like the owner saved a library collection. Rescued literature. Bumble & Bumble products. Bomb stylists. Zero pretension. See? This salon is cool. 5 stars. read more

Public Barber Salon - Books lining the walls, & bumble & bumble products. Maybe the coolest salon in town. - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I love this salon, very professional stylists and very casual atmosphere. Melina did a perfect color touch up for me, very meticulous and precise. Highly recommend for color, cut, blowout. read more

Great atmosphere, love my hair cut, and this is now my go to place. Highly recommend.

This review is specifically with regard to Kiarra at the front desk (I didn't know her name until now!) I've come to Public Barber since 2018 and I've been 10 minutes late for an appointment maybe 3 times. I've called ahead to say I'm running late each time. The first time it happened, Kiarra was unnecessarily aggressive in her follow-up. She texted me through the portal repeatedly demanding I tell her where I am. I responded to each text. I ended up writing back to her with literal minute by minute updates on the way to being 7 mins late to an appointment. she said she would forfeit my appointment if I was either 10 or 15 mins late (I can't remember which), and that I'd pay the full cost of my appointment. After several texts, I called her to say that I was coming soon and that I was walking around the corner. She pitched a fit on the phone. I spoke calmly to her. I apologized repeatedly. She yelled and lost her temper. After we hung up, I walked into the door ready to start over. I smiled at her and waved and said, "Hi! I'm Julia. You were just speaking with me on the phone." She just about rolled her eyes at me and reminded me again that I was late. She said not to do it again and repeated some of the same things she said on the phone. I had the bad luck of coming late one other time with Kiarra at the desk. Honestly, she was so mad both times I thought I'd really messed something up to deserve it. The only other time I was late, the person on the phone was super friendly and understanding. She said she might have to check with the stylist to modify my appointment but she would still see me. It was a totally different interaction. I learned later that this was actually protocol--not yelling on the phone and making threats. The stylists here are lovely! Don't let a convention with someone behaving with hostility shape your experience here. Say something to your stylist and write a note to the manager if this happens to you. read more

Loved my cut! Sean cut my hair the first time and I had to request him again because the attention to detail was amazing. Didn't leave any spots left unfinished and was willing to take criticism comfortably to make sure I was happy with my cut. He's good to bounce ideas off of and can figure out what's best for your desired style with your head shape/hairline/natural part. He helped me go in a better different direction than what I had planned since I was experimenting with changing the part in my hair. The layout of the shop is nice and comfortable, too! Great spot. read more

Excellent service great haircut. Easy to book. Love this funky street and all its little shops.

Alexander is the best! Always gives great haircuts and a great guy, highly recommend!

Embarrassingly, I can't remember the last time I had my hair cut. It was time. My boyfriend got a great cut back in September by my close friend Sara so naturally I was drawn to Public Barber Salon. The choices to get my hair done in the Bay Area are definitely daunting--and I'm immensely grateful to have found this spot--it's humble, comfortable and FUN! And, of course, thank you Sara for suggesting Spencer. SPENCER IS WONDERFUL. I went in feeling discouraged, self conscious, and tired from a long week of work and left feeling relaxed, beautiful and confident. Spencer's attention to detail and my needs was unparalleled. And his blow outs are INCREDIBLE--I was in absolute awe of his skills! Also, he compassionately helped me navigate my options and gave a good deal of suggestions for my itchy, winter scalp. Great experience. THANK YOU SPENCER! Can't wait for my next visit! read more

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Still my favorite. I like Melina and Jenny. They've switched to glass glassware for their complimentary ice cold water. Which, I appreciate. Plastic sucks for so many reasons. Or, you can choose an icey brew. Everyone is happy and helpful. And, it's in north beach which has all the bomb-ass pizza pie. So, duh, score a slice or a whole pie after you get your hair did, or your dome done, or your lid cut... Public, they cater to all walks of life...from finance assholes to punk rock rejects. And, even bridge-and-tunnel schmucks like me. read more

This is by far the worst haircut I ever had. I bald a little on the sides of my head and I specifically asked to leave it longer there so it doesn't show too much. The hairdresser, Emilie, pretty much did the exact opposite. The result is so crooked Its unbelievable. How someone can fuck up a simple haircut like this is beyond me. I paid $40 for this while I would have gotten a better result in Chinatown for $5. Would not recommend this place to anyone. read more

Public Barber Salon - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Aight check me out. So I didn't think it could get any better but damn I was trippin bruh. So Im a basic ass coward and wanted to bleach my hair. Genie bleached my sh*t so well it look like I just surfed in on a wave from Orange County!!! I'm the most blonde mf in Frisco! I swear it just straight up grows blonde now idk how she did it but that's wassup. Next up I wanted to try something new so I said f*ck it and asked for a bowl cut. So most of you wimps get bowlcuts and straight up look like Jim Carrey from dumb and dumber but not me ! Genie cut my mop into the most stylish bowl cut you ever seen! now I look like I should be on the cover of GQ foo. I know I said before she made me look like I could afford to live in the neighborhood but guess what ! This haircut got me a job gettin paid enough to actually move out the hood! I'm a north beach yuppie now straight up!!! Thanks Genie idk what I would do without you foreal. P.S I do miss flippin though that Fred Lyon book around hope it turns up soon. read more

They cancelled my Saturday appointment before Thanksgiving at the last minute, a couple hours before my appointment. They told me I had to reschedule later in the week and miss work. I booked my appointment well in advance on a weekend in order to avoid missing work, and they cancelled same day leaving me stranded. They did not let me see someone else on the same day or go to their other location, or even offer to let me know if anyone cancelled same day. They told me to try calling other salons in town. Of course, everywhere else was booked up because it was Thanksgiving week before everyone goes out of town, and they obviously knew this, so it just seemed like a way to get me off the phone. Still, I called many other salons, and no luck. This experience majorly put me off - they cancelled once last minute, what's to stop it happening again? But since nowhere else had openings, I was desperate and rebooked an appointment with them during the week. I will have to skip work to go mid day Tuesday before my flight. They did not offer any recompense. Extremely unimpressed. I will update this review depending on how my appointment goes (assuming it doesn't get cancelled again...), but I would caution anyone before choosing this place. I was treated unprofessionally. edit: Melina did a great job on my hair and was very sweet! Bumping to 3 stars since I had a 5/5 experience with my stylist. Keeping 2 stars off for the booking/logistics situation. final edit, I promise: The manager reached out to me a few days later, sincerely apologized, and offered a refund for my color service. There wasn't any mention of my review or any expectations of me changing it. But, I appreciate that they rectified the booking in the end and have decided to update it since I do feel much better about the situation. read more

Audrey is my girl and she is great with men's hair. I find her delightful and a wonderful listener. I trust her completely and send all my male friends to her. read more

My stylist, Ruby, does an amazing job with my long, thick hair! She asks a lot of questions to make sure she's getting it right. All for a very reasonable price! read more

Public Barber Salon - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Can probably give a negative review if there was an option to give -5 stars. I was in the area and I could not find parking. I communicated to the shop that this was my problem they still charged me a 55$ cancellation fee for no show read more

As a new-ish resident of Russian Hill, I was in desperate need of a great barber. I had been going to a place in Noe Valley for a few years, but because of a move, it was time for a change. I first time I went to Public Barber Salon I was amazed by their hospitality. Upon arrival, the receptionist always asks you if you'd like a water or a beer...and I usually go for the beer of course. It's great because they keep them cold in a vintage soda machine right there on the floor. Overall, the vibe is super casual, laid back quiet. During my first appointment, was randomly paired with a great barber, but I really wanted to shop around. My boyfriend had his favorite barber (Kristin) and I wanted to form a great relationship with mine, too. After a few great visits with different barbers, I finally found Spencer. He is always super insightful about my hair and beard and our conversations never lack for anything. When I make an appointment, I look forward to it as a spa day. Spencer gets and A+ from me. Other things to note: they have great hours, especially if you're a person who works past 6pm most nights. They take appointments until the later part of the evening, which is super convenient. I will say it sucks that they're not open on Sunday, but if you're in a bind, the Geary location is open everyday during the week and weekend. read more

Been getting hair cuts at Public Barber with Chauntae in particular and have nothing but good things to say about my hair cuts. Chauntae is awesome and I am really happy I found her! Been getting cuts with her for years now and always happy with my hair cuts and the time chatting with her! read more

Spencer is the man and he gives a great haircut too! The hair wash at the end is worth the visit alone. Finally found my SF barber. P.S. This is coming from a man with thinning hair...Spencer absolutely knows how to take care of you! read more