I brought my son to get a haircut here and it was excellent. I forget the name of the gentleman, but he did such a great job. He was so kind and gentle. The price for the haircut was really great too! I highly recommend bringing your kid here for a haircut. I asked for a trim around the ears and just slightly above the eyes so that my son can see. I'm so happy thank you! read more

The woman that helped us is a bit rough on the cut and handling the head. Place needs a remodel and an upgrade with signing. Very basic, but affordable.i. Shop could use a professional cleaning. Rest of the staff is nicer. Hard to find, very back of the parking lot. read more

Place is now $15 for a haircut. Same old staff around here. Must wear a mask while getting haircut read more

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Tony is a great barber he cuts hair the way the customer likes it not the way he wants I'm moving to Ramcho San Diego but it's worth the trip to have him cut my hair read more

Great little barber shop in Clairemont. Took my 8 year old son for haircut and I showed them a picture what I wanted. They nailed it dead on. My son loved his haircut and so did I. The price is great and just know it's cash only. I definitely will be coming back. read more

The service was awesome, a lady assisted me, she was very patient and gave me different options for the haircut i wanted. Something to keep in mind, is that they don't accept credit or debit. So after having my haircut, they were kind enough to let me go to an ATM and get some cash. I will absolutely be going back! read more

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Always fast and exactly what I want at a great price and the service is absolutely nice everytime I am there

Got a haircut a few years back, it was very different from the requested haircut. Recently went back to get another cut, this time the barber cut too short, unevenly and very messily. read more

I've been going here for 30 plus years. It's a nice clean barber shop. Good quick haircuts and they specialize in short hair styles from my experience. They are great at fades. read more

So after University Sq. barbershop jacked up its prices to $10, and became pretty inconsistent with its haircuts, I decided to explore elsewhere. Today I aimed to find Happy Barbers, but found Sal's instead. The shop was packed the whole time I was there. I think it is because the place is $7. It was a bit of a weird scene. There are 3 hair-cutters: Sal and 2 Asian ladies. Not sure if they were Vietnamese or Chinese, but they definitely weren't speaking Tagalog. Not that it matters, just correcting the other reviewer. Customers were a range of people of races and ages. As for the haircut, it was fast and all right. I wasn't blown away by it, but hey, one really has no room to complain because of the super low price. And it was better than the last cut I got at University Sq. barbershop, so I was pretty content. That being said, i think i'll try Happy Barber next time and see if their 4.5 star rating is legit. read more

Update here. Now the price is $11. Still a good place to go. Friendly Asian staff. Always get a good cut. read more

Sal's Budget Barber Shops - Barbers Near Me - San Diego, California

I recently had my haircut at Sals by an older Asian lady.It was very distressful! Firstly it was a bad haircut. This woman asked me a LOT of personal questions.My age,were I lived,was I married,How many kids,Grandchildren did I have??? The worst question was"are your parents still alive?"If they died,did they leave any money!!!" That was it! I finally told this rude woman that it was none of her business!! She was obviously working me for a tip,which I gave her anyway. I drive a Limo part time and don`t "work" my clients for tips.I don`t speak unless the client speaks first. Stay away from "Sals" and get a peaceful haircut,Amen. read more

I must say, over the past couple of years, I've truly grown to like this place for an easy buzz cut. I get a buzz cut every 2-3 weeks, and I come to Sal's Barber Shop every single time. Unlike what most people think, Sal is not the head guy in charge, but rather his name is Dennis. He's been doing this for over 30 years (33 years if I remember correctly) and he always seems to be there no matter what. He will talk to you about everything under the sun if you're interested, and he tries to give you that authentic barber experience when you walk in. He has a nuggets of wisdom he can give you if you take the time to listen, or he'll talk life and sports for those interested. A truly good guy. He also has most Vietnamese women working for them. Most of them have English as a second language, but that still doesn't mean they don't cut hair well. Just be sure to be very careful about what you ask. Sometimes the pictures on the wall, or if you want, bring some pictures for the ladies to help them understand. Over the past couple of year I've never seen anyone angry at their service. Well, there was one guy, who looked like he was about to bite someone's face off when we walked in, so I think he was just looking for someone to yell at to be honest. But this incident was in the distant past, and they did everything to appease the madman. They have magazines in the waiting area, and a TV with spotty reception at times. I usually don't come there to watch TV, and the quality is good enough to watch if you must remain glued to the TV. Otherwise, enjoy the the barber experience. Overall, if you're looking for a quick simple place, with very little wait time (especially if you're there early when they open at 8:30am), then pick Sal's. For $8, you can't beat the price in this area. If you're looking for a fancy haircut style, then go pay the extra money and see a stylist. read more

Love this place! It is inexpensive, has a short wait time and gives a great haircut. I get a better haircut at Sal's for $8, than at Fantastic Sam's for $20. read more

What a great barbershop. I used to come here when I was a little kid 30 years ago and although the owner has changed the feel and neighborhood vibe have not. Sal and his Vietnamese co-workers feel like a big family and I always find myself laughing at the bantering that goes on here. This is where you come to get a simple haircut for a good deal. I'm assuming the lone man working here is Sal and he is really great. He'll spend a lot longer than he has to making sure you like the way your hair looks. He genuinely seems to like cutting hair and you can't really put a price on that. His presence is what gives the shop it's upbeat and humorous vibe, he is constantly ribbing the female co workers and making them laugh despite the language barrier. Everyone here is friendly and for the price you can't beat it. If you enjoy going to an old school barbershop and not Supercuts make a trip over to Kearny Mesa and request for chair #1. read more

I've been going to Sal's for about 5 years now. I started when I was a student and needed to get a decent haircut on a budget. Not only was the haircut great, but @ $8.00, you can't go wrong. Sal's Barber Shop has kept my hair looking professional through college graduation, family gatherings and job interviews. I'm currently writing this review from my new job! If you are looking for a haircut "experience"; this is not the place for you. If you are looking for a great place with professional and friendly people that will give you a decent haircut at a great price, you have found the right place like I have. read more

Military cut. Thats all they know. Forget about a decent fade. You get what you pay for. read more

Just took my 4 year old son here. My dad has been getting his haircut by Dennis aka Elvis for probably 20 years. He did a great job! My son is so happy and said how handsome he looks now! Lol read more

Sal's Budget Barber Shops - Before the haircut! - Barbers Near Me - San Diego, California

Well, I am way over my days that I had a mullet. (I am not kidding, I had a mullet once~) These days, I try to keep my hair as short as possible. Sal's shops offers a great fast, quality, affordable haircut that gets the job done & wouldn't break your wallet at the same time. The owner (I presume - Sal) is cutting hair at the location, however, I have never had him. He has 2 other Pilipino ladies helping him out at the weekends and I always ended up getting my hair cut by 1 of the ladies. Nevertheless, all of them are very friendly and gets the job done. For under $9USD/person, this is NOT a high-end location as you can see. Yet, it really is a good neighborhood haircut barber shop, I go back as soon as my hair gets long. read more

Wait time : 5 mins Price : $8 for a haircut Great haircut! I will be going back soon. read more

I get pretty consistent cuts so I still go here. The price has gone up to 10 bucks but it still beats supercuts. Supercuts sucks.

Love this place. One of those "good ol' places" Got a most excellent haircut by one of the ladies there. Two thumbs up, I'll be back for sure. I love the way you guys did my hair, its on point. Thank you. PS - Watch out for the yellow pole ! read more

It's funny every previous reviewer thinks the top guy is Sal. That is Dennis. Anyway this place is right next to my latest restaurant review (Cockteleria La Playita) so I'm giving it a courtesy review. Dependable,fast, friendly and low cost. I walk in and go with whoever is available, usually one of those Asian women. Not fancy at all but reliable. read more

I've been getting my haircut here for about 10 years. In fact, I just got my haircut there today. Linh does a good job, but things are a lot different now since Dennis left. Dennis is the best barber in town. I liked the fact that he played music from a good radio station and it put me in a good mood. Now they have two obnoxious televisions with infomercials in your face. I'm going to go to Dennis now that I know his new location. I hope the ambiance there is acceptable and it doesn't take too long to get a haircut. read more

Sal's Claremont barbershop is manned by Dennis and several talented oriental ladies. I always use Dennis and he doesn't let you out of the barber chair until you and he are both happy with your haircut. Good haircuts for a reasonable price and often good conversation as well from a barber who really enjoys his profession. Been going there for several years now and always happy with the cut and the social environment. PS: They like my huge dog Oliver as well. Fred read more

I used to be a regular here, and usually got a good cut. But lately the quality has been spotty. They often make a mess of blending the back, and cut the sides too high and tight, even though I ask for a taper. Also, they lied to me about what happened to Dennis! They said he retired! Then on my next visit I noticed a banner on a nearby fence advertising Dennis' new location, and when I went there and spoke with Dennis it became obvious that he got a raw deal. If you're looking for a real babershop that isn't too far away, visit Amidine Barber Shop: 4221 Balboa Ave. San Diego, CA 92117. Ph. 858-272-2243 (corner of Balboa Ave & Clairemont Drive) read more

Thanks to Yelp for helping me find Sal's. My 5 year-old requested a man cut his hair. So the search was on to find a haircut place close to home, that had good prices, good service, available for walk-in, and open on Sundays. Tall order! The only man working that day day was Dennis. He was great with our son and had no problem working off a couple photos I brought to show him the style we wanted. We've been paying $20 for a kid's cut for years; $8 plus tip was a great value. Very happy, we'll be back! read more

This place is nothing without Dennis!!!! Dennis is now at Amidine barber shop over on 4221 Balboa ave. Dennis has been cutting my hair for 20 years and there is hands down no one better read more

This is a popular (family) barber shop for a reason. The prices are low, the barbers are friendly, and they do a good job.

This place holds a special place in my heart as it provided me $7 haircuts while I was still in school. I usually tell friends theres a 5 to 1 ratio on good to bad haircuts. The Vietnamese ladies are always ready right when you walk in. These ladies can pump out a haircut in 5-8 min. I get the "usual" which ends up being different every time. Love it! English is definitely a second language here, so be very, very specific. Keep the body guessing and roll the dice with this spot. I mean it's $9, what do you have to lose :) Also, it's cash only. read more

Prior to Dennis being let go, I'd have given 5 stars to a great local old fashioned style barber shop. Dennis wasn't there so I let one of the other barbers cut my hair... and knew I'd regret that decision from the first cut. I've since found out that Dennis is barbering at 4221 Balboa Ave... behind the Starbuck$ at the corner of Clairemont Drive & Balboa. IMHO, worth the extra drive.... read more

Been coming here for several years. Good hair cut, great price. I normally get Dennis to cut my hair. Comes out consistently good if you're a regular. Dennis has decades of experience and can read your haircut like a CSI Investigator. read more

A haircut for $8? Awesome! The haircut itself? Disgusting. My barber did not give a crap about my hair. Literally just grabbed clippers and started trimming away like it's nothing important. It was careless, inconsistent, and way way too short. Unless you want a buzz cut or something just as simple, Sal's won't do you any good. read more

$10 (including tip) men's haircut. In and out in 20 minutes (10 waiting, 10 in the chair). Professional, know what they're doing - ask for a haircut, get a haircut - not an upsell for some salon treatments. read more

This place is what I imagine the service industry was like in a nobler time in American history. No gimmicks, rewards points, or other attempts to try and make themselves a bigger part of your life/budget than they should be. Just quality haircuts at a bargain price. read more

Not sure if I came in on the wrong day or choose to have my hair cut by some novice lady but my experience was not pleasant at all. First, she didn't speak english well and second, she couldn't follow directions. Definitely not going back. read more

A very friendly Vietnamese staff. The barbers like to chat with you if you are in the mood. Rarely any wait. They all do a good job at a great price. Tony is very quick, Tiu is very chatty read more

I have been going here for about 8 years, I always had an excellent cut by Dennis, he was a real asset to the business. One time I went in there was another man at the first chair, I asked him where Dennis was and he told me he would be away for a month so I let him give me a cut and it was the worst hair cut I ever had, it was one of those speedy quick out type of cuts, very unprofessional. I went back a month later and inquired where Dennis was and was told he left and they did not know where he had gone. I was not about to let them cut my hair again as I had such a bad experience without Dennis being there. I later learned the new owner had terminated Dennis in Nov. and had lied tome about him being away for a month. The other ladies also lied to me when the said they did not know where he went. I do not trust these people there now!!!! I would never return to this shop, as I finally found where Dennis is working now!!!!!!. read more

Great price great service! You get greeted when you walk in and rarely have to wait. No Frills, TV might be off most of the time, but they will cut your hair very well and very quickly for the best price in town. If you need a stylist go somewhere else, if you need simple hair cut this is your jam. read more

I got my hairs cut by the only guy there, Sal? Very good haircut, great price. Good conversation. Highly recmd'd