Imagine walking into the barbershop to hear a loud, shrill voice: "Why's it such a SHITHOLE down there [Mexico]? The rich people only have money cuz they run drugs, right? You make sure you don't come across any ILLEGALS, right? I hope they have big signs like near our prisons here next to the border -- don't pick up hitch-hikers or anyone looking SUSPICIOUS." And so on went the unsubtle racist undertones of 'Stacie's' chat with the guy whose hair she was cutting, but clearly speaking to the rest of the room of waiting folks. There were other topics and conversations as I waited that mirrored that one. Totally bizarre. Stacie is boisterous, opinionated, and a few shades the wrong side of xenophobic. I was lucky to get Wendy and thought I would not to have to deal with hateful dynamics. But, unfortunately, our conversation was peppered with more uncomfortable oddities. "Where are you from?" was asked of me three times (I've lived my entire life in Manchester, but my slightly darker complexion set off warning bells? Who knows with these types of people). Eyes were rolled at my haircut request. She told me a few times how scared she was of the East Side of Manchester (don't laugh...), and asked "Are there any nice parts over there?" Towards the end of the cut, I was informed by both of these women that they cut the hair of many "undercover cops," who tell them all the "gay secrets" around the area -- that many of the undercover police officers warn them to stay away from Stark Park, the mall bathrooms, rest stops, etc. They shuddered and repeatedly warned me to stay away. I didn't have the energy, or even care enough, to ask what these undercover cops were trying to bust -- was being gay illegal? These two were so far GONE on their ignorant perspectives, it wasn't even a conversation worth having. I'm trying to keep this one-star review rational. The positives of the place are that, if you are of the right TYPE of person, they very much remember your name, get to know you, etc. I hope you don't mind dogs either, there's a 100+ pound dog guarding the entrance. Its a barbershop and doesn't do women's cuts -- they do have a few bucks off for seniors and kids. I mention these horrible, hateful experiences not against these two personally (in this review context), but the environment and relationship with a barbershop is a significant element! For me, the wait was long (40 minutes, I should have left given all I was hearing) and those conversations create an uncomfortable and confrontational environment to have your hair cut. Its probably a great place to come if you're not a person of color, and/or if you can easily deal with ignorance and are supportive of regressing our country's systems of rights to backtrack on equality, liberty, justice. You have to put up with either of these women spewing a fair share of fundamentalist tea-party xenophobic nonsense -- so I'm not sure a men's haircut for $13 is worth all that. In fact, we know it's not because... drumroll... the haircut was not good (the cut on its own I would give 3-stars). Stay away. read more

Today, I am sitting down not just to write a review, but to ANSWER some bad reviews by two individuals who live in, OF ALL PLACES, California - And yes, I will NAME THEM HERE: Alex L. Stanford, CA., Dan N., Mipitas Ca. I think it's interesting that people from California reviewed a barber shop in New Hampshire, and didn't stick around for the rest of it - Being a retired veteran of the U.S. Naval Service, I firmly believe that since we as Americans ALL have the right of freedom of speech WITHOUT FEAR OF REPRISAL, I will say of course that everyone has the right to voice their opinion - so now, HERE'S MINE: I am not a New England native - moved here in 1997, and been getting my hair cut at Stacie's Barber shop since I moved here - here is what I've observed: - Atmosphere: Friendly, outgoing, plenty of conversation, and yes: ENTERTAINING! - Barber's attitudes: Yes, Stacie can be "boisterous and opinionated", but in this day and age, WHO ISN'T? - Accusations of "racial profiling" or racist attitudes: ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! - To Stacie and Wendy, what they see are CUSTOMERS with hair that need a hair- cut - NOTHING MORE!!!!! (they are actually 'color-blind' in this respect) - It's been my experience after traveling around the world, that those people who accuse others of racial profiling, usually ARE RACIST themselves!!! - For Alex L.: Take special note of this: Stacie and Wendy didn't dislike or profile you for the color of your skin: I truly think YOU HATE YOURSELF FOR THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN!!!!! Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt - as to "long waits" for a haircut - Yes, they get busy, and it takes TIME - But I have found THAT THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE WELL WORTH WAITING FOR!!!! Why do they get so busy? BECAUSE THEY'RE POPULAR!!! They have a sound reputation for good service, plenty of debate (there was a comment about "politics" which of course we all have our own political views, AND THE RIGHT TO VOICE THEM!)...... To those who wrote these reviews: I ask the question: Did you think to raise these concerns to Stacie & Wendy when you were in the barber shop? Or, were you like "The typical review writing cowards" out there who don't have the stomach to confront someone about an instance like this, and tried to hide behind the anonymity of the internet? (food for thought here guys!).... Lastly, I will close with a well known quote that Stacie herself taught me years ago: "Be who you are, and say what you feel: Because those who mind, DON'T MATTER, and those who matter, DON'T MIND!!!"..... Cheers to you all Christopher White IT1 USNR-RET read more

Back in 2000, having recently moved to NH, I had visited several barbers before finding Stacie's Barber Shop. What impressed me was that in addition to providing the best quality haircut and trim, Stacy, Wendy and Daisy have created an environment where you feel at home and part of the family. Going for a haircut at Stacie's Barber Shop is like making a drop in visit to a good friend. I find the most enjoyable part about the visit is wondering who I will run into while getting my haircut. What makes this experience of Stacie's unique is the genuine conversation which occurs at which point it is your choice to chime in or just observe and make a few comments or acknowledgements. I used the word "experience" on purpose because each visit has been different. From meeting friends talking about ATV trails, to taking Daisy out for a run, to serious discussions on parenting, to getting caught up on recent local events, I find the visit rewarding because I am able to get a good haircut at a fair price while engaging in other's perspectives/views. Reflecting back to my first few visits, being new to New England, new to New Hampshire and new to the Manchester area, I was unsure of what to think about New England culture and to be honest, some of the personalities. Thinking about it, putting the shoe on the other foot, the same feelings held true if someone new came into my home town barbershop back in Michigan. Richard the barber loved cutting hair for 40 years, played drums in the band "Blast from the past", earned a purple heart and bronze star. The first time you walked in the door, Richard would have said' "Hey there, what's your business" with a direct look in the eyes to purposely ruffle your feathers a bit, just to see "who" you were. From that point on you were Richard's friend. While Stacy and Wendy have a much friendlier greeting, they have several things in common with Richard; a big heart, good intent, get to know you as a friend and not afraid to mix it up with you if you are in the mood for a lively conversation. For over 12 years, I have been a steady customer of Stacie's Barber Shop and would recommend the "experience" to everyone. When you visit, take a moment to relax and open up. Make the most of the opportunity to get to know Stacy, Wendy, Daisy and their customers. read more

Stacie and her sister Wendy do a great job at a reasonable price. Mens' cut with hot lather neck shave: $12.00. Kids' cut: $10.00. Often open beyond posted hours. Stacie posts business hours on her web site and will also email any changes. They seem to know every customer by name. Now if they would only offer wifi, they would be perfect! read more