Absolutely the worst haircut I've had in my entire life. And I'm 42, so I have some grounds for comparison. I stopped in on a Saturday afternoon and requested a buzz cut. Now, how, how, HOW could a barber mess up such a seemingly simple hairstyle? The incompetent wielding the clippers, Rachel, carried out her own unnecessarily complicated agenda. All I wanted was an all-over #1 or #2 buzz. She proceded to give me an ugly cut with a wildly uneven blend. She used a 5, a 2, and a 1 blade, and her "transitions" on my back and sides would have netted an F at any reputable barber college. Moreover, her bedside manner was smarmy and condescending. She actually said to me: "I'm doing all this so it won't look like you've had a cheap haircut." But that's exactly what Rachel's inept handiwork looked like. It was the sort of clipper free-for-all that footballers give one another when they're drunk. I had walked in expecting to pay 10 dollars, Westside Barber Shop's advertised price for a buzz. Rachel charged me MORE THAN DOUBLE for a haircut that was ugly and that I didn't ask for. All that "extra" was her own idea, presumably to wrest more money out of me. The feeling of being conned was reinforced when the receptionist made a face at me when she saw that I wasn't leaving a tip. Later, I complained to Frankie, the shop owner, via Westside's My Space page, and requested a refund. Frankie, being the unprofessional that she is, has refused to issue a refund. VERDICT: Do not go to Westside Barber Shop. These unethical women are totally incompetent as anything but con artists. A legitimate, reputable shop would have refunded my money without arguing with me via MySpace. Frankie claims that "we are unable to do a refund on a credit transaction once it's been processed," which is malarkey. It's an easy reversal; she, however, is a crook. P.S. Two days after the disastrous cut Rachel gave me, I went to Acme Barbershop on Capitol Hill and had her hideous blend buzzed down to a #1, which is what I wanted in the first place, if only Rachel had listened. Kevin at Acme was and is top-notch. I would recommend that everyone boycott Westside and make the trek to Acme. Post-Postscript: in reply to Stormy B's disingenuous response to my review, I wrote this to her: Stormy B/Frankie, Rachel did NOT explain that we would have to go down to a #1. She scarcely let me get a word in edgewise. A #1 was what I wanted in the first place. It was wholly Rachel's idea to experiment. I only agreed to your offer before I knew I was leaving Seattle for Portland. I have no idea why are you are too cheap and unscrupulous to issue the refund I've kept asking for. read more

DO NOT have your hair colored at Westside. As a matter of fact, I would not trust them at all. I went in to have my hair foiled on Saturday. My hair is very light, so I asked for lowlights. I asked for brown lowlights. Heidi foiled my hair BLACK and white - making my hair look GRAY. She then put in a toner, that turned my white yellow. Yes, I truly looked like a calico. I didn't have time to have it redone right then, so she told me to come back in and she would fix it for me (did not give me a timeline) She charged me $70 and I gave her a $15 tip - as she seemed to be very nice, and told me she would fix it for me. I left for an out-of-town wedding on Sunday (which she knew about). My hair was so awful that I paid $95 to have it bleached out (just to last until I could get back into westside). Westside was closed on Monday (I called to schedule an appt on Monday and left a msg). My 40th bday was on Tuesday and I had plans all day (which Heidi also knew). When I finally spoke to them on Weds, they told me I only had 48 hours to get it redone so it was too late, and besides, I had 'bleached my f-ing hair'. I went in today to talk to the owner in person and explain the situation. I was non-confrontational and only wanted to give them an opportunity to hear what happened and do the right thing (fix it or give me my money back). Rather than listening, they immediately called the police and told me (and their customers) that I had mental issues!!!! This is so very disturbing as I went there to place a valid complaint with the owner - about the service, and about the peon at the front desk that threw an f-bomb at me. I do intend to let everyone in West Seattle know how you will be treated if you aren't happy with their service. wow. Enter at your own risk. read more

So a while back I was home from tour and my lady was with me over from London. I wanted to get my hair cut and she wanted to get her roots done. We poked around on-line for a good place to go and didn't really have an idea. A friend of mine told me about West Side and knowing how I enjoy rock music and tattoos told me I should check this place out. So my lady and I headed over to check out the place. All I can say is perfect. The staff, the music, the hair cut.. It was just what I wanted. It seemed to me that everyone there was there because they love there job. I could also tell by the people that came into the shop when they spoke with the stylist that they had a connection.. They make you feel very welcome and apart of the shop. My girl has always had to pay a crazy amount of money to get her hair done and being in the U.S. and the American dollar being worth nothing now days she was amazed at the price. She was like, "first off exchanging my money saves me tons of cash but not only that I cant believe how much I'm paying for such a amazing job." Thank you West Side. So if your new in town, old in town.. Or just in town and need a cut, dye, or want to meet cool people. I will say West Side is an amazing place.. read more

I have been getting my hair cut at Borseno's, and now Westside, since 2001/02. I was loyal to Anna or Frankie until Anna left and then have stuck with Deirdre ever since. Deidre continues to take excellent care of me. I drive from Tiger Mtn/Issaquah (35miles) to have my hair cut there every 2/3 weeks cause they are the bomb. Deidre is typically there every day they are open and scheduling has been perfect every time I have tried. I appreciate the sound haircut I receive each time I go, and it's worth 23 bucks with tax, plus a solid tip. Deidre has tweaked a couple of styles on my head and done well. Her fades are sick. high and tight. The barbers are trained to use scissors (point cut) and efficcient use of clippers. Frankie knows her shit and I love Miho, even though she growls at me sometimes. nice people. good conversation and atmosphere. no bitchy and whiny kids, who learned from their parents. I have referred a couple of buddies and will continue to do so. only thing that could make this place better is a liquor license and bar. read more

As far as "hairdoos" for guys go, the pompadour is probably the most recognized one a gent can sport, and it can certainly keep up with the doos found on the ladies for the amount of upkeep and constant adjustment / tending-to. Often this hairdo for boys is the identifying aspect to many a "rockabilly." I suppose that would include me, or at least I'm accused of being one. What I can tell you is that if your boy, or you know a boy wanting a pomp, or even a boy with one in need of some fixin', Stormy at Borseno's and her second location Westside, can be counted on to get a boy's pomp in great order. She is also super stylist for any other escapade your head may wish performed upon it. I have trusted all my hairdos' upkeep and maintenance to Stormy since the turn of the century. If you know me, then you know my recommendations are something you can take to the bank. marshall scott warner myspace.com/marshallsc... read more

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE. Heed this tale of caution: I was a regular at Westside's sister shop, Borseno's, before it closed. Being a resident in the University District, I decided to walk into a random shop on the Ave because for some reason my brain said "you need a haircut NOW". NEVER AGAIN. This clueless hairdresser hacked away my bangs into a nearly unfixable... blunt... crooked line across my forehead... I immediately stopped the woman, paid her $10 for the bang hack, and left the store hyperventilating. I have never cried over a haircut before, and I had a meeting with potential employers at my business school that evening!!! All of a sudden, a drive to West Seattle did not seem so far away as I knew only Deirdre and Frankie could fix such a terrible mess! Indeed they saved the day! I could never be more grateful! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! read more

Once you find a good person to cut your hair never let them slip out of your fingers. Since my old hair girl moved to Vegas I've been literally scared to go anywhere else. I would rather let my hair grow out & wear a ponytail then chance a bad cut. A friend got her hair cut & colored @ Westside & she looked so hot- I had to make an appointment! Rachel hooked it up! I'm not even exaggerating when I tell you the first 4 people I came into contact with complimented my hair. I seriously thought I had a piece of paper stuck to my back that asked people to compliment me. Since then I've had Rachel cut my hair before photo shoots & even style my hair for Halloween. It's not just Rachel that makes Westside THE only place I'd go, it's also the atmosphere, & the chance I'll see Mijo! read more

My mom has been cutting hair for 30 years and will give me free cuts but I still choose to drive an hour out of the way to pay for a cut from Stormy/Frankie. I moved away last year and would wait sometimes over 3 months without a haircut just because I had to have one from her. I don't trust anyone else with my hair. If something happens to her, I'll probably just end up growing dreadlocks to my toes. Infinitely better than the hack jobs I've gotten from Ruby's in the past. If you want just a standard cut, you're in for a treat. If you want something edgy or retro you're going to be absolutely impressed. Be sure to let them know if you want something special when booking though so they can set you up with the appropriate time slot. read more

What an awesome place! This shop was recommended by a friend who has been a client for years, and I couldn't have had a better time. I am a low maintenance gal who like a good versatile cut, no product, minimal styling. I have had problems getting quality cuts at the low-end places, and am uncomfortable in high-end salons. This is a perfect mix, talented barbers and a relaxed environment as well as a low price point! Rachel was the girl who cut my hair and she did a fabulous job. She snipped my boring shoulder-length mane into a very stylish bob that made me feel incredibly cool! Thanks Westside, I will definitely be back! read more

I've been going to the Forsythe Studio for years and have always been really happy with my haircuts there, but as their prices rose and I got a short cut that needed more frequent maintenence, I found they were really out of my price-range. Fortunately, I found Westside Barber Shop, where Monica gave my pixie cut a perfect touch-up. She was very nice, listened to my preferences, and gave me exactly what I wanted. Everyone there was friendly, the place is very clean and nicely decorated, the music is good, and the prices were great. (For comparison, the same cut at Forsythe cost me $40 before tip; at Westside it was $26.) read more

I walked in off the street, my first time there. There was no wait. I was lucky enough to get Corey. What a happy surprise. He was delightful, very professional, and I think he may have given me one of the best haircuts of my life. I had long layers, he listened carefully to what I wanted, and I walked out with a great short cut, sort of a modern take on the 20s bob, longer in front, short in back. He also wove in some fun dark pink low lights. Now not a day goes by that someone doesn't compliment me on my hair. The place is clean, the people are nice, and it's a great location. I will definitely be back. read more

I just moved out here from the University area & I am SO HAPPY! My favorite shop, has a sister shop right here in West Seattle! I went in today for my usual weekly bang trim and was SO THRILLED to see some familiar faces from Borseno's! I LOVE THESE GUYS & GIRLS! They do top notch work, always ask plenty of questions- so, my hair turns out PERFECT EVERY TIME!!! And, the price can't be beat. My only complaint though, is sometimes they're too booked up- so I may have to wait. I guess I could always make an appointment though : ) THANX FRANKIE AND YOUR TEAM AT WESTSIDE AND BORSENO'S- FOR MAKING ME PRETTY! XOXO read more

Westside is AWESOME. I could never find a decent hair cut in Seattle, especially a Barber I could continually return to. One day I found westside and literally it was the best hair cut I've ever had. EVER. I've been to nice salons to your average barber but this is the best and only 20 bucks. Frankie is awesome, fun to talk to and always has a great story. If you want your hair dyed a thousand different colors or want something over the top, don't come here, they are a barber shop and the very best. All my friends go here now too and they haven't turned back. A+++++++++++ Westside! read more

Okay so, I've been coming to Frankie at both Borseno's and Westside for several years now. I"m not sure I can give these two places a stronger endorsement or reccomendation. When I was going to school in California, I would wait to have my hair cut until I came back home and could get in with Frankie. When I transferred to UPS in Tacoma, I would drive up whenever I needed a haircut. I tried to find other places before finding Borseno's but just wasn't ever happy with the results. I get what I want every time and have told all of my friends looking for a place about it. read more

The skinhead running the place told me that my 7 year daughter was not welcome while I got my hair cut. Then he ask me if I wanted to get a cut for her, so I asked how much that would cost and he said $25. Then he said that that they could not cut here hair either. ....WTF, why did you ask me? This crap is not going to fly in West Seattle. There are a lot of kids here, and little room for kid haters. You need to take that crap elsewhere. He said it had something to do with insurance. I have never had this problem in any barber shop before so I kind of doubt that. read more

So let's start off by saying I play rock music for a living so my hair is very importiant to me. Hahaha! That being said I have toured all over the world and even when I'm gone for a few months I would rather wait and have my hair cut by Hannah at Westside Barbershop then anywhere on earth. Everyone at the shop is nice and they have great music and seem to all really love working in the shop. If you are going to get a hair cut and want to hear some good tunes I say go to Westside all the way!!!! Thank you Westside for keeping my hair looking awesome! read more

The work at this barber shop is outstanding. From the the work the stylists do to the overall atmosphere of the shop. I can say this because I have been getting my hair cut here every 2 weeks for 2+ years. Yup, you read that right. Seattle is not known for consistency in service - this place is. You want to get a cut and not deal with 'salon drama', flaky stylists, attitude, KIDS. This is your joint hands down. I recommend Westside to everyone I know and I know they will be treated right and will leave happy. read more

I was recently recomended to Westside barbershop by a friend. right away I felt welcome & comfortable. The receptionist was very friendly & told me I would only have to wait for a few minutes, since I had not made an appointment. Rachel cut my hair and it turned out perfect just what I was looking for a fun & edgy haircut that does not require a lot of styling. I was out the door in less than an hour with a great haircut and not a huge dent in my wallet. I highly recomend Westside barbershop. read more

This place is awesome. Deidre and Frankie are both fun, and I have enjoyed the company of almost all of the staff they have had since I started going there. The haircuts are well worth the $$ too, because I have never been less than happy with what I walk out with. Another comment here said the owner has high standards for her employees and I think that hits the nail on the head. I will keep going to West Side Barber Shop for as long as I am living in the area! read more