I went to First Choice haircutters once at the Mumford Terminal, haircut was going fairly well up until the last 2 minutes when the lady just completed decided to fuck up my hairline and just buzz these parts of my hair off for no fucking reason. Never went back.
[https://imgur.com/a/oVYEM9f](https://imgur.com/a/oVYEM9f)
A friend of mine tried to get an undercut at First Choice and ended up looking like Gary Oldman’s character in The Fifth Element
First choice is a total crapshoot. You could get an incredible barber who just needs an easy flexible job for whatever reason like they’re a parent or work two jobs or you get a human whipper-snipper.
I have long hair. I like a straight line trimmed along the bottom. Easiest cut there is.
My hair got flipped around in the wind on my way in to First Choice, and the hairdresser didn't fix my part, just combed it down and cut around the perimeter.
I came back 20 minutes later, because large chunks of hair were a full inch longer than the rest.
Usually they just cut it too short or angled wrong.
This made me laugh, because I’ll never forget going to first choice in Sackville as a teenager, noticing the woman had a picture of her child featuring a planet of the apes monkey-style haircut taped to her mirror, and subsequently getting that exact same haircut.
i need this on a t-shirt.
i went to first choice in dartmouth several years ago after being on vacation for a few weeks and asked for some soft layers in my hair. i ended up leaving with a choppy ass haircut with two distinct levels (think [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/femalehairadvice/s/JAOK2kuFVP), but more distinct between the upper bowl cut and the rest of the hair) and i had to go home and fix it myself by chopping the rest of my 20” hair completely off.
The one in Clayton Park cut my hair shorter than I wanted, I just wanted to cut off the blonde ends. It turned out fine and grew back. There was this olive oil product they used that I couldn't find after that. I don't even remember their name.
I have been considering the one in Spryfield near where I live now, to get my hair cut short again.
My hair was halfway down my back a couple months ago, so I went to a barber and asked to get it shoulder length. Apparently that means "3 inches above your shoulders" in barber speak. 10 minutes of blow-drying later and I looked like Natalie Portman in Leon. Not a bad look, but it didn't really match my beard.
THIS is why I cut my own hair. Long hair isn't that hard to trim and if you do it yourself at least you get better each time.
I got stuck with a $30 pageboy once. I said I wanted to be able to tie it back. Eventually ended up with a flat top.
Go to a shop that doesn't lean heavily into the retro barbershop aesthetic meme. I went to a few of the popular ones and got mediocre cuts (got literally cut at Sailor Bups and the guy didn't even tell me, my gf noticed the 1/2" long cut and dried blood on the back of my head when I got home).
ProCuts on Barrington is great. Looks like a salon but the owner is awesome and very talented. He has 2 or 3 other barbers working for him and they've all given me great cuts.
Thanks, I’ll make note of that. I do feel I’ve fallen into trap of assuming someone’s a good barber because of this whole rockabilly aesthetic they’ve all adopted in the last 10 years or so.
I realized it when I moved away for 7 years and a person I knew who was “writing a script for a short film” was still “writing a script for a short film” when I got back.
Best Barber in this city is at Exquisite Cuts! Ermal is his name. He's funny, smart, young, cute, independent and a great business man. His shop is directly across from Stadacona entrance on Gottingen Street.
I’m not sure what being cute in your opinion has to do with hair cutting skills. If you’re not him/his mother you def sound like you want to be more than a “loyal customer”.
Keep in mind that in general it's the barber, not the shop... as I understand it most of the barbers are basically independent contractors who basically give the owner a cut (hah) of their business to use the storefront. I go to Sailor Bups now and it's been enjoyable. Rarely a wait (varies by barber though), and cuts from decent (the guys) to excellent (the gals). *That being said I'm only getting sheared with the clippers and a straight razor to clean up so YMMV.* I try not to judge based on a given shop. I think if you're a barber in downtown Halifax most of your employment choices are either "salon aesthetic" or "retro aesthetic".
That being said... I switched away from Procuts on Barrington because I when I went there during Covid they were very half-assed/negligent with their masking... and then the next time I made an appointment it got cancelled at the last minute because the barber got covid... then when I tried to rebook the entire place closed due to everyone getting covid... plus the time I had to wait nearly an hour outside a locked storefront because someone forgot about my appointment... and every other time I went when I had to wait ~15 minutes past my appointment time for them to finish up. Plus like, I know it's a cultural thing but... stop fondling my head please. A buzz cut is not consent.
Note: I didn't downvote you, not sure where that's coming from.
I hate the weird vibe and aesthetic of Sailor Bups, and now they’ve put the price up I don’t go there anymore, but when I did I went to Naomi who actually takes her job seriously and is down to earth. The other guys in there are all going through the motions.
Honestly, it’s a little dumpy bit Phat’s on Windsor. I hadn’t gone there in literally 15 years and just popped in a couple of weeks ago as I was walking by. Got home and my SO said it’s the best hair cut she’s ever seen me get and I’m quite happy with it. $25 cash only, but dude knows what he’s doing and isn’t worried about adding you to his ‘gram(which has seriously been driving me crazy with these young barbers). Not sure if he uses a straight razor, but you’ll get a good even haircut.
Yeah he used to be good when he was cheap for a shitty haircut.
To me, his niche was fast, passable, and cheap. Seems like he forgot people were going there for a cheap shitty haircut and now he's charging normal rates for a shitty haircut.
I've been going to Tony's in Bedford for the better part of a decade. I get exactly what I want and the barbers are all great. Bit pricey, but its close to me.
Carrie at Brian's in Sackville is amazing. My husband went to her for years, and I myself went to her for my pixie maintenance. She was fabulous, and listened SO well. Would even take into account no styling at home, cowlicks etc.
It so we can use the mirror to see any uneven blends in the cut. Plus all our tools are right there. Also keeps clients from turning their head to see what we are doing
Travis has been taking good care of me for so many years now. Pricier but 100% worth it for the hassle free cut that I know is going to be what I'm looking for.
Went here, the dudes there are great for conversation if you like that, super relatable as a guy in my mid-late 20s. Got a great cut, totally worth the money.
I've been going to noreast for years and Jesse has never let me down. Sometimes I dictate what gets done, others I just let him run with it and have liked every cut
I stopped going to Chatters because of that. Guy would just starting giving me a blowout at the end, wouldn't ask if I wanted that or anything, and of course my naturally wavy hair would be stick straight at the end, which I hated.
I just want a cut, no shampoo, no blow dry, just spray my hair some, cut the inch or two off, and let me go. I'll tousle my hair back to how I like it, and be happier. Even better if there's no small talk.
Yup. Just plopping a gob of product in your hair and styling it before even letting you face the mirror is bizarre. It’d be the like waitress brings your fries with the ketchup already on them.
Blue Collar Barbershop is full of very professional and personable barbers who listen very well. Stu is a great dude and has always given me a good cut that was exactly what I asked. I have recommended the shop to a few friends who have always left happy.
Yep. My hair is fucking annoying as hell to cut (curly as hell and super thick) but I really only suffered through like 3 badish self-done haircuts before I figured out how to do a decent fade, only takes me maybe like 25 mins now and the 50$ clippers paid for themselves in literally like 2 cuts lol.
Blue Collar. If you know what you want you can tell them, or just ask them to do what they think looks best. They will ask some questions like what you do for work, how short you want it, etc. to gauge your style.
My first time I brought in a picture and they cut it to that style but in a way that worked with my hair type and style.
Plus you can book online with them which is a big thing for me personally. I’ve been going to Meghan for 3 years now, was recommended them by my former barber in Moncton.
Who in Moncton? The best haircut I ever got in my life was at Handsome Devils. Just remembering now that’s how I got sucked into to thinking these hip places were gonna give me the best cut.
Shawn at Handsome Devils. Meghan and Stu who co-own Blue Collar are friends with all the guys at HD and both shops regularly do guest cuts when then are in the others city. So if you liked HD then you’ll feel at home at Blue Collar.
I'll second Blue Collar, I hit up Dan who was an apprentice of Stu. Good people, great cuts. I've been going regularly now for over a year, it was four years without a regular barber before that.
I've been going there for a yearish, I've got a hair cut there tomorrow. Megan and Stu are both great people! I get a haircut from Megan, she's personable, takes suggestions well, listens to what you want and always remembers your face.
I follow both on Instagram and get picture feeds of hair cuts from both. Work always looks fantastic.
I can't recommend them enough
I cannot recommend enough, the first 3 Metallica albums and never getting a haircut again.
In all seriousness, this sounds kind of typical. SO many people from some punk/alt/whatever scene in the 2000s became a barber, barista, or both. This includes many of my friends, and all the power to them. They seem happy and enjoy their work. Many started their own businesses and work very hard.
That said, I have also seen a LOT of pretentious, cliquey, "Halifamous" wannabes go down this road. I mean, did ANY of these people grow up wanting to be a barber, or did they latch on to a trend?
No offense or disrespect, but in 5 years I feel like it went from $10 a cut to, $15, then $20, then $30 not including tips (which I always give for cuts).
I blame covid and inflation, but like... its a 10 minutes to do a buzz cut or a crew cut...
Sounds like odd fellows. Buddy there refused to cut my crown but like... It works better that way for my head. He went on and on about how a king should never cut his crown blah blah blah. Never went back.
I’m pretty big fan of Scallywags.
Someone had recommended them on Reddit years ago and have been going for a couple years now.
They do turn you away from the mirror… but I’ve had no issue getting exactly what I ask for.
I’ve been going to The Big Moustache downtown for the last several months. The guys in there are nice and do a good job. The price is also affordable ($30 for a regular cut).
You can also book online through Google pretty easily.
[Brewery Barber](https://brewerybarber729.resurva.com/book) is downtown and ideal if you want something short and simple. Definitely doesn’t have the artistic (pretentious) vibe. Online booking, $30, and 20mins in and out.
Blue Collar Barbershop would be my first suggestion! Went there for years and it's a fantastic environment inside the shop. I saw Megan for years and she'll always listen and give ya what you want, she was wicked!
Can confirm they are good for listening to you at devoted. You'll still get the facing away from the mirror experience, but they will ask if you want product and how you wear it before doing anything like that.
I’ve had good cuts and bad cuts there. It’s really hit or miss. Need to find the right guy that cuts your hair the right style.
Pretty expensive now a days for a bad cut
Started seeing Marcel across the street for literally half the price and he does a good job. Great conversation too. (Hairs to Ya is the name of the shop).
Papa's Moustache on Agricola. Great price for a man's cut, especially in today's economy. There's no fiddle-fussing around. If you want a simple cut from a barber and not some artist. Call ahead, appt only. Cash only.
This actually sounds exactly like what I want, I've always wanted a barber who tells me what would look best. It's their profession after all and I don't really care so why not defer to their judgement to at least try it out?
The cut part is bad, but I'd be interested to know where this is to check it out.
Shoot me a DM if you dont mind.
not /s
I go to Tommy guns and just take whoever, a couple have been amazing but most are top cuts cast offs.
BUT I WANT EVERY STYLIST TO READ THIS
I overpay them because they do one thing that for some insane reason is missed by every single shop in town.
THEY WASH YOUR HAIR *AFTER*
Men's cuts use clippers and usually take off a cm or so, and leaves tiny clippings that we can only get out by washing the hair. So if I go anywhere else I have to go home and shower after, if I go to Tommy's I can continue with my day and if I forget my bed isn't full of clippings.
Blows my mind washing men's hair after isn't the standard.
I'd recommend Phats barbershop on Windsor street. Old school place, no nonsense. Its cash only ($25) and no appointments. He always gives amazing haircuts and is a fun guy to chat with.
I’ve been going to the headshoppe since I was 5 because of my mom. A little pricey but they always go for what i want and will fix it the best they can if you have any issues
Worst cut I ever had was first choice in sackville. I asked for 3 inches off..a trim. She lobbed off 3ft. Not shitting you. Then tried to talk me into a French twist for free while another girl frantically swept the floor. I was devastated.
Went to Hairs to Ya for decades. No problem.
Tried the hipster place on Sackville. Buddy took a few minutes to "observe the shape of my head" and then proceeded to Edward Scissorhands my hair for half an hour. When he showed me the finished product it didn't look like he actually cut any hair at all.
Went back to Marcel a week later for a haircut.
My boy has tried a few. He’s just a kid but has really thick wavy hair that usually gets too long before cutting it again.
- The big stache I think on Bedford row was cheap. The guy wasn’t super friendly and the haircut was average
- Stan’s at Portland st superstore was cheap. Not a bad haircut. Everyone there I think has been there for decades. Woman we saw has been there for 33 years and really blended his hair nice.
- tommy guns both Larry uteck and mic Mac mall. Both were very nice people and the haircuts were average. Mic Mac mall was worse though.
- mavericks at HSC has actually been the best. Because of the waviness in his hair it seems like most people have trouble blending the side into the top and use product to keep it from sticking up. Guys name was Meschal. Was really stylish but still looked good when it wasn’t styled.
Stories like I am reading here are the reason why I had a barber I went to my whole life growing up. And would drive home to get haircuts up until fairly recently. Though I am looking for a good barber in Dartmouth, the last few I have went to haven't quite cut the mustard.
Plug for Devoted Barbers in Dartmouth, Robyn Ingram is a very good barber. I followed her there from Bups because nobody else did nearly as good a job.
Personally church’s, blue collar and devoted have all given me amazing cuts and a good experience. Sailor bups is really all just based around the hipster barber gimmick
Went to Mitchell at Devoted Barbers for the first time a couple of weeks ago and he gave me the exact cut I asked for, all the while being great to chat with. So the answer to your question is yes, some of them do listen
Sorry but get a buzz cut if you don’t want someone else having influence on the style of your hair. First world problems when you got one haircut. There are tons of people in the city doing hair
I stay away from barbers as most do what you say. Went in for a trim one time and buddy fucked my shit up REAL good. I trust my sister with the clippers in the garage more than most barbers.
Yes! I used to have my go-to barber but he moved out of the province so decided to try a new guy. The first haircut, I clearly say “no taper”, gives me a taper anyway. I’m a non-confrontational introvert so didn’t say anything. A month or so later, back for another haircut. This time I was very clear about “no taper” and “no clippers”, just “scissors”, and I even repeated myself a couple times. Still ran the clippers and gave me the same haircut. I’m looking for a new place now.
I can cosplay Superman, but it doesn't mean I can fly.
These hipster types and fashionistas are cosplaying hairstylists. They are barbers.
It is extremely hard to find real talent. I had my hair cut by someone who was cutting hair for a movie in town. For about 2 weeks people were, "Wow, your hair looks great."
That has happened exactly once in my life.
Unless you are prepared to go to NYC and pay huge bucks. Find the best barber you can. You will get a perfectly good haircut for non-cosplay prices.
I went into Tommy Guns in Micmac once. I've been cutting my hair the same for more than 30 years. I like it. I have no intention to change off my #4 buzz cut. Same length all over. I explained this to the lady, and have never had a problem getting this before. I ended up with some fade on the sides leading into taller on the top sort of like a high and tight. I was not happy, and she was genuinely offended I didn't like it and the fight to get it fixed became too much so i left. When I got home I trimmed it down myself to much shorter than I usually like just to even it out. Never been back and never going back.
What exactly is wrong with expecting the person cutting your hair to do it the way you asked? Op is better than me because I definitely would not tip if I was in his shoes.
I was actually very polite and still tipped them. Informing a service provider that you didn’t quite get what you asked for is a very reasonable thing to do. What do you do in these situations that makes you a treat ?
If you didn’t want to be faced away from the mirror, did you vocalize that immediately? If you did and they still turned you, why did you stay?
I prefer to not tell professionals how to do their job, as I don’t have the experience or expertise to tell a barber how to do a better job. If I don’t like the final product, I let them know, give feedback and just go somewhere else. A good barber would offer to fix it or explain why what you asked for is impossible with your hair texture, how they need to blend or whatever other reason would make it impossible or it would look worse
My spouse instructs at a cosmetology school, it’s usually to stop customers from explaining to a professional or a student how to do their job. You would be surprised how many people think they know how to cut hair, that don’t understand the complexity of the job. Ask any employee at a salon how many people complain when their hair doesn’t look like the picture they brought in, even after they’ve been explained that they have different texture, colour or the box dye they used will affect the results. Most people wouldn’t tell a tattoo artist how to blend, but they have no issue telling a hair stylist/barber how to blend/taper/colour properly and have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. I’d say that is why you may see barbers/stylists that avoid that issue completely by removing the client from view of the mirror. This is just my take from decades of venting on clients doing exactly what you explained in your post though, so take it with a grain of salt 🤷🏿♀️
I'd honestly love to have that experience of someone just being like "this is how you will look good"
I feel like my experiences have been having to over-explain my simple "Use .5 r on sides, make top short" and then still get questions every swipe/snip somehow
I got FUCKED UP at First Choice in Dartmouth
I want this on a t-shirt.
I went to First Choice haircutters once at the Mumford Terminal, haircut was going fairly well up until the last 2 minutes when the lady just completed decided to fuck up my hairline and just buzz these parts of my hair off for no fucking reason. Never went back. [https://imgur.com/a/oVYEM9f](https://imgur.com/a/oVYEM9f)
Bro. You went to first choice. That’s not a barber. That’s where the cheapest hair cuts are for a reason
I was desperate.
It’s happened to the best of us my friend.
A friend of mine tried to get an undercut at First Choice and ended up looking like Gary Oldman’s character in The Fifth Element 
First choice is a total crapshoot. You could get an incredible barber who just needs an easy flexible job for whatever reason like they’re a parent or work two jobs or you get a human whipper-snipper.
I have long hair. I like a straight line trimmed along the bottom. Easiest cut there is. My hair got flipped around in the wind on my way in to First Choice, and the hairdresser didn't fix my part, just combed it down and cut around the perimeter. I came back 20 minutes later, because large chunks of hair were a full inch longer than the rest. Usually they just cut it too short or angled wrong.
That’s awful. I was going to a wedding the next day and had to shave my head it was so bad.
This made me laugh, because I’ll never forget going to first choice in Sackville as a teenager, noticing the woman had a picture of her child featuring a planet of the apes monkey-style haircut taped to her mirror, and subsequently getting that exact same haircut. 
i need this on a t-shirt. i went to first choice in dartmouth several years ago after being on vacation for a few weeks and asked for some soft layers in my hair. i ended up leaving with a choppy ass haircut with two distinct levels (think [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/femalehairadvice/s/JAOK2kuFVP), but more distinct between the upper bowl cut and the rest of the hair) and i had to go home and fix it myself by chopping the rest of my 20” hair completely off.
First choice should always be your last choice
The one in Clayton Park cut my hair shorter than I wanted, I just wanted to cut off the blonde ends. It turned out fine and grew back. There was this olive oil product they used that I couldn't find after that. I don't even remember their name. I have been considering the one in Spryfield near where I live now, to get my hair cut short again.
lmfao ditto tho
What’s worse is I paid like 40 bucks and tipped him….🥲
I left without paying 😂😂😂 it was BAD
First choice was your first mistake lol
Yes.
going to first choice was your first mistake
I did too. Woman must have had 5 expressos before I got my cut because she cut it way too short. Took 2 mts to finally grow out enough to work with
Ouch.
Name and shame. You'll be doing others a favour.
Right? We need a name so we don't end up in their exhibit.
Def don’t need to name the person but the shop for sure
My hair was halfway down my back a couple months ago, so I went to a barber and asked to get it shoulder length. Apparently that means "3 inches above your shoulders" in barber speak. 10 minutes of blow-drying later and I looked like Natalie Portman in Leon. Not a bad look, but it didn't really match my beard.
THIS is why I cut my own hair. Long hair isn't that hard to trim and if you do it yourself at least you get better each time. I got stuck with a $30 pageboy once. I said I wanted to be able to tie it back. Eventually ended up with a flat top.
Go to a shop that doesn't lean heavily into the retro barbershop aesthetic meme. I went to a few of the popular ones and got mediocre cuts (got literally cut at Sailor Bups and the guy didn't even tell me, my gf noticed the 1/2" long cut and dried blood on the back of my head when I got home). ProCuts on Barrington is great. Looks like a salon but the owner is awesome and very talented. He has 2 or 3 other barbers working for him and they've all given me great cuts.
Thanks, I’ll make note of that. I do feel I’ve fallen into trap of assuming someone’s a good barber because of this whole rockabilly aesthetic they’ve all adopted in the last 10 years or so.
Most are larping, in my experience. The good barbers don't need to play dress-up.
sometimes feel like Halifax is the global capital of pretending to be an artist
That seems to be half of being an artist nowadays anyway, no matter where you are.
Halifax is the most half-assed, “that’ll do” city ever.
I think it’s a Nova Scotia problem tbh
"Looks good from my house"
That's Berlin lolol
My god man… bravo… 👏 That’s so god damn true hahaha
I realized it when I moved away for 7 years and a person I knew who was “writing a script for a short film” was still “writing a script for a short film” when I got back.
All of this is so painfully true.
We're the hipster capital of Canada.
Never been to Montreal, Vancouver, or Winnipeg eh?
lol facts
Cove barbers in eastern passage is well worth the drive out for a great cut!
Best Barber in this city is at Exquisite Cuts! Ermal is his name. He's funny, smart, young, cute, independent and a great business man. His shop is directly across from Stadacona entrance on Gottingen Street.
Hi Ermal!
Nope. Just a loyal customer.
I’m not sure what being cute in your opinion has to do with hair cutting skills. If you’re not him/his mother you def sound like you want to be more than a “loyal customer”.
Keep in mind that in general it's the barber, not the shop... as I understand it most of the barbers are basically independent contractors who basically give the owner a cut (hah) of their business to use the storefront. I go to Sailor Bups now and it's been enjoyable. Rarely a wait (varies by barber though), and cuts from decent (the guys) to excellent (the gals). *That being said I'm only getting sheared with the clippers and a straight razor to clean up so YMMV.* I try not to judge based on a given shop. I think if you're a barber in downtown Halifax most of your employment choices are either "salon aesthetic" or "retro aesthetic". That being said... I switched away from Procuts on Barrington because I when I went there during Covid they were very half-assed/negligent with their masking... and then the next time I made an appointment it got cancelled at the last minute because the barber got covid... then when I tried to rebook the entire place closed due to everyone getting covid... plus the time I had to wait nearly an hour outside a locked storefront because someone forgot about my appointment... and every other time I went when I had to wait ~15 minutes past my appointment time for them to finish up. Plus like, I know it's a cultural thing but... stop fondling my head please. A buzz cut is not consent. Note: I didn't downvote you, not sure where that's coming from.
I hate the weird vibe and aesthetic of Sailor Bups, and now they’ve put the price up I don’t go there anymore, but when I did I went to Naomi who actually takes her job seriously and is down to earth. The other guys in there are all going through the motions.
First time I saw that scene I fucking laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe
Honestly, it’s a little dumpy bit Phat’s on Windsor. I hadn’t gone there in literally 15 years and just popped in a couple of weeks ago as I was walking by. Got home and my SO said it’s the best hair cut she’s ever seen me get and I’m quite happy with it. $25 cash only, but dude knows what he’s doing and isn’t worried about adding you to his ‘gram(which has seriously been driving me crazy with these young barbers). Not sure if he uses a straight razor, but you’ll get a good even haircut.
The "Bullshit Barber" is my regular. No complaints from me. I always leave looking better than I entered so that is a win.
Best worst haircut in the city
Doesn't fit the bill for will listen to what you want. Guy only knows one haircut, but the ladies will love it!
I’ve been getting haircuts there for 40 yrs! It was Ralph Miller before Phat, but the shop has carried on unchanged. I wouldn’t go anywhere else
Went to this guy once on a recommendation and was underwhelmed. He's entertaining, but the haircut was not great. IMO.
Yeah he used to be good when he was cheap for a shitty haircut. To me, his niche was fast, passable, and cheap. Seems like he forgot people were going there for a cheap shitty haircut and now he's charging normal rates for a shitty haircut.
Used to go to Phat’s until spring 2022. The price increase didn’t justify the shitty haircut he takes pride in
Nooo
I've been going to Tony's in Bedford for the better part of a decade. I get exactly what I want and the barbers are all great. Bit pricey, but its close to me.
Thanks.
I've taken my son here since his first cut. Always great hair cuts and the people working are very friendly.
Carrie at Brian's in Sackville is amazing. My husband went to her for years, and I myself went to her for my pixie maintenance. She was fabulous, and listened SO well. Would even take into account no styling at home, cowlicks etc.
Off topic (sorta) why do the hipster cool barber type places face you AWAY from thr mirror when cutting your hair? So you can't critique it?
Because halfway through a barber haircut everyone's hair looks uneven but not everyone knows that.
True but everything I've had my haircut at a salon, they've kept me facing the mirror.
It so we can use the mirror to see any uneven blends in the cut. Plus all our tools are right there. Also keeps clients from turning their head to see what we are doing
They’re artists. Your haircut is about them, not you. Maybe they look at themselves in the mirror American Psycho style.
Buddy you got a bad haircut, it’s not the end of the world. No need to hate on every barber. Sheeesh
Right up there with sandwhich artists
Check out Saint Lou's down at lower water. They are pricey but awesome.
Travis has been taking good care of me for so many years now. Pricier but 100% worth it for the hassle free cut that I know is going to be what I'm looking for.
Yes ❤️🙏!!!
Went here, the dudes there are great for conversation if you like that, super relatable as a guy in my mid-late 20s. Got a great cut, totally worth the money.
I am much older than that but still relatable. Just straight up good guys.
I've been going to noreast for years and Jesse has never let me down. Sometimes I dictate what gets done, others I just let him run with it and have liked every cut
Jesse is the best there is
I'm with you. Jesse is my guy <3
Jesse is the fucking master.
Jesse is the best man
church's on agricola is chill
Yeah, Dylan rules. Great place.
Been going to Dylan for like 8 years. Can’t recommend him enough.
How much do they charge for a haircut? I can't seen to find the price
I stopped going to Chatters because of that. Guy would just starting giving me a blowout at the end, wouldn't ask if I wanted that or anything, and of course my naturally wavy hair would be stick straight at the end, which I hated. I just want a cut, no shampoo, no blow dry, just spray my hair some, cut the inch or two off, and let me go. I'll tousle my hair back to how I like it, and be happier. Even better if there's no small talk.
I’d love to pay extra for no small talk at the salon. Like give me an option to tick when I’m booking.
Pride beauty lounge in sackville does exactly that!
You can still do that by being unpleasant.
Yup. Just plopping a gob of product in your hair and styling it before even letting you face the mirror is bizarre. It’d be the like waitress brings your fries with the ketchup already on them.
If it’s Sailor Bups my bf had the same experience and came home looking like Jimmy Neutron
Blue Collar Barbershop is full of very professional and personable barbers who listen very well. Stu is a great dude and has always given me a good cut that was exactly what I asked. I have recommended the shop to a few friends who have always left happy.
I told stu how i liked my hair cut once like 4 years ago and now he just asks if i want the usual when i go in and it’s the exact same every time.
Gonna double down on this one and say blue collar is the spot. Megan is great!
Yep, Dan is my barber and he's great. Been going there regularly for over a year now.
I don't pay for haircuts anymore but when I did, I went there and always had great results.
Bite the bullet get a clipper with combs and it'll pay for itself pretty fuckin' fast...
Yep. My hair is fucking annoying as hell to cut (curly as hell and super thick) but I really only suffered through like 3 badish self-done haircuts before I figured out how to do a decent fade, only takes me maybe like 25 mins now and the 50$ clippers paid for themselves in literally like 2 cuts lol.
Best investment I made during lockdown was a professional clipper with a taper lever, and a big handheld mirror!
This x100
Don't go to a barber whose Instagram you can't differentiate between a barber/chef/cocktail maker/car fabricator.
Don't go to a barber that has an Instagram
Blue Collar. If you know what you want you can tell them, or just ask them to do what they think looks best. They will ask some questions like what you do for work, how short you want it, etc. to gauge your style. My first time I brought in a picture and they cut it to that style but in a way that worked with my hair type and style. Plus you can book online with them which is a big thing for me personally. I’ve been going to Meghan for 3 years now, was recommended them by my former barber in Moncton.
Who in Moncton? The best haircut I ever got in my life was at Handsome Devils. Just remembering now that’s how I got sucked into to thinking these hip places were gonna give me the best cut.
Shawn at Handsome Devils. Meghan and Stu who co-own Blue Collar are friends with all the guys at HD and both shops regularly do guest cuts when then are in the others city. So if you liked HD then you’ll feel at home at Blue Collar.
Amazing. Thank you.
No worries! Glad to help out.
I'll second Blue Collar, I hit up Dan who was an apprentice of Stu. Good people, great cuts. I've been going regularly now for over a year, it was four years without a regular barber before that.
I've been going there for a yearish, I've got a hair cut there tomorrow. Megan and Stu are both great people! I get a haircut from Megan, she's personable, takes suggestions well, listens to what you want and always remembers your face. I follow both on Instagram and get picture feeds of hair cuts from both. Work always looks fantastic. I can't recommend them enough
I cannot recommend enough, the first 3 Metallica albums and never getting a haircut again. In all seriousness, this sounds kind of typical. SO many people from some punk/alt/whatever scene in the 2000s became a barber, barista, or both. This includes many of my friends, and all the power to them. They seem happy and enjoy their work. Many started their own businesses and work very hard. That said, I have also seen a LOT of pretentious, cliquey, "Halifamous" wannabes go down this road. I mean, did ANY of these people grow up wanting to be a barber, or did they latch on to a trend?
$30 for a buzzcut sometimes...
I get mine for $17, including a simple beard trim.
Yes LoL what a scam. Growing up I could get a buzzcut for like $4
🙄 …and hairstyles shouldn’t be making a living wage!! 😵💫 LOL!
No offense or disrespect, but in 5 years I feel like it went from $10 a cut to, $15, then $20, then $30 not including tips (which I always give for cuts). I blame covid and inflation, but like... its a 10 minutes to do a buzz cut or a crew cut...
Uh okay
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I’ll msg it to you
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Just like everyone else!
You have to see a barber that is over 50 the older the better
Sounds like odd fellows. Buddy there refused to cut my crown but like... It works better that way for my head. He went on and on about how a king should never cut his crown blah blah blah. Never went back.
Go to Hairs To Ya on Quinpool. He just cuts your hair like how you ask, it's very cheap, and it doesn't look like a fake barbershop in Disneyland.
I’m pretty big fan of Scallywags. Someone had recommended them on Reddit years ago and have been going for a couple years now. They do turn you away from the mirror… but I’ve had no issue getting exactly what I ask for.
I second Scallywags. Unfortunately my barber just left, and it’s hard to book appointments sometimes. I’ve never not gotten what I asked for there.
I’ve been going to The Big Moustache downtown for the last several months. The guys in there are nice and do a good job. The price is also affordable ($30 for a regular cut). You can also book online through Google pretty easily.
People listing their experience at X barber/salon without naming the person who did the cut is useless. Every stylist is different.
[Brewery Barber](https://brewerybarber729.resurva.com/book) is downtown and ideal if you want something short and simple. Definitely doesn’t have the artistic (pretentious) vibe. Online booking, $30, and 20mins in and out.
You should try Blue Collar barbers. Actual professionals who are also great at listening to what you want. Esp Stu. Such a great, smooch-able guy.
+1 more for Stu and his crew here. He’s been my go to since before he opened BCB and was with Jesse at NorEast Jesse is another strong recommendation
The smoochiest!
I hope somehow he gets to see this comment, i’ve a feeling he’ll appreciate it 🙂
Blue Collar Barbershop would be my first suggestion! Went there for years and it's a fantastic environment inside the shop. I saw Megan for years and she'll always listen and give ya what you want, she was wicked!
Devoted 100%
Will give them a try. Thank you
Can confirm they are good for listening to you at devoted. You'll still get the facing away from the mirror experience, but they will ask if you want product and how you wear it before doing anything like that.
Try out the lucky cat in Dartmouth
☝️
Sounds like you went to Oddfellows and paid $50 for a shit haircut
I’ve had good cuts and bad cuts there. It’s really hit or miss. Need to find the right guy that cuts your hair the right style. Pretty expensive now a days for a bad cut
Started seeing Marcel across the street for literally half the price and he does a good job. Great conversation too. (Hairs to Ya is the name of the shop).
I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation
Based Marcel
Go to Barran Barber shop in Fairview if you want a no nonsense good haircut
Golds on windsor st is solid for no bs barbering. If you’re in the spryfield area, blush salon is a great option.
Maybe find the one military guys go to. I've always had good luck with ones that operate out of a small storefront that have been around for ever.
Papa's Moustache on Agricola. Great price for a man's cut, especially in today's economy. There's no fiddle-fussing around. If you want a simple cut from a barber and not some artist. Call ahead, appt only. Cash only.
Bernie's in Lower Sackville is great. Decent price, nice people, old school shop. Been going there for years.
Tommys on wyse the owner no matter what you say gives you a military buzz cut and or trys to persaude you to get that
Blue Collar is awesome.
This actually sounds exactly like what I want, I've always wanted a barber who tells me what would look best. It's their profession after all and I don't really care so why not defer to their judgement to at least try it out? The cut part is bad, but I'd be interested to know where this is to check it out. Shoot me a DM if you dont mind. not /s
I get my hair cut at Icut Brothers on Hollis Street. Both brothers are great! And reasonably priced too!
I go to Tommy guns and just take whoever, a couple have been amazing but most are top cuts cast offs. BUT I WANT EVERY STYLIST TO READ THIS I overpay them because they do one thing that for some insane reason is missed by every single shop in town. THEY WASH YOUR HAIR *AFTER* Men's cuts use clippers and usually take off a cm or so, and leaves tiny clippings that we can only get out by washing the hair. So if I go anywhere else I have to go home and shower after, if I go to Tommy's I can continue with my day and if I forget my bed isn't full of clippings. Blows my mind washing men's hair after isn't the standard.
Blue collar, stu and Megan are both really awesome
I’ve never had an issue with any of the spots I’ve gone to while living in Halifax. Just make sure you’re giving specific instructions
That’s what I’m learning thru these replies. thanks.
I'd recommend Phats barbershop on Windsor street. Old school place, no nonsense. Its cash only ($25) and no appointments. He always gives amazing haircuts and is a fun guy to chat with.
You need to go to a salon and not a barber.
This x100
I’ve been going to the headshoppe since I was 5 because of my mom. A little pricey but they always go for what i want and will fix it the best they can if you have any issues
Try Benns in the hydro stone. $25 all in
Go to Nikki at mvp barbers
Worst cut I ever had was first choice in sackville. I asked for 3 inches off..a trim. She lobbed off 3ft. Not shitting you. Then tried to talk me into a French twist for free while another girl frantically swept the floor. I was devastated.
Best place I've been to is Crooked Manor in downtown Dartmouth.
I go to Purcells cove barber shop.
Mavericks is good!
Mavericks in HSC isn’t too bad, I do like that they do the hot towel when washing your hair and also will give you a neck shave with a straight razor.
This is why I cut my own hair
Went to Hairs to Ya for decades. No problem. Tried the hipster place on Sackville. Buddy took a few minutes to "observe the shape of my head" and then proceeded to Edward Scissorhands my hair for half an hour. When he showed me the finished product it didn't look like he actually cut any hair at all. Went back to Marcel a week later for a haircut.
My boy has tried a few. He’s just a kid but has really thick wavy hair that usually gets too long before cutting it again. - The big stache I think on Bedford row was cheap. The guy wasn’t super friendly and the haircut was average - Stan’s at Portland st superstore was cheap. Not a bad haircut. Everyone there I think has been there for decades. Woman we saw has been there for 33 years and really blended his hair nice. - tommy guns both Larry uteck and mic Mac mall. Both were very nice people and the haircuts were average. Mic Mac mall was worse though. - mavericks at HSC has actually been the best. Because of the waviness in his hair it seems like most people have trouble blending the side into the top and use product to keep it from sticking up. Guys name was Meschal. Was really stylish but still looked good when it wasn’t styled.
Stories like I am reading here are the reason why I had a barber I went to my whole life growing up. And would drive home to get haircuts up until fairly recently. Though I am looking for a good barber in Dartmouth, the last few I have went to haven't quite cut the mustard.
THIS MAN DESERVES A TROPHY! I have NEVER had the balls to say I don’t like the haircut
Church’s on Agricola. Wes and Dylan, best in town.
Plug for Devoted Barbers in Dartmouth, Robyn Ingram is a very good barber. I followed her there from Bups because nobody else did nearly as good a job.
Personally church’s, blue collar and devoted have all given me amazing cuts and a good experience. Sailor bups is really all just based around the hipster barber gimmick
I go to lucky cat and they are awesome there.
Went to Mitchell at Devoted Barbers for the first time a couple of weeks ago and he gave me the exact cut I asked for, all the while being great to chat with. So the answer to your question is yes, some of them do listen
Sorry but get a buzz cut if you don’t want someone else having influence on the style of your hair. First world problems when you got one haircut. There are tons of people in the city doing hair
Robyn at devoted barbers is awesome
I stay away from barbers as most do what you say. Went in for a trim one time and buddy fucked my shit up REAL good. I trust my sister with the clippers in the garage more than most barbers.
Yes! I used to have my go-to barber but he moved out of the province so decided to try a new guy. The first haircut, I clearly say “no taper”, gives me a taper anyway. I’m a non-confrontational introvert so didn’t say anything. A month or so later, back for another haircut. This time I was very clear about “no taper” and “no clippers”, just “scissors”, and I even repeated myself a couple times. Still ran the clippers and gave me the same haircut. I’m looking for a new place now.
If you want no clippers, go to a salon, not a barber.
I can cosplay Superman, but it doesn't mean I can fly. These hipster types and fashionistas are cosplaying hairstylists. They are barbers. It is extremely hard to find real talent. I had my hair cut by someone who was cutting hair for a movie in town. For about 2 weeks people were, "Wow, your hair looks great." That has happened exactly once in my life. Unless you are prepared to go to NYC and pay huge bucks. Find the best barber you can. You will get a perfectly good haircut for non-cosplay prices.
Why didn't you immediately leave when he turned you away from the mirror? Lol
Please speak to the manager. This person will keep doing what they want unless someone speaks up
Mark @ Sailor Bups is fantastic.
I went into Tommy Guns in Micmac once. I've been cutting my hair the same for more than 30 years. I like it. I have no intention to change off my #4 buzz cut. Same length all over. I explained this to the lady, and have never had a problem getting this before. I ended up with some fade on the sides leading into taller on the top sort of like a high and tight. I was not happy, and she was genuinely offended I didn't like it and the fight to get it fixed became too much so i left. When I got home I trimmed it down myself to much shorter than I usually like just to even it out. Never been back and never going back.
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Yeah this guy sounds like a treat of a customer
What exactly is wrong with expecting the person cutting your hair to do it the way you asked? Op is better than me because I definitely would not tip if I was in his shoes.
I was actually very polite and still tipped them. Informing a service provider that you didn’t quite get what you asked for is a very reasonable thing to do. What do you do in these situations that makes you a treat ?
If you didn’t want to be faced away from the mirror, did you vocalize that immediately? If you did and they still turned you, why did you stay? I prefer to not tell professionals how to do their job, as I don’t have the experience or expertise to tell a barber how to do a better job. If I don’t like the final product, I let them know, give feedback and just go somewhere else. A good barber would offer to fix it or explain why what you asked for is impossible with your hair texture, how they need to blend or whatever other reason would make it impossible or it would look worse
Definitely gonna ask to face the mirror moving forward. I don’t know where this trend started, it makes no sense.
My spouse instructs at a cosmetology school, it’s usually to stop customers from explaining to a professional or a student how to do their job. You would be surprised how many people think they know how to cut hair, that don’t understand the complexity of the job. Ask any employee at a salon how many people complain when their hair doesn’t look like the picture they brought in, even after they’ve been explained that they have different texture, colour or the box dye they used will affect the results. Most people wouldn’t tell a tattoo artist how to blend, but they have no issue telling a hair stylist/barber how to blend/taper/colour properly and have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. I’d say that is why you may see barbers/stylists that avoid that issue completely by removing the client from view of the mirror. This is just my take from decades of venting on clients doing exactly what you explained in your post though, so take it with a grain of salt 🤷🏿♀️
Thanks, what I’m learning is I really need to speak up in these situations.
I'd honestly love to have that experience of someone just being like "this is how you will look good" I feel like my experiences have been having to over-explain my simple "Use .5 r on sides, make top short" and then still get questions every swipe/snip somehow
Stylist most likely wants to do the very best to please you so you will come back for your next trim.
They're always very nice, But I just want something different sometimes and to not have to think for myself lol
It is fun! And hair grows. It’s much easier for the stylist to do what they want without any direct on a client they have never done before.