Ballston Barber Shop

901 N Pollard St #2, Arlington, VA 22203, USA

Address:	901 N Pollard St #2, Arlington, VA 22203, USA
Phone:	+1 703-243-5542
Rating:	3.9
Working:	10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 9AM–6PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 10

Reviews 8

Dylan Ewers

I dub this one the "Kamikaze Haircut". The reason is because you have absolutely no idea what you are in for and the haircut mortality rate is, from what I have read, pretty high. I went in there because I heard about the neck and head rub (which was actually pretty good). Once I walked in, I sat down, very pleased with myself that I had found this great deal and that I was surrounded by chatty, giggly and young Asian women. By the smirk on every other jerks face in there I could see that I was not alone in my thoughts. However, as soon as my lady asked me what I wanted for my haircut (in broken English), I tried to explain. "I want my whole hair cut proportionately shorter by about 4 cm (using my fingers to show her)." She proceeded to say something in Cantonese to the lady next to her and they both started pointing at this poster from the 80s with 8 terrible haircuts. There was actually one with a guy in a business suit sporting a flattop. I could see instantly that we were not on the same page. As I tried to repeat what I thought were simple instructions, the two ladies started laughing at me and pointing at some dude who looked like he dated the chick with the Dragon Tattoo. Very frustrated, I looked around the room in disbelief, only to find that the smirk I noticed when I walked in on everyones face was not contentment at all. It was adventure. They were all giving me a knowing look, like "I have no idea what my lady is doing either, just go with it bro". I also noticed that every single person was facing the center of the room and not the mirror. This ruled out me at least being able to tell if she was about to pull out a 4 inch hair trimmer and turn me into Natalie Portman from "V for Vandetta". As this point, I started laughing to myself, relized that resistance was futile, then laughed aloud and told her to proceed. I only yelled two more instructions that I thought completely necessary in the spur of the moment, "Just no bullcut! And no Johnathan Taylor Thomas!" They, of course, started cracking up also. I expected this, and laughed back making sure not to show any teeth. I cant say that I was completely unhappy with my haircut when I left. Mainly, because the head massage felt really good and I was laughing about the whole experience. But they were completely unable to produce a very simple haircut that required one sentence to explain. Takeaway: You get what you pay for and I have not been back since.

Anonymous User

As a guy I have been the bebeficiary of some really bad haircuts over my life. This one takes the cake. I have been going to Ballston Barber Shop for some years, fairly happy with the service. Today, not even close. It has taken me a few months to get over my last very bad haircut, received overseas, and I was just back at the right spot (not bad as I start a new job in two weeks). I go in today, and am hyper-specific about what I want, what I do not want. All well and good. What I received was exactly what I requested NOT to receive, great! It isnt even as though I can go elsewhere and get it fixed properly ..... there is not enough hair left to fix. Bravo. Next time I go in and ask for my head to be shaved, since this particular person did specifically what I asked them not to do, I should end up with a decent haircut.

Dmitry Chudinovskikh

For my first visit, I asked for a high and tight and they messed it up. It was uneven and my girlfriend made fun of me. I am a nice guy, so I figured I would gave them a second chance. What a mistake. They f***ed it up big time. When I ask for zero on the sides, I dont expect to see any hair behind my ears... but thats what I found. It was like misplaced sideburns. How can a barber mess a high and tight? Its literally the easiest haircut to give. To the barber: spare the unnecessary neck massage and focus on cutting hair, please. Also, they do not use disposable razors for shaving, so beware of diseases some guy before you could have had. Such a horrible place.

Anonymous User

I went here expecting they knew what they were doing for $16 +tip. I couldnt have been more wrong. I have nothing at all against people whos first language isnt English; however, one should have at least a basic ability to communicate in order to know what the customer wants. The lady tried three times cutting my hair the way I asked of her. "A skin fade up to about here (indicated by my finger)," I said thinking no one could screw that up. Well, my hair turned out uneven on both sides and it wasnt even taken down to skin. Dont waste your time and money here! Go to Willys instead because they were able to fix the atrocity of my hair cut.

Jon

The staff tend to half way listen to what youre asking for, that alone is worth 3 stars. Although they do tend to speak in foreign languages to each other while having the ability to speak English, and by body language and responses, it is clearly about the customers, I have only been had mediocre service once. They provide free water for customers and the wait time never seems to be more than 15 min so if youre in a hurry, this is not a bad option. Quality of the cuts (and Ive had several different stylists) is about a 6.5 out of 10. Pricing is on par for the area. I seem to always be able to find parking right out front.

Anonymous User

I agree with the first review, this is a barber shop not a hair saloon -- that is probably why they named it Ballston BARBER Shop. I have a simple style and they have done a better than average job the three times I have gone there. The other guys I have seen come and go during those visits look like they have had a quality job done on a variety of styles. The hot towel and shoulder massage are nice but I go back because they cut my hair the way I want, are reasonably priced, and move you through in a reasonable amount of time.

Wesley Beemer

I just moved in Ballston area recently and have been going to Ballston Barber Shop for a haircut and a facial massage for a reasonable price. Everytime after a haircut, they provide a hot towel head massage which I love. The ladies are very professional and provide good haircut everytime. Talking about a facial massage, oh I highly recommend. The price is only $16 and it helps to relieve the tension and muscle around the head after long hours of working and party too much..

Scotty ST

I come here when I am in a hurry I never have to wait long. I come in and I am able to be in and out within 20 min or less. I have been here a couple of times and every hairstylist is different. Ive had good haircuts here and average ones. I really enjoy the massage at the end, its very nice and is different from most barbershops. They take credit cards here. Haircuts are a little more expensive then most places for mens haircuts but the message and cut is always a safe bet.