My prior barbershop closed (for reasons unrelated to the coronavirus), so I headed here. A decade or so ago my barber had set up temporary shop here, but I don't think the current barbers were there at time. I'm always a bit nervous about having my hair cut by someone who doesn't have my haircut records. :-) But they did a good job both times that I've been there. It probably will be my new go-to location in downtown DC. Note that it's in the basement, and there are no signs at street level. The security desk in the lobby will just waive you through. read more

Great conversation and a great haircut. Reasonably priced and close to Metro. I've been a customer for years. They need more barbers, however. read more

I searched around for the best convenient barbershop downtown, and this place takes the cake. Bathsheba is the best!

Sheba has been cutting my hair for about 3 years now. I moved jobs over to Capitol Hill which made it a bit difficult to go downtown and had stopped visiting Sheba for about 5months. About 10 haircuts and 5 different barbershops after, I could not wait to go back to her. Even if I hit rush hour traffic, I am going back to her. She's always a pleasure to get a haircut from. My low taper fades that I get from her are unmatched. I wholeheartedly recommend Sheba for your hair cuts. read more

By far the best haircut I've gotten in DC. Francesco is an absolute wizard with the clippers. Also some of the friendliest people you'll meet. Can't go wrong with this place. read more

I needed a haircut. My son took me there and I had the best haircut ever. Bathsheeba cut my hair and did a superb job.

May be the worst, most overpriced haircut I've ever received. $35 to have an old man (there - I said it) tickle my head ineffectually with the clippers. Terrible. I went in out of desperation, visiting on business. I'll spend another $20 back in Brooklyn repairing the damage. read more

Edit: To be fair, the execution of the haircut I received was decent. The huge problem is, I got a completely different haircut then the one I clearly specified. How do they have such inflated reviews. It must be fluff. Went with the old man with glasses. Discussed the hairstyle (before and during the cut), Showed him 6 pictures (of me) of the hair style I've had for over a year. I had a classic hair style short and straight on the sides. 3-4 inches on the top of my head, 6 inch front fringe to sweep it back. I end up with a kid's haircut typical of what 80% of the government workers in D.C. walk around with. Meaning, 1.5 inch fringe, 2 inch top, fades down to the neck and sideburns. Tell him he clearly missed the mark on the top and front. Being frank with him, said "I gave you 6 angles of ME, and you still botched the job." He asked for 25 dollars, I gave him 20 out of pity. He's old and If this place is giving out haircuts like this, ignoring what the patron wants. I don't see this place staying open for long. I guess the owner understood what was going on. Her name was Bathsheba. She clearly overheard and even saw the photos. She scolded the coworker that he did a hack job, gave me her card, and said come back and she'll give me the next haircut free. I told her we'll see. I'm not going to grow out my hair 4+ months to roll the dice again at the same incompetent place. read more

Felt like George was rushing a bit because on an anxious customer w/ an appt. About three minutes passed his "time," he requested to be seen by the other barber that was present. Rude IMO. George was happy to take me on and the other customer should have just left. I wouldn't have waited on his impatient butt. The location is underground and the shop has three chairs. A large LCD TV w/ FOX news playing. It's a quaint shop and the cut u received was good. Not superior nor did I feel like he was "taking a chance.". George carefully traced my hairline from the previous cut and cleaned it up. I'd go here again for a "safe" haircut although I still prefer my guy who knows how to do it short. Once again, I felt rushed myself because of the guy in line w/ an "appt." If not for him, I might have said to go shorter. Oh well, good stuff. $25 is a little steep too but I guess that's right for Washington, D.C.? I'm use to paying $9 in San Diego. read more

I needed a haircut and my girlfriends co-worker swears by this place. Francesco is the man! Unbelievable haircut tailored to my needs, and you can tell he really cares about you being happy with the end product. Great conversation and a great haircut. Thinking I may have to save getting my haircut for when I visit my girlfriend. read more

Horrible, cheap haircut. I literally told them to trim slightly and avoid cutting the hair above my hairs. Then she takes out an electric razor and buzzes my sides completely off! read more

I tried Charles Barber Shop for the first time after reading the great reviews, and I'm so happy that I did. Bathsheba is a wonderful barber with decades of experience who clearly takes pride in her work. Her talent for cutting hair is equally matched by her wit and friendliness. A great haircut and great conversation! Absolutely would recommend for anyone looking for a new barber. read more

the older I get the more I appreciate a fine haircut. When I was in my 20's I used to think going to a salon where all the young trendy stylists worked was a surefire way to get a funky haircut and meet girls. The end result was many many bad hairstyles and a whole lot of wasted cash. These days I tend to gravitate towards old school barbers where the attention to detail is meticulous and the prices are ridiculously reasonable. The Charles Barber Shop is the best one I've found yet. Specifically a stylist by the name of Bathsheba who (if I had to guess) has nearly 40 years of experience cutting hair. She was in no hurry and did a stellar job. She's also a fantastic conversationalist who can really put you at ease which in itself is a real skill. Bottom line: $25 dollars for the best haircut I've had in a long long time. Book an appointment and make sure to tip her well with the money you saved. read more

I personally think this is the best haircut you can find in downtown DC for the money. I typically get my haircut by George, although, I hear the other two also give a great haircut. The first time George cut my hair, he spent almost an hour slowly cutting my hair to make sure it was exactly how I wanted it. Even though it was almost 2 months before I went back for a second haircut, George remembered exactly how he cut my hair the first time and has done an equally good job each time. As an added bonus, George is a native Washingtonian and has a ton of great stories about the transformation of DC over the years. Although I can't be certain of his exact age, I would say he's in his mid-80's- which makes for a lot of great stories. Sometimes I feel it's worth $25 to hear his stories and the haircut is just an added bonus. read more

I have been coming here for years. Bathsheba gives an excellent haircut and the prices are reasonable. I usually make a reservation but they take drop ins. To find it, go into the lobby and take the elevator down to the basement. read more

Went in to get a hair cut after work, got there at 5:10. When asked if I had an appointment I said "No, should I make one and come back tomorrow?" They said no and it wouldn't be long. Meanwhile, I sat there and watched them both (only 2 people working) take people that had appointments at 5:30. I understand not taking me before people with appointments, but maybe tell me I'd have to wait til 6:00 or later?? They just wasted 40 mins of my time when I would have been happy to make an appointment and return tomorrow. They would have been okay with keeping me waiting way longer too. I would have been a returning costumer being that I work a block away. Now I'm never going back. That's no way to treat customers. If you're thinking of going here, just go one metro stop up at Dupont and go to Diego's! read more

Bathsheba at Charles Barber Shop has been cutting my hair for about 4 years now. Initially I was looking for a haircut near my office, but once I found her I've kept going back. I'm retired now so this is a bit out of the way, but I keep going back despite the inconvenience. I've always been pleased with her work; it also helps that she is very personable. I had struggled for years to find a place I liked for my haircuts, so, as long as Bathsheba is there, I will keep going back. read more

Super convenient for anyone who works in Farragut/K Street/FoggyBottom and reasonably priced. I'm always happy with my haircut and the conversation. read more

This is really an old school barber shop in all the right ways. Charles has been gone for many years, but he left the business to his nephew - an 85-year old who still cuts hair every day in one of the three chairs. Bathsheba cut my hair, staying late on a Monday night while I wandered around trying to find them (they're in the basement of a generic K street office building). I'm glad I (and she) didn't give up - she gave me one of the best haircuts I've ever had. She's had both barber training and cosmetology training, but prefers cutting men's hair because "they don't cry." And all for $20! Her stories alone were worth that much! I gave her a $15 tip and left worrying it should have been $20 - this place is special. read more

After I watched Bathsheeba cut both my son's and husband's hair and saw how meticulous she was about trimming every little stray, I was thinking about asking her to cut mine. I didn't realize when we first scheduled the cuts that she did women's cuts as well. When she offered to cut my very curly hair, I jumped at the chance because of the confidence she exuded and assurances from her that she knew exactly how to layer it to get the best results. I was thrilled that I did because it turned out to be one of the best haircuts I have ever had at a very reasonable price. I have sometimes paid almost 5 times the price in fancier places. This is probably the most "insider" of places--a tiny little three seat barber shop in the basement of a big nondescript office building with no sign except on the door. You have to know it is there and go searching in order to find it. Thank you, Bathsheeba for your confidence in your ability with the competence to back it up. No more bad hair days for me! read more

This place is consistently great I've been going for years and it's the only place I've been to that's been able to figure out what to do with my hair. read more

Great barbershop. Bathsheba (Sheba to her friends and clients) is an excellent barber. As was Lou and the other lady who also works there. I know there are some negative reviews for the elderly gentleman (I think his name was George), who worked there - but if you arrived there without knowing him and didn't note his advanced years and shaky hand, that's kind of on you. He was the only barber available on a few occasions, but I passed on him and waited for someone else. Yes, it may hurt his feelings, but I'm the one who would have had to live with a mediocre cut for a month. Anyway, he's gone and I think Lou may be as well, but the two ladies that are still there are fantastic. I always call and make an appointment with Sheba, and I am never disappointed. $30 for starter is expensive - but lets just say it's worth the extra $10 over Diego's for me - where the barbers have made several mistakes (for some reason none of them seem capable of leaving my sideburns the length they are). Cash only. read more

Finally found my haircut spot in DC. A little on the expensive side, but definitely worth the price. I call and make an appointment in the morning, I've never waited more than 5 mind. Cash only. read more

Bathsheba, the woman who owns this shop, is without a doubt the best barber I've ever had. She puts genuine effort into the details of a man's haircut. She tapers the sides perfectly and actually makes suggestions based on head shape and hair type. (She gave me what she calls the "Star Trek guy cut" which I've been so happy with!) I've been going for years and haven't had a bad cut yet. I travel for work occasionally and grow out my hair rather than let someone else cut it. Not to mention her shop is convenient for most people in dc being right on K street. Though it's tucked down on the B1 level of a building, so you'd walk right by with out knowing she's there. read more

The sign of a good cut is how it looks after it begins to grow out. Sheeba's cuts look fresh even after a month, so while they are a bit more expensive, the quality is worth it. First place I've been happy with since moving to DC 10 years ago! read more

Love this place. Hard to find a barbershop that knows how to cut hair at a reasonable price. Bathsheba (Sheba) is great.

Excellent! I went here as a third choice after my top two go-to's refused walk-ins. I will absolutely head back! This basement location made me apprehensive at first, but they were friendly, accommodating, and most importantly, I have NEVER gotten so many compliments on my haircut! Thanks Yelp! read more

Bathsheba knows how a man ought to look. Based on other reviews here, I had a similarly positive first experience. I showed her what I wanted, and she crafted the cut to suit the shape of my head. I felt incredibly confident walking back to my office with a new look fitted for the cover of GQ. Price is very reasonable considering K Street real estate, I was treated professionally, and I'm very satisfied with the result. Will recommend and return. read more

I never go anywhere else for my haircuts. Not only is the staff friendly and great to talk to, but they've got amazing stories to tell too. Hair cuts are great -- I've never had as many compliments about my hair as I get after I get them at Charles's. read more

Reasonably priced, consistently great haircuts.

I first went to Charles Barbershop after my barber in VA left town. I wasn't thrilled about having to get a haircut in the city figuring I would pay top dollar. I have been going to Charles Barbershop and getting my haircut from Bathsheba regularly now. She is great and the price is unbeatable. She will give you what you want, and takes her time to ensure you are getting exactly that. She is hands down the best barber in the shop and I would highly recommend her to other men. There have been times (now that she knows me) where I go in and wasn't all too sure exactly how I wanted my hair cut, and she basically would just say "I know what to do". Sure enough Id end up with a great haircut that I was very happy with. Again $25 for a top notch haircut from a professional who truly knows her trade. You can't beat it. You will end up getting what you want and pay for there time and time again. read more

This barber shop is perfect for people like me who have no interest in wasting time and money at upscale hair-styling salons but who want a top-notch haircut. Bathsheba has been cutting my hair for over 10 years, and she always does a fantastic job. She has also been very accommodating when it comes to appointments and has always tried to fit me in to meet my schedule. I wouldn't consider going anywhere else. read more

Bathsheba has been cutting my hair regularly since 2004, and she does an excellent job. I lived in a different city briefly and tried to find someone as good, but couldn't come close, and the people I tried charged a lot more. Bathsheba also does a great beard trim. read more