TL;DR: Stanley is an excellent friendly neighborhood barber who takes pride in what he does…read more Details: Central Barber is a decades-long-running Elgin establishment that has now passed into the hands of Stanley. When you walk in you'll notice it's a small space, literally a 1-chair, 1-man show, but the space is clean and bright. Maybe even before that though you'll already have been warmly greeted by Stanley. Stanley is a true professional in the business who has been in it for decades now, loves what he does, and prides himself in it. And you'll figure that out because he'll tell you directly, i.e. this isn't a transactional "insert money, receive haircut". This is the full friendly neighborhood barber experience who is trying to be a positive influence in his community, briefly greeting any and just about every passerby. It means the haircut may take a bit longer, but the positive vibes are undeniable. Oh, and of course he is meticulous and methodical with his cuts. I'd endured a couple of average cuts, but Stanley really took the time to understand what I was looking for and gave me an excellent cut. Overall, I'm happy to have met Stanley and given him my business, and I look forward to a future visit with another good cut and positive vibes. P.S. The phone number listed here on Yelp is Jerry's (the previous owner's) #, not Stanley's. Stanley's # (as posted on the store window) is 7792030667; he's very responsive when texted.

I'm new to the area and, of course, looking to find my barber shop "home." Stanley took over from…read moreJerry, who I never met. Stanley is very personable and I think has an eye for style. Hey, I'm up there in age and yet he was great in his assessment of what would work for me, very nice, friendly and I think I got a very good cut. I'll be back!

Good first experience! Easy to book an appointment!!…read moreIf you are in a pinch, this is a better option than Sports Clips in the very same strip malls in Elgin. Elijah was our barber, he was very friendly and welcoming. He talked the whole time, getting to know my son, but also making him comfortable to say what he liked and wanted different about the haircut. I really appreciated his chair side manner. The haircut is not the most thorough, but it was good for the time spent. A scissor cut was $19, a great, competitive price. Check them out, depending on your cut, this could be the best haircut for the price in Elgin.

Been getting my haircut for 5 years here. Crystal is a terrific stylist and wonderful lady. Highly…read morerecommend!

Eric is very personalble, very talented hair stylist. I've become a loyal customer for many months…read morenow!

Found a great barber that cut to fit my style! Searched and tried multiple barbers and clips in the…read morearea, I was not satisfied with the results. Very happy that I found this shop. Eric is outstanding!!

I've been going to this same man for the best haircuts for over 30 years. If you're looking for an…read morehonest, professional look no further. He will provide you with exactly what you are anticipating.

New to the area. Tried this place. Seems a nice enough fellow, and we had a nice chat. It's hard…read moreto tell if you like the cut until after you wash it, so when I did, it had a couple of areas that weren't quite right. The cut was not terrible, just a couple of areas that were off. So, who knows. I'll try someone else.

This is actually for the South Elgin location, specifically for Leo. My youngest has gotten 3 cuts…read morefrom him now and he loves going! My 11yo is autistic and also has a movement disorder, so he often has a hard time sitting for haircuts. Leo has a very calm energy and my kiddo could not be happier when he's in his chair! Plus he does great work. My boyfriend who has never really had a barbershop cut done also goes to him now (cut, fade, and beard cut and lining). The vibe in the shop is great and they are very professional. Highly recommend this location and Leo in particular. Always pleased with their hair!!

1287 West Spring Street South Elgin…read more My boy was growing wild and free, Hair like he just climbed a tree. So I booked a place with glowing praise, Five bright stars and polished ways. It wasn't far, we had the time, But something felt a little off inside. We called to say we're on our way -- The voice went cold, like "Whatever, it's okay." He looked at me and softly said, "Mama... that's a warning right there ahead." Five stars on a screen don't mean a thing When your heart don't like the way it rings. You can follow the crowd or follow the sign, But your body knows before your mind. We sat there quiet, tried to be polite, Ignoring that red flashing light. Now we know what we should've known -- Trust that feeling in your bones. He sat down straight, face like stone, I felt the chill down to my bones. The barber's cap pulled low and tight, Phone in his hand most of the time. I swear I thought -- and maybe I'm wrong -- He's watching how-to videos while cutting along. The scissors moved but something's strange, Left and right weren't playing the same. Five stars on a screen don't mean a thing When your heart don't like the way it rings. We paid the bill, walked out the door, Knew we wouldn't come back no more. Sometimes lessons cost you fifty bucks, And a crooked cut that kinda sucks. But wisdom grows on roads back home -- When you trust that feeling in your bones. Bridge (, ) All the way back we talked it through, About the things we somehow knew. How we lean on what people say, Instead of what we feel that day. Five stars fade but truth don't lie, It lives inside, it never hides. Next time we won't override That quiet voice we push aside. 'Cause life is more than playing along -- It's knowing when something feels wrong

I made an appointment with Angel, figuring he'd take care of me. I wasn't wrong. From the moment I…read moreentered the parlor, I was greeted with a smile and spoken to with respect - valued as a customer. Angel took lots of care asking questions and ensuring I was pleased every step of the way. Looking around, you could also see all the customers also quite satisfied with the service provided. The hair products used were also of high quality. Once you step inside, you will instantly feel important to them.

Josh was very professional and puts a lot of heart to his work. great customer service and…read moreperformed a great job with the haircut. shop was very clean and welcoming.

Tony Lovve is that guy. Coming from NYC I'm very particular who touches my hair, after I watched…read morehim cut 3 guys in under 90 minutes he laced my cut. Fast , professional, good energy , super friendly and respectful. Super clean barber who wears gloves, and changes them after each cut. Tony lovve is my guy

Great meticulous haircut. Clean shop. Wall-mounted televisions. Reasonable cost. My first time…read more There will be return trips.

Liz was great! Very enjoyable and a great hair cut! Super quick and easy, strongly recommend!read more

Fantastic experience!…read more I got my hair cut by Cassie, she did a great job, the best haircut I've gotten in IL, she knew what she was doing and did a great job! I have scheduled another appointment 4 weeks from now. I wish I could remember the name of the lady who gave me my beard trim, she also did a great job! The place has an overall great feel, the music isn't too loud (could be a tad quieter for my taste), complementary drinks and comfortable seating.

It has been about a month since I got my hair cut by Mike. I have to admit i was a little…read moreoverwhelmed when I walked in to his place as to how it brought back memories of when my dad would take me to his Barber when i was a child. I am 68 now and his shop is a walk back in time . Mike greeted me ask what I wanted i sat in his old fashioned Barbers chair and i walked out with the haircut i asked for. Wonderful experience. Just one more thing finding a barber that you trust is like finding a pizza place and when you find it you know it

First and last visit of this place. The barber is Mike and is already old and was thinking maybe he…read moreis that good because of experience and there were good reviews from the google. I did not expect that this was the worst haircut I have gotten in my life so far. A lot of uneven cuts and he made and lot of bald spots. Never again.

Classic barber shop with great prices; Steve will take good care of you. Appointment only.read more

Great spot, old school craftsmanship, will take care of you. I read a review that suggested for the…read more50+ crowd, not sure I'd agree with that. It does have a more classic feel which I personally find preferable. They do "generally" only cut by appointment, but they will fit you in if they can on a walk-in basis.