Pros: At least 75% of the time, you will get a rockin haircut. Cons: Their ridiculous appointment policy that they don't even follow themselves. As in they run 30 minutes behind AFTER you have waited for 3 hours. Also, the 25% of the time that you get a bad haircut, it's pretty bad. In addition, minus a star for rapid turnover of personnel and overall hipster douchiness.. read more

Had to update the review because as others have said before me, their appointment policy is ridiculous. 4:15pm Me: How's it going. I'd like to put my name in for Bob. Attendant: Sure - should be ready at 5pm. Come by at 4:45pm. Me: Sound good (i.e. sounds good I will wait 45 minutes because you refuse to take appointments. I'll also come back 15 minutes early, so I can sit with my **** in my hands for 15 minutes. 4:45pm Me: Back for Bob. New attendant (why are there so many attendants? Can't any of you call a customer to tell them when to come back? Can't any of you book appointments??!!??) - Sorry Bob is getting lunch. Should be back in 30 or so... You'll be next. Me: Awesome - why'd you tell me to come back at 4:45 then? New attendant: Sorry Me: Your appointment policy is ridiculous. It's now 5:06pm. I'm still going back but only cause I really need a haircut. As a business they are one star, but the barbers/stylists seem to know what they are doing. read more

Despite the fact that booking appointments during the weekend on the day of is basically impossible, and that even when booking a week in advance, I had to wait an extra half hour after my appointment was supposed to begin, this was arguably the best haircut I've ever received. Chang both listened to what I wanted, and also just seemed to know intuitively what my hair needed and proceeded to work wonders. My hair is naturally very curly, but I often wear it straight or wavy, and somehow, this haircut works for all my moods. Thanks man, I'll be back. Update: I went back, and this time, had a haircut and beard trim by Jay. It had been a while since my last cut, and both hair and beard were unruly. Maybe it was because of a weekend spent in Palm Springs, but I was a bit discombobulated, and didn't even know how to describe what I wanted. All was well, though, because Jay just went to work, checking in occasionally to make sure that everything he did was okay by me. It was. I came into work the next day, and everyone was commenting on how sharp I looked! Thanks Jay! read more

They don't take appointments on the phone, so you need to walk in. They'll tell you when to come back (this may be 1-2 hours, and they may be an hour behind schedule when you return). This is kind of like an appointment, but much more inconvenient. This works well for folks who want a $40 haircut and 3 fewer hours in their day. They deliver a good cut, you'll get a reasonable shave, and you'll feel like a true hipster. I don't know exactly how you like to spend your day, but I'm guessing it probably won't be worth your afternoon. read more

Nothing more than a super cuts that charges $45. Below average haircuts, long lines, and an overall rushed feeling. At 32 years old, I can honestly say this was the worst haircut of my life. I would not recommend this establishment to anyone. read more

I received the best haircut in my year of living here in the bay area at Freeman's by a new stylist, Alder. He gave what I term the gay military cut. I've got more positive comments on it, even on the first day, which tends to be the awkward period. Its very even and has perfect shape. I lucked out. He didn't try to push product on me. I asked him if there was anything like the stuff I use, Magic Move, and he knew what it was and suggested something they have that's a lot like it. Alder just moved from nyc, where he was a full time stylist. Wish I had some negativity to drop, cause this ain't my style, but I was totally satisfied. My hair still looks good, and I haven't put product in it once. Pretty fucking amazing. read more

Great place but the Craziest booking system in the world. If you have time to "hang around " for 2 hours before your hair cut, please go for it. They say first come first serve but if you arrive at a certain time, they tell you to come back in 1 hour, 2 hours or sometimes 4 hours. So, why not make a reservation ?? but that's the price for being cool ! read more

Lame haircut, boring hairdresser, the only goal was to finish fast for more turnover. I'd give it 2 or 3 stars, but the "hair master" cut my neck while shaving it with the straight razor. I mean, if you don't know how to handle sharp toys it's better now to touch them. She never admitted her bad, never apologized. Never again. read more

Pros: Atmosphere, nice product, warm towels for the shave. A place you really *want* to like. Cons: The shave. Granted, I came in with a 3-day beard and didn't soften the bristles via shower. 75 minutes of painful shaving intermixed with soothing hot towels later, my face is nicked, in pain, and not closely shaven. This didn't quite turn into the Valentine's surprise I had expected for my lovely bride. read more

If you don't take credit card tips, put up a sign or let me know before I get my hair cut so that I don't feel like an asshole and stylist is not out a tip. As much as I like my stylist, won't be back w management that clearly does not care about their stylists or customers. read more

I've been going to Fellow Barber now for a couple of years since a good friend of mine turned me onto it. I've been fortunate enough to establish a great relationship with one of their experts, Alder, who I absolutely love and trust and wouldn't want to go to anyone else. The place itself is clean, brightly lit in a good way, and always has some good tunes playing in the background. There is also a small retail element to the shop that is really nice to have. I want to love this place and give it 5 stars all day long and, up until a couple of month ago I would have. The problem I'm having now is the new online booking system that they began to utilize recently that has made booking an appointment extremely difficult. Not only are there tons of glitches in the system/site but when I try to call and make an appointment when the site is down, rarely does a person answer and I always get a voice mail that is full. Again, it's a great place and the barbers there are excellent. Getting in to see "my guy" is another story. If something doesn't change soon, I'll unfortunately have to start going somewhere else. read more

1. Each barber I've had is great, and I've always been happy with the cut. Since I've been going here, every cut has resulted in compliments from friends and others. Score. 2. The walk in system is crazy. I'm sorry, I don't have the endurance to putter around the mission for two hours on a Wednesday night after I've worked for 10 hours. A wait on Saturday morning was worse (3 hours and 45 mins), but at least I was able to get my dog groomed, go for a run, get a massage, go to the bank, pick up the dry cleaning, and still make it back in time for a 20 minute wait. While I was waiting, I heard the desk person tell a guy the wait would be six hours. This might not be all so bad if you could call and put your name on the list day of (which is different than an appointment), but the pure walk in system is just plain annoying. read more

Answer your frickin phone!! It's bad enough that you won't take appointments and people have to find a chunk of 3-4 hours during the day to get their haircut. But at least let me call to make sure my favorite guy (Oscar) will be in this week so I know WHEN to waste 4 hours. The price is alright .Oscar is AMAZING. He is the reason I will keep going back and putting up with the intense time commitment. And he is why this place gets 3 stars. If they change their structure a bit (or at least answer their phone, they would easily get 4/5 stars. read more

I was planning on taking my Dad who was visiting to Fellow Barber for a deluxe treatment for his birthday. Instead of what should have been a great new visit,we had an extremely poor service experience by a business that thinks it is too cool for school, apparently. We called ahead (as their website suggested) and was told it would most likely be 30 minutes. When we arrived there was 2 people there waiting and 2 stylists free and chatting. I figured we would have a short wait, but when we went in to ask about a cut and treatment, the receptionist literally looked us up and down and told us nothing would be available- FOR 4 HOURS. She snidely offered to call if anything came available but made it clear there was no chance in hell we had enough street cred to get an appointment. My Dad felt bad and I felt humiliated when we left. Too bad since we were ready to spend a good amount on my Dad for his birthday. Take a pass on this lame den of hipster porn and get your hair done elsewhere. read more

Lovely people, great service, once you get passed the awful monstrosity which is the website and the booking system. I came in at opening time, the website was down, there was already a three hour wait. That's $20 in parking. I'm done with this place, which makes me sad. Thanks Kyle. You were brilliant. Goodbye read more

Terrible customer service. I was charged a late fee AND full price of haircut for being late even though in constant communication with shop about ETA and, when I arrived, was refused service. Really sad because Lily is the best stylist I've had in my 58 years. It's even more sad that you think losing a customer for life is worth what you charged me on that day. read more

Just the worst haircut ever! I used it once since my regular barber was on vacation... awfully bad! Never recommend anyone to this place go to supercuts or corner barbershop somewhere it has better customer service or haircut I guess! this place is awfully bad. read more

At first I really liked the idea of just showing up and putting my name on the list. Then I realized why it sucks. The barbers/stylists are all about increasing their turnover - finish faster, get more haircuts in, make more money. That system really sucks for the customer who gives a damn about their haircut. If you have easy hair and get super simple haircuts, Fellow Barber isn't a bad place to go. Show up, get your name on the list (they'll give a good estimate of wait time) and shop around the Mission while you wait (let's be real, you're getting a beer). All the staff I interacted with was pretty cool. The music was good. It's convenient. My haircut just sucked and it happened so fast I didn't realize it. It took my wife about 3 seconds to point it out when I got home, however. read more

"Take a little off the sides" does not mean "I want a fade". I stopped getting cuts in bayview for the same reason. From talking to the barber it sounds like he got hired since he was the only one that showed up at the interview. What a classy joint. Tried them twice and both times I left with a bad taste in my mouth and a bad haircut on my head. On to the next one... read more

Things to know up front: 1. You will have to wait - it is first come first serve and the lines can get long at rush hour (5pm = 1 hour wait or longer). 2. Don't put your name in and come back. If you leave and aren't there when they call your name, they move on to the next guy. Bring a book and don't come in a hurry. 3. They take Credit Card, but for tips it's cash only. Yes you should tip your barber. For a $40 cut (which is really reasonable for sf) I recommend adding $10 for your barber. This is one person you want to like you! The Deal: It's a modern barber shop. It's got all the things you love about a barber - the ball game playing on the radio, the combs soaking in the blue stuff, random magazines and books to read, and that sense of sacred man space that only a barber shop has. What it doesn't have is a guy named larry or jack who hasn't taken a class on styling since 1954. Gone also is that "I should wash my hands when i leave" feeling that most old school shops make you feel. Gone also is the "i should probably omit that I'm gay" feeling that I get at most barber shops. The place is the best of both worlds. It has the vibe and the cool feeling, and it's also nice, clean and welcoming. Most importantly, the staff has skills. Matt (the front desk guy) was very cool and gave me all kinds of advice about the neighborhood and places to go. I told him that I was new in town and he was super gracious about making me feel comfortable and welcomed. No pretentiousness here at all. My barber Mike was really laid back. He took my direction but also had confidence in what he was doing and gave me honest opinions and options. After the consultation I had no fear in letting him do his thing. I'm glad I did because I got the best cut I have had in a while. The fact that he was cool and fun to talk to was a definite bonus. Add to this that they use straight razors to clean your neck and menthol hot towels for your face, and this place is pretty much perfect. I'm sold completely. I will definitely be found at FSC every three weeks. I'm glad the search is finally over. read more

Worst experience ever. I mean, if you got to pay more than $40 for a haircut, you better get a really amazing service. Didn't happen at Fellow Barber. The guy, I believed was Chang, was in a hurry, so he really didn't do a great job. Plus, I ordered for a beard trim, I didn't get it, because he was late. Anyway, 2 weeks after I went to another hairdresser for $15 to fix my haircut, and it was way much better than this barber shop. Huge bye Fellow Barber. read more

Go see Chang!! If you want an awesome fade and have a beard this guy is the best. I've never seen anyone use clippers like him. I am a customer for life now! read more

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I love this place. I don't know what people are talking about that "women aren't allowed"...they are soooo freakin nice every time I go. I'm a dyke with a matching haircut. They keep it tamed! I'm so glad I've found a queer friendly barber. As a "woman" with a short haircut it doesn't make sense for me to go to salons once a month. (Read: uncomfortable & super expensive.) I'm so glad this place exists. I'll do anything I can to keep them around. I just wish I lived upstairs... I love the new appointment system, too. Perfect usability. Savy is a fabulous barber! I'll be back, all the time. read more

I was set to give a 1 star review after it took over 3 hours to get a haircut. I came in at 12pm on a Friday (I get that thats a bad time)- they took my phone number and said they'd text when it was time for me to come in. The text came at 2:40pm and I drove down and got in around 3pm. Then I waited another 45 minutes to get into the chair. I was annoyed- I even had a good tagline for this review, "One of the coolest places I'm never going back to." But then I got probably the best haircut I've had in 10 years. The stylist, Heather?, listened to what I wanted offered advice and ultimately gave me exactly what I wanted, even though I didn't have the clearest idea of it when I sat down. Contrast this to my People's Barber experience where the guy obviously thought he was some kind of scissor artist and started cutting before asking any questions and dismissed my suggestions with an eye roll. I still wonder if this could really be a regular place- the inconvenience of not being able to make a reservation and having to wait almost 4 hours for a haircut is hard to overcome, but for this time at least it was worth it. 1 star waiting system. 10 star haircut. read more

For a long time I refused to go here bc of the hipster vibe. Course now that they are large and in a few cities, I figured I can go as they are a touch mainstream and other places doing it up with more flair. Signed up for a haircut and shave from Sean. Was great! Friendly guy. Careful shave. Good cut. Online appointment. Nice. A touch pricey. Tips only welcome via cash or Venmo...just so you know. read more

Epic fail for Fellow today. I always wished they did early appointments but adjusted to showing up early and standing in line for first spot. Well, they apparently changed their procedure but did not notify customers, including walking in and out door setting up (and not mentioning to guy standing there for 30 minutes). WTF? Then acted like I was the crazy one (by now I was). So, caved on went online (after wasting an hour and an Uber ride) only to get frustrated with less-than-easy system. Then, after you book with random name, you're told that barber is $10 more (but you're already booked). Not a good morning with my favorite barbershop. read more

If you're a guy and you care about how you look this is where you need to go. The money you would spend at Supercuts is a complete waste and you know it, you'll look like an idiot. These guys cost a bit more, but honestly, it's worth it. The barbers here get it. They know what guys who give a damn about their appearance want to look like. Three times in a row I've gotten an excellent haircut at this place. That's the first time that's ever happened. Heck, thats the first time I've ever had two good ones in a row. Bottom line: throw down the cash, and tip well. Or take your chances at the discount place that cranks out standard dorky haircuts by the bushel. Don't be a schmuck and don't look like a schmuck. read more

Worth the drive from Palo Alto. Making an appointment is more than simple. Shop is clean and the staff is very friendly. Thanks for a great cut for our son. Highly recommend this place! read more

Writing a bad review based on policy is silly. (Their appointment policy.) That would be like going to a vegetarian restaurant and writing a bad review because they don't have steak on the menu! I like what these guys do! read more

I'm happy to bump my previous review up to 5 stars. Fellow Barber listens to its customers, and now accepts reservations up to 4 days in advance. That alone has saved me hours every time I need a beard trim because I don't have to show up once to get on the list and 4 or 5 hours later to get my trim. They also opened a new store on Market Street in downtown San Francisco, where I see my barber now instead of on Valencia Street. The new shop is another really great space. And let me give a plug for Alder, who is the only barber I trust to trim my beard. I have had some real hatchet jobs, but Alder is a beardsman himself, so he knows how to tend a beard. I only wish I had hair on top of my head so he could cut that, too. The guys who walk out of the store after he cuts their hair look sharp. read more

A few years ago, when I mentioned I wanted to get my hair cut at that hip place on Valencia, my friends laughed.. "Really..? That overpriced hipster spot? Go to my lady in Chinatown! They're only $5!" To be honest, I considered it. But, I wanted a pure cut. I wanted something that people would turn their heads when I walked down Valencia, holding my $6 coffee and clutching onto my Azalea boutique shopping bag. I wanted the look. A year later, I'm a loyal customer. I've gotten a beautiful fade from just about every barber that's worked at that place. Heidi, who is my FAVORITE but is usually busy or booked, is a total doll and has by far given me some of the best haircuts I've ever had. Yes, there is sometimes a wait.. Sometimes it's been 45 minutes, sometimes 3 hours. Personally, I think it's worth the wait. One time, I didn't have the time to wait and walked down the street to 23rd at a little unknown barber. Let's just say I ended up looking like Vanilla Ice. 4/5 because of the occasional wait, but other than that, I can't see myself getting my fade anywhere else. Their work is an art, and I'm addicted. read more

[Forgot to finish this review from March 8th, 2012] I was skeptical about the lack of appointments. I actually got pushed back about 30minutes, which made me even more skeptical. The reviews are what enticed me initially. I have also asked around on Instagram and the opinion was very favorable. It was fun to guess who would get to cut my hair while i waited, but I thoroughly enjoy being patient and savoring my time. That being said, this is not a rush in-and-out type of barber. Everyone who comes here for the first time, NEEDS to understand this I think. Alder met me with grace and manners. He immediately helped suss out what i desired, added his own slight preferences. Then he clarified that i would indeed be getting a shorter haircut, which i thought was a kind consideration, as sometimes i am uncertain directly before scissors or clippers come in contact with my follicles. He set right to work quietly and I was immediately impressed with the ways he carried himself and his skill. I also enjoyed that once we became acquainted, we had a delightful conversation. I was searching for a non-clipper "man's haircut" and that's PRECISELY what Alder gave me. I am VERY pleased with my whole experience. Only regret, I wish i had asked for a shave! I will be back. read more

It's amazing how many bad experiences I have had at Fellow Barber. It led me to find a much better barber. The final straw was how awfully their online system screws you up. I reserved. I planned my morning around the time. I took a cab over. And they didn't have me in the system. I would have expected them then to just slide me in since I planned meetings around it, I went to a lot of trouble, and the error was due to the shittiness of their online system. Nope. I had to turn around with no haircut, two wasted cabs, wasted time, and a ton of frustration. No thanks. read more

After my HORRIBLE haircut at Male Image yesterday, I went down to the Mission. I had seen this business as I was walking, but the price at first put me off but I can say today that I look exponentially better. My hair is now properly faded all around, my part is properly cut, and I don't look like a piece of shit. read more

Fellow Barber - This is the after the wonderful work at Fellow Barber - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Ouch! Some of the reviews indicate terrible experiences, but mine was great. First time here, I dropped in on a Saturday at about 10:00 a.m. for a buzz cut. I didn't have an appointment and the front counter guy said it would be a couple of hours before they could get me in. However, at that moment one of the barbers came over and said he could take me right then. Perfect! I had Jay who, though quiet and a little gruff, is probably a teddy bear IRL. He was efficient and quick and was done in about 15 minutes. They're old school here so they do real shave cream and a straight razor on the back of your neck, which is nice. They also wrap your face in a warm, moist, mentholated towel at the end and that feels terrific. A buzz is $20, which seems reasonable to me for the service they provide. read more

This place is what your rich imagination conjures when you hear the words "barber shop". Their haircuts and shaves are really, really good and all the products used and sold smell like a rugged stroll in pine scented forests. But their reservation/booking/organization system is a calamity of epic proportions. I'm talking 2 hour waits even after you've put your name down on their waiting list. So come armed with reading material and patience. If you are not ready for a long wait then this place is not for you. (Note: If I was judging only the haircuts I would give them at least 4 stars. But they need to get their business together.) read more

Fellow Barber - Barbers Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have never had a bad haircut at Fellow Barber. My favorite hair stylist, Jow, is not only sweet and kind, but incredibly talented and careful with my hair. She has taught me so much about how to treat my hair, and really understands what I want/need for a haircut. I have never experienced this level of care at any other salon, and I find myself always coming back for more. Watching Jow and her fellow co-workers is like watching an artist develop a masterpiece. I highly recommend Fellow barber for anyone who wants to have their hair cut by stylists who care about the process just as much as the final product. read more

Really wanted to like this place. I hate making appointments for haircuts -- and this place is walk-in and an expensive enough ($40 for a male haircut) to seem like they'd strive for reasonable quality. Cut ended up being not much better than SuperCuts. The individual cutting my hair was pretty spazzy -- not paying much attention to the hair and in general a little off when I talked to him. When the cut concluded, it was incredibly uneven -- to an embarrassing degree (the left side of my head little had huge divots in it). When I calmly suggested that he 'blend the left side' a bit, he gave a little chuckle to himself and said something to the effect of 'ohh, right -- yeah, we should blend in'. I definitely snuck in a question to the barber about how long he's cut hair for -- he said around 9 years, which shocked me considering he didn't notice how bad the initial cut looked. He was able to improve the cut a bit when he attempted to 'blend in', so luckily there was nothing glaring about the cut. Still though, my girlfriend noticed several inconsistencies in length over the following days -- and I heard 'yeaaah, you need to go somewhere else to get this fixed' for a few weeks until my hair grew out, making it look a bit more even. read more

Got a great hair cut today. I think it's worth saying being a queer woman, it's awesome to have a rad barber shop to go to to get a good cut w/o feeling awkward. Lila gave me a great hair cut (my roommate is currently clapping his hands saying I LOVE IT). Not badly priced, 40 bucks, and you get a hot towel..i mean..come on. read more

Fantastic haircuts, but they don't take reservations, and the wait (if they're not full for the day) has been over three hours before. Honestly, I tried to make it work at Fellow for over 3 years, spending a lot of frustrating days not being able to get a cut after making the trek into the mission, and then killing time on Valencia for hours while I wait. But with JP Kempt, and Peoples Barber open for business, both of whom give great cuts, have a great vine, and take online reservations, there's no reason to continue this game of inconvenience. read more