Different, but good, cuts from all three barbers. Service is quick, but only as the crowds permit. (Read: if you need a quick haircut, don't go at peak times.) Prices are great, and the guys are all nice. Overall, a great spot for a quick and solid haircut. read more

Old style barber shop, not cheap $28.00 basic cut.The most important part is they only take cash,no cards.

A True Classic ... if you like to remember great milkshakes with cheeseburgers, fast muscle cars and Friday night football games then Friendly Barber is the perfect slice of Americana for you. Great haircuts at a super reasonable price that fast, clean and efficient with a smooth razor finish to the neck. Makes you know why some guys get their haircut every other week ... it just feels and looks great. read more

friendly, courteous, attentive & great value. Walked in, no appointment needed, good hair cut. I'll be back and you won't be disappointed if you do as well! read more

This a top notch Barber! I hi recommend them. Everyone is so nice and friendly! They always do a great job and I trust them!

Visiting from out of town. Very high quality haircut. I needed a trim and he was extremely thorough which I appreciated. Most barbers don't always have the experience and the skill, this place does. I'm very glad and will definitely be back when I'm in town. read more

Golly, how quaint! This is a tiny little place with only a few chairs that look like they never left 1957. There was no wait when I went in and the staff was very friendly (albeit a bit bored). As a matter of fact, when I left, there was not a single customer in the place, so not having to wait seems to be a good bet. The girl who cut my hair even knew when to make polite barber chit-chat and when to be quiet and let me relax (a quality only too rare in modern coiffure care). The haircut I got was quick and exactly what I asked for (settle down ladies, you'll all get a chance to run your fingers through it), so no complaints there. A surprising highlight: to finish up, the barber trimmed my neck with warm lather and a straight razor... Definitely not the norm, and a very nice touch. The prices are very reasonable. read more

MainSt Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

They've held the line on prices during inflation and still deliver a solid haircut. No frills, no fuss, no long waits (usually). Easy parking as well. I've been going to the Friendly Barber Shop for many years and will continue. Convenient location, fast professional service at a reasonable price. read more

Impeccable cut. Good price. Easy parking. No wait. Will return every time in Chapel Hill.

The barber shop my son and I frequent was closed for a holiday so we went here in a pinch. My haircut was fine, but the guy in the middle (Russ?) was really rough with my 3 year old son who was just trying to sit as still as he possible could. At one point he yelled at him for "spitting on the barber smock" when he was trying to get hair out of his mouth. It was really awful and mean. Look, I completely understand if you don't want to cut a kid's hair. I get that. But say that up front and I would have been happy to take his spot. Don't invite him into your chair and then browbeat him for being 3. We won't be back. read more

I just want to preface this review by saying that I am an Asian male, and I think it was pretty obvious that the barber did not have much experience with Asian male hairstyles. That's not really his fault given the population around here in the Chapel Hill area, but this would be good to know before going in if you are a part of this demographic. The fade I got was higher than I wanted, even after he asked me how I wanted it. It also wasn't a very clean blend. One other thing I didn't like is how I was turned away from the mirror pretty much the whole time until the end. Maybe I'm just being nitpicky but I like to see how the haircut is going during the process. Having said all this, this review is primarily geared towards Asian males looking to go here. I really don't know if there are better options around (this is my first haircut in this area) and from the other reviewers it seems like they can do more standard cuts very well. This place is definitely on the cheap side at $13. All in all, it was ok but I will be trying out other places before I come back here. read more

Excellent cut the first time, but the worst haircut of my life the second time around. I would provide a name, but the barber never provided his name- I sat down without a greeting and left without a farewell. Though the barber has cut hair in Carrboro for 20 years, I know that the middle chair of an esteemed establishment such as the Friendly Barber Shop deserves better. After requesting a simple low fade with scissors on top, I proceeded to sit without conversation as my hair was cut in a style entirely different from what I requested. The haircut was shapeless and unstylish, treated like a menial chore rather than a traditional profession. While the Friendly Barber Shop is an excellent institution, I implore the owners to read these reviews and consider the effects such a barber has on their business. read more

This review comes after my third visit, which completely changed my opinion of the shop. The first two times, I got a fantastic haircut from the guy with a barber pole tattooed on his forearm. He was friendly, and with just him, the shop name would fit. Today, however, I got my hair cut by a sorry excuse for a man who couldn't be any less tactful. I haven't been treated as condescendingly or been criticized so directly since I got dragged into the principal's office in fourth grade. Not even my ex has expressed such disdain. If you're trying to pick out who this man might be, I'll just say that his fashion sense died when Miami Vice got cancelled, and it probably didn't work then. Then, if he opens his mouth, well, I'll just say you better not bring any women in the shop (or anyone who even remotely considers women worthy of respect). I thought I'd power through because perhaps he stays in business by cutting hair well. He failed at that too. I asked for him to leave an inch on the sides, and there can't be more than 1/3 to 1/2 of an inch left. I said I didn't want much off the top, if any, but he didn't even transition. It looked like a stacked bob in the back. He didn't even shave the back of my neck. For the first time in my life, I had to go to a different shop to fix a haircut. I would have given the shop five stars for the first guy, but the second is such a disgrace to the service industry that I wish I could give negative stars. read more

My husband went there last week for a haircut. The gentleman that helped him was impossible to communicate with, gave no input and treated him as if he was sheering a sheep. Only go there for a. Buzz cut if desperate! read more

Old. School. Straight-up, no frills men's barbershop that gets you in-and-out of the chair with a decent cut in about 10 minutes for only $13. On Saturdays they're usually running all 3 chairs, but expect to wait 30-45 minutes depending on when you arrive. It can be easy to miss driving by -- but they've marked one of the support posts out front with the distinctive red-white-blue striping. Its located just east of the bank. read more

So I was in Chapel Hill last month for a few days, and I realized I needed a haircut. I wasn't keen on spending $30 at a salon, so I turned to Yelp. Lo and behold, I see Friendly Barber Shop in Carrboro. I thought I would give it a try. Part of me misses the days of going to the old-timey barbershop and spending less than $15 to get a haircut. I always got terrible haircuts when I was younger, and I likely looked like a big dork. That's beside the point, though. I drove over to Carrboro and for $13 got my haircut and got the hot shave on the back of my neck. It was a quick trim, and it looks pretty good. The barber didn't make much chitchat, and I sort of felt a bit out of place, but that's to be expected, I suppose. It was around 10:30 in the morning and I didn't have to wait. I'm sure if you're a regular or perhaps a bit more 'outgoing' with the barbers it might be a bit more friendly, but it wasn't horribly awkward or anything like that. I'm not very fussy, and they did exactly the sort of cut I wanted. read more

This barber has been in Carrboro since the 1950's. The original owner's son now runs the place and they take pride in doing a good haircut and you leaving pleased. They are definitely experts in the field that has carried on for decades. You'll find collages of UNC football & basketball leaflets and pictures all around the place to make you feel at home and comfortable. read more

MainSt Barbershop - Barbers Near Me - Carrboro, North Carolina

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This place is old school in all the right ways. Rows of chairs await you inside the door; it's first come first served. Haircuts are fast and good with as much or as little chi-chat as you desire. Haircuts went up to $15 this year and include a hot shave for the back of your neck. Cash only. Wait times can vary wildly. I've gone elsewhere in a pinch and usually regret it. read more

Great barber. One of the last classics around. Straight razor work is impeccable, the crew is friendly

Stopped by on a Yelp-inspired whim because my hair was starting to resemble that of pre-"Girlfriend" Justin Bieber's. I'm a girl with short hair, and they were happy to chop my locks. The tall gentleman who cut my hair was very friendly, courteous, and attentive. He asked for my feedback throughout the process, and I was out the door in less than half an hour. You can't go wrong with $20 for a solid haircut. read more

Like most barber shops, it all comes down to the chair in which you sit. I let the kid on the far end cut my hair once, and it took a month before I could leave the house without needing a baseball cap to hide my shame. Went to Jeff (first chair) every other time, and the service couldn't be better. A great cut and great conversation. He turned me into a regular. read more

You know that American barber shop you picture in your head when someone says "traditional American Barber Shop"? It's this place. Which is nice, if you like that sort of thing. I do like an old-fashioned kind of place sometimes, so I thought it worth a go. Plus it's very close to where I live. The plus points: The place is clean and the staff are all polite and know what they're doing; they all seem like guys that have been doing this a long time and they all just fit nicely into the place. If you like to talk sports, you're sorted. The prices are good too. Points off for not taking credit cards (I'm all for tradition but in an age where all you need is a smartphone and app, there's really no excuse) but the guy did trust me to go get cash, which was very nice of him. Also knocked down to three stars for the guy interrupting my haircut to make a phone call. I cut him some slack because there was a storm rolling in and he wanted to give instructions to someone about securing stuff at his house but still, he could have said something to me before making the call, or even waited two minutes. All in all, a good haircut and a not-unpleasant experience. But probably not my first choice for the next haircut. read more

An outstanding local business, and exactly what I want in a barbershop. No fuss or overly fancy stuff, just a good, clean haircut.

Been going here for about 8 years. I've always taken the next barber available and they've each cut my hair as I requested. I believe that the ownership of the shop has changed over the last couple of months. Hopefully the same great service that I've had will continue. read more

I've been looking for a great barbershop in the area for a while now and this place definitely delivered! I will definitely be coming back!

Didn't cut my hubby's hair well. He has curly hair and they gave him a crew cut that really makes his curls frizz out and look weird. Needless to say he will not be going back. read more

Old school barber shop. If you don't like everything old school don't go here. This is a glimpse of Carrboro past. Nothing has changed since the place opened 30 years ago. Russ is simply the best. read more

My go to barber shop. Rolling in after work at the edge of their shop hours and always happy to cut my hair. I always look good when I leave. Great guys doing great work. They give modern cuts at $18. Unheard of in this area. read more

This is a rock solid, traditional barber shop. Three good barbers, who know what they are doing. You get a quality cut from all three. Prices are reasonable. Hours are good. As much or as little conversation as you want. Hot foam with a straight razor is the perfect finish. read more

Good first experience, bad second experience. Even though I read several of the negative reviews of this barber shop, I decided to try it anyway a few months ago, and actually had a good experience. I don't know the name of the man who cut my hair, but he was kind, thorough, and attentive. The wait was a little long, but that wasn't really the shop's fault -- I went in about an hour before closing on a Friday afternoon. I went in again about a week and a half ago, and this time my experience was completely different. The barber (different guy) didn't make any attempts at conversation, was rough with me when turning my head during the cut, really rushed through things; meanwhile an older man next to me getting a cut was complaining about how he left his church because his pastor had "canonized Michael Brown," who he repeatedly called a "hooligan," proceeded to blame young liberals and the media for police being shot at -- and had his views validated by the younger man who had cut my hair last time. He went on to praise Dean Smith (naturally, this being Carrboro/Chapel Hill) as one of the best people who ever lived, while simultaneously lamenting Smith's liberalism. I won't be returning to this shop myself, and I can't even imagine setting foot in there if I were a person of color or a minority of any kind. Additionally, while most reviews mention $13, then $15, cuts, the price has now increased to $18. It really is unfortunate, since this is a cool space in an old downtown building, but I can't recommend it. Go somewhere else. read more

This was my first ever experience with a barber shop, and I must say, it was excellent. It's nice to get out of the Norms of visiting either a salon or a Great Clips to get a haircut. Also, those places charge you more than what you walk away with, so it's a dissatisfied customer experience. Friendly Barber Shop is simple. And that's what makes it great. For a $15 cut, including the straight razor shave on your neck, I will not be getting my hair cut anywhere else in Chapel Hill/Carrboro. read more

Took my son to get a haircut along with me. Exactly what we needed. Guys did a real good job! Definitely going back.

I brought my 14 son here to get a basic mens haircut while I ran an errand. Upon my return my normally calm and easy going son was waiting outside for me, visible upset. When I asked him what had happened he told me that the barber was rude and had roughly grabbed his scalp, twisting his head and neck violently. The cut itself was horribly uneven in the front with very short patches almost down to the scalp next to long straggling hairs. The back demonstrated an ability to provide an even cut. When I politely pointed out the inconsistency in the quality of the cut the tall, arrogant, blond barber implied that is was the "curl" in my sons hair that was to blame (my son is of mixed race and has a slight wave to his hair, it is not highly textured). He mockingly admitted that the haircut was not his best work and stated that he would "cut it any way he wanted". While this offer in any other establishment would imply a concern with customer satisfaction when delivered in a condescending tone while gesturing and approaching with a sharp implement in hand, it was a thinly veiled threat. While Carrboro is known for being an tolerant and open community this business reflects attitudes that date back to segregation, they may as well hand a "whites only" sign, at least the customer would be aware. My son ended up covered in hair, insulted, threatened and in need of a second haircut. This man is an insult to the integrity of the community and a disgrace to the human race. read more

Shop is really misnamed and is not very customer friendly. Quality of cut is highly dependent on the barber. The tall guy, Russ, gave me my last cut recently. I asked for a "trim up" and he wanted to know how short. While it took a few seconds to formulate a response, he suggested 50% and I said that sounded about right. What I wound up with was a scalping--about 90%. From the time I sat in the chair I was grasped by head extremely vigorously and in three minutes--zip,zip,zip--the cut was done (with a deep gouge in the back). It was over before I realized what was happening. I had arrived in the seat bearing my iPad, intending to read further in my book, but immediately after the initial attack on my head I sensed that he might not want me reading, so I closed the iPad within seconds of the first pass with the shaver--but that did not lessen the assault. In no verbal way did he communicate a desire to hold my head in any particular way or for any reason. So after some weeks to process this event I called him up in the shop to see if I could gain some understanding of what had caused this reaction. From his perspective he said that some people get in the chair (obviously including me) thinking that they were too important or busy to hold still or upright for 15 minutes to let him do the best job he could. He also felt that each time the device is touched it introduces sufficient motion to move the head. (????) Regardless of my reservations, I certainly heard his sentiment clearly and understand and empathize with that. I raised two points: 1) some of us elderly (77) have significant cervical osteoarthritis and can't hold our head upright easily, so looking down slightly is much more comfortable, and 2) if he perceives some difficulty in accomplishing his task, he should first attempt communicating that to the client. This suggestion arose from a belief that most people would readily understand and comply. He responded that this should be "common sense", with which I disagree. Those not in the profession do not understand that tilting one's head forward hampers the cut, if in fact it does. In the past several hundred haircuts, I have often read a magazine from the stand and never had a barber raise any complaint about it being a problem. Obviously this gentleman is more easily offended than the other barbers I have used in the past. In my 77 years it is the first time I have ever had cause to complain about a haircut--I am about the least picky person regarding my hair as one could hope to encounter. After reading the tenor of several of the other reviews here, I gather this is neither a new or infrequent problem in this shop. What it is about his life circumstance that makes his buttons so easily "push-able" I have no idea. I just know that having someone with anger management conflicts next to your head with sharp instruments is probably not a good idea. Strangely enough I may actually find myself going back, as I do not like to leave relationships in a state of disrepair. He has cut my hair many times in the past (as have other barbers there) and I never before had reason to complain. Maybe we will both have learned something from this encounter. Best wishes to all. read more

Gets the job done. They've gotten more expensive recently, though, and started playing Fox News on the TV...yuck.

I typically wait until I drive home to go to my local barber (but that's 3 hrs away) due to the terrible cuts I've received from severals places in the area. I still haven't figured out how you can do a bad job on my hair, but other places have managed to mess it up. I wasn't able to wait 3 more weeks for a cut, so I gave this place a shot after reading the positive reviews here. This place was exactly what I was looking for and I couldn't be happier with my cut. It's an old school barber shop which shaves your neck with a straight razor, which is the primary reason I settled on this shop. A great value for $15 and I will certainly be back. I went in late Sat morning and the place was rather busy (but the wait was reasonable). I highly recommend the tall guy in the middle chair...A+ read more

Former barber retired. Based on Yelp reviews I gave Friendly a try. Excellent - wish I had found them years ago. Have had it "high and tight" for more than 30 years and and have never received a better job than I did today. read more

When I came back from living overseas for three years I found my old Eastgate barbershop was full of new faces, so the hunt for a new barber began. I found this shop on yelp and I like them a lot. The young man in the corner is good with scissors and knows how to handle cow-licks. The price is also good, especially with the gratis hot shave. There's free two hour parking in the lot right next to their business. read more

This place is good. Cheap haircuts and the place is super old school. Staff are friendly, just as the name promises. I am regularly here and they remember who I am, which is cool. I like the really tall guy. read more