Forgot to call ahead to make an appointment but he was nice about it. Haircut was good

Gave my son a wonderful haircut before graduation, great affordable choice for Penn students!

Fantastic haircut and great price. He does a great job and a complete expert barber, highly recommend!

Been going here for years. Michael knows exactly how to cut my hair without even asking. Always have great conversations and competitive prices. Great place! read more

I have known Michael Colabelli (I just KNOW I spelled that wrong) for years - since the '80's - and his father before him who owned the shop (It's now it the 3rd and 4th generation. They are a well-run business that has stood the test of time and provide affordable cuts and GREAT colors to the Penn campus and beyond. I love them. read more

I've been coming to Pete for almost 5 years now and he is by far the best barber I have ever had. He does a fantastic job every time I go, knows what I get every time (even if I don't see him for 6 weeks), and is extremely courteous and professional. As long as I live in Philadelphia, Pete (and Michael's) will be the only place I get my hair cut. After spending my young adulthood going to your average "hair cuttery" the experience is totally different and better in all measurable ways. I'll never go to one of those awful chains again. Thanks Pete! read more

I have been going to Michael's Custom Cuts for over 40 years. Pete has been my barber during this entire time; he could be the brother I never had. He always delivers a superb cut, accompanied by a constant stream of standup comedy, and scathing, but accurate, political commentary. Even when I'm dead I expect to be getting my hair cut by Pete! read more

Absolutely nicest guy, gave me a great men's haircut for just around $25. I was the only one in there which was nice under COVID.

I completely agree with what Rob has said in his review; I walked in here around 11 AM on wednesday morning hoping to get a haircut and the rude receptionist just flat out told me that they're by appointment by only and that I would have to come back around 1. I looked around the waiting room and I was the only person there besides the person that was getting his hair cut. Seriously? Whatever happened to letting your customers wait in the waiting room? Don't act like you're a high-end boutique when you're just an average Joe's barber shop. read more

Michael you are a good person but that's the third time you are screwing my hair. The first time I told you exactly how I wanted - did not get the results. The second time I showed you pictures - same result. This time I showed you the video. All I want is a perfect side parting. Why do you cut my hair so short that I can't do anything with it??? It takes me forever to grow and you cut it shorter than required in 15 minutes. The reason I tip you 40% is because you put it in so much efforts that I feel bad. Sorry but I am never coming back again. read more

Walked in today without an appointment, even though the Yelp page says it does not require an appointment, the receptionist said they are appointment only. made me commit to a time later that day even though at the time (1:20 PM) the store was completely empty. came back at the appointed time. the haircut was actually really good. the guy who cut my hair (I assume he was the owner) was skilled. however the same receptionist was there. she took my money ($40) and claimed I only gave her $30. Wanted to leave a $6 tip but instead left a $16. watch out for her she's dishonest. read more

absolutely fantastic. i woke up one day craving a haircut, and immediately called michael's. i'd never been in before and asked if i needed to make an appointment. they said yes, and i asked if i could do that, assuming it would take a couple days to get me in. nope. they said i could come in at 10:00 (mind you this was at 9:15). when i came in, they took my coat and showed me to the hair washing area. the woman who washed my hair was so friendly and sweet. then i opened up some pictures on my computer to show my barber, Michael, what i wanted. he asked about a few details and seemed very comfortable doing what i requested. we chatted the whole time and throughout cutting, he asked for clarifications on different lengths and blending so my hair would be exactly how i wanted it. i also asked for recommendations on where to get hair dyeing products nearby as i'm relatively new to the area and do my coloring myself. he offered to pick me up what i needed the next time he went. i could tell that Michael was really enjoying and taking a lot of pride in cutting my hair; this is definitely his art form. he was so friendly and kind. needless to say, this was the best experience i've ever had at a hair salon. the cut turned out EXACTLY as i wanted/requested. and it's worth mentioning that my hair has a LOT going on--bleach, colors, layers, sidecut, etc., but none of this fazed Michael and he understood what i was going for. he also used an interesting technique of cutting into twists of hair to make layers...i had never seen this before but the result is fantastic. the staff really went above and beyond and got my day off to a fantastic start. on top of all of this, the cut was so much cheaper than i expected--only $21--and so much faster than i expected, taking less than 45 minutes. i left a large tip to thank him for his work as i was expecting to pay so much more. i've been back several times since then and always enjoy the experience of getting my hair cut by michael. he always remembers me and takes an interest in talking to me. i also got my hair bleached and toned here on a later visit; again it was exactly as i requested/described. the salon itself is nothing fancy but it's comfortable, friendly, and affordable. above all you leave having the hair you came in wanting! GO HERE! you won't be disappointed! read more

I went here maybe 5-6 times when I was a grad student and stopped going because of the attitude. I always came in as a walk-in because of my hectic school schedule, and their receptionist each time would scoff at me for not having made an appointment beforehand, even though there was nobody else in the waiting area and I was always seen immediately. "Please make an appointment next time" I would hear on my way out. Great way to treat your customers! Haven't been back since. read more

I'm looking at the reviews and I realized that this was a barbershop and I had no idea and have went there twice. Maybe if I had known initially I would have been more hesitant but both times I got a cut on my waist-length hair I had great experiences. I had my hair cut with swept side bangs both times and I had loved how it came out each time and I have for most years of my life thought bangs would never look good on me. read more

I started coming here after being disappointed with a couple spots in UC and tired of going into the center city. The cut is relatively cheap $19, most places in the city are $20 or more. There are two older guys that I have noticed cutting hair. Both of them have given me good haircuts, but nothing spectacular. They are also pretty accommodating and not too busy. There isn't anything as good as this place in UC for the price, but that really doesn't say much. read more

I've been getting my haircut here since I was born and Pete has never disappointed. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants a good haircut for a fair price. read more

Michael was great. I'm a woman with super curly hair, and usually a decent cut costs me ~60, and a really good cut costs ~80+. With Michael, I got what would be a $60 haircut for less than half that price, with a very friendly/efficient-but-not-rushed atmosphere. Just wish it was open a little later on weekdays. read more

Michaels is great. Its by go to stop now and I have been there a couple of times. I've always made an appointment and the service is always excellent. The best thing about Michaels is that its a nice family establishment with a good sense of community read more

One of the few places I got a good haircut around UPenn area. It's not a boutique shop, but you have to make an appointment. Mike cut my hair twice in a matter of several years and both times he did a fine job. I would recommend this old school barber shop. read more

This place ok not great at all.My advice is to get a appointment with the guy barbers weather your a women or guy.there good at cutting mens and womens hair. I got stuck with the lady barber there twice.(she's young and training)does not listen to what you ask. Just keeps cutting till I had to say stop cutting. please. Then had to get one the male barbers to save me for looking terrible.its a barber shop not a salon so if you want some cool hip punk like thing go to a salon. read more

Me: 28 y.o. Male living in Philly. I've been to Michael's a few times now and I love the place. Here a few reasons why: 1. It's a multigenerational store with a personal and genuine feel. The owners actually get to know you and make you feel welcome. They just don't make places like this anymore. 2. You get a great cut/style. I've lived in a lot of places and struggled to find someone who can actually listen to what I want and make it happen. I'm always extremely pleased when I leave. 3. Great service. I hear a few complaints on here about walk in troubles. Your best bet is to make an appointment, as walking in anywhere is always a risk. I don't see how that's a surprise to people, but I guess it needs to be said. There's almost always same day appointments available. Don't get fooled by some of the negative reviews on here. This place is great and you should give it a try. It won't disappoint. read more

Worst place ... Don't go here ... The lady who sits in the reception does not know to greet people with a smile ... Had the worst experience .. read more

I have been going to Michael's with my dad for over twenty years. I'm about to graduate from college and Pete gave me my first hair cut. Pete's father Michael opened the place, and Pete has been working there for decades. His son, Michael, is also a great guy who is an expert in his craft (on one occasion when Pete was out, Michael cut my hair -- only two times in my life did someone other than this family take scissors or trimmers to my hair). My dedication to Michael's isn't just a convenient sort of customer loyalty. When we moved outside of the city to Delaware County, my dad and I still went to Michael's. I live in New York City now and I STILL go back to Philly to get a trim. Those two times someone other than Pete or Mike cut my hair was when I was living in Spain. This is a classy place for classy people. I make sure to tidy up before I show up for an appointment (scheduling appointments recommended) because I know that Pete will be wearing suspenders and an all-silk tie. Go to Michael's! By the way, while they no longer accept credit cards, there is an ATM right inside. read more

I have been going to Michael's for 30 years. I wouldn't go to ANYBODY else. Pleasant great conversation and funny to boot. read more

Well let me start off by saying I'm only giving a one star because it wouldn't let me give none. Despite the awful hair cut I got , the racist barber AND I DO SAY RACIST FROM THE REMARKS I HEARD HIM SAYING AND COMMENTS BEING MADE. I told him about my bad experience I had with another hair salon/barber shop and he promised Me a better experience well the bald guy a little heavy set with glasses not the older man the other barver cut my hair. He did a horrible job uneven in the back. Very short up top to where it sticks up and my line in the back was not straight and very high up. I brought it to his attention and he said it was my hairs fault in other words my type of hair was not for the type of hair cut. ( I wish he would have mentioned it in the begginging ) well while I was in the waiting room waiting for my turn I heard his remarks on our BLACK PRESIDENT AND HOW ALL BLAC PEOPLE ABUSE WELFARE . Even if the hair cut was great I still wouldn't go back to that place after his rude ignorant remark were made. I mean come on dude its 2014 get over it . read more

We have been going to Pete for 23 plus years. He has given my two son's their first haircuts and even my daughter her first haircut. Both sons live in various parts of the country and still fly home to see Pete to get their haircut. While a rarity, if Pete is not available, Michael jumps in handles the job. Even their father started going to Pete when he was a young toddler. Now 51 years later, he still continues to see Pete. There are not enough positive words to describe Pete and Michael and all of the years of incredible service they have provided us and the community!! read more

cheap place close to home...they dnt need appointments though its good if you take one.....19$..can cut most of the basic cuts men and women..the owner is very friendly and so are the others who work here.... read more

I had a younger female cut my hair (I believe her name is Lynn), and she did a horrible job. I told her that I wanted my bangs and ends trimmed, and she basically cut straight across, promising to touch up the bangs at the end. The next thing I knew she said we were all done, she hadn't revisited my bangs, and they still looked like a straight line. I told her to make the edge a little more uneven, she gave me some attitude about not describing my desired haircut adequately, and then chopped off some pieces. Now one half of my bangs is way higher than the other, and I had to head straight to a wedding from that appointment. I can appreciate that the owner is probably very skilled, but unfortunately due to my one experience I will not be going back. I basically paid $23 (only left $2 in tip, which the receptionist gave me attitude about as well) for an elaborate hair wash and something I could have done a better job with myself. read more

Close classes and my apartment. Got an appointment quick, which was good. Walked to in to a very friendly pretty receptionist, who actually talked football with me while I waited , which i thought was pretty cool. Got my hair cut by Pete. Best cut I have had in a while. Only thing I didn't like was the other barbers conversation with his customer. Quite a few times he talked about "well if black people did that " or " the black man can do no wrong " "how about the white man , don't we matter " , just thought it was inappropriate and a little racist. But great cut by Pete, other dude , maybe you should keep your mouth shut read more

This is very good. I actually have not gotten a professional hair cut in a while, but this is absolutely worth the cost. I recommend it fully. If I get a professional hair cut again, I will go back to Michael's. read more

Nice to know your business is so great that you turn people away, all i did was ask for a service that you already provide. It even says it on your window. This is my complaint. I called and asked for a highlite and cut, pretty simple i think. My girlfriend got highlites here a while back when she was a freshman. She said it wasnt the best highlite, , but it was average and cheap. Though she said the guy who did it carried on a semi racist conversation that made her uncomfortable and smelled like feet, it was a goos price . As a student, every penny counts so i figure why not. I called to make an appointment. The receptionist put me on hold to i guess see where she could fit me in, thay wasnt the case. She came back and told me they couldnt give me an appt because they dont do that kind of work!?!?! Did i call the right place cause i swore this was a hair salon. Is it because i am a guy? While she was speaking to me i could here the guy in the background saying "i don't have time for that shit ". Well thats good to know. I went to Joesph Anthony and they took me, no problem. Came out great and the price wasnt bad at all. Since you didnt have time for me , then you won't have time for my frat brothers that all come there. Dont worry, they will all be going to Joesph Anthony now, they always have time for us and our SHIT! PS. I only give it 5 stars so it will be at the top of the page and not hidden on the bad review page read more

I went to Michael while I was at Penn for grad school. The location and price were great, and it was one of the better barber's haircuts I've gotten. I always loved talking to Michael and hearing the banter between him and the girls who worked there. If you want a quality cut and some good conversation, then make this your regular barber! read more

I guess the guy who cut my hair was the owner, he was skilled. No complaints.

I've been coming to Mike's for as long as I can remember. Mike has always done a tremendous job, and is always very friendly and welcoming. Will ALWAYS come here to get my hair cut. read more

2 weeks ago I went to Michaels for a haircut. I was told this was a good place to go on campus. I called and said i did not have a preference , so my appt was made with the girl Shelby. I walked in , was greated by the receptionist very nicely and was told to hang my jacket up and she would be right with me. As i was hanging my coat up , behind me i hear the girl who is about to cut my hair complaining that her last customer did not tip her and that the students are cheap. Great! And this is who is cutting my hair? I wanted to ask if someone else could do it, but both the other guys were busy. I expained what i wanted and sat there quiet after, being as though i am a cheap Penn student, i didnt want to say anything and offend her further ! It seemed to be taking a while, and once i saw 2 people get their haircut with the older gentleman, i knew i must have the slow person in the shop. My haircut took 55 minutes! !!! Once she was FINALLY DONE, she showed me the back and all i saw were lines in my head where she was SUPPOSED to blend my hair in. So not only was she rude and unprofessional for complaining about tips, she took an hour to give me a shitty haircut. Then she walks me to the desk and stood there while i payed, which i felt was like begging for a tip. But since i am a cheap penn student, i figured i would stay true to the name, and not tip her. She didn't deserve one anyway. On the brightside, as i sat there for an hour i did observe the other 2 men that cut there gave great haircuts. If you go here ask for one of them. And to the owner, if you see this , tell your employee standing over people when they pay is pressuring, and talking about penn students is not cool, being as though i am sure they make up a great deal of your clientel. I will recommend this place, but not THE GIRL, DONT GO TO HER !!! read more

A few of my friends have been here and they always say it's the place to go. I figured I would give it a try. I had my cut with the female stylist, I forget her name. I showed her a picture of exactly what I wanted. Which is the cut I always get at home. She proceeded to tell me that style would not work with my hair. So I just told her to get it as close as she could. Even though I know my hair, and I know it would work with my hair type. After 51 minutes to be exact , she finished the cut. Which made me late for my class. Didn't know a haircut took that long , but it's not like I could walk out with half a haircut. Though it wouldn't make a difference if it was half a cut or a full cut, because it turned out terrible. It looked nothing like what I asked her for. She tried putting product in my hair to make it look at least half decent , but there was no helping this cut. I could have done a better job. I normally don't post yelp reviews, but hair is important. You have to walk around everyday with it. Now I have to wait for the cut to grow out. Thank god for hats !!!! When you go here. Make sure you ask for a BARBER! read more