John understands my quirky gray curly/wavy hair. I feel fun and fresh after his cut.

First haircut since I moved here from Brooklyn- my wavy/ curly hair had not been cut since August 2023- and the whole experience wildly exceeded my expectations. First of all, Rutabaga salon = John. So, no distractions. Chill environment, John has quiet confidence & is comfortable in his skin, so you are instantly at ease. You can just be yourself. (Not every salon or stylist is like this- sometimes it feels like poser central & it's just exhausting.) We talked about what I wanted, he washed my hair, and cut it- conversation flowed easily, but I also sensed that if I just wanted to be quiet that would have been fine also. But- let's talk about the cut! Layers can go very wrong with my hair, so I have avoided them for 5 years. Length weighs my curls down so that it is wavy. When it is cut: boing! And my curl pattern is irregular. I don't blow it dry. My styling method is: wet my hair. Add non-silicon leave in conditioner (As I Am, Camille Rose, JVN). Maybe a little salt spray or tiny bit of oil once it dries. John, of course, knew this, because he *asked*. Post haircut- I wake up- my hair looks great. My hair looks amazing wet, too. The layers frame my face and don't do anything weird-- you have NO idea how many times that has not been the case. [The last time I had layers it was a "precision" cut and the stylist used some kind of cream full of beeswax that my porous hair sucked up. I looked like I had a wig. And of course that was the week I had my corporate head shot.] So, TL; DR: Reasonably priced, first-rate haircut. Focused, expert stylist who will put you at ease. TWO TIPS: parking for the salon is on E. Howard, so make the turn either right after you cross the railroad tracks or right before- depending on which way you are going. Book in advance!! Unsurprisingly, he stays busy. I booked my March appointment in February- it was well worth the wait, but don't expect to call & get a slot straightaway. read more

Rutabaga - Bad selfie, great cut - Hair Salons Near Me - Decatur, Georgia

John was able to cut my hair exactly like I wanted it but did not know yet! Now I bask in the compliments!

I had tried several places, both inexpensive and pricy, to get a haircut in and around Decatur. At Rutabaga I met John, who always listens to what I ask for and always seeks to improve on whatever cut he's doing. The price is very reasonable, and scheduling is easy. Also, love his choice of music! Have been getting my hair cut there for a couple years now, and recommend it to my friends! Anne P. read more

Rutabaga is a great spot if you want a quality haircut. I highly recommend John, he's a nice guy, very personable, and extremely skilled at his craft. It's hard to find somebody that can cut my hair well and he nailed it first cut! Photos below are two years after I got my first cut from him. read more

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John worked with me to set up a hair cut for my husbands birthday after 4 months without one (thanks, COVID). He was super responsive, gave him a great haircut and was very safe and professional about wearing a mask, etc. highly recommend!!!! read more

I found John and his salon on Yelp, and I'm sure glad I did. He was great to talk to and did a fantastic job with my cut. He's also easy to get in touch with for scheduling. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

I hadn't cut my hair in months due to the COVID pandemic. I found John here on Yelp and I'll just say, I found my new hair stylist. I'm actually happier with my cut from John than with my previous stylist. He's very prompt in replying, I got an appointment the following day and I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend him: fantastic stylist and a great conversationalist. Thank you John! read more

Well, I was having a crisis because my last hair in Atlanta moved to the Czech Republic. And it isn't feasible to fly back to Louisville to see my most recent hair person every few weeks. My hair is short, with a mind of its own, grows suoer fast, is very thick and needs someone with real skills. Even my dogs were booked with their groomer before I found my new hair person! My hair met its match with John. He is friendly and relaxed and he did an amazing job with my hair. He didn't rush, was careful, but didn't waste my time either. Rutabaga is my new hair place. read more

Fantastic value and stylish cuts. I have been going to Rutabaga for 8 years or so. Jon has helped me experience a variety of styles (and colors) over that time. He can give you suggestions if you don't know what you want or can do what you ask him to do. I have short hair and he cuts it in a way that I can go 6-8 weeks without looking I like I need to get it cut. He's able to see the way it will grow in - it's amazing how he does that. I've sent so many of my friends to Jon and everyone has had positive experiences. He's right next to Zucca near the square in downtown Decatur. I usually come on Saturday's and park by Eddie's or in the parking garage behind where Mick's used to be. read more

After years of going to cheap hair salons (you know the ones...) I decided to turn to a professional. Someone who will actually cut my hair the way it should be worn, and not just a $16 short back and sides for me to play with until it's time to do it all again! Rutabaga was a very cool spot and John is very friendly. He really took great care of my hair and cut it just the way I've always wanted but never gotten! When you decide to finally step up to someone who gives a rats ass about making you look good, definitely see if you can get an appointment to meet John. read more

Just the perfect touch of southern hospitality and charm that we needed. We were having a less than stellar trip to Decatur and awoke to find that the no tell motel that was the last room in the city last night, didn't stock shampoo. I set off in search of some and stopped in at Rutabaga on a whim as I was walking by. The delightful man who was there opening up shop was able to hook me up with some small samples for free. It's that kind of hospitality served up with a smile, even early in the morning that keeps us coming back to this charming place. read more

A gem. That is the best description of this salon and its owner/operator. One of the best haircuts I have ever received. I will definitely be returning. read more

A gem. That is the best description of this salon and its owner/operator. One of the best haircuts I have ever received. I will definitely be returning. read more

This place is great! Got my hair done yesterday and it was such a pleasant experience. John is very prompt at scheduling appointments and is a great conversationalist so it wasn't awkward for a first-time visit. He did a good job in bringing my vision to life. It's just him in the salon and we both wear masks so it's safe. I'm very happy with my haircut and would definitely return again. Highly recommend. read more

Crazy that I have not written a review on John considering how fabulous he is! John has been cutting my hair for a looooong time - 14 years maybe and I am pretty religious about going every 5-8 weeks depending on my style so that should tell you something. He is a cool guy and the cut is always wonderful. It grows out great and that to me is the true sign of a great style/cut. He has taken me through bangs, short hair, long hair, blunt, razor, layers, flippy hair and back again. John shows great style in all of the cuts he does so go check him out! read more

This place is an absolute gem. John actually spent time listening to my hair needs so he could give me a flattering cut that works for me. Highly recommended read more

John gave me an awesome haircut on my very first visit, despite the fact that I didn't do a great job explaining what I wanted! He was kind, funny, and a great conversationalist. Reasonably priced and great location. read more

Count me in on the raves for John. He has consistently done a great job cutting my hair for the past 5 years. Quality work and competitive pricing will keep me coming back. read more

Wonderful atmospere, and has a personal touch. The owner is very friendly and gives cool hair cuts.

John is the consummate professional in hair care! He provides a superb cut at the right price - and the way he cuts my hair allows it to grow out gracefully instead of me hating it after three weeks. I can't recommend him high enough - give him a try - you won't regret it!! read more