My go to barber. Great tapers and haircuts for all men. Any of the barbers is good, only thing is you'll need to make an appointment by phone (their website doesn't work). Call in advance read more

Come here every month-month and a half. My boy Lucas gets me right! Knew exactly how to style my type of hair (curly, difficult to manage), but he got the job done! I leave every time feeling good and looking even better, he won't let you down! Mad chill too, the barbers are usually just talking, with the TV on in the back and some cool music in the backdrop. Overall 10/10. I come here pretty often. read more

Excellent detail oriented barber (sorry I forgot your name but you were still in training I believe). Fit me in last minute while staying at the Watergate Hotel. Made my day. Thanks guys. Would go again in a second. read more

I've been to this Barber shop three times. Three different occasions, the first time the barber shop was close it was near closing and I was turned away, the second time the barbershop was not closing it was lunchtime and again I was turned away with claims had too many appointments. Today is my third time entering the barbershop I set about 20 minutes while the barbers played around on already done haircuts and communicated in spanish on how they did want to cut my hair. I was then approached and told to wait for another barber about an hour. No one was seated waiting but myself yet they all had back to back appointments(3 barbers) in my 31 years never has this happened, it's clear they didn't want to service me. IF YOUR NOT WHITE OR LATINO OR RESPECT PEOPLE FOR WHO THEY ARE DONT GO TO THIS PLACE! Mediocre cuts at best and to think I only wanted a beard trim..... WORST SERVICE EVER! -USMC VET, MED STUDENT AND HRC ACTIVIST. read more

Watergate Cuts - Empty seats - Barbers Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Hector is consistently the best haircut I've ever had, and it's not even close. Every single time he nails it. He takes lots of care and precision, which I really appreciate. Totally worth the money. Call ahead to make an appointment. read more

Isa is my favorite. Father of Hector, he is meticulous in his barbering technique. Great attention to detail. Very personable.

EXCELLENT haircut at a reasonable price from good people. My wife is particular and she won't let me get my hair cut anywhere else (been a loyal customer since March 2016). My hair is curly and unruly, but they manage to find the part and tame it every time. I've gotten great cuts from a number of the barbers here, but I choose Carlos when he's available, because he's especially precise, efficient, and personable. Highly recommend! read more

Needed a haircut, was in DC. Thought a cut at the watergate would be cool nostalgia for a rural Oregon hippie. Was impressed with the cut, nice atmosphere, decent price. read more

Watergate Barbershop is an institution for no-nonsense haircuts. I'm a regular customer with Phil (been going for the last 15 years off and on). Be sure to make an appointment in advance. The building has been undergoing extensive renovations in the last few months, so it can be noisy at times with sledgehammers outside. I would give this place 5 stars, except for the horrible noise of renovations... If you're a GW student or young adult (age 18-35), just call and make a haircut appointment with Hector or Jose (they specialize in modern cuts that are more "hip" for youngsters). If you're middle-aged like me (age 36-55) and a father with young kids, the owner (Phil) does a superb job if you don't like change. Case in point: I have kept the same haircut style for the last 15 years. For older customers (age 56+) or VIP celebrities, you may want to consider an appointment with Mr. Mello (a charming avuncular gentleman with a delightful Italian accent). You do feel like you're family when you come in as a regular customer. But it can be an intimidating place for a first-time visitor. Just make an appointment, chat about your favorite football team/weather, or meditate while the masters do their work. I actually like the background "locker-room banter" between the barbers, which helps to remind you this is NOT a fancy hair salon. For that, you can walk next door to the Watergate Hair Salon and plunk down $100 for the experience... If $24 is too expensive, there's always Hair Cuttery, Cartoon Cuts, or Vietnamese barbers over in the Eden Center (Falls Church, VA). But buyer beware... Watergate Barbershop is an institution that I hope will remain in DC for many more years. read more

I've been going to the Watergate Barber Shop since I was an undergrad at The George Washington University. It has been 5 years since I graduated. Since then I have moved to Arlington, and now just moved to Fairfax, and I still make my way in to DC to see Jose. These guys are affordable, give a great haircut, and provide that true Italian Barber Shop feel I had growing up in New York City. Plus they do straight razor shaves! read more

This was my first haircut here and I made an appointment with hector I showed him a couple pics of how I would like my hair and beard cut and he absolutely exceeded my expectations. Best hair cut I had in a long time. For my hair and beard cut I payed 32$ (plus tip because it was that good),I recommend this barbershop great work (Jon) read more

Watergate Cuts - Haircut and beard done by Hector - Barbers Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I asked for a taper on the sides but to keep most of the length on the top and let it fall over the tights sides. But he didn't understand it and just took clippers and took all the length I had on the top of my head that fell to the sides. Do not reccomend read more

Update: I still go to the Watergate to see my man Hector. The place has been totally remodeled and looks amazing. The staff are still top notch and remember every detail about my hair so I look great without worrying about telling them how to cut it. Prices are reasonable compared to what other places in DC are charging. I don't even live in DC any more but still make the trek to the Watergate because I know it is worth every penny. read more

The people are wonderful and it looks like the top classy place. If I was a man getting a haircut and easy I would want to go to this Watergate cuts. They are very special people they listen and I found the whole entire experience to be fun even though I put effort in you know what one of my yelps has got over 2000 Armenian restaurant, it was my friend having it done I got totally wiped out! read more

I just transferred to GW and needed a good haircut at an affordable price. I went for a cheaper option ($22) elsewhere and was not happy with the results. I made a same day appointment and walked over (very close and walkable for GW students). Just go down the escalator under the Watergate and you'll find it. My barber was Carlos and I showed him a couple pictures and asked for a 4 on the back and sides and trim in the front. I got exactly what I hoped for - an excellent haircut. I will be returning when I need my next haircut and expect Watergate barber shop to be my go-to for however long I am living in Foggy Bottom. The cut was $28. read more

Hector is an incredible barber! Easily one of the best barbers in dc. Have been going here for years!

There isn't any "cronyism"--but the barbers do have regular customers and honor appointments, which you can call and set up over the phone. So that's why Robert kept getting jumped in line, which the barbers would have explained, had he asked. As a regular customer (who occasionally gets to jump the line), I've been thrilled with the Watergate barbershop; the cuts are good and quick, the price is reasonable for the area, and my regular barber (Jose) is incredibly kind and respectful. The selection of adult magazines isn't for everyone, but they always have Sports Illustrated, which is perfectly timed reading for a 20-minute haircut. read more

I gave this place about 5 chances, and I guess that's my own fault. It was on the pricey side, but it was the only place I knew of nearby so I sucked it up. My main issue with this place is that my haircuts always come out uneven and too short. Every time, I told them to take an inch off and then they took off 2. Then after I got home and showered, I realized it was uneven and had to trim it myself to try to make it even. My parents flat out told me to stop going there because I looked bad for interviews. Also, the barbers, rather than talking to the customers, talk to each other in Spanish. That is just bad customer service. I'm not a fan of barbers who feel like they need to make conversation throughout the entire haircut, but I also don't want them joking around with each other when they should be focusing on trimming my hair. One time I made a reservation and got to jump the line, resulting in dirty looks from everyone else who was waiting. I felt terrible. So every other time I just walked in. The most recent time, they told me they were rather busy and that I would have to wait a half an hour during which I was jumped by other people. There's just no winning. I think they should require reservations during peak hours to avoid these fiascos. read more

Watergate Barbershop is an institution for great haircuts. I'm a regular customer with Javier for the last 4 years. Be sure to make an appointment in advance. If you're a young adult, just call to make a haircut appointment with Hector or Javier (they specialize in modern cuts). Professional barbers and friendly people. read more

I have been going here for almost two years. My relationship with a barber or a hair stylist is like that with a doctor or dentist: once I find a good one, I stick with him or her. Well, I found that in Jose who works at the Watergate Barber Shop. I highly recommend him. After years of spending over $30 or more on a haircut at other barber shops and salons, I am very pleased with the high-quality cut I get from Jose at the Watergate Barber Shop for only $22. Do yourself a favor: call for an appointment. When I was a kid, I got my hair cut at a barbershop, but my parents always made an appointment. I frankly don't get those who complain, as other reviewers have, because they expect to walk-in and immediately get a cut without any hurdles. read more

Always an excellent haircut at an excellent price for D.C. These guys really take their time to make sure that it looks good - I've moved around a lot over the past few years and I think that their cuts are the most consistent and the best looking, better than other places that I've paid over $40 for! I highly reccomend Hector Gaona, I usually go to him and always leave looking good read more

I've been coming here for quite some time now and they never disappoint. The staff is friendly and flexible. The shop itself is COVID friendly, modern, clean and a positive ambience. Every barber is skilled and creative. I am glad to have found watergate cuts. From what I've seen customers leave happy with their fresh cuts. I highly recommend Carlos. read more

Tucked away in the Watergate Complex, this little shop exceeded my expectations. It was early June, and I had gotten off work early on a Friday. I got in around 2:15 and found an empty shop. I didn't have an appointment, and was immediately greeted by one of the guys. Note: I am told this joint frequented by George Washing University students nine months of the year- I had just come at a time when students were away for summer vacation. My cut of choice is pompadour meets Asian hair, so you can imagine the difficulty most shops have in orchestrating this look. Apparently, my barber never got that memo since he masterfully cut and styled my hair. He's an artist and was professional throughout the entire cut. One thing that impressed me the most about him was how meticulous and thorough he was in cutting and shaping my hair. Most places run a chop shop-like operation (literally and figuratively- See Gentleman's Quarters in Alexandria), where they buzz you and assume every single hair on your head lay perfectly in one direction. This guy was unassuming, and made sure no hair was out of place. While the emptiness of the shop on that Friday in early June could have been a variable on whether he would have been so careful and precise, I'd like to think that he's that way always. I will return and make an appointment with this guy. I highly recommend this joint. read more

This is my second dc barber review and the first was Puglisi. Watergate Barber (wgb) is really hidden away in the complex. I live in the complex and only just discovered this place, which is a total old school barber experience. The Cut: From Javier was a good quick cut and a hot lather shave for my neck and side burns. If you know what you want you should be just fine. If you have special needs or difficult hair you may want to try the place out ( I have challenging hair). The Shop: WGB is old... The place could use some spiffing up IMHO but hey the haircuts are cheap and hair grows back... Overall lots of regulars in before me which is a good sign. If you don't want to roll the dice on a barber elsewhere this place should be serviceable. read more

If you're not a patron of Watergate Barber then I pity the fool. Like a finely made Italian Suit - which coincidentally as an undergraduate at GWU I have yet to experience - this is a top notch, well constructed haircut. I simply ask for a trim and I fully trust each and every barber to do an excellent and detailed job. Location: Thanks to Nixon, I can now appreciate the fascinating historical significance of the building complex in which I get my haircut. Quality: Refer to Italian suit analogy. Price: A happily paid slight premium for a far superior service. read more

Cuts are always pretty good. If there are ever any issues, I usually only seem to realize them when I'm nitpicking in my mirror at home. the only thing I have issues with are the prices. They charge $26 for a beard trim? Since I've moved away from Foggy Bottom, I'm not going to be going here anymore because $26 is way too much. read more

Best haircuts in the city. I've been going to Carlos for a few years now and he always kills it. He takes a lot of pride in his craft. Highly recommend. read more

Very respectable and well maintained barber shop. I came in with a mess of hair and Hector did a wonderful job cutting my hair to my specifications and his own recommendations. Like several others have stated, if you're a GW student or young person, make an appointment with Hector. As for the price, it is definitely on the higher side but you do get a quality haircut from quality people. NOTE: Bring cash read more

I enjoy going here to get my haircut and will on only let Carlos cut my hair. He takes his time and is very detailed oriented. (He doesn't rush through the cut.) Between the price and the customer service is the reason why I wont go anywhere else. read more

UPDATE ! This catapults "Meh. I've experienced better" into a whole new plane of existence. I'm updating this review to say that I no longer go to Watergate Barber. Instead I go to Puglisi Haircuts which is but a half-mile away on 21st and Penn. I like Watergate Barber, the guys there are friendly and the haircuts are OK. It's just that on my first visit to Puglisi, they just got it right. Every time I have been there (three times only) I've gotten compliments on my haircut, which is very strange because it's pretty plain and ordinary. In fact I had a good friend who told me that he thought my cut was actually bad when I went to Watergate. Wow! If only we could all be honest with each other, then world would be a much better place (not to mention people's hair would probably look nicer). read more

The waiting area is small, but don't be disappointed or turn away because these barbers can cut. They advertise that they can get any time of man's hair from what I saw today they read more

Stumbled onto this barbershop while having a dental appointment nearby. I'm always sceptical of a place I don't know as you can't take back a haircut. Not sure of the name of the guy who cut my hair but he did a good job overall. Price of $26.00 is higher than I normally have paid for a barber though. Maybe it's just because it's the Watergate. Not sure. But I decided to do it out of convenience since I was there. Only thing that turned me off about the place was the level of cleanliness at the work station. Hair everywhere. I could see it on the counter, in the drawers and had to wonder how clean the razor was and if it had been cleaned between cuts. Presentation is important and keeping a clean workstation makes people not fear that they will catch something if you cut their hair from your work. When I walked in three out of the four barbers were just sitting around so there was no excuse for not cleaning the workstation. They weren't that busy. Thus only a three star rating. Credit Cards aren't accepted. You need to have cash or a check. Makes no sense to me why they wouldn't take a card in this day and age. They say there is an ATM nearby though. Luckily I had cash on me. read more

Stumbled upon this place getting a great hoagie and I am so happy I did. This is seriously the best cut I've ever had. These guys know what they are doing and work hard to perfect your cut. I will be back. read more

The stars of the show at Watergate Barber are a pair of Paraguayan guys who do a very fine job of cutting hair. They are thorough, sure handed, and efficient. When they cut my hair, I always leave looking good. That said. I was in a rush the other day and sat down with the owner. I might have done better to through several hedge trimmers in a bag with a badger and put my head in and hope for the best. His butchery was so bad I immediately went up the street to have it fixed. As ever, it's not the shop but the person holding the scissors. read more

I am a fan of Watergate Barber, it is a true barbershop. The price is awesome (though, i would prefer if they took credit cards, that is why I only gave it 4 Stars). read more

Great place. Good clean haircut. They do a good beard trim as well.

[+] a/ old fashion barber shop. get service of family owned business without being too expensive. b/ make sure to ask for student discount (cash only option) read more

Maybe the best haircut I have ever gotten. Make sure you bring cash.

Javier is wonderful. Fast. No nonsense. Knows what he's doing. I have thick hair that grows in multiple directions and yet he still gives me what I want without any problems. It is a little bit on the expensive side, but the price is justified given the quality. read more

Only complaint is it cost $24 for a basic buzz cut. Other than that, staff was very friendly, took awhile to cut but that's okay. Even had an expresso while getting haircut. I would recommend, just more expensive that most places. read more