Nicholas L.
Yelp
Haircuts are a subjective affair, but when 95% of the places I've been to leave me a satisfied customer, it's safe to say I'm not one of those types who is overly picky with my hairstyle. Either that, or my hair is just that easy to cut.
The difference between a barber and a stylist is akin to a line cook and a chef; a barmaid and a mixologist; a Friday night trick and a lifelong spouse. It's the difference between doing one thing (and hopefully doing it right), and truly knowing your craft. Knowing the trends, understanding the emerging tools of the trade, and continually striving to improve your listening comprehension that elevate your knowledge and passion into a profession.
The guys are Rudy's aren't even in the same stratosphere as your basic stylist. And the problem is, nor are they even worthy of being called "a barber." No, they're worse. The staff not only possess none of the aforementioned qualities, but they don't (or can't) even do the most basic of a barber's job well. I asked to keep my sideburns long - they shaved them off. I asked to leave my hair long enough to create a part -- they clipper it all down to an inch, long enough to spike, and that's about it. As the finishing touch, they cut the front straight across, creating an ostensible bowl cut. I mean, when has a bowl cut EVER been in fashion, save for when you were three? I even walked in with a hat on, but they didn't bother to wet my hair down -- they just started cutting with my hat-hair and all! How do you figure out your lines, angles and proportions when the "canvas" is completely lopsided to begin with??
Don't expect a hairwash or any product at the end, either.
Hey, I'm all for mom n' pop small business, and I realize it's $13. I only made the trip here because I'm new to the area and didn't feel like driving 45 minutes through traffic to get to a Floyd's Barbershop. But after this experience, I'll gladly make my way through rush hour just for a barber/stylist who listens. These guys do not know their trade, do not understand their customer, and cannot provide a decent service even at bargain prices. It doesn't matter if you want a newer style, explain in detail what you're looking for, or give specific directions on how to clean-up your look. They only know how to do one thing, and they can't even do that well. They don't run a worthwhile business.
Even at $13, avoid at all costs. My $0.02.