Balkan Barber — Attraction in Jersey City

Al and the gang are truly top notch and wonderful people through and through. Coming out of the stay at home order here in NJ, the last time I had cut my hair was in early February, and my hair was longer compared to where it normally is (~4 on top and 3 inches on the sides). My barber of 10+ years had closed unfortunately in Jan as the owner of the building sold to a new Buyer, so I was looking for a new barber.

I did alot of research on the boards, between Yelp and Google (and the Jersey City subreddit, ha). After going through, I decided on Balkan because it seemed to have universally positive reviews and was just a train stop away from JSQ where I lived. I booked an appointment for Thursday the 9th at 2pm and walked in thinking I'd have to wait 15-30 minutes like at other shops. Instead, I was brought in within 1 minute of arrival.

The barbershop is a really unpretentious and modern shop. It's got a clean air conditioned feel, with the brick interior giving it that intimate touch. Alex and Reza (the two other barbers) and Al had such a great rapport. They were off on a Starbucks run and the three were joshing one another out the door. The minute I walked in Al greeted me amicably and asked me how I liked to cut my hair. I showed him 2 pictures (front and side view) of my normal classic tapered side part and he immediately understood. Within 20 minutes he cut down my mop head down to a very professional and clean side part. I was personally blown away.

Al blew away every one of my expectations. It was a truly wonderful experience for me. He's a virtuoso and a perfectionist when it comes to hair. As the haircut progressed, he always took 10 seconds to ensure that we were going in the right direction. He was also a very pleasant conversation with a love of life and a positive attitude which is much needed during these trying times. I'm very happy I've found a professional who I can return to in the coming months (and hopefully years) for my haircuts. For anyone who was in my position, or for anyone who is looking for a high quality haircut, I would give my full endorsement to Balkan....

Before meeting Al, the quaint shop was a hairdresser that never seemed to be open. As soon as Al took over, the entire block of Barrow between Columbus and Newark seemed to be reinvigorated with new life and energy. He turned the spot around overnight and developed a sophisticated barbershop that caters to the much-needed market in-between the extremes of prices offered in the local Jersey City neighborhoods. Since opening, I've brought my son, from infant to toddler, to hang out practically daily, and watched Balkan Barber grow. Over a couple years, Al added two new chairs and went through a few hair stylist professionals, all of whom dedicated their time to stay up-to-date with cutting techniques and education in their trade. With each friendly stylist having their own methods and styles, the Balkan Barbers (Al and, as of this review, Alex, Reza, Desiree) have earned my trust to cut my hair anytime. And while I've seen some crazy situations at barbershops over the years, the other day, I've recently experienced probably the most impressive thing I will ever see, EVER. I was in Al's chair getting cleaned and a fly the size of pea started flying right between myself and mirror... Al mumbles something about fly and quickly snaps his forward. The fly seemed to bounce in midair and I realized that Al actually hit the fly and managed to snip off the wing and practically cut the fly in half! I've only seen that done in the Karate Kid... my barber is...

I started getting my hair cut by Al a few months ago when my barber of 10+ years had to take a leave of absence due to medical reasons. For anyone who has had the same barber for that long they understand how difficult it is to find a new barber. A few buddies recommended Al and let me tell you, I have gotten the best haircuts of my life. I am not an easy customer to accommodate. Every time I go in I have a different way I want my hair cut, whether that be from the length of the top to how high I want my skin fade to go. And Al, ever the professional has the conversation with me and gives his honest opinion and I am beyond satisfied with every haircut. He is a true professional in every sense of the word and a master using both the scissors and clippers. This is not to mention the environment of the shop, which is extremely welcoming. On one occasion my pregnant wife tagged along and not only did all of the barbers congratulate her and I but the other patrons did as well. This barbershop has the feel of an old time neighborhood shop in the sense that everyone is super friendly and welcoming. This was my honest review of a shop that I really enjoy being a customer of, an extremely talented barber, and an all...