Sweeney Todd's Barber Shop — Attraction in Los Angeles

If this is the best barber shop in LA, I'm in trouble. I don't do reviews often (ever), but this entire experience was atrocious.

I moved here from the DC/Baltimore metro area a little over a month ago, so I need to find a new barber. I had read a lot of positive things about Sweeney Todd's online so I thought I would give them a try.

To start, they are cash only. As of 4/25/17 this information is not on their website so you know in advance, and it's a cool $3 fee to get cash from the Chase Bank across the street. My old barber was also cash only so I suppose I should have known, but at least they warned you. That said I know what credit card companies charge businesses, I can let that slide.

Next I got into the barber's chair. I described what I always describe to my barber - a #2 on the sides, a bit longer on the top so I can part it if I want, but I don't have to. That's it. Oh- I also told him I had a couple job interviews later this week, which will come into play later. He then incorrectly guessed which side I part my hair on - something nobody has done, ever, because my cowlick makes it very obvious which side it should be parted on.

He must have had a cold, because throughout the haircut he kept sniffling, wiping his face with his hand, then proceeding to touch my hair with that same hand. He also asked me two more times which side I part my hair on. Not even at the beginning, over the course of the haircut he kept asking me what side I part on, so he couldn't have been paying attention to it while he was cutting.

At the end he's wrapping up and he tells me he's cut my hair with a proper part - because it looks more professional for the job interviews. I've been living and working in the DC metro area for 8 years, thank you. I don't need your advice on what looks professional. Then he hands me the mirror, and I discover he's given me a taper on the back, which I did not ask for. He then proceeds to tell me it is ALSO more business professional. To top it off he cut my cowlick too short, giving me an antenna at the back of my head. And since I don't cut the hair in back so short, the back of my neck is now irritated and will probably break out in the next couple days. This is not the haircut I asked for.

I'm a 31 year old experienced professional who now (generously) looks like an idiot kid angling for an unpaid...

Since I’ve moved to LA about 4 years ago, I typically never trust anyone with my stuff, LET ALONE my hair. Either I cut it myself or I’ve had friends do it with hand sheers “on the field” and I make it work.

I’ve been here once moons ago and just today, decided, that it’s time to give a proper barber a try again and I went back to the place I had a great experience with upon moving here. I’ve gone to plenty of “Traditional, Classic, and Rock N Roll” Barbers and Barber Shops over the years now and they’ve all turned into what feels more like a Salon than a Barber Shop and I never get exactly what I want be it the haircut, environment, the technician/barber/stylist (whateverthehell) or otherwise!

The Shop:

I’m a pretty simple guy, I don’t need much. The shop, I feel at home the moment I walk in the door, even when I’m the stranger. It’s not much, but it feels like home. As a collector of many things, it’s eye candy and appealing to know what Im looking at, despite maybe for some, being relics of the past. As much of a rouser and a rocker that I am, I do like the docile sounds of old Dance Bands, Big Band, Swing, etc etc etc. it’s relaxing. It’s cozy. It feels like going to a nice quiet Pub, after a long day and just vegging out over a pint and a dram.... but getting your haircut.

I know what you’re thinking, where do I get this?

Anyhow,

The Barber:

I had the opportunity of having my ears lowered by Ben and I just gave an initial and upwards of 5 words (ok maybe more than 5, but you get it) on how I wanted my hair. Ducktail the Back. Quiff. Tony Curtis.” Knew EXACTLY what I wanted and was vocal about my likings through entire process. How I wanted my waterfall/(elephants) trunk, on and on. It’s exactly what I wanted and all I need is a running Jalopy and we’re ready to go! Plus, my wife likes it, so that puts the icing on the cake.

I’ll be back again and to see the Homeboy Ben next time I need solid cut!

You guys Rock.

P.S.

Don’t listen to these other jokers on here about this and that. They’re just material girls in a material world and if they wanted modern cuts or whatever the hell weird fade and indentions, LA is lousy with salons that will give you the BroCut or whatever jingo-jango you’re looking for. Do your...

You will be hard pressed to find a better barber shop in Los Angeles. Not only are the barbers consummate professionals who deliver masterful cuts every time, but the shop itself is a work of art. The owner, Sween, has worked his ass off to create an atmosphere and present an experience that will take you back to a time when delivering a higher standard of craftsmanship really mattered. Make an appointment online, show up on time, and get yourself the best haircut of your life. Also, be a gentleman when you walk in. No drinks, no food, keep your feet off the banquette, and no talking on your phone. And if for some crazy reason you're not happy with the cut, look your barber in the eye and say so. Don't run home to yelp about it like a sissy pants...