Idle Hand Barber Shop — Local services in Bradley Beach

I used to take my 3 year old son to this barber shop every few weeks until we had an unacceptable incident with a barber there. I used to go with my nanny to get my son’s hair cut while on maternity leave but then I had to return to work so my nanny continued taking him. I get a call from my nanny one day saying the barber is refusing to listen to her bc I always instruct her to tell the barber to cut his hair shorter in the back and would show her where I wanted it trimmed extra. Apparently this rubbed the barber the wrong way and then he charged her an extra $10 for the inconvenience (kid cut is $35 but she was charged $45). It should be noted that she speaks some English but it’s limited at times (she mostly speaks Spanish). I call the shop where the barber states she arrived 15 mins late and is always late to the appointments. I knew something was not right because that is very out of character for her and she’s always 5 mins early to appointments. The barber then proceeds to tell me that the only way he will continue to cut my son’s hair in the future is if I accompany him and not the nanny! It wreaked of racism and prejudice! I couldn’t believe what I was hearing on the phone. I explained that I know he was over charging her for the cut so he agreed to giver her back the difference but asked that only I come with my son or don’t bring him back for haircuts! My nanny was so upset and I could also hear my son crying in the background from the commotion. Disgusting behavior...

Short review: Stop reading and go book with Tom right now!

Longer Review: I have to be wary of new shops because my thick/curly hair isn't easy for some barbers to cut, but it's clear why this place has quickly entered the conversation for best barbershop in Asbury Park / Bradley Beach. The crew and shop's overall vibe is immaculate. Fun, laid back, and welcoming without the "too cool" attitude you get at other spots in the area.

The barbers all seem to be carefully selected/trained but I have to give a special shoutout to Tom! I've never met a friendlier barber, nor one who cares so deeply both about the haircut he's giving and the person sitting in his chair. He exudes positive energy and cares enough to listen to what you want and will work with you to get it right. A lot of barbers try to cut my thick/curly hair the same as everyone else. But Tom patiently heard me out, made recommendations, and even stayed a bit longer to get it right, despite the fact that I was his last haircut of the day and nearly everyone else had gone home. I left with a super clean cut and beard trim/line up instead of another "one-size-fits-all" fade.

Needless to say, highly recommend this shop and I'll...

I love Idle Hand! This place is a gem, and it’s all thanks to Tom, who’s not just a great barber but also a fantastic guy to chat with. He's been cutting my hair since 2016, and every haircut is better than the last.

From the moment you walk in, Idle Hand exudes a fun and relaxed vibe that sets it apart from the typical barbershop experience. The rock n roll decor and music create an inviting and unique atmosphere that makes getting a haircut feel like a special occasion rather than a chore. It’s a place where you can unwind, enjoy some great tunes, and leave looking sharp.

Tom’s expertise is evident in every cut he gives. He listens carefully to what you want and delivers with precision, all while keeping the conversation engaging and entertaining. His laid-back style and knack for creating a friendly, welcoming environment make every visit a pleasure.

The rest of the staff mirrors Tom’s easygoing demeanor, contributing to a fun and inclusive atmosphere that makes Idle Hand Barber Shop stand out. Highly...