Epic Barber Shop NYC — Local services in New York

POV: It's Monday, and you're holding onto your full head of afro hair like it's your pride and joy, but your partner's 40th birthday dinner is just days away, so you want a subtle trim to look sharp for the occasion. You consider the local Barber School for a budget-friendly cut, but the line's a mile long, and you’re not about to trust an inexperienced apprentice with your look for such a milestone event. You search "Black men Barbershop near me" and stumble upon Epic Barbershop, a short walk away. Boasting "expert service since 1992," it seems like a safe bet for a polished cut. Spoiler: it’s a catastrophic letdown.

You walk into a barren shop, chairs empty, vibes desolate. You call out twice, feeling like a fool, and wait five agonizing minutes before a barber finally emerges from the back. He’s polite enough, asking, "Have you been waiting long?" No, just long enough to regret this already. You ask about the price, and he quotes a number that’s an outrageous 13 times what the Barber School charges for the same service. You push for a discount, but he shrugs, claiming he’s "just an employee" with no control over pricing. It stings, but it’s your partner’s big day, so you swallow the cost, hoping their "experience" justifies it.

He asks what you want: a light trim, nothing drastic, just clean and neat to complement your afro’s natural shape. You show him a photo to avoid any mix-up, even offer a second for clarity, but he waves it off like he’s got it all figured out. You emphasize shorter sides, longer top, as shown. He nods, mumbles some jargon about clipper sizes (like you’re supposed to know what that means, this isn’t your job!), and starts cutting. The second he buzzes the top, you flinch. It’s way shorter than requested, chopping off half the length you wanted to keep! You protest, and his pathetic excuse? "That’s the longest size we have." Longest? You’ve got to be kidding!

Back home, the mirror reveals the disaster: you paid a small fortune, expecting a refined look for this milestone birthday dinner, only for this careless barber to butcher your afro, ignoring every instruction. The cut’s so short it exposes the uneven contours of your skull. Insecurities you’ve expertly hidden since your teens are now laid bare for all to see. You shelled out premium cash to shine for a special night, but you’re left looking worse than when you walked in, with no way to fix it in time. It’s not just a bad haircut. It’s a betrayal of trust, a slap in the face for an event that matters.

I’ll never step foot in Epic Barbershop again. Calling it "epic" is a cruel joke. Thirty-three years of "experience" apparently means mastering how to ruin hair and charge a fortune for it. Save your money, your hair, and your dignity. Head to the Barber School instead. You’ll get a better cut from students who actually listen, for a fraction of the price. Avoid this place like it’s cursed. Your afro...

So: this is not a fake review. I'm a college professor. I work on 42nd St across from Bryant Park and this has my barber shop for the last 9 or 10 years. Until a couple years ago it was called "Lana's" and it was also very good back then. Mansour took over the place now that Lana retired. When it was Lana's, Mansour was my favorite barber, but all the barbers were good and probably they still are.

I actually waited 2 weeks, for Mansour to get back from vacation, so I could get my haircut there today. I don't go anywhere else in New York, ever. The staff is friendly and professional, but also efficient in the way you want from a barber in New York. I hate getting a 40 minute haircut. This place it's usually 15 minutes. Sometimes there is 10-15 minute even if you call ahead, if they try to fit too many people into their schedule, but it's still worth calling ahead to know the best time to show up. I care about this place and I want it to survive. I always add a $5 tip because I appreciate the...

PERFECT. Best haircut I can remember!!! I came in with a prior cut that was uneven and asymmetrical, the guy repaired it and made my hair badass af while being so relaxing, open, and precise. Everyone's SUPER friendly, calm, welcoming, and diligent there!! My guy focused & took his time but was still fast - he switched razor sizes about 7 times and shaped me up so delicately despite the fact that I came in an hour before closing!!! You're in for a surprise - they have these wonderful little parakeets too!! They're so cute and stayed quiet except for the occasional birdsong💕The building is on 2nd floor, not easy to spot - the lobby is golden & full of mirrors (which is ideal after haircut to check yo self out)! My new place, I will ALWAYS support them!! BEST haircut I can remember!!! Will recommend to my dad & will choose it over my usual spots in Chinatown, Chelsea, etc. Great...