Master Class Barber NYC - Park Slope — Local services in New York

The same person had been cutting my hair since 1987, but she left New York last year and moved to Florida. Such a commute for a haircut, for me, would be untenable, as fond as I am of her and her work. I am no oil company exec with a private Lear jet.

I looked on social media for a shop not too far from home, which receives good reviews and isn't a fussy salon polluted with clouds of chemicals and hairspray hanging in the air, burning your eyes and choking you, while awful pop music plays too loudly in the background. Master Class Barber received five-star reviews across the board, except for one that seemed to be the bogus work of a disgruntled competitor. With all those positive reviews, I figured I'd take a chance and make an appointment.

I was greeted warmly by Lily and Berta. The shop is clean and comfortable, pleasantly appointed, and features old-fashioned, wonderfully upholstered traditional barber chairs, complete with forged footrests, like the ones in which I sat for haircuts when I was a boy in Charlie Battaglia's barber shop, in Queens. Additionally, the recorded music they play at Master Class Barber is light and relaxing.

Since it was my first visit and the appointment did not specify a barber, I was placed in the hands of a young man named Okan, who is from Asia Minor and is just learning English. Once or twice I used Google Translate to communicate, and, as comical as that may have been, it went just fine.

Working from a photo of the approximate style I wanted—since getting older I wanted something a little more dignified than the scruffy look I had been rocking for a long time—Okan gave me the best cut I have had since my friend left town.

Your first haircut at Master Class? Enjoy $10 off the usual cost, currently. I am delighted to have found this shop (and confess to having walked past it multiple times in the last year or so), and having connected with such a talented young barber. I'd recommend Master Class Barber to anyone who has been looking for a great haircut in a relaxed, low-stress atmosphere, by stylists who really know what they are doing. I do miss my old friend, but I know where I will be going for haircuts...

Came in with a bad haircut from a different barber, which to begin with is not an easy scenario for most.

Isak took the time to listen to what I had been trying to do, and even asked about what I was hoping to have my style as when my hair grew back in. This alone sets him apart from other barbers in my opinion!

This was the 3rd time I have visited his shop. During all my visits Isak has made sure to take his time and make sure each detail was right.

To wrap this up: He is the only barber currently operating out of this shop right now so I have never felt nervous walking into a situation where there are tons of people. He adheres to the requirements of covid and makes you feel safe/comfortable.

Highly recommend...

Came in the other day after not having my hair cut for about 6 months and boy did they bless me. The night before my sister gave me a perm and combined with my hair already long and looking like a mess I expected the process and judgement to be at a high coming in. But upon arrival I was met with nice people and an understanding staff. My Barber was Okan and man did he do a great job!!! I showed him a picture and he did amazing. It was a very timely cut and looked beautiful. He really gave me my confidence back. I highly recommend coming to this place and having either Okan or Berta cut your hair because these two were very welcoming and understanding for first timers such as...