Los Angeles' Best Affordable Haircut 2008

Laidback Abbot Kinney salon lures local hipsters with first-time haircuts for less than the cost of their vintage denims.

Reviews:

• “Best Trim Anywhere”
• “Dina saves the day!!!!!”
• “really worth the wait”
• “Its a Girl!!!”
• “Yay im a Blonde…a natural, pretty blonde.”

Tips: Every year during September’s Abbot Kinney Street Festival, the salon hosts a theme party and gives trims outside amid the festivities.

trim. or email trim.

Pooch Johnny (named for actor Depp, of course) and the rest of the crew at this Fairfax salon bring fun, familiarity and style to the L.A. beauty shop scene.

Reviews:

• “Go see Tonya for Eyebrow Waxing and Shaping!”
• “Best. Damn. Haircut. Ever.”
• “Best haircut in L.A.”
• “the goo crew”
• “Kristal Rose ROCKS!”

Tips: The salon’s resident mascot is Johnny, an adorable two-pound Yorkie who is known to greet customers with his best canine smile.

Goo

This former industrial space is now one of Hollywood’s hippest barbershops.

Reviews:

• “Schlock Cuts”
• “Big ego, little experience”
• “Silver Lake – yes. Santa Monica – no.”
• “good coloring, cuts, and personalites….”
• “Rudy’s Santa Monica”

Tips: Appointments are not accepted, but you can call ahead of time to put your name on the waiting list.

Rudy’s Barber Shop

Let your hair blow off some steam at this salon where the scalp treatments with massage are a cut above the rest.

Reviews:

• “Best Hair cut and color in town with amazing ambiance”
• “The best salon in LA”
• “THE BEST SALON AND STAFF IN ALL OF LOS ANGELES!!!”
• “Best Colorist!!”
• “Steam makes you feel like home….with great hair!”

Tips: Two-hour street parking is available on Harper Avenue, but be aware that it does turn to permit-only weeknights after 6pm as well as on weekends.

Steam or email Steam

Salon has a traditional aesthetic with classic hair dryers, but offers fashionable hair cuts from an expert stylist.

Reviews:

• “Vaksberg Salon@ LaPeer Beauty”
• “Great experience”
• “I love Irene!”
• “Great Haircut”
• “Great highlights, cuts, and overall service!”

Tips: Consultations on services are free.

Vaksberg Salon @ La Peer Beauty or email Vaksberg Salon @ La Peer Beauty

Casual and friendly unisex salon where celebs and non-celebs go for cut, color and style from a famed, former Umberto hair stylist.

Tips: Walk-ins are accepted, but not encouraged. It’s best to call in advance for an appointment—especially on weekends, when the salon is busiest.

Jose of Beverly Hills

Fairfax-area barber provides affordable trims and cutting-edge style in a laidback yet rockin’ atmosphere.

Reviews:

• “Won’t take my hair anywhere else.”
• “Choose your stylist wisely, recommendation enclosed”
• “5 stars? I don’t think so—one’s more like it.”
• “Miles cut my hair and he was great!”
• “SEE ASHLEY!”

Tips: Long wait? Don’t stress: Free WiFi is available.

Shorty’s Barber Shop or email Shorty’s Barber Shop

No-frills massage and facials in the privacy of a renovated Silver Lake apartment.

Reviews:

• “Best bikini wax ever!”
• “worst hair cut ever!”
• “So happy Alisa is back”
• “GREAT HAIR!”
• “great haircut, great color”

Tips: Unless your treatment necessitates a shower (i.e. body wraps), time will be deducted from your appointment and must be pre-scheduled. Towels are provided—bring your own toiletries.

MoDem Salon & Spa or email MoDem Salon & Spa

Laidback Fairfax salon offers edgy cuts without a hipper-than-thou attitude.

Reviews:

• “I love this place!”
• “Lilly Olmedo is an amazing and gifted stylist/visionary!”
• “awesome cut and color with chevonne!”
• “My locks belong to Holly – tried and true”
• “Chevonne Moore, best stylist in the city”

Goodform or email Goodform

Haircuts, blowouts, styling or a shave with a side of rock and roll.

Reviews:

• “Terrific Stylist-customer connection”
• “SOOOO much more pretentious than they deserve to be”
• “Awesome Cut and Color- why would you go anywhere else? ?”
• “WORST HAIRCUT EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
• “Worst Men’s Haircut I’ve Ever Received!!!”

Tips: Appointments are only accepted for coloring and more complex treatments, but you can call ahead up to 30 minutes before your arrival to put your name on the wait list.

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop