Friendly Barber Shop

After reading the great, albeit dated, reviews for Friendly Barber Shop, I decided to use my day off today to pay my own visit to this establishment and make my own mind up.
The photos definitely depict an accurate representation. I was very pleased with what I saw — a vary quiet, laid-​back, no non-​sense, old fashioned barber shop — magic!
I felt very relaxed on stepping inside — Kuya Eric welcomed me this early afternoon and I quickly admired the chairs, counters, and all the effects that made me remember the numerous times since I was a kid when I was in an «old fashioned» barber shop instead of a «modern» hair salon.
He motioned me to a small table that had a pot of coffee, and I helped myself to a cup while I waited. The TV was droning on with the national news while a Filipino gent got his hair cut and another local lad waited his turn in the chair next to me. Eventually an elderly older gentleman walked in, grabbed a magazine, made himself at home, saluting the barber as he sat down.
Once again, very laid-​back atmosphere.
It quickly came to my turn. I gave Kuya Eric my preference, and he got down to business. He made a nice effort to crack a few jokes and we chatted some while he got on with his work, and then it was all done. I got my no-​nonsense haircut alright! (Please note that the price of a gent’s haircut is now $ 15, and no longer $ 13.)
Until now I have visited a place in Waldorf for a haircut, so I have only that place to compare this visit and haircut to. I felt especially happy however to have had the opportunity to support a great wee local business here. I know now that going forward I can rely on both places for a good haircut, albeit a wee bit cheaper, more genuine and relaxed @ Friendly Barber Shop!

Well the best testament to quality is the wait.
2pm on a sunday with one barber (the other one was out ill) I walked in to see 4 people waiting. As I began to wait I decided to go out and grab lunch for the two of us (and pups). By the time I got back there were even more people waiting.
This filipino barber shop is top notch quality, and the barber is really friendly. The prices are ridiculously affordable too, $ 13 I believe. Lots to read, a lolli for the kids after the cut, a tv to watch, and across the street from smoke shack. What’s not to love.
I almost can’t wait to have a little boy to bring him here to get his hair cut with his daddy. Cute cute naman.

Went here today solely because of Ryan’s review last year. Thought I would take my son for a «friendly» Filipino haircut! Kuya Erick performed a class-​A job on my boy and we will be returning for another one soon! Added a couple of photos for the page.

A wise crackin’ boss of mine once remarked upon seeing me, «You know what the difference is between a good haircut and a bad haircut?» Tell me. «Three days.» Cricket. Cricket. Son of a… Thankfully, a bad haircut is an uncommon occurence at Friendly Barbershop. Though «bad» haircuts do occur here, they are like eclipses. In over 20 years of frequenting this venerable, and heavily Filipino painted establishment, the bad haircuts can be counted on one hand. And I go every two months or so. That’s a lot of haircuts.
The barbers here, which many of the Filipinos from the community will call Kuya or Manong or Uncle (heirarchal markers that extend respect), are absolute artists in a craft that has been turned by other places from a personal experience to an impersonal transaction. You won’t find these Kuyas hocking some kind of shampoo or pomade or a plastic brush. Not at all, that’s not what they do. They are more interested in your family, your weekend, your favorite team, and you. For just $ 13, you get a very good, dare I say superior, haircut. They’re so polished and expert at what they do that they’ll lull you to sleep. A marked difference from other places, where it can sometimes feel like they’re beating your head up, like somehow it’s equivalent to the sizzle from a steak.
This barbershop is very clean, efficient, but slow paced, so don’t go in thinking you’re outta there in 10 minutes. And since everybody from the community patronizes this barber shop, whether they be Filipino or otherwise, prepare to wait a tick. Ah, but that’s Filipino island mentality for ya.