I had been going here for about 7 years. I am a bit picky about certain small personal touches in life (stylists, doctors, etc.), so I am a bit surprised I stuck this out. Initially, I was pretty stoked to find a place that was clean, seemed to be up with the trends, and reasonably priced. I wish I could say I continued to love everything about it, but I have come to like it less and less, and decided to leave. The only thing that kept me there was that I got lucky with one of the few good stylists that work there.
* Management has never really been cordial and lacked professionalism. You won't get a hello back and they won't take the time to get to know their regulars.
* Overtime, I also noticed poor attitudes between management and the staff. There never seemed to be any type of respect for each-other.
* My appointments had been scheduled improperly a couple of times, so I showed up a day early, or a day late, and then they made me try to reschedule it, not offering to correct or compensate it. Sucks when you are in a pinch for an event and had a prescheduled event, only to find out it was wrong.
* They don't adopt current day technology until it is really too late. I think they got their scheduling and management system about a year ago. Automated emails and alerts of cuts never came through reliably. Their "free cut" rewards program is really just some make you feel good sales pitch. I had maybe 3-4 over a 7 year period, even though they claimed they had their loyalty program the entire time I was there.
* They seem like they have been remodeling for about 2-3 years now. Never seems to be finished.
* They are in a location that is really only conducive to foot traffic. Don't try to find parking near it. You will end up walking about 10 minutes for the nearest street parking.
* You share a door with Jimmy John's. If I had to wait for one more person in a line of people who were just rudely rushing out with their freaky fast sub, I would have freaked out.
* They seem to be attracting more and more college clientele as well. Super awkward "waiting" area with a half shelf and a few stools. If you catch yourself in in a situation where you have 3-5 people waiting, it feels like you have dudes breathing on you with absolutely nasty cologne.
Amazing prices! $20 for a standards men's hair cut. They have options for straight blade shaves and other services, too. Each haircut comes with a straight blade trim of your neck, which I thought was really great. I wish there was a way to tell the level of experience of each stylist, but I've never had a bad experience.
Parking around there is a pain in the butt, but that's true of most places without a parking lot. There are parking garages in the area, though - so just go early and chance street parking or find a lot and you'll be fine.
I have been coming here for two years and never cancelled an appointment. I ended up becoming very sick with strep throat and had to cancel my appointment less than 24 hours in advance. I was charged $70.00 for missing this appointment! I’m outraged over this. If I was ever to come back to the salon, I would come in sick so that I infect everyone. My stylist is no longer there so I will never come back and I will recommend that no one else come here that I know.
$20 for a men's haircut in downtown Milwaukee!?and that haircut includes a shampoo, scalp massage, and a 14 day clean-up?! That is an amazing value. Easy to get an appointment ever since they extended their hours ~6 months ago. Do not show up without an appointment and do not show up late. They are very busy and in demand. They do a better job than sports clips, although I do miss the hot towel massage that you can get with the MVP package.
They have an easy to use online booking system. If you check in the morning, you can usually get an appointment during the lunch hour (if you aren't picky about who you want an appointment with).
On that note, I have yet to have someone who hasn't given me a superb haircut and style. It is clear that whoever runs this place, knows how to screen for exceptional talent.
The location is convenient. It is a little goofy to find as it is actually in the basement under Jimmy John's on Water St. Despite being in a basement, it has a very trendy look and is clean. I have yet to witness any roaches or rats, which is actually very impressive for a building located on the Milwaukee river.
As some reviews have pointed out, yes parking can be a pain to find as it is located on Water Street, one of the busiest streets in downtown Milwaukee. I imagine most of their clients work downtown, hence the limited number of parking complaints. SO IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON DRIVING AND PARKING during the 7am-6pm window, add an extra 30 minutes to your commute. If you don't frequent downtown, be advised that the nearby City Hall has been under renovation for the past 3 years (façade and I believe their are issues with the wooden pylons under the building rotting awayso they are doing some sort of repair). Also the BMO building across the street is beginning construction on their new high rise building. Also the Bucks Arena is under construction. Also they are in the middle of laying tracks for our light right transit/trolley. So yes, downtown is an absolute mess and street parking is basically non-existent. Because street parking is non-existent, most parking structures are at or near capacity. Public parking is typically available nearby under the Milwaukee Center, kitty corner at the 250 E Wisconsin building, and there are a few structures off of the corner of Milwaukee and Wells.
Horrible, HORRIBLE!!!! I had a 2:00pm appointment, got there at 1:45 and spent 20mins looking for parking! Got in at 2:05 and was told my appointment was canceled because I was late! Like what the hell, you guys open a business on one of the busiest streets WITH NO PARKING SPACES OR GARAGE & want to cancel appointments if A customer is late True disgrace
What an awesome barbershop! Great barbers and great vibe
Great men's cut and wash for $20.
The staff were not nice and friendly at all. I was 20 min late for my appointment because all the parking lots I knew in the neighborhood were full and there were construction taking place everywhere I spent 45min searching for parking. We agreed that she doesn't do the styling and it was OK. What it was not OK was that I showed a very simple bob style and explained what I am looking for. Long story short my hair looks like anything but the style I showed to my stylist and I had hair all over my clothes and neck and she didn't even bother cleaning the mess. Low quality and attitude with high prices. I will not go back nor recommend this place to friends.
Best value in the city for men's haircut. I've always had friendly service that makes me feel welcome. The straight edge neck shave is a nice touch to finish the haircut.
Wedding Group
I am a regular customer and could not imagine going anywhere else. All the staff are so knowledgeable and accommodating. I have to give a shout out to Niki who did my hair and makeup. She was great at my trial adjusting things until I felt comfortable. The day of I had nothing to worry about. She looked at the pictures from the trial and duplicated everything perfectly! All the other girls were extremely pleased with their hair and makeup as well. Not a hair out of place all night! Thanks to Niki, Kelly, Brittney, Cori & Laura! I can’t wait to share pictures at my next appointment.
Best service professional! On time appointment.
Great service, on time appointments, and a free 2 wk touch up with every haircut keeps me looking fresh for the whole month.
Jason takes a no frills approach to cutting mens hair, one of the unsung heroes of the precision barber scene. With a 15 minute cut, transformed my uneven lengthy mess into a structured progressive style.
Hands down the best place to go for a hair cut. Inexpensive, articulate stylists, respectful people all around. I have fallen in love with this salon. Thank you guys for all your hard work and dedication. Amazing folks you are!!!
I recently moved to Milwaukee and needed to find a new salon. Decided to try Di Carlo and after my second hair cut, I can safely say, I LOVE IT! I go to Kelly and she is a true professional! She's the only person I know that can cut long hair! I am absolutely thrilled with how she cuts my hair, discusses the process with me, and the outcome is always amazing. I won't go anywhere else now, I truly recommend Kelly and Di Carlo Salon!