Nile Style Barber Shop

Today was my 1^st time in this barbershop. I went there to test it out for 2 reasons: 1. To see if the barbers had a «light touch». Meaning, clippers sharp enough to edge you up but not too sharp to cut you or hurt you. I have 2 boys that I want to find a barber for but I don’t want them coming home hurting from the experience. I used my face as a guinea pig for the benefit of my sons. 2. To see if the atmosphere was proper for children. Too many Baltimore Shops have an atmosphere that can be downright scary to walk into or just have no governor on their personal expression or both. Sadly, this shop failed on both points. I bald my head. I asked for a beard shave and a bald head. Simple enough request I think. Well, my face feels like it went through acid. You know that taste on the tip of your tongue when you may have nicked your lip while trimming your mustache and you lick your lips? Yeah, that is what I taste across my lip. These young barbers today are so caught up with «zero-​gap» trimmers, they fail to remember those things are going on soft flesh! Here is a hint, learn how to use a razor and you can complete the edge up nice and crisp without zero-​gapping these machines. No way I can allow my boys to be subjected to this. And what is with Baltimore barbershops and their aversion to a razor blade? I ask for a shave. I don’t get a hot lather and shave, I get an electric razor. Not quite the same thing.
As for the atmosphere, it is well put together inside but that’s about it. The language is not child friendly either from the barbers or the music they choose to play. Perhaps they felt free due to the time of day (school hours), I don’t know for sure. Also, if you aren’t waiting on an appointment, good business sense suggest that you see if there are customers waiting on anyone in particular or just the next barber available. I waited for 30 minutes just to see if the barber who was rocking to the music in headphones all while sitting in his chair would see if he could serve a patron. It became clear that wasn’t going to happen, so I went and asked him (I had some place to be and didn’t have anymore time to waste on the experiment) if he was waiting on an appointment. He says no, he’s open. Really?!
Bottom line, if you aren’t as picky as I am, this place might be for you. If you expect a profession decorum from a supposedly professional environment and careful attention to detail, you may want to look elsewhere or at the very least, go in an observe every barber there before making a choice and save yourself some pain.
2 stars because They did acknowledge me when I walked in and the physical presentation of the establishment was far better than most shops in and around the city.

I did my «Big Chop» as they call it. I went in with a Bob and came out with it all cut off. I showed Ducky «Kalish» a few photos and the rest was in his hands. The end result is beautifully satisfying.

They do great work. I will say there is only 1 barber in my experience you may want to avoid and it won’t be hard to figure out who it is if you pay attention. Hint: the one who never, ever has people waiting for him.
Because they’re good at what they do, expect to wait a while. If you’re smart, you’ll make an appointment. It won’t keep you from waiting but it’ll shorten the time. It’s a good place for kids, too. I have never heard any trash talking there.

It is unbelievable how upset I am from going to this place. I took my son there yesterday and advised the barber that I wanted a normal boy haircut and showed him the back and how when he wakes up it sticks up and gets frizzy so it should be short but like normal boy. He proceeded to shave the sides and back almost bald and I figured that he was going to fade from that point. The next thing you know he took the clippers and shaved right down the front. He literally shaved my childs hair bald. I did everything I could to hold back tears and to not scream. My son starts kindergarten on Monday so the last thing in the world I want is for him to feel insecure as he is going to different school completely. When he got a glimpse of himself he looked so upset and I did everything I could to smile and let him know it looked good. I wanted to scream but I didn’t want my son to know how bad it was. I payed the man 13 dollars and of course not a tip. My husband is going to call there today and request a refund. There is no way in the world that this man knows what he is doing. My 5 year old was so upset when we got in the car and said he was afraid his friends were going to laugh at him. I called his best friends mother and told her so that the kids would be kind and thankfully when we got home, they were. There is never a time when you take your child to get a haircut, that it should feel or look that bad. As a mother, I did what I had to do at the time to protect my sons feelings and confidence. I would never in a million years recommend for anyone to take their child there. The barber should have asked or said something if that is what he thought I was saying when I asked for a normal boy haircut. He had 5 to 6 inches of hair on his head and now he is bald. I am not nitpicking about an inch.

Positives
1. They accept credit/​debit cards.
2. The barbers are very profession in appearance and attitude.
3. The barbers do a great job.
4. Good prices.
Negatives
1. They claim to take appointments but I have been here 4 times and my appointment time has never been honored. I most recently sat there for 3 hours before my son’s hair was cut. I have tried several different times (morning, afternoon and evening) and have gotten the same results.
2. I understand that the stereotypical barbershop experience includes being social, but the barbers would make so much more money if they spent as much time cutting as they did talking.
3. The barbers do a great job, but they take their time doing it; in other words, they are slow.
Conclusion:
The barbers really do a great job cutting all different types of people and styles. But for me, the hair cut isn’t worth wasting half of my day. It’s really unfortunate that the talent doesn’t match organizational skills.

horrible service, sat there for at least 3 hours, every one refused to cut my hair simply wasted all my time, never again will I go there

First time here and my experience was great! Toya gave me a fresh cut! I didn’t know what I wanted but I trusted her and I was completely satisfied. They have definitely gain a new customer plus one… I’m taking my son there tomorrow!

I’ve watched Shenile grow as a barber and businessman since his days as a barber at Harry’s Afro Hut. His shop, Nile Style, is always clean and orderly; his employees are courteous and well dressed, and there’s always great conversation going on. I’ve been taking my son to Nile Style since his first haircut at 2 years old. My son is 15 now and will probably be a lifetime customer. There is a great mix of old school and new school which makes it a very comfortable place to patronize. Keep up the good work, fam!

I recent walked and got an impulsive Tapered Afro– and I LOVE IT. My hair was cut by the terrific Toya, the only female on site– with amazing clipper game. I couldn’t be happier with the results.
The location is clean, organized, with a GREAT vibe, fantastic music, and lively spirit. I highly recommend. Best barbershop on the Harford Road Corridor– if not Baltimore.

Great cut. Reasonable prices. And the people are cool as hell.