Hair City

Usually the word affordable and excellent doesn’t go together, but I finally find a place where I can get a decent hair cut in a friendly environment. Hair City will see you again. This is my 4^th time getting my hair cut here and my wife love it!

(Editor’s note: Errol M occasionally finds himself with the need to be impeccably groomed, for an unexpected event, and in-​between his usual cut-&-color sessions with Studio Tilee. This prompts him to seek viable alternatives.)
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My Hair City adventure:
1. Ever walk into a Vietnamese nail salon, massage venue, or Phở place you’ve never been to before, and hope that everything goes okay?
2. I left here thinking it was the best $ 12 haircut I’ve ever had.
3. And as I was leaving, Joyce cut the chit-​chat banter for a moment and seriously asked, «How did you know my name was Joyce?» I responded truthfully, «Because all the Unilocal reviews described you to a T, and said you were great. They were correct. I should have taken before & after pictures of myself.» She said, «It was a pleasure to meet you.»
I come to the restaurants around here all the time, and never knew this place existed. I do now. Hair City is a pleasant surprise.

The few reviews on this place do not do it justice. What can I say about Joyce and Hair City that hasn’t been said before? I could tell you it’s like your mom is Asian and she is cutting your hair, I could tell you it’s an awesome deal (only $ 12 for guys and $ 18 for the ladies), I could tell you it is one of the best haircuts I’ve had in Austin. It is all those things and so much more.
I went for my first visit today with very little expectations. The location was extremely convenient, It’s right off 183 and Fairfield in the same shopping center as Ramen Tatsu-​ya, Din Ho, Coco’s, and Hong Kong Supermarket. Parking was available, drivers were Asian so watch out. I kid but you should always be careful in a parking lot. There are lots of huge speed bumps at this one.
I showed up and Joyce immediately welcomed me into the shop. I told her what I wanted and she executed with perfection. I wasn’t surprised, since shes had over a decade of experience and has worked in several parts of the country. If you don’t feel like speaking English on your visit, you’re in luck. Joyce can probably communicate with you in one of her other four languages. We had an awesome conversation in Cantonese and she is an absolute sweetheart.
My experience was awesome. The facility was clean, the people were nice and I got an awesome haircut for a good price. If you’re an Asian guy, go to Hair City ask for Joyce. You won’t be disappointed.

Its a great place to go. Very Professional staff !

I’ve been a customer here for over a decade and not too much has changed, including the price of a haircut for men (currently $ 12). The hair stylists are all very pleasant and all do a good job getting my cut just right. Though my hairstyle isn’t the most complicated either.
The interior itself is pretty bare bones, especially when you compare it to some of the big chain or themed hair cutting places. And only recently did I notice that they finally retired some of the oldest (and non-​fastening) hair aprons that they put around you before your cut. But there’s something about the minimalist operation that reminds me of places my dad used to take me to as a kid in various Asian strip malls while growing up in the CA Bay Area.
I’ll also admit that I feel like I end up with a better haircut here because the stylists see a higher ratio of people with my kind of hair. Not sure if that’s totally PC to say, but it’s like riding in a plane piloted by someone who’s practiced flying my route more often than the next.

Joyce and the others here are great hair cutters and so nice.
I am not Vietnamese, but it is like having a super nice Vietnamese mother cutting your hair.
Prices are more than reasonable. And when you are done with your good, fast haircut, you can go to your choice of Asian restaurants to spend the money you saved on good food. (or Mister Tramps to grab a beer and watch soccer).
(side note: If you pay by credit card, they charge you a $ 1 extra. For a $ 12 men’s cut or $ 10 for kids, I just pay good ol’ cash.)

Cindy cut my hair. It was so bad I had to re-​cut it myself.

Cindy did my boyfriends haircut for the first time which she did a decent job! Came back for a hair cut the 2^nd haircut! Cindy did a f-​n horrible job!!! Worst I’ve ever seen! His hair was uneven!!! Soooo pissed!!! I warn you all not to go to this ghetto place!!!

Since I’m the kind of guy who needs to get his wig split/​ears lowered/​chia-​trimmed at least once every 3 weeks, I can’t afford drop $ 25 for a cut. Just because you’re paying a cheaper price at Hair City ($ 12) doesn’t automatically mean the services are any worse than at higher end salons (for men). Actually, they’re a whole hell of a lot better IMHO. I get in, I get out, grab a boba drink, and my head feels much cooler and lighter.
I’ve been coming to Hair City for more than 10 years now and I have a really difficult time trusting anyone other than Joyce with my hair. She’s always really friendly and is great to chat with. Alternatively, she will leave you alone to snooze if that’s more your style (which I’ve done on many occasions!). Believe it or not, since I’ve recently moved to San Antonio, I drive into Austin to get my haircut.
Ohhh! OH! Let me DROP SOME KNOWLEDGE ON YA. You should know that they’ve recently removed the nail salon portion of the shop and renovated the place to include a foot reflexology space. AWESOME! Believe me when I say that I too thought it was awkwardly advertised when I read «FOOT RELAX MASSAGE» on a white banner hanging outside. But for $ 25 bucks you can basically get a full body massage for an entire hour. The guy who gives the massage is extremely nice and appreciative. I felt incredibly calm and relaxed. No, it’s not a spa day at Milk ‘N Honey but it’s the waaaayyy more affordable option that is well worth its weight in gold bullion.
I almost forgot to mention that it’s conveniently sandwiched in between Asian restaurant superpowers Sunflower and Din Ho. That fact alone should get your ass off the couch.