Sailor Bup’s Barbershop

Good cuts, good prices

So gals, if you are looking for a fantastic gift for your fellas, or guys if you just want to treat yourself, look no further.
Last Father’s Day, my daughter, Lord love her, gave me a certificate for the «Full Monty» experience at Sailor Bup’s Barbershop, located on Sackville Street. Today, I finally got around to using the certificate. I called and made an appointment and was told not to shave for a couple of days before my appointment.
The Full Monty comprises a haircut, shave and a head and face massage. I was told that the appointment would be about 1.5 hours. I arrived early as requested and was offered coffee or other beverage. The playlist was 50s and 60s classics. Thinking back, I recall sitting in a barber’s chair in my teens listening to these songs when they were hits on the shop radio rather than an iTunes playlist. I was then called to a chair by, who I was to find out was a very talented, barber named Sarah. She asked what I would like in the way of a cut and I said surprise me. Needless to say, once I put my glasses back on, I was very pleased.
But, we were just getting started. The chair was reclined and for the next hour, there were hot towels, pre-​shave gels, more hot towels, a rough shave, more hot towels, a close shave, a final hot towel, then a cold towel to close the pours. Finished you say. Au contrair, mon frère.
Next came the aftershave lotion and a face and scalp massage. When this was finished, the chair was raised and I was so relaxed that I had trouble getting up and standing. After a few minutes to orient myself, I left the shop feeling 10 years younger.
So, if I were to rate this on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, I would have to give it a 6 or 7.

Been there a few times, not a bad place, but nothing special.

When I last lived in Halifax I had a friend who worked at Kara’s Hair Studio on Barrington and so usually got my haircuts there. There, just dated myself.
Now I’m back and I need someplace new for my trims. Some previous reviews made me try out Sailor Bup’s. I am a middle-​aged bloke with delusions of coolness and this seemed like a good way to affirm that.
From their Facebook page there’s a link to an online booking tool. I like these, because you can make appointments at any hour (and the thought occurred to me late at night). They have profiles of the stylists to help newbies like me pick who you’d like to try. I saw that Amber had a tattoo of Bub the zombie from «Day of the Dead»: sign me up!
Their lateness policy seems pretty strict (more than 5 minutes late and you get a black mark; two black marks and you’re banned!) so I arrived right on time. It’s a small shop with just a couple of chairs. And it’s very hipster: there were more tattoos on the staff than I’ve had hot dinners. But it was clearly busy and popular.
Amber was ready to go, I got into the chair, and I got a haircut I was very happy with. She listened to what I wanted, but suggested a couple of changes that in hindsight were bang on. She was friendly and just chatty enough, and gave me a few opportunities for comment as the haircut proceeded. Options that cost extra were discussed in advance. It was a professional and very pleasant experience, and my head is happier for it.
The price was very reasonable too: only $ 16 for a haircut if you’re getting clippers on the side and back ($ 20 otherwise). It’s clear that this will be my regular barbershop.

I needed a haircut and asked around. Multiple people told me this was the place to go. I booked a time with Amber and got a great haircut. The place has a great feel and everyone there is very friendly. Highly recommended.

Great haircuts, great atmosphere, great prices. Awesome

I travel extensively for a living, which means I sometimes need a hair cut and have to trust whomever is on the controlling end of the shears or clipper.
I was in Halifax the other day and found Sailor Bup’s on Unilocal.My choice paid off. The place had a great vibe, from the nouveau retro sensitivity, and awesomely hip staff. From viewing the cuts as I waited, I knew everyone at the chair was competent and knew their craft.
The vibe is something special, somewhat hipster, rockabilly, rebellious, cultured, and pure. I hope this makes sense.
Cory took my flat top and gave it a simple yet unique twist using a dab of Pomade. I have yet to repeat the result… will have to try it with a comb next time.
They have what it takes and I will be back the next time I am in Halifax.
A rare ⁵⁄₅ for a first time try at a barber shop, unlike any other.

Very affordable and friendly staff make Sailor Bup’s my haircut place whenever I am back in town. The new online reservation system is easy to use.

Affordable, Local, Friendly, Skilled, Fun.
All the things a great barber shop should be. Stop in any time for a walk in (expect a wait time to chat with folks) or book a time on their web site (super mobile-​friendly).
A chill vibe with a professional attitude.
5 star all the way, NEVER had a bad experience and have been a customer since they opened over a year ago.