Outstanding service and great conversations. Went in for a haircut, beard trim and my 10 year old son to get his haircut. Very friendly and great service. Will definitely come back when Im in town! Thank you for making our day!
Hoped to get a decent haircut when I walked into Mels Barber Shop, but was let down. Old time barbershop atmosphere, old time haircuts and interesting banter at times. Mel has seen a lot of heads in his day, but he only seems to know his way and ignored my request for how I wanted the hair on the top of my head left slightly longer to comb back. Did it his way anyway. Mel asked if I wanted him to trim my eyebrows to which I said yes to. When I got home to check I noticed he butchered my left eyebrow and completely forgot to do my right one. If you go in be ready for a haircut right out of the 1960s because that is what you are going to get.
At the time of inquiring a haircut, these guys were the only place in town with openings and highest ratings given the options. Not my first choice, but needed a haircut so figured it was worth the shot. Upon arrival, like everyone else, grabbed my number, and waited in my car for my number to be called. They weren’t super busy, I was only 1 number behind the current. Had waited in my car for around 20 minutes - that’s fine. Except when the following occurred. Noticed one of the employees/managers, not sure, come outside and decide to chat it up with someone who just got their hair cut. They must have known each other. Didn’t catch her name, but she decided to have a nice conversation about the nanochips they’re “definitely” putting in the Covid-19 vaccines… Started my car and left. Knew right then and there that my money was better spent elsewhere. Need I say more?Leave the politics at the door people. Not professional by any means. Especially when you’re terribly wrong😂.
I hate to be writing this as Ari used to be my favorite barber of all time. I went last September and the first thing I noticed was a sign on the door, essentially saying that they would let people in without masks, no questions asked. They would just assume a medical condition. The older barber, Mel was wearing just a face shield, which was uncomfortable enough. However, while I was in there, an unmasked patron was allowed in to get his hair cut. I shouldve just walked out, but it was close to the end of the cut. I thought that maybe they wouldve changed their ways by now, but recent reviews indicate that Aris wife (who also works there) believes in microchip in the vaccine conspiracy theories and that the employees just wear face Shields. They claim they have medical exemptions but all three of them? The list of exemptions from the CDC consists of a few very specific diseases and the chance of all three of them having those is 0.Doesnt really surprise me, but wouldve thought they wouldve changed by this point. Its disappointing, but I cant justify spending my money supporting such self-centered people. Ill be taking my money to someplace that believes in CoVId and doesnt spread health disinformation. I encourage others to do the same
I’ve been going to this barbershop for a few years now and Ari is by far the best in town. I used to bounce from barbershop to barbershop within the Willamette valley until I found Ari. Not only do I get the best haircuts here, it’s always fast and great value. I have referred a number of friends and family to Ari and now he’s their barber too. It’s a great barbershop atmosphere and very welcoming to any and everyone
My boyfriend Jack gets his haircut here and it always looks AMAZING! He has became very close with his barber and really enjoys his visits. He won’t allow anyone else to cut his hair! Highly recommend this place gentleman!
My family and I have been going to Mels Barber Shop for the better part of a decade. The service has always been great, never any problems. Ari knows what he is doing, and is a great conversationalist. He gets the job done well and in a timely manner.
Genuinely the best place in town. Ive been coming for three years. The only reason I gives three stars is because many many times Ive showed up and theyve randomly decided to be out of town or close with no signage. The hours arent reliable. I keep having to go another place because Ill try the get in three different days and all of them the shop is empty. Other than that. Favorite haircut in town. Ari is king.
Great place for a great cut. I am always happy to stop in. Cash only but they have an ATM. No appointments taken so no appointments need. Just walk right in. Even on a very busy day I have never had to wait more than 30 minutes, which I am always happy to do. Great barber shop feel. Thanks for the great service!
Not only the best haircut I’ve had, but also the quickest.
I went to this barbershop for all four years of college. Ari is the man and gives great cuts. Super friendly guy as well so you feel comfortable being there right off the bat. I would highly recommend just really articulating what you want and he will do that.
Had the older gentleman yesterday. Multiple covid violations took place: he was wearing a face shield instead of a mask, the previous customer before me wasnt wearing a mask at all, and when he started cutting my hair he wanted me to take my mask off entirely. I should have turned around as soon as I saw the maskless customer ahead of me but I did not notice until I was already seated and began. Hair cut was just okay. I will not be going back until vaccinated, going here is practically begging for covid
Great experience after visiting on a whim while on vacation. Fast, friendly service!
First time customer today. Fast efficient, and was making sure everything was properly sanitized (really nice considering whats going on). I swear, I was only sitting for a minute or two and next thing I know shes already done. I was walking out thinking how did she cut my hair that fast? Did I fall asleep? Haha if you want a quality haircut, look no further. Especially now. Probably worth noting they are cash and check only right now but they do have an ATM. ****TOP NOTCH*****
Awesome service! I went there after previously trying a few places down town. I wanted a undercut with slightly longer sides and a professional appearance. They were helpful with suggestions to have the cut match my face. Sucks to finally find a good place when I’ll be leaving corvallis soon. Highly recommend!*Cash only
Great experience and perfect haircut.
It was my first time coming in. The wait was short, Jen and Ari were both very professional. Jen gave me a haircut that lasted less than 5 minutes and she did an excellent job. I will be returning in the future for my next haircut, as well. Will highly recommend these guys to anyone.
The owner Ari is a great guy and his haircuts are the best. The shop is always clean and the people are always friendly.
Fantastic experience!I am In town visiting my sweetheart and badly needed the services of a good barber. I have a very thick head of hair and equally full beard. Im lazy and dont do anything with my hair most days but asked the barber (Ari) if he could do something that allows for me to also work around my natural part when I want to. He succeeded in doing that and gave a beautiful trim to my beard without taking off too much length (harder than it should be).We had fantastic conversation about the area and he was welcoming when he found out that Ill be moving to town soon myself. He and his co-worker were very helpful in suggesting places for us to picnic during my visit.I was just hoping to get a decent haircut for a fair price. I got that and much more. Ive found my new barber!
I only give two stars because the first time i went i got a good haircut, but the last time i went the lady in there spent all of 5 minutes on my haircut. I left with a shotty fade that looked like a stair step and the top being way too short and five different lengths. I do not recommend going in while the girl is working but the guy who i went to the first time did a good job.
Oh man!!!! Im very picky about who and how anyone cuts my boys hair! My regular girl in Albany was in an accident and has been out for months now! I pray shes doing ok, but anyway, we just moved to Corvallis and I happened to pick the perfect place!!!! Very satisfied with how they cut my boys hair!!!! I left a very happy customer!!! Will be a regular!!!! Thanks guys!!!!!
My husband and sons have been going there for years and wont go anywhere else. Now our grandson is 5 and has been going there since he was a year old. Wonderful people and the best shop around.
Ari definitely made a great impression with his barber skills. Its been a very long while since Ive seen and had my haircut this way. Literally amazed with his work. You have my Utmost respect Ari. Thanks for being super welcoming and very understanding in the needs of your customers and clients. Awesome place, positive place, and man the amount of humor in the shop just amazes me. Enjoyed my first time and definitely coming back soon since I now found my a great Barber with positive vibe and impressive skills. Again, thank you brother!- Passi
Fantastic service and I didnt have a long wait. Highly recommended!
If you want an 8,000 lb deadlift, drink jocko white tea, if you want a haircut, come here.
My go-to place for an affordable, quality, consistent mens haircut. Saturday mornings are a popular time, so plan accordingly. Cuts usually take 15 minutes or less, so usually the wait is not too bad. Owner is very nice and appreciative.
Ari is decisively the best barber Ive been to. When I moved to Corvallis 3 years ago it was the first place I got my hair cut, and I never strayed from this shop. Great haircut, good conversation, super reasonable prices, and when I was an AmeriCorps on a small stipend, he would help me out with affordable cuts. I just moved away, but hes the real deal. Sometimes theres a wait, but its worth your time.
My 22month old sons 1st haircut. People (guests and owners) are friendly upon entering. Owners are attentive and cheerful as well as genuine. My son of course cried, but in the end was quite happy with the lolly pop and wanted to stay and hang out a little longer. ;) - See you next time!!
Great haircut experience. Ive been going there for years now, almost nine total. Even if some days have longer wait times, I like being there--great conversations, there is a TV and I always like my haircut. Now, I take my son and he likes getting his haircut, except the scissors-part. Highly recommend, but bring cash. Its nice to be a regular.
Best haircuts ever. Dont bother with those franchise clip joints, visit Mels, a long time Corvallis tradition.
Only place in corvallis I go to, consistently good cuts and they do a good job on beards 👍
Ari is the best barber Ive ever had the pleasure of getting a haircut from. He not only knows how to make the most out of whatever you have growing on your scalp, but will provide great conversation in a classic barber shop environment while he does it. I have been getting my hair cut fortnightly since I left Corvallis in 2011, and after seeing countless other barbers in three other states, I havent found anyone who can compare to Ari.
Ari is one of the best barbers I have ever been to. I had shopped around Corvallis when I first moved there but after my first cut with Ari I knew that this was the place. I have a full beard and hair that does what it wants, but after a visit to Mels my face and hair looks great, and always for a great price. Ari is always interested in whats going on with you, and is interesting to chat with. Im not a big sports fan, but if you are, this is the place for you. An old fashioned barber shop, I have always looked forward to going to Mels.
Look aside from my hometown barber shop outside of Pittsburgh PA Mel’s is now my favorite. I’ll stop by every time I’m in town and trust me YOU should too. Let’s get that chair set up for Dad ASAP, I’ll help for sure. Go OSU
This barber shop is great, you will not get a better cut for the money. I am cheap and i consider this a great value. Arie is a good guy and he has pride in his work. great conversation and great cut!
Came in to Mels for this first time yesterday. Not realizing it was a cash and check only business before I came down, I let the barber know that all I had on me was my debit card before I got in the chair. He told me not worry,and to just bring by the cash whenever I could. I got a hair cut and beard trim and immediately ran over to the bank and came back with money for the cut and a tip. Its nice to see a business owner who still puts customer service above anything else. I will definitely be back .
Just got my first cut here, just gonna stick with it. Jen and Ari seem like great people with the best intentions. Straight up dont listen to Nancys review here. Great place.
Ari and Jen are awesome. I have lived all over the country and have visited a lot of barbers, they are the best.
Best hair cut every time. Will drive to Corvallis just to get a cut!! Excellent every time. Even remembers me after long periods!
Ari is great to me, does a wonderful job and easy to talk with. He cares about his customers and it shows: he has a loyal following!
When we moved here 8 years ago, my husband went to a different barber. But he has been a steady customer for years. Ari gives that personal touch and does a great job.
What a fantastic experience! Not only a great haircut for me but also for my son. I cant think of a better place or imagine a better barber for my 1.5 year olds first haircut.
Great cut, great experience. Arie was an awesome guy and very personable. I was short a few bucks for the cut and he spotted me. I will definitively be coming back and spreading the word of Mels because good friendly service is very appreciated!
Mels long gone but the cuts are still top notch!
Ari is the man! Only place I’ll go for a haircut. Cuts are always exactly how I ask and I have never left unsatisfied.
Ari has been cutting my hair for over 11+ years now...All I have to do is sit down and he cuts it...I dont have to tell him what I want...And he doesnt tell me what I need...And as for Nancy Oar is concerned...She sounds like a Bitter, Manipulative, Controlling woman that is never satisfied with anything...Kudos to Mels Barber Shop...And THANK YOU !!!
Great barber shop, Ari is very welcoming and very good at what he does. Even if there is a line, he makes sure youre happy with your haircut.
Many years ago I was fortunate enough to find Arie at Mels Barber Shop.You know he deserves to be your friend you the moment you meet him. Then he asks few questions to get just the cut you want . It is the only chance I get to read the local news and watch some NBA. While I wait to look great! - --- But I always worry about getting a haircut from a bald barber!
I would say this is the best bang for buck haircut a guy could get but honestly you couldnt get a better hair cut period. Speed and quality are unreal and the wait times are never an issue.
I go every week. Always great.
Ive been on here a couple times I used to know the guy that owned it and his family I did an amazing job and if cut my hair and my kids is hair definitely recommend kind of a small place so its your real small Barbershop get to know a neighborhood sort of place.
So glad I found this place. Great haircut at a great price. Feels like an old school barber shop!
I was the worst type of customer, the kind that doesnt know what they want. Ari ended up setting me up with an awesome haircut I love and the customer service was great. I found my new Corvallis barber. Unfortunately its cash or check only, but there are plenty of places to get cash back nearby.
My fiancé and his best friend both love this place. Wont go anywhere else. Hes fast and does a great job.
Friendly faces. Old school. Just walk in
Through all the years, Ari has become a great friend of the family. Ari has a rare gift for relating to people. He is truly a salt of the Earth!
Great conversation and haircut. I am from the east coast and it is a great place tohave conversation with locals to find out the nitty gritty about the area and Oregon.High recommend Mels barber shop.
Ari is a beast. The dude gave a great haircut, and is super easy to talk to. Definitely found my new barber in Corvallis.
Great haircut, great vibes and my new go to barbershop!
Offers a good price for a nice simple cut. A small place with a friendly atmosphere. Have never had a bad cut from here.
From our of town speed in to get a quick cut and it was excellent. Little wait but was well worth it. Very personable.
Best haircut ever. Close to everything.
Ari is the best! Has taken care of our 90+ y.o. relative for years. A gentleman, indeed.
Great hair cut at a good price. Quick and easy, no waiting and had me in and out in no time.
Ari is a heck of a nice guy, and he gives a great haircut. Support your local barber, choose Mels.
Ive been going here since Mel was here (16 yrs) Ari and Jen run a great shop (here and at OSU). Personable, professional, and an all around great haircut.
Very easy going place. Arie is a great conversationist, and the haircut was phenomenal. Will be going here every time I need a haircut.
Good haircuts at reasonable prices. Ari is skating very personable and will remember your style after months have passed.
I wish I hadn’t moved to Albany. Sometimes it’s busy but worth the wait for a good cut and quick service.
Had another barber screw up my hair, came in and got it fixed right. And he wouldnt even let me pay him. Definitely would suggest going here.
Great haircut, popular with men and children.
One of the best cuts Ive had in a long time. As long as I am in Corvallis, Arie will receive my business.He provides professional cuts in a friendly environment.
Friendly, old school barber shop. Great service and the best haircut Ive ever received.
Ari cares about his customers more than anywhere else Ive ever been. Definitely would recommend.
This guy will earn your business. Very friendly, easy going, good guy with a good family too
Been once. Great haircut! Good price.
I got a great haircut at a great price (he gave me $5 off for my first visit) plus he was super friendly and I enjoyed a good conversation with him.
Very friendly, efficient and reasonably priced. Highly recommend!
Locally owned since 1971!
Great little shop and well worth every dollar. Only $15 for a haircut and beard trim.
Always a great cut with great service. Cannot be beat.
Excellent service, beautiful haircut, unbeatable price.
Great folks, good haircuts.
Great haircuts for men.
Great haircut everytime
Good place for a haircut.
Great with adults and the smallest of children alike!
Best haircut Ive had in Corvallis.
Friendly barber and reasonable prices.
Perfect, except for the waiting.
Great cut, extremely friendly
Excellent barber
Good cuts.
Great cuts
Great place!
Great haircut
Best in Corvallis
Chingon my compa sela raffle cut el viejon