Ive tried many of the barbershops in Seattle over the past 11 years and these guys are the best. Simple online booking, very professional staff, and a sharp looking cut, every time.

Julio is the best; its always chill and my hair looks dope every single time

Made me wait outside the shop for 30 mins past my appointment time last month. And today I was late by 9 mins and was sent back home because of their 10 min policy, which doesnt apply to them apparently? And then their email tells me if Im late again Ill no longer be a client. Why would I want to be your client after this?

Just got an amazing fade and cut by the famous Julio. Thank you all who recommended him on the reviews. I haven’t been this happy with my hair in years. His attention to detail is unreal. Truly cares about his customer, periodt. Thanks Julio!-Ramón

Ive had some excellent cuts here. Just remember to be in time, theyre only open a few hours a day, so please be respectful of their time and the time slot that you reserve. Also parking can be a pain around there, so, give yourself an extra 10 mins to deal.

Great independent barbershop.Owner is a straight shooting no frills down to earth stand up guy.Clean shop, professional staff, friendly service.Had my beard trimmed and shaved my head, pleasantly pleased with the outcome.

Been coming for a few years now. Always a great cut (why is this so hard to find in Seattle?!). The customer service here is top notch. It’s always a mellow, friendly vibe w Pioter, Julio and crew. This is the type of local business I’m happy to support. Take a break and get a nice cut. Thanks for keeping me sharp guys!

Julio was awesome. Loved the haircut. He really paid attention to the details and took pride in his work. Plus the shop had a great vibe. Would definitely recommend. Also I was really glad they had an online booking system. That made it easy.

💈Julio is a wonderful barber.. been going for yours.. always a great cut 💇‍♂️

Jay does a great job!

These guys are the best. No need to bother with anyone else.

Waited 15 minutes in the rain to find out that my appointment I made over a month ago and confirmed via email and text wasn’t actually scheduled. Then couldn’t get fit in so left without a haircut. Used to go here but can’t see myself going back now

I dont trust anyone else with my hair or beard. I met the owner at a shop years ago and followed him to Counterbalance. Good music, good vibes, and they wont let you leave until you look your best.

Ive been going to this shop for almost 3 years now. Service and cuts are consistently great. Would recommend to others

For much of my life I have suffered under the delusion that hair trimmers genuinely required some kind of painful scraping. The sort of cringe inducing, ear scraping nightmare one always dreads. I was soon disabused of *that* notion, here.Never again shall I suffer the clumsy buzzing of some amateur.

It’s was great, had Cameron cut my hair this time and he spent the time needed to make me look good. Thanks!

Best fade cut I’ve gotten. They know what they’re doing and for a great price. Clean, professional, highly recommend it.

I know barbershops are traditionally male spaces, but I felt completely comfortable and welcomed. Laid back chill atmosphere, & good conversation. Didnt have much instruction to give going in - I just told Julio to just make me look fly w a fade and he delivered! Ive gotten so many compliments in just a couple days. My advice? Trust the professionals & let them do their thing - theyll make you look good.

Julio is the man!Not gonna lie, I was a little paranoid when I heard Austin left (my original go to barber here). However, Julio did an excellent job and makes you feel comfortable while getting your haircut. Highly recommend!

Like everyone, I despise trying to find a new person to cut my hair. However, Counterbalance made this process super simple and they did a great job. They use online scheduling so you just hop on their website and find a time that works for you and then show up. I personally dont know how to describe what type of haircut Im looking for, but I gave Julio some vague descriptions and he was able to turn the mop on my head into this masterpiece. If you are looking for a top-notch barber shop with some dope music, Counterbalance is for you.

Got my hair cut here last night - Jay did a great job! The best haircut Ive had in a long time. Im a recent transplant to Seattle so prices are a bit higher than Im used to but they are right in line with other nearby shops. Worth every penny for the quality of the cut. Great location, friendly guys, awesome Ducati motorcycle in the window. I will be back without a doubt.

Top notch. Showed Jay the style I wanted. He discussed options with me and thats it. I trusted him to do his thing while he turned the chair around and I couldnt see the mirror until he was done. When I did finally get to see the mirror, it did not disappoint me one bit. Oh and yes, great conversationalist, great music and great service.Will be back!

Great shop with friendly staff. Would recommend

First time here. Really nice barber and nice shop, but I asked for a low fade down to skin (zero) and they gave me this. Barber said they wont do fades to zero due to covid.. huh? Doesnt make sense to me. Sucks to make an appointment 3 weeks in advance for a supposedly good place and be told they cant give you the cut you want.

Austin did a great job. Barbershop was Covid compliant. Will definitely be coming here again!

Best barbershop in Seattle. When I moved hear last year, I tried out a couple shops and wasnt fully satisfied, so I decided to cross reference reviews across 20+ barbershops in Seattle. I found 3 barbers with the most positive reviews and 2 of them were Julio and Piotr (both at Counterbalance). Ive been going to Julio now for the past year and I get an excellent haircut every time. But all the barbers are cool and give great cuts.

Best experience Ive had at any barber! I was getting a lot of hair taken off after having grown it out for about a year, and I only had a picture of what I wanted. Austin pretty much nailed the style perfectly. Highly recommend! Staff is super friendly!

Like many of you reading this, I’m a transplant to Seattle. When you uproot your life to plant it in a new city, there’s a couple of important people you need to meet: a doctor, a dentist, and a barber.While the first two were relatively easy to find, it took me months of bouncing around shops and trusting my hair with total strangers to find counterbalance.It’s been about a year since I first sat down with Austin and I couldn’t be more thrilled. The shop atmosphere is laid back and conversational. There’s always good music or a good movie on the entertainment system. Most importantly the lines are sharp, the fades are clean, and the cuts are executed exceptionally.I’ll be coming back as long as the shop is open.

Have been going to Counterbalance for a couple years. All the guys are excellent. Piotr runs a top notch shop. Recommend to anyone looking for a great cut and experience.

Nice local shop with good staff and sometimes sweet cars

I love getting my hair cut at counterbalance. These guys are professional, friendly, and they know what they’re doing. I’ve had a standard close fade from Jay many times and more recently he’s helped me keep it looking good as I grow my hair out.

This place is awesome. I went there once and immediately decided this would be my regular place for cuts. Piotr really knows what hes doing, and hes great to talk to while hes cutting me up. Great guy. The shop is also cool and they have beer while you wait! Price is not bad for Seattle either.

My husband goes there, i love it. He always looks amazing

I live in the neighborhood and often walk by this spot. It looks cool, and so do the guys working there. Make sure you make an appointment, cause they don’t take walk ins and get a little rude! I have yet to get my haircut there, and it’s hard to say if I ever will given the attitude.*update* A friend recommended that I give them a try, despite my previous experience. I had let my beard go while I was on vacation in Hawaii, and was in desperate need of a clean up. I booked an appointment with Austin via their website. Their system was functional and easy, and even gave me a few reminders. The service was amazing, and I was looking clean in no time. I will definitely be back!

I dont even live in Queen Anne and wont get my haircut unless its by these guys. Friendly and entertaining barbershop with good people. Free beer if youre so inclined. Julio has been cutting my hair for over 2 years now and I wouldnt go anywhere else at this point. Everyone I know that goes here gets an exceptional cut and quality service.

As others have echoed, its always a bit of an adjustment when moving to a new city. Among the struggles comes the task of finding a new barber. Ive been in Seattle now for about 9 months and Ive probably been to 5-6 different barber shops yet never really left feeling satisfied or encouraged to come back.It was definitely different with Counterbalance and Austin -- he was super accommodating and flexible when I was stuck in traffic, gave me a stellar haircut, and encouraged me to come back to get my neck/ears trimmed if I needed it between haircuts. Oh and they have a mini-fridge that is always stocked. The prices are a little bit higher than Im used to but then again like others have mentioned, everywhere in Seattle is pretty expensive.tl;dr - 10/10, awesome haircut, friendly conversation, chill atmosphere. Will definitely be coming back as a regular.

Ive been getting my hair cut exclusively at Counterbalance for about two and a half years now. Ive been 100% satisfied every time. You will find a welcoming, easygoing, efficient, and professional shop when you make your appointment and sit in the chair yourself.

Excellent haircut and great atmosphere. Im a picky person, but Julio spent a lot of time getting the details just right, which I really appreciated. Not only is it very apparent that hes skilled at his craft, but hes also an incredibly friendly person and I enjoyed speaking with him. Ive gotten my haircut at countless different places and this is by far the best place Ive been to. Ill undoubtedly be coming back.

Had an amazing transformation cut after phase 2 began. Hit up Austin!

Been coming to see Piotr from the beginning. Followed him here from another spot. Great cut. Fair prices. Cool atmosphere. Clean shop. They specialize in mens and shorter style cuts. Definitely recommended.You might even get to meet his dog.

This place is great! Super chill atmosphere and a great cut! My son Ryler and I went in for a couple haircuts and left very happy. As soon a walked in, Julio greets us and offers me a beer. . Great haircut! Awesome experience to share with my son. Well be back for sure

I have been coming here for over a year now, I always work with Piotr. he gives great haircuts and conversation. This is the first barber shop that I found that I felt like this is my barber for life, done deal. Piotr and the group are great guys. Highly recommended.

Great atmosphere! I always go here to grab a great haircut. They always offer you a drink when you walk in and a seat! They are usually booked up so I dont suggest just wandering in. Call and set up an appointment. You wont be disappointed.

Love this place. All the barbers are on point, friendly and chilled out. Cool location.

Got a really awesome haircut from Piotr. Very cool barber shop vibe and all 4 barbers are friendly and very good at their jobs.

Great hair cuts, beer and whiskey available. Ask for Austin for a great cut!

Im telling you, manliest barbershop Ive ever been to. Schedule an appointment on the website, come in, while you wait grab a beer from the fridge or have a shot of whiskey. Its men only, its classy and they give damn good haircuts. The hot shave with a straight razor on the back of the neck is unique and awesome to. 30 bucks for a hair cut, a beer, and a great conversation IMO is a great deal.

Ive gone here for about half a year now and I cannot imagine going anywhere else in the city. I travel from greenwood to Queen Anne to get my hair cut by Julio and Piotr and the commute is totally worth it.They are the most down to earth guys who enjoy a good conversation while giving a professional haircut. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about their craft and consider it an art.Both are trained with the straight razor which is a plus for a very precise cut. They are very reasonably priced at $30 for a haircut and $10 for a beard trim. I always remember to tip them handsomely for paying attention to every detail.Im glad to see their business is skyrocketing and excited for a third barber to be in the mix.

Just had yet another fantastic haircut experience with Piotr, not only is he a class act, but also a phenomenal barber.Thanks again.

This place is seriously fantastic. Jerardo Cuts my hair and does an incredible job. I hate getting haircuts. I’ve always disliked them. The scratchy hair, the awkward conversation, the waiting a week for it to “grow in a little” and cover up the awful job the barber did.Not this place. I actually enjoy it. The small talk is great, the banter between employees is enjoyable, the feeling that they’re taking their time and not just turning over customers to make more money. You even get a free beer.I don’t get my hair cut often, but for as long as I’m in Seattle I’ll be going here.Shout out to Jerardo who takes my near-homeless look I walk in with and turns it into a solid haircut every time. Nice job man.

Hot foam neck shave is all I should have to say but the haircut is top notch for the price. Just ask my wife!My son just got back from his haircut and its the best hes ever gotten!

Great place with experienced barbers and laid back atmosphere. I got my hair cut by Piotr, he was easy to talk to and did an amazing job with my very difficult to cut hair. I will definitely be back.

Jay is a great barber! I always look great after a cut

I came in for a walkin near the end of the day, they were kind enough to squeeze me right in. I had a cup of tea and waited (was also offered beer, which is a nice touch!)Haircut was fantastic - the owner took the time to do a really nice job and told me exactly what he was doing, even though it was at the end of the day. He definitely got a big tip and Ill be back!

Julio has been my barber for more than three years; the whole team is excellent at is job!Also, as the description mentions, he is the real fademaster!

I went in for a first time cut and got good service in a comfortable atmosphere, definitely worth the $30 for a mens cut. What will keep me going back is the next day, I decided I wanted to make a few changes to the cut after I got home. I scheduled another appointment and both Julio and Piotr welcomed me back and helped me get the cut I imagined. They even thanked me for coming back. The willingness to get it right no matter what makes it an easy 5 stars.

Get a cut here every other week. Peter did such a good job at ACME that I followed him here when he opened up his own shop. Laid back atmosphere but very professional and they wont let you walk out the door unless youre 100% satisfied.

Great haircuts and better people. Seriously cannot recommend these guys enough. Grateful to have them in the neighborhood!

Nice and very talented group of guys. Always happy with my haircut.

Been coming here for the last year. I usually book with Trevor, but Ive had my hair cut by all of the guys before, and its consistently excellent. If you live in the area, theres no reason to go anywhere else!

The staff provide a fantastic service and deliver a satisfying cut with lots of attention to detail. Attractive, small interior that has a sleek professional design. The small operation means that the customer is given enough attention.

Julio is the man. Overall its a great place

Ive been going here for several months now. Great crew, great atmosphere. I dont even live in Seattle, but I go here to get a haircut if that means anything. Yes there are other barbers out there closer to you, but once you get a haircut here youll understand why its worth passing up all the other shops.

Great place! I got a haircut from Julio. It was awesome!!

Nice relaxed Barbershop consistently busy so make sure and book your appointment ahead of time. I have been trimmed up by both Julio and Piotr and both have done a great job.

Easily the best experience Ive had at any barber shop my whole life.

Peter is great! I followed him here from Acme after he left following a management shakeup. They stopped taking appointments and I wanted someone who knows my hair. He struck out with his own shop and I happily followed to QA.Peter is friendly, a dog guy, usually has his gorgeous Ducati parked out front, and has great service. Very easy to book something with and nice to chat with in the chair. Most of all, this guy kicks ass at his job. Nobody else in Seattle has done nearly as good a job on my dome. Hes responsive to requests, quick, and you leave looking slick. $30 well spent.

Easy to schedule online.Great cuts.Great conversations.5 stars.

Julio and Piotr are excellent at what they do. Best cut in the city.

Great place for a cut and easy chat. Piotr is always willing to follow-up with a complimentary neck cleanup. Ive been going for months and dont plan to change any time soon.

Its great it really is just remember make an appointment

Classic barbershop. All the guys are great at cutting hair and conversations are always fun. Make sure to book online.

The best Seattle hairdresser I know and go there forever Better Than I Think They are an artist and experienced

The best cut in Seattle. I drive across town regularly just to get a trim. Great atmosphere and talented barbers.

Awesome staff, nice place for haircuts for teens and adults. Community forward, fixture of Queen Anne

Austin did a fantastic job, thank you.

One of the best places for a haircut. Great location on the top of Queen Anne.

Good to excellent, and since this is so handy yes be back as needed

Nice place for a hair cut. Good location and very fair price.

The best and haircutting up until now, the price seemed a bit high, but they provided the best service and advice.

I got my haircut here once. The lady was super nice and friendly. I came in the middle of the day on a weekday and there was no wait. They take cash only but theres an ATM across the street.

Ive hated every haircut that Ive ever gotten until this place. These guys do a GREAT job.

I asked a co-worker where he got his HC and he told me about Counterbalance at the top of QA. The online scheduling system was a breeze including changing the time of the appt. on the same day. The guys were super chill and the vibe was casual and comfortable. I appreciate it not being loud and chaotic like some franchise barbershops. Plus I did not feel rushed. Jerardo and I discussed my hair and got on the same page. He did a fantastic job of listening and applying. Since I am trying to grow out my hair, I am really thankful he did not cut it too short like many barbers do. After getting home and washing and styling it myself the cut was even better then I thought which led me to take the time to write this awesome review. Thanks Jerardo and team!

This is the absolute best barber shop in the city. I would recommend to anyone looking for a hair cut.

Was really happy with the results of my haircut and the prices are modest.

Julio and Pitro are hair gods. Incredibly nice, friendly and know exactly what they are doing. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.

My kind of barber shop. Guys know their stuff and pretty fun to hangout :).

Came in for the first time today, excellent fade, David did a great job, pays attention to detail and is a perfectionist, highly recommend if you want a great barber.

The web site is a piece of junk. Totally broken. Couldnt book online so I called the shop. A very rude guy answered (1:53 pm on 11/9), and was immediately annoyed that I didnt know to book online. When I told him the site wasnt working, he said he didnt have time to do IT and tech support with a sarcastic tone. Guess you guys dont want my business. You suck!

These guys are awesome; and love what they do; and take pride in their work. Def my Barber of choice.

Awesome cut by Austin. Really good shop!

Love this place. Amazing atmosphere talented barbers great music and great location on Queen Anne

Ive since moved out of the QA neighborhood but I still come back here. Great shop, people, and haircuts.

Piotr is the best barber in Seattle, period. Always leave lookin clean, not easy to do, haha.

Grade A+ cut with Cameron

Price is now $35 for a haircut. I realize the former reviews state this place and people are awesome, and they may very well be, but I asked about a haircut and not dinner and a movie.

Awesome place! I had David, and he was great.

Piotr did a great job, Ill definitely be back!

Unprofessional and unsanitary.I booked an appointment for 5:30 on a Sunday. When I arrived on time, Julio was still working on the guy before me. He didnt apologize for behind behind and didnt tell me how long it would be. 20 minutes later hes still cutting the guys hair. He didnt even acknowledge that I was waiting. No apology. No estimate. So I got up and left.Whats the point of making an appointment!This place is also really dirty. Apparently they dont bother to vacuum because there is hair everywhere, even far from the barber chairs.With so many barber shops in Seattle, Julio needs to get his act together.

Excellent barber shop