Ruthies Neighborhood Barber

I have been going to Ruthie for my haircuts almost since she opened over 20 years ago. I first dropped in because she was just down the block from me on St. Mark’s Ave. Since then, I have moved twice, each time being over 3 miles away — but I haven’t stopped going to Ruthie! Her welcoming presence, her attention to her craft and her love of the community all make her shop feel like home, even when I’m far away.

I’ve been seeing Ruthie since 2022 and have found her to be an excellent barber. Unlike many barbers these days who rely too much on their clippers, Ruthie uses classic techniques and takes her time to get the details right. I have very thick hair, which means I used to get a lot of bad haircuts before finding Ruthie. Even though she is among the best barbers I’ve ever had, she is also the cheapest barber in the neighborhood, with a full haircut for under $30. Ruthie is walk-ins only and is open in the late afternoons and evenings on weekdays and Saturdays, which means it’s pretty easy to get a haircut any day you want. It’s best to call before you leave home to make sure she’s in, but you can also call the shop in the morning and listen to the voicemail which she updates every day to find out her exact hours for the day. Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention that Ruthie is an incredibly warm and kind person, which you can read about in many of the other reviews for her shop.

I've been seeing Ruthie regularly since 2018 and no other barber. She is tremendously skilled, efficient, detailed, and consistent - but most of all Ruthie is an incredibly warm, optimistic, and effusive person who makes the neighborhood special. I'd suggest calling before dropping by. Being a one-person shop that means it can be closed early/opened late due to unforeseen circumstances.

Ruthie gave me a great haircut and was so kind! She even chased me down the street when I forgot my mask afterwards It was amazing to hear how her spot has been open for 27 years—I hope to keep coming back and see her shop continue thriving

Ruthie is special and a community institution. I always get a great and fast haircut. She’s been in this business for a long time and always makes everyone feel welcome!! Do not hesitate to come in and get a haircut at Ruthie’s.

Follow-up on my previous review. I finally got an appointment with a hairstylist to even out the awful haircut I got, and she was stunned by not only how uneven it was but, more importantly, how bad my split ends were. After cutting off 5”, on almost completely virgin hair I use heat ~3x a year I should be fine - but there’s so many split ends just 2 weeks after my cut from Ruthie that this stylist says she must have been using scissors as dull as kitchen scissors. She only believed I got a haircut recently at all bc the blunt bottom was so obviously fresh and uneven. Do not go here if you care at all about your hair

I came in and asked for a trim. I said several times, in voicemails, and in person, that I didn’t want to lose more than 1/2”-1” of hair. She was 45 min late to our appointment and then, after showing me a 1/2” of hair, cut off 5 INCHES! I was so shocked I started balling my eyes out and threw up a block away. I’m still shaking, I can’t believe it

It was a pleasure hearing Ruthie’s stories of the neighborhood while getting my hair cut. The shop has been there about 20 years and the locals pop in and out throughout the day, as they know Ruthie has candy for the kids and dog treats for the pups that pass by. If you’re in the area, go support Ruthie so the place can stay open for a few more years.

Ruthie is an absolute gem of a human being who happens to also give great haircuts and exceptionally reasonable prices especially for Brooklyn!. She even fixes an error my last barber committed!

Great experience getting first haircut at Ruthie’s. Very experienced, had great recommendations for the haircut. and well executed. Also, very reasonably priced.