The fade people drive an hour for
Fine men’s hairstyle and cuts on Skokie Boulevard since 2021. 4.9 stars across 251 Google reviews, 240 of them five. No app, no appointment — walk in, cash only.
4.9 out of 5 · 251 Google reviews · 9255 Skokie Blvd
Topics people mention most often in our Google reviews.
out of five
from customers
five stars
Skokie Blvd
Four things, every time
You have probably sat in a chair where nobody asked what you wanted and you found out at the mirror. That is the part we do first. These four happen every time, whoever has the chair.
The ask
You say what you want before anything is switched on. “You can tell them exactly what you want and they’ll do it for you.” — Daniel Baker
The blend
Fades and skin fades are what we are known for. “Specifically does an exceptional job of fading and blending.” — Nick Sakkos
The line
Beard lined, neck cleaned, edges set. “The beard line up has you walking out feeling like a million bucks.” — Elvin Husejnovic
The check
Nobody leaves the chair before they have looked. “He always makes sure that you leave his chair happy.” — Andrew Daoud
Cuts, beards and shaves
Ask at the door if you want something that isn’t on the list. Most of what we do, we do every day.
Prices
Would it be unreasonable to call before you drive over? Our price board is on the wall inside, and we will read it to you in ten seconds.
Call for pricesEvery fade on this page came out of that room
Recent work out of the chairs at 9255 Skokie Blvd.
Built in 2021, and it still looks new
Black stations, walnut shelving, a wall‑length hand‑drawn barbershop mural and a polished concrete floor. John designed and built the room himself when he opened.
“I must say he really did a good job designing the layout and used quality materials to build his salon.” — Adam Daniel
“I’d like to mention that the layout and design of this barber shop is spectacular. The shop is very clean and gives a sense of comfort and excitement as you wait your turn in line.” — Imran Khan
“Theres even free water, coffee, and phone chargers free to use while you wait.” — Lawrence Cabatu
Six barbers, named by their own customers
You don’t have to take whoever is free. Ask for one of us by name at the door — every barber here is named, over and over, by the people who sit in our chairs.
The mark on the wall says 2021
John cut hair in this area for years before he opened his own room. His customers followed him here — several of them say so by name, and by how far they drive.
“The owner of the establishment, John, used to cut my hair for almost five years.” — Konstantinos Kalaras
“We have been following John around for years at every place he has worked.” — A. R.
“Been going to J’s Barber Shop since he opened a couple months ago.” — Mike Bibla
What people actually wrote
Six of the 251.
“If I could give this place 10 stars, I would. The shop itself is extremely clean, and very welcoming. As for the haircut it is hands down the best fade in the area. John is very professional and understanding of the type of haircut you want.”
Dustin D · Google
“I’m a local of Skokie and recently discovered this hidden gem called J’s Barbershop. I have an undercut hairstyle, and Sonia does a wonderful job of getting my undercut fade. The prices are very reasonable, and everyone is friendly and kind. FYI, it’s cash only, so bring cash up front.”
Jacqueline Sancen · Google
“J’s is amazing! I appreciate the staff and managers kindness with me having autism! The barbers followed all my directions and gave me the haircut I wanted. More pleased than ever. Very clean shop.”
Curtis Park · Google
“Everyone in the barber shop is amazing. Sargon cuts my hair, I go in every 3 weeks and I’m never disappointed! I’ve finally found someone that can cut short hair. Walk‑ins only, but never a long wait.”
Denise Voss · Google
“J’s Barber Shop is amazing with kids! I brought my children in for haircuts, and Sonia was fantastic—so patient, friendly, and great with them. The shop is very clean, and the atmosphere is welcoming.”
Nancy George · Google
“John is an amazing barber. My whole family and I drive over an hour to come and get a haircut from him. He has been cutting our hair since before he was here and I reccomend everyone i know to come here.”
Michael Monfeli · Google
Boulevard Plaza, on Skokie Blvd
J’s Barber Shop
9255 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077
In Boulevard Plaza, between Church St and Emerson St
Plus code 27X3+R9 Skokie
(847) 779-3187
- Walk in. No appointment, no app, no account.
- Parking in the plaza lot. Free, right outside the door.
- Wheelchair accessible entrance.
- Kids welcome. First haircuts are a specialty.
- Free water, coffee and phone chargers while you wait.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The things people ask
Does J’s Barber Shop take walk-ins?
You have probably waited an hour somewhere that said it took walk-ins. Walk in is how we work — there is no online booking and no app — and the wait is the thing regulars mention: “Walk-ins only, but never a long wait.” Call (847) 779-3187 if you want to check before you drive over.
Does J’s Barber Shop take credit cards?
No. We are cash only, and there is no ATM inside the shop. A lot of people feel caught out by that the first time. Most have found it is a one-visit adjustment — bring cash and it stops being a thing.
How much is a haircut at J’s Barber Shop?
Our price board is on the wall inside the shop. Would it be unreasonable to call before you come? Ring (847) 779-3187 and we will read it to you in ten seconds.
What time does J’s Barber Shop open?
10:00 AM every day we are open. We close at 7:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday, and at 5:00 PM on Monday. Closed Sunday.
Which barber should I ask for?
It sounds like you have been handed to whoever was free before. You don’t have to be. Ask for any of us by name at the door: John (the owner), Sonia, Moe, Sargon, James or Frank.
Do you cut kids’ hair?
Yes, and first haircuts are a specialty. We take our time with the little ones. “J’s Barber Shop is amazing with kids! I brought my children in for haircuts, and Sonia was fantastic—so patient, friendly, and great with them.”
Do you cut women’s hair?
Sonia does short cuts, undercuts and undercut fades, and she does eyebrows. “I have an undercut hairstyle, and Sonia does a wonderful job of getting my undercut fade.”
Do you do beard trims and shaves?
Yes: beard trim, beard line up, hot towel shave and head shave. “The beard line up has you walking out feeling like a million bucks.”
Where exactly is the shop, and is there parking?
9255 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077, in Boulevard Plaza between Church Street and Emerson Street, across from Weber Park Golf Course. There is free parking in the plaza lot right outside the door.
Walk in today
Open until 7 PM Tuesday to Saturday, 5 PM Monday. 9255 Skokie Blvd. Bring cash, and we’ll take it from there.