Urbane Blades

Darren is seriously one of the best barbers in Chicago! I’ve only ever had my mother, who is also a barber cut my hair, but I had heard so many great things about Darren that I wanted to try him out. Nervous, being a women walking into a barber shop, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. I’ve always avoided barber shops because of the random macho «guy talk», loud music, video game playing you might encounter in some shops, but not Urbane Blades. Very clean and professional environment. When I walked in I was greeted by everyone that worked there and Darren was ready and available to cut my hair at my scheduled time. I was getting my hair cut for a formal event I was attending the following day and Darren did an exemplary job! Me not knowing how to clearly explain what I wanted, he consulted me on the latest trends and executed perfectly. Now, here goes my dilemma — how do I tell my dear mom I’ve found a new barber?!

I decided to give Robert another try. Came in and my appointment was honored as always. I think all was missing from my experience the first time was my clear instructions about how I wanted my hair to be cut.
This second time around Robert did an AMAZING job. The detail was great this time, and I received countless compliments and attention regarding the cut.
All is well!

Robert was great. We have looked at so many barbers and this one was next on the list. They knew exactly what my boy wanted. It’s hard to find an African American shop that does clean work. If your a young black man you know what a good line is. They took great care of my boy except for the four hairline cuts on his skin we noticed after he got home. Using a straight blade isn’t easy so we give him that. We will be back.

**UPDATED** 10÷7÷2015
I continued to go to Simeon after posting my review because I was really hoping that I was experiencing bad lucks with Urbane Blades and their service. Since then, I’ve had no issues with scheduling and Simeon continues to give me the best haircuts I’ve ever received, which is great. I definitely recommend this barber shop to those looking for one close to downtown. If you go after 5pm, you’re likely to arrive at a packed house. So be sure to schedule a day ahead or so.
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I’m hesitant to submit this review, as every haircut I’ve received here has been GREAT. However, I sought out this shop because my previous barber never kept his appointments and I typically had to wait 30 – 45 minutes each time I had an appointment, which is understandable from time to time, but I require a bit more consistency given my tight schedule on some days.
Pros:
–Nice shop. Clean.
–Great location, especially since I work downtown
–Skilled barbers
–Accepts debit/​credit and can book appoint via StyleSeat app/​website
Now for the cons, or one big CON in my opinion. Each time (4 times total) I’ve gone to Urbane Blades, I’ve booked my appointment via StyleSeat with Mr Haynes (Simeon).
Visit #1: The very first time, I had a conference to attend the next day and saw that Simeon had an opening so I booked it and arrived a little early. Once the guy ahead of me got out of the chair around 6:45 (Appt set for 6:30), I assumed that I was next. However, 2 people, who had come in behind me, somehow ended up in the chair before me. That evening I waited 2 hours before my haircut. Mind you, I’d already had a bad experience with my previous barber never being punctual. However, since this haircut was much better and the location was more convenient, I said I’d give it a couple more chances.
Visit #2: It was the only appointment that I only had to wait 10 minutes. I was pleased and had a great haircut.
Visit #3:I booked my appointment in the middle of the day, since I had about a 1.5 hour window that I figured would give me enough time (StyleSeat showed that his appointments were for every 30 minutes). I arrived on time, but it looked as if someone had just gotten in the seat right before my appointment. So, I ended up waiting 45 minutes before I could even sit down, which, of course, didn’t sit well with me being that I want to keep my job and had already allotted time to travel and «some» wait – not 45 minutes worth, though. Again, another great haircut so I was willing to just suck it up and continue coming.
Visit #4 (today): I set the appointment via StyleSeat, sent Simeon a message asking if I’d be able to get in the chair at 3 or close to it, since it was in the middle of the workday and I couldn’t afford to wait 20 – 40 minutes. I also told him to let me know if it was a problem and I could reschedule. No response. Got a notification that he had confirmed the appointment. I texted him directly, repeating the aforementioned message… No response. So, once it got close to 3, I just assumed that it wasn’t a problem. I get to the shop at 2:50p. Someone is in the chair, but it looks like he’s probably finishing up. Not so! 3pm hits…3:10…and at 3:20 I decided to leave because it looked as if I would be waiting another 45 minutes, risking returning to work late AGAIN, as well as wasting time that could’ve been used actually taking a lunch break or handling my already full workload.
If you’re going to have appointments, I think you really need to focus on setting them in a manner that takes into account overlap. As a busy individual, I don’t have time to factor in 45 minutes every time I set an appointment. I’m highly upset, because I really enjoyed the haircuts and services that I’ve experienced there; however if I’m respecting your time by arriving to my appointment on time, I expect to have my time respected as well.
The best of luck to you guys at Urbane. Definitely think that people should still check you out, but I’m in need of a punctual barbershop that values his client’s time, as well.

Just moved to downtown, and I think I’ve found my new regular barber shop. Came in today and Ricardo hooked me up with a nice cut.
I came in pretty early in the day, so the place was a little slow, but there were still people coming in. Great, clean atmosphere with professional barbers and reasonable pricing.

By definition alone, a hair salon or barbershop is a service detailed business. Perspicuously stated, customers are to receive both what they pay for and request. A near 30.00 haircut at a predominantly Black hair business warrants extremely diligent attention to detail and a brain that is able to listen to a request while making it happen on the customer. My most recent experience at Urbane Blades, a place that I’ve given quite a bit of money to since being back in the United States, was subpar and displeasing. After guiding the barber through my haircut request (using the visual aid of several pictures and description) I was given a cut that seemed to be more of the barbers idea for my look and not my own. Throughout the experience, not once did I receive a mirror to check the progress of my haircut and to ensure that it was being done to my liking. That treatment alone was rather obtuse. Upon finishing, the barber took my credit card without any indemnity for his mistake — ethically, it’s not how you want to do business. Especially to customers who might be well known…(.) I expect great treatment when it comes to any service – especially if I travel and pay to receive something that will impact my looks.

I come to urbane to get my hair cut usually on Monday to get my week started off rt. They open at 12pm on Monday which is a late opening time but I don’t mind. What I do mind is paying for parking and waiting over an hour for no one to show up. I check the website said they were open. So I’m out 8 dollars for parking and My hair isn’t cut. Frustrated say the least!

I’ve been coming here for approx. 7 months now and can honestly say I think I’ve found my new barbershop.
Location
The location is not too far from the Chicago CTA Train stop (Purple Line and Brown Line) which makes for a quick 5 min walk. I haven’t explored parking options and I’m not too sure what’s nearby. Given the area, I would play it safe and take advantage of public transportation.
Atmosphere
The shop is great and offers a nice blend of modern African American culture in a mature environment. The conversations are great and the staff is beyond friendly. The staff even takes the time to coordinate various small get togethers for clients at the shop.
Barber
I originally worked with Ricardo who’s moved to a different shop but did fairly nice cuts. Since Ricardo’s departure I’ve been working with Deprece who’s fairly accommodating with his schedule (has squeeze in an appointment for me near closing) and does a great job while listening to clients. Deprece also makes use of the «Style Seat» service which lets use schedule, pay and review your appointment from your mobile device or browser which is another PLUS for convenience. The shop seems to accommodate walk-​ins fairly quickly while adhering to their scheduled appointments from what I’ve observed.
All in all, if you need a cut — this shop makes the cut in my book!

Lady in the barbershop alert!
I was a bit apprehensive to go going to a barbershop to get my hair done. I like keeping that mystery and the whole I-​woke-​up-​like-​this thing going. However, I felt comfortable and it’s a lady-​friendly spot.
Location is great. Staff professional, nice touch with the t-​shirts.
The stylist has my hair on fleek– isn’t that what the kids are saying?. My style is a a natural updo. Aside from a little snafu on the booking it was worth it.
Also, I liked the barbers cut hair of all textures and every one walked out with really good cuts.

Convenient and friendly barber shop near the downtown area. I walked right in with my son and they hooked him up with a nice fade. Will definitely be back!

Man. I can finely breathe a sigh of relief. I’ve found a barbershop that I can stick with! I’ve been trying to find an accessible and professional place to get my haircut downtown since I moved to the city in 1999. This is it.
There is a bus stop *right* in front of the shop which is key for me. (it’s the 37 bus) The Chicago Brown/​Purple line stop is pretty close too. So getting here is easy, check.
Each dude that has cut my hair here has been great. I’m stylin’ and profilin’ every time I walk out after a fresh cut. Don’t have to deal with riff raff, check.
I never have cash. They’ve always been able to take a credit card payment, check.
Cost for my tight af fade, beard trim and shape up and a little eye brow shape up (i’ll get back to this) the cost is usually $ 26+tip.
The only thing is I wish someone knew how to shape up a man’s eyebrows — I ask when I go and I feel like it’s kinda of an awkward question for them and I have to walk them through it… idk. Maybe it’s me? Seems standard.
Highly recommend a visit if you’re looking for place for a good cut with a friendly staff.

I just moved from NY (Brooklyn), and couldn’t find a barber i felt comfortable with. I was referred by a friend in NY to call Urban Blades and set up an appt… GLAD I DID! Made an appt. with Raphael for the next day at 10am. Great shop, Great CUT, good conversation, on time, very professional, and cool guys! Raphael gave me a great cut, and I look forward to being a regular client!

I work in the neighborhood and also am moving close by so I was really excited to find out about this place on Unilocal.Its a great shop with a young hip atmosphere. I have been to many barbers on the north side but always end up disappointed in one aspect or another. Finally, after 3 years I found a reputable establishment. Urbane Blades is the best!
I come every week for a fade and make an appointment ahead of time so i never have to wait which is awesome. Ray usually cuts my hair and sometimes Raphael. They both are very knowledgeable, professional, and their cuts are always consistent.
Also, the shop caters to people from all walks of life and not just an African American customer base. There is even a female stylist for the ladies. If you live in the gold coast/​river north area I would recommend giving Urbane Blades a shot!

Instructions: yeah give me a 1 on the top and ½ on the sides with a bald taper. Line up the front too.
What I got: ½ all the way around and tapered. Neck still had hair. Lineup was done with clippers instead of straight razor. I had a untrimmed strip/​Mohawk.
Went back to get it fixed.
Barbers that don’t use a razor is not a barber in my book.
22 $ + tip. Yes I tipped. Had to go to my regular barber to get it fixed.

This is a cool spot to get your haircut. They always have the game on T. V and music playing in the background. They do have a female Barber and she is amazing at giving a fresh line or a fade Missi does it all! I know some men are ify but give Missi a shot she is insane with the clippers ! Btw who don’t want to sit in the presence of a beautiful women… I know I do. ;) and everytime I get out of her chair in feel like a million bucks!

Recently moved to Chicago from Austin and searched the internet for «black barber shop.» Funny what Google includes under the ethnic hair category.
Thankfully, ran across Urbane Blades since it was in walking distance to Brown Line CTA. Quick service, free WiFi, north downtown location, friendly and affordable.
Ray gave me the best haircut of my life. Been back twice. A definite recommend. Six Stars!

I cant sing the praises of urbane blades enough! these guys are experts in their fields. they give you EXACTLY what you want. even when you’re a woman who doesn’t speak barbershop and has no idea how to tell the barber what you want. what could be better than that!?! they’re on instagram and twitter, check out the satisfied customers faces if you dont believe me!

Very loyal to my barber in DC but was traveling extensively over the holidays and couldn’t get home to DC for a cut prior to heading to Chicago to visit a friend for New Years. He lives on the Northside and I figured there would be no shortage of black barbers on the Southside but I didn’t want to have to trek all the way to an unfamiliar part of town for a haircut. So a google search of black barbers on the Northside of Chicago turned up this place and I’m glad it did.
Called them up and they were open on NYE and they take same day or advanced appointments which is what I’m used to back home. Arrived here at Noon and Ray was ready for me. Shop was NOT crowded (a luxury of taking appt only as people show up at their scheduled time instead of having to wait around.)
Ray gave me a great haircut and he was conversational but not overbearing. Awesome social skills and hair-​cutting skills in a relaxing PROFESSIONAL environment which is just what I look for in a barber/​shop. There was ESPN playing in the background, snacks available, wi-​fi, and both barbers were talking to their patrons but there was NO loud, brash, misogynist, homphobic, etc conversation taking place. At least not on the day I was there. Ray is a full-​time craftsman and you can tell he takes pride in what he is doing.
I took the L here but there appeared to be ample streetside parking around. Neighborhood is up and coming and very safe.
I recommend this shop to any discerning man who wants a nice haircut from a centrally located barber on the Northside while visiting Chicago.

I’m tired of the fancy salon and spa’s for men, give me a good old barber shop any day, they are few and far of them these days. So I was curious to see how these guys were going to measure up. I initially thought that they would only specialize in Black hair, so it’s was nice to see a sign up that they «welcome all hair textures.» And they sure do! They were able to handle this Asian’s unwieldy stubborn thick ass straight hair.
It’s a cool hip place, down to earth stylist. I got a warm welcome from the staff. My barber was Ray, nice friendly guy. The smock/​cover up has a see through pocket for your phone/​ipad while you’re in the chair. They have wireless and plenty of tv’s to keep you occupied or you can always pass the time with great conversation with Ray and the staff. Ray was diligent and paid great attention to the haircut.
I think I’ve found my new place…

Good spot to get a cut at especially if you work in the loop/​River North or nearby. Cool, chill atmosphere and the guys that cut here are very conversational. TVs everywhere for all of us sports lovers that like to watch some games while getting a haircut.
They also serve you coffee while you wait… not too many shops do that. Definitely a gem for the area!