Step into the past, when haircuts mattered and barbers ruled the earth. Part Western saloon, part speak-easy in terms of decor, the Terminal Barbershop features 19th-century chairs, antique mirrors and music from the '30s and '40s piped through a retro-style radio. Enjoy an upscale experience with polyglots Omar Mahruk and Karim Saaden.
Writing and photos by Christos Tsirbas
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The moment I stepped into the "saloon" I was attacked by a wave of discomforting heat. Poor climate control, however, was the least of their deficiencies. When asked what kind of hair cut I would like, my description was greeted with an air of uncertainty and confusion. As I proceeded to make my request, it appeared as if the barber was willing to carry on with his own plan in mind. When the hair cut began, I was immediately displeasured as my bangs were butchered to an uncomfortably short length. This set the tone for the duration of my experience. To spare gruesome details, this was by far the worst hair cut I have ever had. The man's hands were smelly, he was unable to understand my hair concept, and in the end, I walked out with the same hair cut every barber in the shop was sporting.
The location was convenient, though.
The barber told me he was Saddam Hussein's barber. Whatever.
Hey, if you want a stylist, go to a hair salon. That's why gus the other barber calls himself "the other barber" since barbers are barbers. Maybe you need to go to a fancy shop to get your emo bangs trimmed properly. The terminal barber shop is great. Sure there are a couple of transient barbers, one of whom you may have met, but you can't go wrong with Karim and Omar. Great guys and even better barbers. Not to mention the best shave in town. Keep that in mind when you want to get your hipster ironic moustache removed.
"Hair Concept" LOL
Jeffy - FYI: men with "bangs" don't go to barber shops.
How did you get lost en route to Coupe Bizarre and end up on Bay St., Jeffy? ROFL ...
I went in for a quick cut and was more then pleased with the results , I make without the classical music.
how much does it cost for a basic cut?
the barber at terminal barber shop was fired by karim the owner he told me that he smoked outside and client complaind about the odor of the cigarets if you had that baber cuting your hair than you have a point there omar and karim do care a lot about ther clients ther work is ampicable there is no daout.
Basic cut is $17. I was there this week for the first time and it's a solid barber shop.
I went here for a haircut a few times. I also wanted to get some help with sharpening a straight razor as I had heard they do this for a small fee. They did not seem remotely interested in helping me with this, even though I was a paying customer and the only one in the shop at the time. They didn't seem too interested in cutting hair either. There was no discussion, just uncomfortable silence. Their haircuts were okay, but I'm looking elsewhere these days.
It was my first time in the shop today. I must say Karim is incredible. It is extremely difficult to find a good barber these days but Karim knew what he was doing. The only thing that didnt sit well with me was the gentlemen cutting hair at the door gives you the most awkward stares when you enter...Like he just saw his long lost father making out with a poodle.
I get a buzz cut at my barber that takes about 10 mins.... paying 12.00 why would I venture to Bay St. (Live close by) for $17.00 ...I used to go there many years ago when two Italian Barbers where there they were the best of the best..those days are long gone...today barbers are in a hurry and dont care much just like the money... ciao
I had a very professional straight razor shave by Omar today. Very smooth. No nicks, no scrapes. Just a completely comfortable and relaxing shave. I am very pleased with Omar's work and pleasant, professional attitude. I recommend him to anyone.
I am marlon fisher in jamaica i have being cuting hair for 15 year no , ineed a work in canada to cut hair can you help me.
Does Terminal do fades? And how much do they charge?
WORST HAIRCUT OF MY LIFE!
Went here three times to all 3 of the regular barbers during 2009. The first two were fairly half-assed, with minor errors and difficulty communicating with barbers whose first language isn't English. This is also the highest priced barber shop I've ever been to and the results did not correspond to the price.
Finally had the owner, who was so busy speaking in French to his buddy that he misunderstood what I wanted and gave me a brushcut. I came in with about 4.5 inches of hair and left with 1/2 inch! He didn't bother clarifying such an incredible change in length, just ran his buzzer right down the middle of my head, so it was irreversable. When I saw a huge hank of hair fall in my lap I looked up in horror. When I asked him what in the hell he was doing he had the brass to get angry with me, saying I miscommunicated. Well excuse me, but I was speaking English, not French or Egyptian or Arabic or whatever the hell their first language is.
Any good barber--even a stupid mediocre barber--should have asked twice before giving me this haircut. It took 6 months to grow out.
DO NOT GO TO THIS OVER-PRICED, HALF-ASSED BUTCHER SHOP!
I've been there twice and I really like these guys. I had different barbers each time and both times they did a great job. They asked me how I wanted the cut beforehand and were friendly.
I'm not sure what the fellow above is complaining about, I speak english and had no trouble communicating with either of them.
The only one that can cut properly is Karim, the rest are mediocre although once i had a great cut from one of the blokes which didn't show up anymore.
Warning: Don't talk about religion to them!, they are very defensive and hardcore that's why i took my business somewhere else
Their prices recently increased to $22 for a cut. Still worth it imo... The person bragging about $12 haircuts...lol... why don't you really be a cheapskate an goto some college where they let students cut hair for free!
Also this place shaves the back of your neck with a straight razor
I had my worst cut here. My friends figured I had a back to school hazing. If you go INSIST that you get your cut from one of the barbers in the picture, not their assistants.
...even though they raised their price, they are better than anyone else in the area. what do people expect? aveda? seriously not. it's a barber shop. karim and omar are the best, there's one guy that's tall and has thinning hair, he's good too.
all you have to do is explain what you want and you'll get it. one time, omar cut my hair and when i went into the atrium on bay i realized it was too long. i had second thoughts, went back, he did my touch up free of charge and apologized politely.