Reviews of Big Bro's Barbershop (Barber Shop)

Eli Cross

Lia gave me a legendary haircut. I now know that miracles do exist, because I went in looking like Tom Hanks in Castaway, and left looking like David Beckham.

C S

They are both amazing!

Esther Tung

Booked in with Lia for a buzz cut to trim up my undercut. I was out in 10 mins looking sharp, there was the right balance of professional and casual, and I felt super comfortable in there. ???? I live along the 7 bus route, so I'm here in 15 minutes and really appreciate having an affordable barber in the neighbourhood (to that weird reviewer below how feels queers in my neighbourhood somehow doesn't deserve a barbershop???)

maura wingle-land

Jessie and his team are amazing barbers, amazing advocates for the LGTBQ+ community, and are doing a great job of working safely during COVID. Everything is clean and sanitized, and they have a clever method is keeping masks on while cutting hair around the ears. Jessie is so personable with an infectious laugh. I've had appointments with him and Lia, and I love the final result!

Owen Ross

Ever since I found big bros, I don’t get my hair cut anywhere else! The staff are so friendly and I always get a fabulous haircut! The pricing is on an adjustable scale which is perfect and I have not seen anywhere else yet!

Jordan Harris

Amazing cuts great service and adjustable rates

Joe G

Great cut and trim, great staff, reliably happy with my visits

Aiden Fahimi

I don't normally post bad reviews for businesses. As a business owner, I know how important this is for small businesses. I thought I'd go home and wash it and fix the "style" with some products! No luck. I'll have to go to another place to have it fixed. I'm not sure what this person was doing, but it was nothing like what I expected from a 5-star place. Normally when you get a haircut, you should feel sharp and fresh; not in this place. I couldn't wait to get out of this boring place with that annoying music. Overall, horrible experience. I guess I'm just being too nice to give them 2 stars rather than one. I'm sorry guys, but you'll have to do much better to deserve a five-star review...

Chris Takala

Got a very meh cut

Lazarus Shaak

Best haircut I've ever had! Looks great a month later, and the conversation during the haircut was by far the most interesting one I've had with a hair dresser. I'm really looking forward to coming again and seeing where this business goes in the next couple of years. Gosh/10.

Gary Shuster

This is a fantastic place. My daughter got the best haircut of her life there. They listen to what you want, are respectful of how you want to appear, and they're plain awesome.

Krista Rice

Big Bro's is the best!! Always welcoming and friendly and they do great things with hair.

Solid Snake

Very cute shop with considerate sliding scale prices, very friendly and welcoming and definitely my go to spot for getting my hair cut now. Love the other trans gear they sell as well, such as binders. Also appreciate the clothes swap! Overall a great environment. Oh and my hair came out perfect!

I M

Jessie gave me the best haircut I've ever had. I have a style now! It's also a lovely community space with sliding scale prices. The warm fuzzy feeling of helping make Vancouver more awesome comes at no additional charge

Alex Bellavance

Jessie saved my hair before I went on my vacation! I've never felt so happy with a short haircut before and as a transguy myself I'm so glad a place like this exists. Coolest barbershop ever with great service.

Josh

Really happy with my cut. Great experience all around, booking online is handy as well.

Nathan Smith

I moved here from Vancouver Island so I had to find a new hair dresser. Unfortunately I've had some bad luck with hair dressers and been unable to find someone who would give me a masculine haircut to offset my feminine face. Thankfully, I found this place. Not only can I get a great haircut at a great price, but I can also buy gender affirming products such as packers and binders for FTM and breast forms, and padded underwear for MTF. Additionally there is a great clothing swap going on for me to donate some of my old clothes and pick up new ones that suit me better. This place is amazing already, but they also offer accessible, normal, and generous rates for everyone, as well as a compassionate cuts day where its even cheaper. I seriously love this place.

Reive Doig

Fabulous old school barber shop at the corner of 9 Mile and 1st Avenue, it's a true gem in the neighborhood. The proprietor, Jesse, we'll see that you leave with style. In addition to a great haircut there is a foosball table, so if you are looking to keep the kids busy while you get a cut, or if you'd simply like a chance to play a game with a friend while you wait for one of your own, you're in luck. The ownership and staff are also very supportive of the lgbtq community, and particularly trans friendly. I can't say enough great things about them.

J Fisher

Amazing barbershop! I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great haircut with friendly, talented and genuine human beings!

Mysti Kong

Very queer inclusive, wonderful resource for all things LGBTQ+

Hans Giesbrecht

Had an appointment with Jesse, and he went above and beyond! Had some great fun conversations and an even better cut that perfectly fit what I was looking for. 10/10

Rylen Moore

Words really can't express how affirming and relaxing it is to be able to access a barbershop that is trans owned and operated. I moved to Vancouver a year and a half ago and have loved coming to Big Bro's for haircuts ever since. The owner, Jessie, is extremely kind and personable (and offers sliding scale prices for all cuts!) and Lia is always a pleasure to speak with as well. Both are great and you be in really competent hands!

Maxwell Smith (The Graduate)

They helped me with finding a binder. A big kudos to them. Can't wait to be going there for my haircuts

Kai Golding

Love going here the staff is amazing (especially Lia she's super amazing) !!! The vibe is also amazing as well! 100% recommend going here especially if your LGBTQ+!!!

Trisha Barbarona

Jessie is such a lovely person and they truly cared about my experience! Definitely going back every month! We need more of these trans + enby spaces ❤

Cherise Craney

Friendly people providing an accessible and welcoming space. You have to actually go there to experience it.

Zeth Priaz

Jessie did a good job with my hair. I was initially apprehensive of the style the way he cut my hair hair. It turned out really well and nice!!! My girlfriend loves my.new haircut! I had been wearing 20 inches of hair for the past 4 years. I am glad it was cut and my hair is mow much easier to manage.

Jonathan L

Great staff and cuts. Reasonable and flexible pricing.

Asa Foulger

I got my first binder here. jessie really helped me figure out what i needed. It really was such a great experience.

Finn-Lily Heartwood

Wonderful place with wonderful staff. A trans oasis away from the cis-tem.

guirohden

Nice haircut, nice beard trim, nice talk. Returning next month!

Dunky (Dunky)

Nice place

Sapphire Dumaresq

Big Bro's Barbershop is my go to place for just about anything hair related. Jessie had no issues with cutting off the majority of my hair and styling the way I wanted. I've bought my kids here. My husband goes here for his beard trim. Just an overall awesome place, especially for the LGBT community.

Bran Eveland Cron

Finding a barber I trusted in Vancouver was hard, but I found him at Big Bro's. Jessie is very kind, patient, and attentive, and unafraid of my hair texture. (That last part may sound weird, but trust me - it's been a problem.) He was also understanding if I was running a few minutes late because of traffic or transit. I live far away now because grad school took me to the States, but I am coming back to visit soon. One of my first thoughts after booking the flight was to book another appointment at Big Bro's, because of how comfortable I felt there. I very much look forward to having my hair cut the way I like it.

R Tagami

Lia was fast and efficient at giving a trim to my very long hair. The space is bright and friendly without trying to be too "modern" or trendy. Appreciate that their pricing is on a sliding scale to serve clients from all walks of life. Will definitely return and have recommended to friends.

Swag Money

Really comfortable and friendly atmosphere and it was a great experience as a trans person since you don't often see places like this; Lia did an awesome job with my hair and I'll definitely go back here for haircuts in the future :)

Gowri Thampi

For a wonderful haircut and a gender identity affirming experience, highly recommend.

Kiersten M

So welcome and accepting, no need to explain your gender or why you want the hairstyle you're asking for and they gave me a great haircut! Definitely going back

Alex Reeder

I've been going to Jessie for haircuts since Big Bros started in an odd little warehouse room before their storefront location! It's amazing to go to a place as a queer person where I feel safe and seen, to get something as intimate as a haircut. I've always got an amazing cut and the chats are always fantastic! My boyfriend has started going as well and has had just as positive an experience! Can't reccomended Big Bros enough!

Caroline Tapp

Lia did a great job.

Gonnagle

Stopped by on a compassionate haircut day and it was a great experience. Had been feeling low as it's been hard times but I enjoyed some good conversation and came out with a wonderful haircut. A lot of care and attention went into it and I've gotten a lot of compliments for it since so I felt pretty good. Thanks!! :) It's a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere and the clothing swap is a wonderful idea.

Justin Harford

My boyfriend had a fantastic haircut here and Lia was also amazing!

Ivan SG

Lia cut my hair earlier today and though i was too shy to talk much i can definitely say this is the first haircut i've actually been happy with! It's so great for trans and enby youth to say what they want without fear of judgment. Now i can express myself in a way that makes me happy <3

Daniel

Jessie is an invaluable community resource and overall rad human being. He very kindly helped me pick out just the right binder after I'd worn my last one out. And Big Bros has always felt an incredibly safe space. The first time I went to Big Bros was shortly after it opened and I'm so happy to have seen it grow and flourish. It's worth the trip just for the atmosphere and the great people there.

Daniel Carkner

I've been coming here since the old location. It's a glbt/trans friendly barbershop. No complaints, the barber listens to me and is even flexible about the price.

Kent Chan-Kusalik

This Barbershop is such a treat to go to. It's a community hang out for the trans community, and the staff are wonderful. I get my buzz cuts done, and my wife gets her hair colour done. Great banter.

--

I was new to Vancouver when I found this place. It's inclusive, and also non-judgmental safe space where you can get a fantastic trim with designs if your heart desires.

Ashton Talan

Really great!!!

Harlo Martens

I can't describe how wonderful it feels to support a small trans-owned/ operated business! Moreso, as a person who will not let just anyone touch my hair, I've finally found a handful of haircutters who are willing to listen patiently to my demands and comfort me throughout the process. Jesse, you are a saint in this Vancouver LGBTQS+ community, and overall such a lovely person <3 I wish I could leave a higher review!

Kate Madden

It is incomprehensible why any barber shop would be appointment only much less a retail location that is as difficult to get to as this. I have no review of their competency as barbers but there are places within 90 seconds drive where you can have your hair cut by Queer barbers without the hassle of booking an appointment. Not having walking reduces community, engagement and experience which is odd for a trans/queer focused retail establishment. It came recommended to me but I suggest other, more easily accessible, places with less barriers on Commercial or Hastings. ????️‍????

Floyd PM

wish the scheduling was a bit more laissez-faire but love this place.

EMdS

Went in to checkout chest binders and Jesse was super friendly and helpful. It's a great space, very clean and tidy, lovely people, and great prices. Highly recommended!

Jen Woytowich

I can't imagine cutting my hair anywhere else. The staff here are all amazing: I started seeing Lia when my work schedule changed and she's absolutely wonderful. The first time I met her I couldn't believe how fast and effortlessly she gave me a perfect fade while joking about video games. To anyone in the LGBT+ community, the people and the space just feels like home.

Laura H

Had a great first appointment with Jessie. He was kind and open, and I felt like I could ask him anything. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to spend an hour with a real cool dude, and leave with a great haircut!

Malgorzata Lewicka

As a nonbinary person struggling with dysphoria I had high hopes (and fears) visiting BBB for the first time. Turns out I was right in hoping that a trans person would understand my needs perfectly. Lia is a magician and despite my poor hair, she crafted a haircut that made me like (!) what I see in the mirror every morning. I will definitely go back, and I am super grateful for BBB's existence.

Tolik shtikov

Just found out about this place as I moved a few doors down the street a month ago. Really good barber shop, extremely fair (and adjustable) price. You gotta check this place out. I walked in not too confident about my hair and the dude who cut my hair helped me out majorly and gave me some pointers on how to style as well. I walked out with a great cut. I will be coming back.

Scott Sommerville

My favorite barber in East Van. Incredibly friendly staff who do a great job with my hair and beard. Pricing is on a sliding scale based on what you can pay, but even the "generous" level is more than reasonable for services provided. The space is also a wonderful resource for the queer and trans community, with a large supply of gender-affirming products, information, and a clothing swap.

Zach Carroll

Love to see the LGBTQ+ community thriving!

Francis Hart - D'Emilio

Good people and excellent haircuts.

David Cano

First and foremost, this is a quality barbershop. Quick and detailed service. Once that very important step is taken care of, the rest of what Big Bros provides is just the icing on the cake. Community focused, including a sliding scale for costs. A queer safe space in east van, with gender affirming products and resources. A wonderfully friendly proprietor. I will be back

Rowan Rochel

I moved to Vancouver from Calgary and was in search of a queer friendly barber. I'm sure other queer folks can relate to the stares I tend to get when walking into a "regular" barbershop. I was on a mission to find a place I can get my dead protein strands trimmed and I could just be a person, not the strange queerdo in a cis male dominated environment, you feel? I've been a regular patron of Big Bro's for a solid three years now, and I've never been disappointed. Jessie is now the only one I trust to go near my hair because he does a bang up job every time. Please support this shop! They've been a beacon and safe space for many a gayby and I hope they are around for many more years to come.

Amy Fox

*Great* staff, excellent haircuts, and specializing in being queer/NB/transgender friendly as heck. Also: scent free hair products and trans* supplies.

Alan Mars

Best queer barbershop in Vancouver. Lia is very nice and does a very good job every time. Me and my boyfriend come here regularly.

Annabree Fairweather

What a wonderful barbershop and so incredibly welcoming. I brought my kid in for a haircut and we stayed for a long time reading some of the wonderful books for kids and visiting with the staff. There's a phone charging station, free wifi, and tonnes of reading materials on gender and queer/trans rights, with a variety for all audiences. The staff were incredibly friendly and did a fantastic job making my kid feel comfortable and safe (he usually gets really anxious about hair cuts). I highly recommend this place!

Vincent Chiu

Wonderful place

Sunny Clark

A+ Two happy customers here! We both love our haircuts from Jessie and Skylar. Jessie tuned right in to what I wanted. My young adult kid's lush mane never looked better than it has since Skylar got shears on it. Very welcoming people and atmosphere. 100% worth both the long wait for our appointments and the drive from Guildford. See you again! Thanks!

Adri ennE

Staff are phenomenal. Services are on point. They have a great pricing system that allows people to pay according to their own financial ability, and it's a great place to be. We always leave smiling.

_lunwoo

Great place to get a haircut. Jessie and the rest of the staff are kind and amazing people. I truly felt safe and comfortable there. I will always choose Big Bros Barbershop for my haircuts and FTM needs! Thank you Jessie for creating this safe space!

Chantal Snazel

Jessie was very kind and friendly! Very pleased with my undercut touch up and will be returning in the future :)

West

Love my haircut, Thanks Lia!

Tyler P

Great service, and i love the adjustable prices for those in need.

Jonty Sizer

The best experience I have EVER had getting my haircut. I will definitely be coming back!

Spencer Johnston

Best lil barbershop in town! Owned by a very incredible, community-oriented person and staff that are so friendly and sweet! A rare gem of a business that I’m more than happy to support <3

Rowan Lerma

Thank you Lia for the awesome haircut and super comfy experience!! I’m a first timer - and normally hate getting my hair cut, but I’m definitely coming back when it’s time for a clean up.

Gordon Bradbury

I don't understand why this place was 5 stars. The barber could not perform the hair style I wanted which was not difficult. I went home and cut my own hair which is actually pretty sad. I give this place a 2 because he gave me a half hair cut

Amanda Vidovic

I wouldn't go anywhere else. I love this place so so so much.

Thomas P&I

Great Work !! Thank's LIA Nice greetings the German guy

Kaja Sadowski

Jessie is a community fixture who offers so much more than haircuts. Big Bro's is a social hub, a trans resource centre, and an affordable retailer. And all of the staff are excellent barbers and lovely human beings. I can't say enough good things about this business.

Jill Olfert

I've come here twice now to get a haircut from Lia. She does a great job and is fun to talk to. The shop atmosphere is super welcoming and today all three stations were chatting and laughing. Love to see it!

Lucy Bailie

Jessie is a pro and the place is so welcome to all people. Highly recommend!

Sam Richardson

Was super impressed with the shop and Jessie. He did exactly what I requested and had a fabulous chat about supplies and resources that the shop offered. Definitely has a customer for life. Prices are fair with a sliding scale for affordability purposes.

Katie Boyd

Sliding scale haircuts. Positive space

Blair Lane

my hair is nothing like what i wanted i said i was growing out my front ,,, well bye bye months of growth and hello hat collection....

Rachel

We have been long time customers of Zed's and enjoyed the haircuts, loving treatment and family-friendly vibe of the shop. Zed will listen to what a kid wants for their own hair and try to help a kid achieve the look they want for their own gender! We book appointments every eight weeks or so, months and months in advance.

Liz MacDonald

Changing my review to 1 star. Since the owner replied to my review on here I decided to email and try and open a dialogue. No response. Since I got my haircut, the skin around where the clippers were used broke out like I have never seen before and the area was SO itchy. Not just, oh my hair is growing in itchy. Like, I want to pull my skin off itchy. It was bright red and SO uncomfortable. I looked it up and the internet agrees that dirty equipment was likely to blame. I ended up having to use medicated soap to relieve the symptoms. ________________ Argh, I was so excited for my appointment here. I've lived in the neighbourhood for a long time and finally booked in for this morning. I normally cut, colour, and style my own hair but since I don't have sweet barber skills, my undercut and sideshave end up looking a little monotone, ya know? I showed up for my appointment early (appt at 1130) and shop was closed although it said it was open at 11. So I waited until 1130 and went back. I felt so uncomfortable, like I was a nuisance rather than a client. No music, no ambiance, no "hey how are you have a seat here's some water". But I was at a barber shop and excited to get a barber cut. Maybe that's how barber shops are. I have no idea. I was just sat in the chair, Cape put on, and away we went with minimal discussion or conversation. I was also stoked to go into an accepting environment, hoping not to be judged by my hair choices (like some salons). 4.8 star average reviews don't lie! I didn't get what I was looking for. I was really hoping for a faded cut and keep my sideburn long (as I asked). I instead got an all over .5 buzz (right away, too... so no going back!) and slightly longer sideburn that'll look really dumb as I grow it back out- my hair is curly so I'll have fuzzy curly sideburns until they are long enough again to straight iron out. Honestly I could have done this myself at home (like I have been). I will chalk this experience up to my own mistakes. I should have booked a later appointment so the shop would be ready and I should have been more vocal about what style I wanted, maybe looking up the correct terminology to use. From now on I'll stick to doing my own hair. Luckily it grows really fast.

Clay N

Wonderful place and the best haircut of my life - thank you!