JP Kempt Barber

My husband always schedules Jordan to cut his hair, and he always loves his haircut. He particularly likes the strait razor treatment as he has never liked the look of facial hair. He’s a simple cut so it usually only takes 15 – 20 minutes.

After traveling across the city several times, its just not worth it. Its a nice place, Shorty (owner) is a nice guy. Each time i went back for a buzz cut & beard trim, the end result would be not as good as the previous. Maybe I have to much attention to detail, but the last time I got home my beard was crooked and I had hairs that were missed on my head. I just get a buzz cut same length all over. I think if more attention to detail was given, I’d be more happy to return. I’m just going to save the time and do it myself.

I’ve been a loyal customer to both JP Kempt and my barber Paulette since June of 2015; I’m not going anywhere. I’ve never had such an amazing experience and know that the service provided here will always be the same and top notch. Paulette does a superb job with my 1.5″ on top and mid-​temple zero fade on the bottom. No matter where I go, everyone wants to know where and who cut my hair. The most amazing compliment I’ve received from a co-​worker is that «you look like you’re in your 20’s»; I’ll take it! If you want true mastery, book with Paulette. Cheers!

I don’t think they know how to cut long hair on guys. My hair was all messed up. Ask them if they’re comfortable cutting long hair on guys first.

I used to go here when I was living in San Francisco. Paulette has given me the best taper fades and lineups of any barber I’ve ever been to. I still haven’t found her equal.

Best shop in town. I’ve gotten cut up by almost everyone in the shop and each time it’s been on point and exactly what I wanted. Make and appt or roll the dice and walk in, either way you can’t miss.

Things I like about JP Kempt:
* Adam: Great barber, worked some real magic. Especially appreciate that he explained what was happening and gave me aftercare advice.
* Reception/​intake: scheduled over phone the same day. Upon arrival, was offered a beverage of choice (and it was good).
* Hot towel: Didn’t even realize what I’ve been missing out on, this is a game changer.
* Straight razor: See above.
* Ambience: great music, style, and conversation from everyone.
The energy is positive, the style is unique, the experience is special.

I called JP Kempt yesterday for some help because my boyfriend needed me to pick up some beard products for his newly grown beard. My boyfriend wasn’t sure about what he really needed because he just got off of active duty. Shorty picked up the phone when I called and assured me that they had what he needed. I swung by and he was so nice and helpful! He didn’t try to sell me a gazillion products and showed me only the beard products that a short beard needed. I would definitely recommend this barber shop to people. Their customer service is excellent!

Went in and told them what I wanted, and got it. Went home, didn’t like what I saw, went back and asked for something else. They restyled my hair to my specifications (again), without any complications, and this time I very much liked what I saw.
Thanks again for another great cut and so graciously dealing with my request. I am a satisfied customer.

Great experience from the moment you walk in (coffee, beer, or water?) to the hot towel and single-​blade shave after the cut. Shorty and his awesome barbers make will make you feel like you’re a part of the family every time you come in.
Great music, great conversation, and –most importantly– great haircuts keep me coming back time and time again. You can really tell Shorty wants you to look your best when you walk out his doors.

My chop shop hair cutter pulled a last-​minute «I think I’ll take the week off» on me and I was stuck with a messy mop and a major appointment the following day. I needed a cut and I needed it NOW. So I started Unilocaling and looking around and I kept coming back to this place in my search so I hit their website and booked a time on-​line.
So, yeah, they have some dings in their review stack. But so do they all. So what?
It was a nice day so I walked the 1.5 miles to their shop on «The Blade» just around the corner from Oak. And I had to laugh when I walked in. This place is so cool and so well done that it’s almost breathtaking. It is a «real», old fashioned barber shop with 7 or 8 original (and matching) Koken barber chairs, just like when I was a kid. There’s a great vibe going in the place with lots of yakking and laughter so you feel good just walking in.
I got an honest and warm «hi there» when I entered. The guy found my booking and asked me to have a seat (I was 15 minutes early). He offered me a drink (water, beer) and then let my barber know that I was there. Right at the appointed time Scott, the barber I had chosen from the website (nice smile LOL), came over and welcomed me and we were off to a haircut.
Started with a nice refreshing shampoo then to the chair where Scott asked me how I’d like my hair cut. Did I want scissors or the clippers or a combo? Since I’m just a «normal» haircut kind of guy I chose scissors and kind of short-​ish. Turns out that Scott is really easy to talk to and is a master of the scissors. My hair has a mind of its own and flies off in all directions but Scott got it under control and I left looking better than I have in years. The next morning I toweled my hair dry after my shower and it only took a few swipes with the comb to have me looking totally presentable unlike after my chop shop cuts when getting it tamed was a major production. And now, three days later, it’s still working like magic.
I’m probably going to keep coming here. The chop shop was cheap ($ 18 + tip) but I never liked the cuts. This place is pricier ($ 45 + tip) but the cut I got is the equivalent of what I’d pay $ 100+ for around Union Square. And these folks are just plain nice folks with no airs and no upscale fol-​de-​rol. Read the reviews, look at the dings and pay attention. When you make an appointment you’ll be shown their guidelines about being late. These folks work by appointment so show up a little early, have a beverage and chill while you’re waiting and you won’t be disappointed. And you’ll get a great haircut, as well.

I’ll keep it simple.
One of the best barber experiences I’ve ever had.
Everyone had rad energy and the cut n shave was on point.
Word.

Been here enough times now that I feel I can write a review!
I’ve had nothing but great experiences here, and I’ve always chosen a «random» barber (all worth coming back to, I just have a weird schedule)
Professional, clean cuts without that sense they are trying to rush you. Come here expecting to wait 5 – 15 minutes past your original appointment, but that is ok! Quality is their craft and I wouldn’t want a rush job, so schedule accordingly. Haircuts take 30 – 45 minutes for me generally here, I don’t do anything too fancy
Again I think it’s a testament to their hiring bar that choosing a random barber still results in a happy experience, the only thing I’d be scared of switching would be the business itself. Great job jp kempt!

Moved to SF about two years ago and first started going to a high-​end salon in SoMa. The price was absurd even though the cut was usually great. I decided to look into alternatives for a while and decided to give JP Kempt a try. I chose Shorty my first time and have kept coming back to him since then.
The price is incredibly reasonable and the quality always great. It was a nice change of pace to be around the guys again (there are a few female barbers too!) and be able to shoot the shit. I feel totally relaxed, nobody acts uppity, and a glass of draft beer while waiting kicks it off the right way.
Most importantly Shorty really cares about the people who work for him and every customer being happy. I recommend this place to every friend looking for a new barber, and Shorty is always the guy I point them to — although I know every other barber has devoted regulars, too.

I’ve been coming here a while now. I see some complaints because specific barbers didn’t cut their hair the way they want. That’s frustrating, sure. Different barbers have different styles. Just do what I do. Try different barbers. Try different styles. Settle with one who does it how you like it.
I saw one complaint about an apathetic wait. That place moves with courtesy and efficiency, anytime I’ve been there.
I like coming here because it’s in my neighborhood, and it’s really one of a kind. Shorty, the owner, is one of the guys who made this trend, going to a man’s barbershop and getting a haircut plus a shave or beard trim, popular. The shop has a great staff, great atmosphere, and you can have a beer (or other beverage), hear some funny stories, that kind of thing.
IMO it’s a great place that delivers some excellent grooming, and a cool experience. I recommend it.

This is review is specifically for Scott.
Got an amazing haircut from him today. He was extremely patient with my long unruly hair. I wanted it extra short and it took quite some time. He took it off layer by layer making sure I was happy with the results.
The final results were awesome. I no longer look like a hippy anymore.
In a word, professional. My boss has to give me a raise now !

Brittany cut my hair and she is fantastic! I went in looking to go from shoulder length to a pixie-​like cut. Didn’t know exactly what I wanted but I showed Bittany some pictures and she really took the time to figure it out and also gave really good advice.
At first, I was really nervous to get the cut but Brittany has worked in a salon and has had short hair which made me trust her even more. She’s really good at what she does for sure and she is absolutely lovely. Could not recommend her more!

I came here on a recommendation from a couple of my coworkers and I have to say that Harley does a great job. The attention to detail is awesome and nothing is overlooked. They use classic tools of the trade and are pretty deft with a straight razor. This will probably be my go-​to barber shot going forward. The barbers are also extremely social so conversation comes very easy.
That being said it is pretty hipstery and it is substantially pricier than most other places so if you’re looking for a cheap cut, this is not the place for you. However, I do believe in compensating great work and The barbers at JP Kempt are the real deal so I don’t feel too bad paying the premium.
Keep up the good work!

I would have loved to give this place a higher rating after the initial 25 minute hair cut, things were looking good. Then Kevin proceeded with the shave and that’s when things got messy, not one cut but two, which were relatively deep, on my neck. If you don’t know how to use a straight razor, you shouldn’t be using one, it’s unacceptable. Then after that, charging the customer, while not being able to contain the bleeding (he literally tried to send me away while I was still bleeding, horrible behavior). Very unprofessional, very upsetting, especially since I had to cancel a meeting I had shortly thereafter because of my unacceptable appearance with the potential of the wound opening back up. I came here to get a tight haircut and just a regular shave and left with blood and scars. Really messed up the 3 days I had in SF.
I would probably recommend this place had this entire incident not have happened, but I really have to say, stay away. Even though other barbers and employees could see what was happening, no one really did anything to help, it was left up to me and then I was treated as if I was pestering them because I had blood from a wound… WOUND. they had caused. Messed up.

Like some of the other reviews, I was once a Public regular in North Beach until I moved to NOPA and discovered this special shop. At that time, I had developed a regular routine of blowdrying my hair for 15 minutes each morning and buying a handful of expensive «must-​have» products per the advice of my «barber» at Public. Since seeing Jourdan at JP Kempt, I’ve shed the blowdryer, resigned myself to one affordable product that gets the job done… and regained my mornings and swagger in the process. I can’t say enough about the quality of work they do at JP Kempt.
However, this review is not about the haircuts. Or the good beer. Or that towel they put over your face.
As more and more hip places are popping up in this city, it’s wonderful knowing that a place like JP Kempt stands for much more than being a hip spot that’s goal is to make a buck off the techies and bearded folk.
About 3 months ago, my girlfriend Jeannette was diagnosed with breast cancer and immediately began chemotherapy treatments. Our oncologist informed us that she would begin to lose her hair come the 2^nd week of treatments and I scrambled to find a means to make the idea of hair loss feel less daunting. I reached out to Jourdan & Shorty and together we arranged a Go Bald Event at the barbershop.
I’ve posted a photo of the night to this Unilocal page for those who are curious. The night was nothing short of special and it provided a great morale boost to what was otherwise a dark time. Many friends came and volunteered their locks for the cause. The team of barbers assembled that night was superb, full of support, enthusiasm and compassion.
JP Kempt is more than just a place to get an amazing haircut. It’s a spot that looks out for its fellow man/​woman in the community.
Thank you to Jourdan, Shorty & the great people of JP Kempt.

I’ve been going to JP Kempt for almost a year, every time with Kevin. I’ve been to many barbers before. Kevin, while a decent fellow and the rest of the barbers there, the majority of the barbers there have not been cutting hair for a very long time. They don’t seem too experienced outside of shorty. I went there because it was convenient and not far from where I live, and I knew my cuts were never the best, but I was willing to make that compromise despite the high price, due to the convenience of online appointments, location, and overall cleanliness and atmosphere in the shop.
The barbers there don’t seem to try and take into account hair type, head shape and face shape while cutting hair, even though they say they do. They just try to do the cookie cutter cuts the same way on every head without truly taking account the person’s head shape and whether it truly suits them. I tried to get a bald fade with my last cut and I was butchered. My barber couldn’t fade a line to save his life and he made the back of my head and sides look very ugly.
I spent $ 45 on the hair cut and gave a $ 5 tip. When people saw me, even they noticed how terrible the cut is.
I had to go to to another barber to fix what happened to my hair.
JP Kempt is good enough basic cuts but don’t go there for anything else. If you want to go to a barbershop where they can do a proper fade, check out King of Kutz (shout out to Andre), Shane’s barbershop in san mateo, or Dr. Fade in Millbrae.
These barbers at JP Kempt still need more experience and I believe my barber in particular needs more training. he’s the only barber i’ve seen that literally draws lines on your head straight away before cutting the rest of the hair for a fade. He’s always done that (which I haven’t ever noticed other barbers doing) but he was always able to blend the line decently enough when the hair was longer but could not properly do it with the bald fade.
Pictures attached and you can see how terrible it looks, even the back of my head looks ugly because of it.