Fantastic Sam’s

There is not a lot of complexity to my hair style, so understandably, stylists Diane & Tina seem to nail it every time — kudos. Today I was ‘tuned up’ by Tina which has been the situation on my last few visits, so I wanted to call her out in this review.
What I like about Tina is that she’s consistent with her cuts, and she knows my hair nuances (cowlicks). I never feel rushed and she is always personable. By the time I leave we seem to enjoy a few good laughs, usually at our own expense.
The owner, Amy, is also very hands on — she cuts hair and ensures a clean/​friendly environment. When the salon is crowded, I’m content with their selection of magazines, this is usually my time to catch up on the gossip, which helps pass the time. I’ve been a regular for 3+ years, and all the stylists seem to be solid, but I do have my favorites (T&D). SHHHHHH.

I never experienced such bad haircuts and this last time floored me. My haircut was pretty bad too after myself working on it. One side totally shorter than the other and very crooked. My daughter got the worst haircut and chopped. She had cut off the parts that were so screwed up and she did a better job. That is the last time we are returning to this Fantastic Sam’s along with the rest. The result was we both had to get another 2 inches off to even it out.
Never again and go at your own risk!!!

I’ve had my hair cut here twice… and both times I was extremely disappointed and had to fix it when I got home. Both times I requested a simple trim of my ends and bangs and they interpreted that as cutting several inches off. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else. I will never come here again.

Today was my 2^nd time taking my son to get his haircut at Fantastic Sams in San Pedro. I will never return. The first visit nearly a year ago was okay – nothing great, nothing bad. Since then we’ve been cutting my son’s hair at home or trying other establishments. My son wanted to try this place again, as he was eager for them to wash his hair (something not included in the haircut at the other place we’ve been taking him), and he wanted a professional cut since mom and dad take a bit longer to cut it. After waiting about 15 – 20 minutes, it was my son’s turn to get his hair cut. Let me preface my quote with the fact that I am a highly educated, articulate, and assertive individual, an expert communicator. When asked by the stylist what I wanted, I stated, «a trim, keep the Mohawk, use a ‘2’ on the sides and then trim the Mohawk.» The stylist promptly took the size 2 clippers and proceeded to butcher the back of my child’s head – cutting off the back of his Mohawk. Startled by this blatant disregard for my stated request and concerned about my son’s reaction, I calmly but firmly let her know that she had made a mistake. Rather than apologizing, the stylist communicated an air that I had made the mistake, as if I was not clear in my communication. As a professional, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are utilizing active listening skills to ensure that the client/​customer is heard and that you understand what has been communicated to you. That did not happen. The stylist did her best to fix the mistake she made, but it was a HUGE MISTAKE given that the Mohawk was about 2+ inches high. Mind you, my son’s hair was never washed as expected and despite the fact that everyone else who was getting a haircut there had their hair washed. I foolishly paid for the haircut. When we left and got into our car, my son broke down sobbing and crying for several minutes. It took quite a bit of consoling to calm him. Upon arriving home and sharing with my husband what transpired, he promptly called Fantastic Sams and asked for the owner to call him. Hours later when the owner phoned back, my husband was nothing but calm and courteous explaining that he simply wanted to give her some feedback. The owner only made excuses and came to her stylist’s defense rather than owning up to the fact that a MAJOR mistake was made. We were not offered our money back, a discount, a coupon, or anything. Clearly, the owner must have known that our business was lost and could not be recovered, but it sure would have been a good faith effort to at least try to keep us as customers. What a shame… never again!

The haircut came out okay:-)

It’s great place to get a haircut, I’ve been going for over 25 years now! Highly recommend! !

Just moved to the area and was worried about finding someone who could give me the designer cut that I was use to. I read the reviews about this shop and hair dresser Maria and got up enough nerve to head on in. As soon as I entered I was greeted with smiles and Maria was able to get to me within 20 min. She cut my hair exactly like I asked and it was one of my BEST hair cuts ever!!! I highly recommend This fantastic Sam’s and Maria!

This place has the worst customer service ever. I came because I need my roots done. The lady dyed my hair and everything was fine, while I waited for the dye to do its thing she decides to take on another customer, which I still did not mind. Once she washes my hair she tells me to wait until shes done with the other lady, which common courtesy would say that since I was her first client she should finish me first right? But no, I sat for 5 mins and realized there’s plenty of other hair salons in the area that would appreciate my business. I will definitely not be coming back

Love, love, love Maria. There is no one else I trust with my hair. I usually get my hair layered and a blended side bang and no one can do it how I like it EXCEPT Maria. Thete are other barbers and hairstylists here that I am sure are great but I stick to my girl. Service is always friendly and wait times are not that bad. Most of the time I am seen within 10 minutes. They have lots of hair products but never push anything on you. The price is not the cheapest around, but certainly not the most expensive.

… MAP is WRONG… Excellent, caring service ! Anna and Maria did exceptional work ! They take time to get things just the way you want them. They take walk-​ins, and I never had to wait. Best to call for correct location — address is correct, but note that it is NORTH Western Ave, not South.

I had serious doubts about coming here to get my hair colored and highlighted, but I am so glad that I did! Maria was my stylist and she was fantastic! She knew exactly what I wanted and my hair looks perfect!

I got my haircut yesterday at this place, never ever again I’m coming back. My hair is so crooked, the layers I asked were not done right. What a joke! I think it was their cleaning lady who cut my hair!

My Daughter got her hair cut. The lady couldn’t even cut her bangs right. I had to part the hair for the hair dresser to show her she was not doing it right.

I’ve been here twice and both times my hair comes out amazing. I’m never very good at explaining what I want so I always bring a picture in and every time, they do wonders to my hair.
The first time I came I had a wonderful lady who talked to me the whole time and even gave some product recommendations (it was nothing that made me uncomfortable or felt like she was only trying to sell me something). Since I am horrible with my hair, I soaked up everything she said and even bought one of the serums she recommended — which does wonders for my hair.
The second time I came I had a younger girl who was awesome — she cut my hair in like 10 minutes and it came out brilliant. You could definitely tell she knew what she was doing and she did it all with such ease. It was pretty awesome. She was quiet most of the time, but not at all impolite or rude.