Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Sacred Barbers — booking, pricing, services, and what to expect.

Booking & Visits

Do I need an appointment or do you accept walk-ins?

We strongly recommend booking an appointment through Squire to guarantee your time slot with the barber you want. Walk-in availability varies by location and time of day — weekday mornings tend to have the most availability, while evenings and weekends book up fast.

With 54+ barbers across 7 locations, there is usually someone available — but booking ahead means you get your preferred barber at your preferred time.

Book Your Appointment →

How do I book an appointment?

Book online through Squire. Select your location, choose your barber, pick a service, and confirm your time. You can also download the Squire app for iOS or Android. No booking fees.

Can I request a specific barber?

Yes. Our online booking system lets you select a specific barber at any location. Sacred Barbers has 54+ independent operator barbers — each brings unique specializations, so finding the right barber for your style matters. If you are not sure who to book with, check out our guide on how to talk to your barber.

How long does a haircut take?

A standard haircut takes 30 to 45 minutes. A haircut and beard combo runs 45 to 60 minutes. Hot towel shaves take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the service. Premium and VIP services may run longer.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 3 hours before your appointment. You can manage your reservation through the confirmation email you received when booking — click "View Reservation" to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows are charged the full service fee to the card on file.

What happens if I'm late to my appointment?

If you are 7 or more minutes late, you will be rescheduled and charged the full service price. If you are running late, call the shop immediately — your barber may be able to accommodate a slight delay, but that is at their discretion.

What are your hours?

Location Hours
Arden (620 Watt Ave) Mon/Sun 10am-4pm, Tue-Sat 8am-7pm
Arden Annex (636 Watt Ave) Mon/Sun 10am-4pm, Tue-Sat 8am-7pm
Marconi (4301 Marconi Ave) Tue-Fri 8:30am-6pm, Sat 9am-4pm
East Sac (4736 J St) Mon/Sun 10am-4pm, Tue-Sat 8am-7pm
Fair Oaks (8525 Madison Ave) Mon/Sun 10am-4pm, Tue-Sat 8am-7pm
Granite Bay (6879 Douglas Blvd) Mon/Sun 10am-4pm, Tue-Sat 8am-7pm
Elk Grove (8246 Laguna Blvd) Tue-Sat 8am-7pm

Most locations are open Monday and Sunday — a rarity for barbershops. Check the locations page for the most current hours.

Pricing & Payment

How much does a haircut cost?

Haircuts at Sacred Barbers range from $35 to $45. Skin fades range from $35 to $60. Our barbers are independent operators who set their own rates, so pricing varies slightly by barber. You will see exact pricing for each barber when you book through Squire.

Service Price Range
Haircut $35 - $45
Skin Fade $35 - $60
Beard Trim $20 - $35
Haircut & Beard $45 - $70
Kids Cut (12 & under) $30 - $40
Senior Cut (60+) $30 - $35
Hot Towel Shave $30 - $60

Full pricing is visible for each barber in our booking system.

How much should I tip my barber?

The standard tip for a barber is 15% to 20% of the service price. For a $40 haircut, that is $6 to $8. If your barber went above and beyond — squeezed you in last minute, nailed a complicated style, or gave you a great experience — tipping 25% or more is always appreciated. Cash tips are welcome, and you can also tip through the Squire payment system.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes. All Sacred Barbers locations accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and cash through our Squire point-of-sale system. We are not a cash-only shop.

Why do prices vary by barber?

Sacred Barbers operates on an independent operator model. Our 54+ barbers are independent professionals who rent their chair and set their own pricing based on their experience, specialization, and demand. This means you get to choose the barber and price point that works best for you. Pricing for each barber is displayed when you book through Squire.

Haircuts & Services

What is a fade haircut?

A fade is a haircut where the hair gradually transitions from very short (or skin) at the bottom to longer on top. There are several types:

  • Skin fade / bald fade — Blends down to the skin. The sharpest, most defined look.
  • Low fade — The fade starts just above the ear. Subtle and versatile.
  • Mid fade — The fade starts at the temple. Balanced and clean.
  • High fade — The fade starts high on the head. Bold and dramatic.
  • Burst fade — The fade radiates around the ear in a semicircle.

Not sure which fade is right for you? Read our full guide on tapers vs. fades or learn how to describe your haircut to your barber.

What is the difference between a taper and a fade?

A taper gradually reduces hair length as it moves down toward the neck and ears but does not go down to the skin. A fade blends the hair all the way down to the skin for a sharper contrast. Think of a taper as the classic, conservative option and a fade as the modern, defined option.

We wrote an entire guide on this: Taper vs. Fade: What is the Difference?

What is included in a standard haircut?

A standard haircut at Sacred Barbers includes a consultation with your barber, the cut itself (clippers and/or scissors based on your style), a neck cleanup with a straight razor, and styling. Some barbers include a hot towel finish or shampoo — check the specific service description when booking.

Do you do hot towel shaves?

Yes. Hot towel shaves are one of our signature services. The experience includes hot towels to soften the skin, pre-shave oil, a straight razor shave, and post-shave balm. It runs 30 to 60 minutes depending on the barber and service level, priced from $30 to $60. Read our complete guide to the hot towel shave.

Do you cut kids' hair?

Yes. We offer kids haircuts for ages 12/13 and under, priced from $30 to $40. We recommend booking with a barber your child is comfortable with and choosing a time when the shop is less busy (weekday mornings work well).

How often should I get a haircut?

It depends on your style:

  • Skin fades and short styles — Every 2 to 3 weeks to keep the fade sharp.
  • Medium length / classic cuts — Every 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Longer styles — Every 6 to 8 weeks for maintenance trims.

Consistency matters more than frequency. Find your rhythm and stick with it. Full breakdown in our guide: How Often Should You Get a Haircut?

What is the difference between a barbershop and a salon?

Barbershops specialize in men's grooming — clipper work, fades, straight razor shaves, and beard grooming. Only licensed barbers can legally use a straight razor, which means services like hot towel shaves, straight razor lineups, and bald fades are barbershop-only. The atmosphere tends to be more relaxed and community-oriented. Salons offer a broader range of services (coloring, treatments, blowouts) for all genders and typically have a different vibe and price point.

First-Time Visitors

What should I expect on my first visit?

Here is how it works:

  1. Arrive on time. Check in at the front or with your barber directly.
  2. Consultation. Your barber will ask what you want. Bring reference photos — they are the best communication tool.
  3. The cut. Sit back, relax, and let your barber work. Speak up during the cut if something does not look right.
  4. Finish. Straight razor neck cleanup, styling, and a final look in the mirror.
  5. Payment. Pay through Squire (card, Apple Pay, or cash) and tip your barber.

Nervous? Read our full guide: Your First Barbershop Visit. And for the unwritten rules, check out Barbershop Etiquette.

Should I wash my hair before going to the barbershop?

Yes — ideally the night before or the morning of. Clean hair (free of product, oil, and buildup) lets your barber see your natural texture and how your hair falls, which helps them give you a better cut. Do not apply gel, pomade, or other styling products before your appointment.

Should I bring a reference photo?

Absolutely. Reference photos are the single best way to communicate what you want. A picture eliminates ambiguity that words alone cannot. Bring 2 to 3 photos from different angles if possible. Your barber will tell you what is achievable for your hair type. More tips in our guide on how to tell your barber what you want.

How do I tell my barber what I want?

Start with a reference photo. Then describe:

  • The sides and back — fade type (low, mid, high, skin) and clipper guard number if you know it.
  • The top — length and style (textured, slicked back, crew cut, etc.).
  • What you do NOT want — this is just as important.

If you are unsure about any of this, just tell your barber. A good barber will guide the conversation. Our full guide covers everything: How to Talk to Your Barber. You can also learn what clipper guard numbers mean.

What if I'm not happy with my haircut?

Speak up. The best time to address it is while you are still in the chair — your barber can make adjustments on the spot. If you notice something after you leave, call the shop. Most barbers will bring you back for a free correction within a reasonable window. The key is communication — do not wait and hope it grows out.

About Sacred Barbers

How many locations do you have?

Seven locations across Greater Sacramento:

Find your nearest location on our locations page.

What makes Sacred Barbers different?

A few things:

  • 54+ independent barbers — you choose the barber whose style and pricing fits you.
  • 7 locations — more coverage across Greater Sacramento than any other local barbershop.
  • Open Mondays and Sundays — most locations have hours when other shops are closed.
  • Squire online booking — book your barber, see pricing, and manage appointments online.
  • Sacred Collective — our Marconi hub goes beyond the chair with Sacred Health (men's wellness), Sacred Spa, and Gold Eagle Ink (tattoo) all under one roof.
  • Awards — Expertise.com Best Barber 2021, Community Choice Gold 2023.

Learn the full story: The Sacred Collective Story.

What is Sacred Collective?

Sacred Collective is the parent brand that connects Sacred Barbers with complementary services at our Marconi hub (4301 Marconi Ave):

  • Sacred Barbers — 7 barbershop locations, 54+ barbers.
  • Sacred Health — Men's wellness clinic led by Dr. Paul Laband, MD. Hormone optimization, medical weight loss, IV therapy, vitamin injections.
  • Sacred Spa — Facials, scalp treatments, massage, grooming add-ons.
  • Gold Eagle Ink — Custom tattoos (@goldeagleink on Instagram).

The idea: look good, feel good, live well — all in one place. Read more about Sacred Collective or check out our self-care guide.

Do you have wellness services?

Yes. Sacred Health operates at the Marconi hub and offers:

  • Hormone optimization — Testosterone management, comprehensive blood work, personalized protocols.
  • Medical weight loss — GLP-1 medications (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide), metabolic assessment, physician-supervised.
  • IV therapy — NAD+, immune support, athletic recovery, anti-aging, and custom drips.
  • Vitamin injections — B12, lipotropic, Vitamin D, Glutathione.

All services are medically supervised by Dr. Paul Laband, MD. Full details in our men's wellness 101 guide or visit the Sacred Health page.

Still have questions?

Reach out — we are happy to help.

Email: jacob@sacredbarbers.com
Phone: (916) 400-4387
Instagram: @sacredbarbers

Or just book an appointment and ask your barber. That works too.

Book Your Appointment →