Great Clips in Santa Cruz, CA provides convenient, affordable haircuts for men, women, and kids. The skilled hair stylists and barbers at Great Clips 843 Almar Ave offer a wide range of services, including haircuts, beard trims, bang trims, and shampooing. We’re open evenings and weekends to fit your schedule, and no appointment is needed—walk in anytime or use Online Check-In to save your spot on the waitlist.
With our Clip Notes, we save your haircut details to ensure a consistent and personalized haircut experience, every time, at every Great Clips salon. Whether you're visiting for a quick trim or a fresh new look, we’re here to make your day great. Stop by and experience friendly service right here in Santa Cruz, CA!
Customer experiences with haircut quality are inconsistent, with many reporting uneven cuts and dissatisfaction with stylists' skills.
Staff Attitude
While some customers praised the friendliness of the staff, others reported rude behavior and poor customer service.
Wait Times
Customers frequently mentioned long wait times, especially when using the online check-in system, leading to frustration.
Affordability
The business is recognized for its affordable pricing, making it a popular choice for quick haircuts.
Convenience
The location is appreciated for its convenience and the ability to check in online, although this sometimes leads to longer than expected wait times.
JJ
Jim
Dec 30, 2025
1.0
Horrible experience. I have my haircut instructions on my online profile so I thought I was safe I kept telling the girl that it was choppy and blocky at the top and she just seemed to get agitated with me and told me to stop moving and it looks good to her. Well it didn't look good to me which I thought was more important. I thought after I washed and put gel in it it would get better but it was just a horrible haircut.
AN
Andy Ng
Dec 20, 2025
4.0
Quick, affordable, and reliable haircut spot especially for someone like me who doesn't need a complicated trim.
The stylists here were very friendly and easy to work with. I was able to get my preferred usual cut measurements added to the app so it could be easy to return and get the same cut again. Waiting time wasn't bad on a Saturday morning but definitely get on the waitlist before showing up to avoid having to wait too long inside the store.
When I dropped by a few months back, they were offering a $15 haircut gift card sale that I was happy to support. Will likely return again if I'm back in the area.
RW
Robert Wilson
Aug 26, 2025
2.0
It's a Great Clips location, but their stylists seem to be less trained (or lower quality) than other Great Clips. The stylists are hit or miss, but I would say that the majority of the time you'll find parts cut unevenly. One time they managed to mess up my hair completely, buzzing part of the top. The stylist managed to cover it up, but since that experience I stopped going here, and then abandoned Great Clips as a whole. They do offer quick and easy haircuts for low prices, but you get what you pay for.
TB
Thomas Bigley
Jul 23, 2025
5.0
Had long hair and was sick of it, went in without an appointment and got taken care of right away. She gave me a great cut and I’ve been getting compliments on it for two weeks. Thank you!
Mens, womens, kids and senior haircuts as well as bang, neck and beard trims. Other haircare services include shampoo, blow dry, or hair styling such as an updo. Select salons offer perm services.
What is Online Check-In?
Save time with Online Check-in! See estimated wait times for salons near you and add yourself to the wait list. Once you check in, you can also sign up for ReadyNext text alerts to receive a text message when your wait time reaches 15 minutes.
What can I do with the Great Clips app?
With the Great Clips app, you can save time with Online Check-in, create an account, set favorite salons to see wait times faster, and receive personalized offers, product promotions, and haircare tips right to your notification inbox.
How does Online Check-In save me time?
Online Check-In saves you time when you add yourself to the waitlist, see your estimated wait time, and sign up for ReadyNext texts to receive a text message when your wait time reaches 15 minutes. This lets you spend less time waiting in a salon.
When is Online Check-In available?
Online Check-In becomes available five minutes after the salon opens. We accept Online Check-Ins up to the point where the estimated wait time is as long as the salon will remain open, or 30 minutes before closing time at the latest.
Can I use Online Check-In for all types of services?
Online Check-In can be used for all services except perms and formal updos. Please note that not all salons offer perms. Most salons require an appointment for these services, so please call your local Great Clips salon to inquire.
Can I request a stylist using Online Check-In?
No. For the stylist’s safety, we do not publish their schedules or allow customers to request them using Online Check-In. Great Clips salons use Clip Notes®, which keeps track of any previous haircut you received at a Great Clips salon, so any stylist can give you a great haircut. If you would like to request a particular stylist, be sure to say that when you arrive at the salon and finish your check-in. Note that requesting a stylist may increase your estimated wait time.
If I checked in online, do I need to do anything when I arrive at the salon?
Once you arrive, check in at the receptionist desk to let the stylists know you're there. They will finish checking you in at that time.
Do Great Clips salons sell haircare products?
Yes, Great Clips offers three lines of its exclusively branded haircare and styling products for men, women, and kids, including Solutions by Great Clips®, Tea Tree Solutions by Great Clips®, and GRIT @ Great Clips™. Salons also carry many commercial brands, such as American Crew®, Paul Mitchell®, and Sexy Hair®.
How much does a haircut cost at Great Clips?
Our salons are independently owned and the local salon owner determines prices. More information on pricing can be found on the specific salon’s services webpage. You can also call the salon or walk in anytime.
Does Great Clips color hair?
Great Clips salons do not provide hair coloring services.
Does Great Clips offer perms?
Yes, but not in every salon. If you’re interested in getting a perm, call your specific salon to find out if they offer perms.
Can I make an appointment?
Great Clips is a walk-in haircare salon, so you don’t schedule an appointment in advance. You can simply walk in! Online Check-In can save you time by adding your name to the list before heading to the salon.
Where can I learn about working at a Great Clips salon?
Visit our Careers site at jobs.greatclips.com to find out what’s GREAT about working at Great Clips salons, join our Talent Community, and explore salon jobs. You can also contact a salon directly by phone or in-person.
Where do I find a salon’s location and hours?
Use the salon locator on greatclips.com. Enter your city, state, or postal code to find information on Great Clips salons near you.
How can I get coupons?
The cost of a haircut at Great Clips is a great value at the regular price. However, we do offer discounts from time to time. These discounts may take place at various times for the salons in your area due to them being independently-owned.
When should I arrive at the salon?
After checking-in, you’ll see your Estimated Wait Time. You can sign up for ReadyNext texts to receive a text when your wait reaches 15 minutes, letting you know it’s time to head to the salon. Once you arrive, check in at the receptionist desk.
Does Great Clips offer specialty haircuts?
Yes! Great Clips stylists are trained to create a variety of haircuts, including fades, tapers, and other specialty styles. Whether you're looking for a high fade, low taper, or a classic crew cut, our stylists can tailor your cut to match your preference. Just let your stylist know the look you’re going for, and they’ll take care of the rest!
Are Great Clips salons open on holidays?
Great Clips salons are closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in US and Canada. Operating hours for other holidays vary by location. We recommend checking with your local Great Clips salon to confirm their hours before your visit.
What types of haircuts and hair care services does Great Clips at 843 Almar Ave offer?
Great Clips offers haircuts for men, women, kids, and seniors, along with beard trims, bang trims, shampooing, blow drying, hair styling such as updos, and perms at select salons.
How can I save time waiting at Great Clips using Online Check-In?
You can add yourself to the waitlist via Online Check-In, view estimated wait times, and sign up for ReadyNext text alerts that notify you when your wait time reaches 15 minutes, allowing you to spend less time at the salon.
Is an appointment necessary to get a haircut at Great Clips?
No appointment is needed as Great Clips is primarily a walk-in salon; however, you can check in online to add your name to the waitlist and save time.
What are the operating hours of Great Clips at the Santa Cruz location?
Great Clips is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and on weekends from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The salon is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Does Great Clips offer hair coloring services?
Great Clips salons do not provide hair coloring services.
Can I request a specific stylist when I check in online at Great Clips?
No, you cannot request a specific stylist via Online Check-In to protect stylists' safety, but Great Clips uses Clip Notes to ensure consistent haircuts by any stylist. You may request a stylist upon arrival.
Are there any payment methods accepted at Great Clips?
Great Clips accepts Mastercard and Visa credit cards for payments.
What nearby dining options are there around Great Clips at 843 Almar Ave?
Nearby dining options include Parish Publick House (a pub and restaurant), Wingstop (fast food chicken restaurant), TOGO'S Sandwiches, Mangiamo Pizza & Wine Bar, and ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi, offering a variety of meals before or after your salon visit.
What nearby professional and community services can I find near Great Clips Santa Cruz?
Nearby you can find services like S.C. Confidential (marketing agency), Catalla System (IT and computer repair), Ride A Wave (community services), DBSA California (non-profit), and The UPS Store 1128 (printing and packing supplies).
Are there nearby shopping or essential services near Great Clips at Almar Plaza?
Yes, nearby essential services include Almar Cleaners (dry cleaning and alterations), Westside Hardware (hardware and building supplies), Blue Rhino Propane Exchange, and KeyMe Locksmiths (locksmith services).