Heavy D's Barbershop - Nanaimo Barber

Fantastic experience: I got a skin fade from Devon a little wile ago, best cut i have ever had. 11/10 would recommend.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a customer of Heavy D’s for several years now. Dan is one of the most genuine, friendly and professional man I know. My barber Nick is a master barber… he’s always greets me with his friendly smile and gives a stellar haircut. I love how this business creates a chill, fun and positive environment. A+ Heavy D’s! All the way!

Negative experience: My husband booked a phone appointment. He went into the establishment asking if he could reschedule due to a dental emergency. Dan said he could but there would be a change fee. My husband,in pain, decided he would stick to the original appointment. Dan repeatedly came into the waiting room asking my husband if he wanted to reschedule. Dan was agitated and waved his arms in the air and yelled I dont want you here if you don't have the right attitude ' My husband looked up from his phone in shock and disbelief and quietly said, 'the only one making a scene here is you'..Dan angrily replied 'leave here and never come back' We believe Dan seemed unstable and we question if should work directly with the public. My husband is adored by others and nothing like this situation has happened before.Heavy Ds lost a loyal patron my husband, that day..

Fantastic experience: I've had the pleasure visiting Heavy D's Barbershop twice and each time visiting Sabeana for a haircut. She is very professional and a pleasure to chat with and very impressed with the results. Great location with parking and the shop has a great vibe. Definitely recommend Heavy D's to friends and family.

Fantastic experience: Sabeana does a 10/10 skin fade

Fantastic experience: Devon cut my son’s hair and did an amazing job! My son enjoyed the experience and is so happy with his cut!

Fantastic experience: Stopped in today was great experience and got an excellent haircut. Thanks Sierra

Fantastic experience: Got a fantastic cut a beard shaping… and a comfortable atmosphere! I’ll be back!

Fantastic experience: Do you have hair? This is the place for you then Impeccable service. Top quality all the way.

Fantastic experience: Got a haircut from the apprentice Sierra and she did an amazing job. I’ll be back!!

Fantastic experience: Best place in Nanaimo for a mens haircut

Fantastic experience: Looked for a place close to home and this one popped up. Always like to support local. Booked a beard shaping with Sabrina and was completely impressed. Very professional and a pleasure to chat with and as I said very impressed with the results. The shop has a great vibe and I will recommend to friends and family. Top notch and very professional all the way. I will be back.

Fantastic experience: Excellent service for a great price. Highly recommended if you're looking for a good beard trim and quality shave!

Fantastic experience: Was my first time there. And I will definitely go back. Great people and wonderful atmosphere highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Got a great haircut and beard trim from Dan. Will definitely be back.

Fantastic experience: All the staff were polite, professional, and pleasant. Devon gave an excellent cut and neck shave. 11 / 10 will recommend.

Fantastic experience: Sierra is absolutely incredible, she has so much patience, plus she is super nice, very open to learn and follow the instructions from Mr. D (I don't know his name, it's the owner and he is awesome as well as an instructor). 5 stars for this absolutely amazing team, thanks for the good service Sierra

Negative experience: Yeah I dunno if it was an off day or what. Got there 5 minutes before my appointment time, waited around for 20 minutes until I asked someone if my appointment was still good. People looked at me but just ignored me. kind of just sat around until I asked what’s up to someone inside. Barber who cut my hair was quiet as hell and was mean mugging me the entire time for some reason lmao. Discovered later haircut was uneven and went somewhere else to get it fixed. Seemed like a cool place and it was recommended by a buddy but man I felt like I had wronged someone just by being there

Fantastic experience: The new apprentice Sierra did a fantastic job! Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Another great haircut from Heavy D's Barbershop! I walked in and asked for the classic, "I'll have what he's having"—and Dan absolutely delivered. My balding Yeti look was expertly sheared away, revealing the human beneath once again. Sharp lines, good laughs, and top-tier service as always. Highly recommend if you're in Nanaimo and in need of a transformation!

Fantastic experience: Great people, great vibes, great cuts. What more could I ask for! Have had 2 haircuts im very happy with.

Fantastic experience: Always a great experience at Heavy D's! Great cuts and great people.

Fantastic experience: New go to place for my hair curs and beard shaping. had a feeling different barbers now and everyone is always so friendly and do a fantastic job! highly recommend Heavy D's

Fantastic experience: Love the place! Saw Nick both times, great cut, great price, and the shop has a very welcoming vibe.... feels like I've been going there for years!!

Fantastic experience: Great place to get a haircut! I’ve been going there for years and have never walked away with a bad cut. It’s an excellent, chill place to get your hair cut. I recommend it to just about every guy I know and do to all that read this

Fantastic experience: Don't believe all the trolling comments from the name shifting fake clients, i've been getting my hair cut at Heavy D's for the good part of a decade and have never had a bad experience! All of the current barbers there have cut my hair at least once and I have been happy every time!

Fantastic experience: They give great haircuts, they’re who I go to when I want a really good haircuts.

Fantastic experience: Great experience and positive chill environment. Found the staff professional pleasant and a great vibe in the room. Highly recommended A++++ Thank you again for another great hair cut and shave Sierra. On a small business note; there is obviously a troll Beta B trashing this establishment on the reviews; suggest you move out of your parents basement and try opening a small business and see how it feels dealing with the public. You can not please everyone; but this is not a poorly run business. Grow up! Great work Heavy D on a successful business.

Fantastic experience: I just got a hair cut by Devon, one of the best fades I’ve had. He was very professional.

Fantastic experience: Had my hair cut by Devon at Heavy D's. An absolutely stand-out experience. Took the time to craft a perfect fade. I've been in tons of barber chairs and Devon was top tier, pleasant to talk to, and very professional. Also enjoyed chatting with the owner, Dan - great barbershop banter. Highly recommend Devon and the shop to anyone looking for a pro barber - I'll definitely be back.

Fantastic experience: I've been getting my hair cut by Dan for a while now, and every visit is consistently excellent. He takes real pride in his work, paying attention to every detail to ensure the cut is just right. It’s clear he genuinely cares about the quality of the service he provides. On top of the great haircut, the conversation is always easy and enjoyable — friendly without being overbearing, and always considerate. He creates a comfortable and welcoming environment that makes each appointment something to look forward to. What really stands out is his connection to his clients and community. He’s the kind of person who remembers your name, asks about your day, and quietly supports local events and causes. If you’re looking for someone who combines skill, professionalism, and heart — I can’t recommend Dan highly enough.

Fantastic experience: Great place, have 3 family members that go here. Great haircuts, friendly staff!!

Fantastic experience: Great group of barbers, all very talented and kind!

Fantastic experience: Great staff, great haircuts, great community feel to the place, Heavy D is a great chap too, couldn’t reccomend enough

Fantastic experience: Awesome place for a cut. Best hair cut in town. Love the service, people, and atmosphere!

Fantastic experience: Just moved to the area and went here for my first hair cut. Explained to Devon what I wanted who kindly added his suggestions to my instructions. Devon was relaxed and professional whilst completing the haircut and I was very happy with the result. Briefly spoke to the owner, Dan, while I was there who came across very friendly and approachable. Heavy D’s will definitely be my new barber and certainly recommend this to anyone who’s looking for a clean cut.

Fantastic experience: I am a small business owner and I always suggest my clients give me a google review. however, I have never done one for others. today is my first. I am starting with Heady d. Hands down, the best little barber shop on the island. I have always struggled with my hair and haven't really found a good place to go. This corky and unique little shop makes you feel at home as soon as you walk in the door. the barbers are very professional and look after all my needs going the extra mile for me. The shop is always buzzing with stories from clients. I have been in multiple conversations with people i don't even know over the years of visiting the shop. I did look at other google reviews to see how it's done. dk and Js although it looks like the same guy with 1 star reviews. you are so far from the truth. give them another try. you won't be disappointed. 5 stars all the way!! keep it up gang.

Fantastic experience: Had my first experience at Heavy D's yesterday, and right from the moment I stepped in the front entrance, I was greeted by very friendly staff and Mr. Heavy D himself. I would 100% recommend Heavy D's barbershop to any of my friends and family and will be doing so from now on as well as returning for all my future haircuts!

Fantastic experience: I have been coming to Dan for haircuts since they opened! He treats me and others with respect! Love the Vibe in the shop! I now go every 2 weeks to make sure I stay looking good! Thanks for everything you guys do!

Fantastic experience: Not only is he a great barber he is a great supporter of the community and events happening in it! Kudos to EVERYONE at the shop, Great atmosphere and vibe during the haircut as well!

Fantastic experience: Best Barbershop around I drive from Saltspring to get my haircuts at Heavy D's. There isn't a better place to get my crazy hair back in shape.

Fantastic experience: Great barber shop . Staff are all friendly and do an excellent job. Cool music and great atmosphere.

Negative experience: I read so many reviews about rude behaviour but still gave it a try. Once you ask something different or even bother for a minute unconvinced they will show you what they feel about customers. Its unbelievable. They put a timer for my haircut so anything after that they will ask you to get out. How are people supporting this business its unbelievable. Devon is the worst barber and owner Dan supports all of it.

Fantastic experience: I've been getting my haircut from Dan since he was in Kelowna. And since then, I think I've gone through one of his staff members each has a great Style. This is by far the best place on Vancouver Island to get your haircut great vibes, great staff, epic Fades, highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Got a haircut from sierra the apprentice and it was great. The owner was constantly checking in to make sure she did a good job and as a result I left with one of the best haircuts I’ve had. Definitly giver her a shot. I’ll gladly get another haircut from her.

Fantastic experience: Great place for a haircut with fantastic accommodating staff. Great haircuts.

Fantastic experience: This awesome local shop has been looking after my beard and haircuts for years. :)

Fantastic experience: Very friendly and accommodating staff . I love going in there to see Heavy D !

Fantastic experience: I’ve been coming to Heavy D’s Barber Shop for 5 years now, and I always have a great experience. Dan is amazing — he really knows how to give the perfect cut every time. Friendly atmosphere and top-notch service. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: I've now had a few haircuts with Devon at Heavy D's, and I've appreciated his consistently punctual, polite, & precise service! Great fades and good chats.

Fantastic experience: I saw a quality at Heavy D's that I would not think I would have the opportunity to comment on at a Barber's: Leadership. Dan runs a business that displays commitment to new barbers. I witnessed his guidance given to an apprentice with the want to see them succeed. Expressing his experience while giving them freedom to discover their preference in technique. This is more than a barber shop. It's a community institution. Yeah yeah yeah, the haircut was fine. Toit like a Toiger. I continue to go back. and back. and back.

Fantastic experience: I recently visited Heavy D's Barbershop down by Departure Bay in Nanaimo, and I was really pleased with my experience. The staff is friendly and professional, and the shop has a relaxed, welcoming Dude vibe. Ddan took the time to listen to what I wanted, and I walked out with a solid haircut. Overall, it was a great experience, and I’ll definitely be coming back!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been to a lot of barbershops, but none compare to the experience at Heavy D's Barbershop in Nanaimo! From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed by the friendly and professional staff. The atmosphere is top-notch—laid-back, yet energetic with great music and a clean, well-organized space. It’s clear that Heavy D and his team take pride in their craft. The haircut itself was perfect! My barber really took the time to listen to what I wanted and gave me exactly what I asked for, plus some expert advice on how to maintain it. The attention to detail was incredible, and I left feeling like a million bucks. What I love most is the personalized service. Heavy D's Barbershop isn’t just another place to get a trim—it’s a spot where you feel like a part of the community. The whole experience was smooth, quick, and most importantly, I walked out with a fantastic haircut that got a ton of compliments. Highly recommend this place if you’re in the Nanaimo area. Whether you’re looking for a classic cut or something more modern, Heavy D's is the place to go! PS. They have the best sounding clippers

Fantastic experience: Finding a new barber is stressful. Well, stress-free since 2018! I've been going to Heavy's D's since it opened. It's a very cool, forever evolving shop. I sent my Papa here, and Dan gave him his last haircut. I send everyone here!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been coming to this barbershop for years now and it’s hands down my go-to spot! The service is always top-notch, and the staff are not only skilled but super friendly and welcoming. They take the time to listen, make sure you’re happy with your cut, and create an atmosphere that keeps you coming back. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a consistent, quality experience!

Fantastic experience: Hands down the best barbershop experience around! Heavy D's Barber Shop is the definition of top-tier service and community vibes. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with genuine warmth and professionalism. Dan and Nick are not only incredibly skilled barbers—they’re outstanding people who truly care about their craft and their clients. Dan, the owner, sets the tone with his passion, precision, and pride in the shop. You can feel his dedication in every detail—from the immaculate setup to the relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere. Nick matches that energy perfectly with sharp fades, clean cuts, and conversation that keeps you coming back. Every visit feels like catching up with old friends while getting a fresh, flawless cut. Whether you're after a modern style, a classic look, or something unique, these guys always deliver. If you're looking for a barbershop where the quality is unmatched and the people make the difference, Heavy D's is it. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to Heavy D’s for years, and it’s always a top-tier experience. Nick is incredibly professional—he doesn’t just give a great haircut and beard trim, He always checks in on how my kids and family are doing, He knows them all by name and eventually ended up being the guy that cuts all their hair too. The service is consistently excellent, and I always leave feeling sharp and well taken care of. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Can’t say enough good things about this place, quality cuts every time! I am pretty picky with sticking with a barber & I think Heavy D’s is one of the only places in town that I can confidently say I could trust anyone there to cut my hair ✂️

Fantastic experience: Heavy D delivers every time—Pro service with attention to detail. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Had my hair cut by several of their staff now - all of them have been great! Highlight for Devon - if you are looking for a guy who is just going to lock in and deliver a great cut he is your guy. He doesn't try to make small talk the whole time if you dont want to, which is actually the greatest thing in the planet. I show him a picture and then get to zone out. End result is a banger haircut and I didn't have to drain my social battery.

Fantastic experience: Best place to get a haircut . Love the atmosphere and the staff. I just wish I didnt have to drive three hours everytime. I make it work when going past Nanaimo.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been going to Dan for over 5 years, and I can’t recommend him enough. I’ve referred countless friends, family, and customers over the years, and they’ve all become loyal clients of Heavy D’s for life. His wife Shannon is also a huge part of what makes the experience so great. Big shoutout to her as well, they make an amazing team!

Fantastic experience: Great atmosphere and talented individuals!

Fantastic experience: Been coming to Heavy D's for years, had a cut from almost every staff member - never been disappointed. Dan especially takes a lot extra care to make sure that my hair (which is pretty tough to work on) is shaped and perfect every time. Honest, Down to earth family owned shop - always feel welcomed when I pop in, even just to chat

Negative experience: Last place on earth to go get a haircut . Lemme tell you why, first of all zero to customer service they treat customers racially and the barbers out there are quite aggressive especially devon when u complain to owner about their staff bad behaviour, in return he gets defensive. If they don’t wanna treat people from different background fairly then the owner dam should post a poster outside his shop stating white customer only .

Negative experience: Pathetic, pathetic and just pathetic. Don’t even THINK of stepping into this shop. Treats customers extremely unfairly and has enormous amounts of attitude. Absolute waste of money and ended up spoiling my day.

Fantastic experience: Great vibe, with good cuts and conversation. It’s also in a great location: coffee, food, and the beach are nearby if you want to combo activities.

Fantastic experience: Had an amazing Haircut from Sierra the newest apprentice under the watchful eye of Heavy D. Great atmosphere and talented Staff. I will be back when it's time for another Cut. Cheers and keep up the great work.

Fantastic experience: Been coming here for years. Dan and staff have always been amazing! Great atmosphere and a great haircut every time!

Fantastic experience: I got a great cut from Devon - Would recommend!

Negative experience: Horrible service. Will never go back. You can count on a report to the BBB.

Fantastic experience: The whole crew at Heavy D's are awesome. Great at cutting hair, vibes are immaculate

Fantastic experience: Always a great haircut here from Devon. Extremely consistent barbershop.

Fantastic experience: Best place to get your ear's lowered on Vancouver Island. Dan and his team will have you looking sharp and give that next level service mixed with an eclectic atmosphere. If Dan is booked all of his crew are more than competent especially Sab! She's definitely a close second to the big guy with the beard in expertise and quality. Try the skin fade or a straight razor shave if u want that next level barber experience.

Fantastic experience: Great experience! Great haircuts! Thank you Dustin!

Fantastic experience: First time at the shop and it was great experience. Thanks again Dustin for the perfect cut!

Negative experience: I’ve never experienced more passive-aggressive treatment than what I received from Sabina at Heavy D’s. On my way to my appointment, my phone died, and I lost my GPS, causing me to arrive 4-5 minutes late. I apologized immediately and even showed her my dead phone, but Sabina pointed out my tardiness in a snarky tone. I accepted responsibility and tried to remain pleasant, feeling genuinely bad for the delay. However, Sabina continued with passive-aggressive remarks like, “There’s a huge sign; it’s not hard to find,” and criticized me for not knowing the exact haircut measurements I wanted. She also condescendingly added, “I’ve been doing this for 10 years.” Despite my efforts to be respectful and understanding, the constant digs were too much. I don’t know her personally, and I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt if they’re having a bad day, but this was excessively rude and bizarre behavior given my kindness and apologetic stance. At one point, I looked over at her coworkers, hoping for some acknowledgment of how strange this interaction was, but no one even glanced our way—it almost felt like they knew she had a terrible attitude. Eventually, I told her I was done and ready to leave because I knew I wouldn’t get the haircut I wanted with her demeanor. Even after I decided to walk out, she brought up my being late again, despite it only being a matter of minutes (I can prove this with a screenshot from my phone’s location services). This experience was bizarre, off-putting, and frankly, verbally abusive. Given the nearly perfect 5-star rating (with 200+ reviews), I can only assume they remove negative feedback. Hopefully, this review stays up long enough to warn others. I’ll be going to Four Crows from now on. I'll also be posting this on other forums to ensure more people are aware.

Fantastic experience: Dustin did a great job with a fade and a line crew cut!

Fantastic experience: Best haircuts I've had. I usually just ask them to do what they think is right and they do me well. Good conversations and comfortable silences. Friendly people. The straight razor shave experience is fantastic. It's a whole thing and it's great.

Fantastic experience: Had my head shaved and my beard trimmed up and shaped by Dan! The best in the business, will not go anywhere else!

Fantastic experience: Booked a beard trim and haircut for my boyfriend with Dan and he did the best job! He looked so handsome after. Love the salon with the old school aesthetic and really friendly team there

Fantastic experience: Devon had a spot open day of, was in need of a fade/trim. He did an amazing job, it was absolutely perfect. Didn’t have to tell him one thing. He worked with my hair type and gave the best suitable haircut. I’ve been to almost every reputable barbershop in Nanaimo. This was probably the best experience I’ve had so far. Thanks bud! Definitely be back.

Fantastic experience: During my short stay on the island, I needed a haircut and decided to try Heavy D's based on the excellent reviews and I'm glad I did! Dan not only delivered a fantastic haircut but also made the experience enjoyable with his sense of humor and friendly demeanor. He patiently guided me through the haircut options when I mentioned I wasn't familiar with the sizes in inch, even taking extra time to demonstrate different styles to ease my nerves. Throughout the appointment, he kept checking with me to ensure I was comfortable with each step. We ended up going 10mins over time but I left with a great haircut and a genuinely positive feeling. Dan's attention to detail and customer care really made the visit memorable.

Fantastic experience: Recently got a haircut from Emily the barber in training. I’ve always had a good haircut at Heavy D’s (Nick is my regular guy) but I had the time so I thought I’d give the apprentice a try. Emily was courteous and professional. Yes the cut took longer than normal but the end result was very good. In fact I’d say Emily could give Nick a run for his money. ;-) Thanks Dan and Emily and Nick for a consistent, quality haircut.

Fantastic experience: Got a fantastic quick and immaculate taper-cut from Nick today. I highly recommend for a tidy taper, a nice razor clean-up on the neck, and a great location.

Fantastic experience: After some time away from work I needed a beard trim as I had let my facial hair get out of control. On short notice, Heavy D's was able to take me right away. They set me up with Emily who gave me a professional trim with close attention to the details around the edges. I'll definitely be back. 100% would recommend.

Fantastic experience: Got in for a last minute haircut with Dustin, one of the new apprentice barbers and am really happy with my haircut. Thanks for your attention to detail, keep up the great work.

Fantastic experience: Best barber shop in town , they take their time to make sure your satisfied and happy , the environment is awesome, definitely like the old barber shops and in my opinion the way it should be 5 stars

Fantastic experience: I love this barbershop I found this place for my fiance and he loves going here. Highly recommend going here ☺️ staff is very friendly and helpful and overall cool place to get your hair cut at.

Fantastic experience: Had a jr barber cut my hair. Dustin. Took his time to make sure I got a good cut which I appreciate. Did not get Heavy Ds name but he was the owner and was overlooking both jr barbers and did a phenomenal job at leading his team. Will be back 100%. Great environment, good people. Amazing barber shop!

Fantastic experience: First of all this place has extremely out dated, comfortable furniture. I call and they’re like, “can you get here in 15 min?” So I’m rushing to make this appointment, when I get there everyone is wearing leather aprons like some kind of butcher shop. The barber assigned to me totally rough with the clippers and stabs her finger in my ear. Needless to say it was the best time I ever had. Great shop, great people. 5Stars. Nice to move to a new city and find a good barber the first go. Thanks frens!

Fantastic experience: THE place to get your haircut on Vancouver Island. Fantastic people. Fantastic shop. You are missing out if you haven’t been here for a cut!

Fantastic experience: Took my friend from bushman to business professional. The barbers were great

Fantastic experience: I don’t live here but was passing through town and in need of a haircut, badly! Was on the road awhile at this point and wasn’t going to be home for a few more weeks to get a haircut . Impatience kicked in and So I did it myself lol. Heavy D fixed it up and did such a good job! Highly recommend this place. Great vibe and super friendly staff, complete with monster trucks and mariachi music when I walked in! My kinda place!!

Fantastic experience: D knows his stuff, best experience I ever had since coming to the island. Will return over and over again. Cheers to the team

Negative experience: Sabeana was awful. Nick and Dan are great. Sabeana scolded me for being 8 mins late, told me that I wasn't getting either a skin fade or a beard line up and I had to choose between the two.(no straight razor shave) I then just asked her for an inch and a half off the top and a skin fade on the sides, and beard trim. She proceeded to spin me around so I couldn't see what she was doing in the mirror and cut my hair so I couldn't see the results. When she was finished and i asked to see, she reluctantly spun me around to show me she had taken about 3 inches off and made it exceedingly shorter than I asked. When I vocalised that this is not what I asked for and Nick (great guy) had done it much differently she acted flustered and insisted that this is indeed what I had asked for. She then angrily threw off the cape and said I'll just comp your hair cut and you can rebook with Nick in the new year. Not happy. Save yourself a headache and pnly book with Nick and Dan. They are the best.

Fantastic experience: Best haircut/shave in town hands down. Feel like a “million bucks” every time I leave there.

Fantastic experience: Heavy D’s is the beat barbershop experience ever! Great vibe and great people. Dan gives the best hair cuts I have ever had! Feel like a million bucks after. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Sabeana always does great haircut and he loves the hot towel treatment!

Fantastic experience: Couldn't write enough good things about this shop. Amazing service, top quality products, and they're always consistent with the cuts they provide. I can't recommend them enough!