You're driving down University Boulevard, probably dodging that weird traffic near the Robert Morris campus, and you realize your hair looks like a mess. It happens. If you live in the 15108, you've definitely seen the sign for Sports Clips Moon Township tucked into the Moon Plaza shopping center. It's right there near the Giant Eagle and the Starbucks, a prime spot for a quick errand-run-turned-grooming-session.
But honestly? People tend to lump all these franchise shops together. They think every chair is the same. They're wrong.
Finding a reliable haircut in a suburb like Moon can be a gamble. You have the high-end boutiques where you need a reservation three weeks out, and then you have the places that feel like a literal assembly line. Sports Clips Moon Township sits in this weirdly perfect middle ground that a lot of guys overlook because they think it's just "that place with the TVs." It is that place, but the logistics of getting a decent fade in Moon Township are actually a bit more nuanced than just walking in and sitting down.
Why the Location of Sports Clips Moon Township Actually Matters
Geography is everything when you're trying to save time on a Saturday. This specific shop at 5990 University Blvd is basically the hub for a very specific crowd. You’ve got the RMU students who need to look presentable for an internship interview, the airport employees from PIT who are on a tight schedule between shifts, and the families from Coraopolis and Crescent who just want a place that won’t mess up their kid's hair before school pictures.
Being in Moon Plaza isn't just convenient; it's a strategic survival move. You can check in on the app, go grab a coffee at Starbucks or do your grocery shopping at Giant Eagle, and get a text when you're "on deck."
That’s the thing people miss. If you just walk in on a college football Saturday, you’re going to wait. A long time. But the locals who know how the system works basically use the plaza as an extension of the waiting room. It’s a smart way to handle a Saturday afternoon without feeling like you’ve wasted half your weekend sitting on a padded bench staring at ESPN.
The MVP Experience Breakdown
Most guys go in for a haircut and end up getting the "MVP." If you haven't had it, it's basically the franchise's signature move. It’s a haircut, a hot steamed towel on the face, a scalp massage with tea tree shampoo, and a neck/shoulder massage.
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Is it life-changing? Maybe not. But after a long week of commuting on I-376 or dealing with the Pittsburgh weather, that hot towel is legitimately the best part of the day. It’s a bit of a sensory reset. The tea tree scent is strong—really strong—but it’s a refreshing change from the smell of old coffee and car exhaust.
What to Really Expect From the Stylists
Let’s be real for a second. At any franchise, the quality of your cut depends entirely on who is holding the shears. At Sports Clips Moon Township, the turnover can happen, but they actually have a few veterans who have been in that specific plaza for years.
If you’re looking for a skin fade or something highly technical, you need to communicate. Use photos. Don't just say "short on the sides." That's a recipe for a disaster you'll have to hide under a Steelers hat for three weeks. The stylists here are trained specifically for men’s and boys’ styles, which is a massive advantage over a general salon where the person cutting your hair might spend 90% of their day doing perms or highlights.
They know how to handle cowlicks. They understand the "Pittsburgh hair" struggle—that thick, sometimes unruly texture that doesn't always play nice with standard cutting techniques.
Dealing With the Wait Times
Moon is a busy township. Between the university and the corporate offices nearby, the rush hours are real.
- Monday through Friday, the lunch hour is a trap. Avoid it if you can.
- Tuesday evenings are surprisingly quiet.
- Saturday mornings are for the brave or the desperate.
- Check-in online is mandatory. Seriously. Don't be the guy who walks in and looks confused when he's told it's a 45-minute wait.
The app shows you real-time wait estimates for each stylist. If you have a favorite, you can see if they’re working that day. It’s a level of transparency that old-school barbershops just don't offer. You aren't guessing.
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The Environment: More Than Just Sports
Yes, there are TVs everywhere. Yes, they are almost always tuned to sports. If you hate sports, you might find the decor a bit much. But for most people, it’s just background noise that makes the silence of a haircut less awkward. You don't have to make small talk if you don't want to; you can just watch the highlights from the Pens game last night.
It’s a "guy-centric" space, but it's not exclusionary. You see plenty of moms bringing their sons in because it’s a low-pressure environment for kids who might be nervous about getting a haircut. The stylists at the Moon Township location are generally pretty patient with the younger crowd, which is a huge plus for parents in the area.
Comparing Costs in the 15108 Zip Code
Let's talk money. A haircut at Sports Clips Moon Township isn't the cheapest option in town, but it's far from the most expensive.
If you go to a high-end "men's grooming lounge" in Sewickley or Robinson, you're looking at $40 to $60 before you even think about a tip. If you go to a "chop shop," you might pay $15, but you’re rolling the dice on whether or not your sideburns will be even.
The price point here reflects the consistency and the "extras" like the shampoo and massage. You’re paying for the convenience of the app and the reliability of a brand that has standardized its training. For the average guy living in Moon, it’s a fair trade-off. It’s an investment in not looking like a caveman without breaking the bank.
Common Misconceptions
One big myth is that you can't get a "professional" look here. That’s nonsense. Just because there’s a locker room theme doesn't mean they can't do a clean executive contour or a sharp taper.
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Another misconception? That it’s only for "bros." The clientele in Moon Township is incredibly diverse. You’ll see pilots, students, construction workers, and retirees all sitting in the same row of chairs. It’s a cross-section of the township.
Navigating the Moon Plaza Parking Lot
This sounds like a minor detail, but if you've ever tried to park near that Giant Eagle at 5:00 PM, you know it's a war zone.
The Sports Clips Moon Township is located in a spot where parking can get tight. If the spots directly in front are full, don't stress. Just park a bit further down toward the bank or the other end of the plaza. It’ll save you the headache of trying to back out of a crowded spot while people are flying through the lot trying to get home.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're planning on heading over to get cleaned up, follow this routine to make sure you actually get what you want:
- Download the App: Don't even think about driving there until you've checked the wait times. Check in from your house or your office.
- Be Specific: If you want a #2 on the sides and a bit off the top, say so. If you want a fade, specify if you want it high, medium, or low.
- Try the MVP: At least once. If you’re stressed, the scalp massage is worth the extra few bucks.
- Tip Your Stylist: These folks work hard on their feet all day. A good tip goes a long way in building a rapport, especially if you plan on becoming a regular.
- Check the Hours: They usually open at 9:00 AM, but Sunday hours are shorter. Always double-check before you make the trip.
There’s a reason this location stays busy while other businesses in the area come and go. It’s a mix of a solid system and a staff that understands the local vibe. Whether you're heading to an RMU basketball game or just heading home to Coraopolis, a quick stop at the Moon Plaza can take you from looking shaggy to looking sharp in about thirty minutes. Just remember to use the app, be clear about what you want, and enjoy the hot towel. It’s the little things that make the suburban grind a bit more bearable.