You're likely reading this for one of three reasons. It might be because you haven't had a haircut for several months, it may be because you've held out for the long haul during Melbourne's 37 lockdowns, or perhaps you or your partner had a crack taming that mop yourselves. Regardless of the why, it's time for a trim, and it's time to leave it to trained professionals.
Melbourne's best barbershops are splattered across the city, they all know their way around a short-back-and-sides and most are already taking bookings. So get to it and lock in a trim at one of the city's best:
Renard’s Barbershop
CARLTON NORTH
If you’re in need of a tidy up around the Carlton area, look no further than Renard’s Barber Shop, one of the best barbers north of the river. The lads here offer all the essentials, from the iconic buzz cut to the classic hot shave treatment, and will bring the best out of that mop you’ve been growing out for the good part of 2021.
Ben, the owner, is a book of knowledge when it comes to hair, beards and otherworldly topics. Take a seat and make the most of that chin wag.
No booking required, just walk in.
Brother Wolf
PRAHRAN, FITZROY, ST KILDA
With several locations around Melbourne, there’s no question Brother Wolf is one of the best barbershops in Melbourne. The team bring a wealth of knowledge to the three locales from across the globe, and their in-house product range—from pomades to sea salt spray—will help you keep your new do styled for weeks after your trim.
Bookings can be made from their website.
Beef's Barbers
RICHMOND, ABBOTSFORD, MALVERN
Come 2021, Beef’s Barbers has become a go-to for many north and south of the river. As with many barbers, the social standard of offering a beer upon entry rings true here (no matter the time of day), but it’s not all bells and whistles, the team here no their way around a short back and sides. If you’re lucky, you might even meet Beef, the French mastiff who inspired the namesake of one of Melbourne’s best barbers.
Bookings can be made from their website.
Yours Truly
FOOTSCRAY
When you’re in need of a modestly priced haircut without sacrificing quality, look no further than Yours Truly in Footscray. The team here offer all the essential services such as buzz cuts, hot towel shave and style trims, but it’s the vibe they bring to this several-seat barbershop that’ll have you rebooking in just a few weeks time—if the haircut hasn’t already done the convincing, of course.
Bookings can be made from their website.
Kings Domain
Various locations
We simply couldn’t have a 2021 best barbers in Melbourne list without Kings Domain. There’s no question, these are among the best in Melbourne. Offering several locations around Melbourne, including two in the city, Kings Domain is an absolute must when you’re after a quality haircut.
Bookings can be made from their website.
The Bearded Man
PRAHRAN
The Bearded Man on Chapel Street is as iconic as any barbershop in Melbourne. Reliable, enjoyable and guns with the scissors, their level of expertise and experience rivals the best in the city. Like any Melbourne barbershop, a short back and sides is executed with grace, but
Bookings can be made on their website.
Captains of Industry
MELBOURNE
When it comes to skill and dedication as a barber, Sam Fordyce of Captains of Industry is up there with the best in Melbourne. The fascinating concept also offers a cafe and bar, as well as leatherwork and bespoke shoemaking services.
Bookings for the barbershop are essential (and likely to book up quickly for the good part of 2021). More information can be found on their website.
All The King's Men
MELBOURNE
Melbourne city is an absolute gem of a location when it comes to quality haircuts, and All The King’s Men is no exception. Outside of this place being one of the best for a trim in the cbd, they’ve also got a damn fine record collection which rotates on the daily—This place has a tendency to become a regular for many, so
Bookings can be made from their website.
Pickings And Parry
FITZROY
Fine barber, and purveyor of fine wares. Pickings and Parry is part barbershop, part clothing store, and it’s become somewhat of a Gertrude Street institution over the years for both offerings.
An absolute must if you’re in the Fitzroy area. Bookings for the barber can be made from their website.
Melbourne Barber Shop
CBD
Melbourne Barber Shop is rich in history, and has been going strong since its opening back in 1994 and all the way into 2021. Combining the love of the automotive industry with barbering excellence, this is one place where experience and dedication reign supreme.
Bookings can be made from their website.
Continue on the self-care tip and check out Sense of Self wellness studio after your trim.
Image credit: Casey Horsfield