A haircut can really make or break a man. If it’s a beard trim we’re talking about, it’s even more essential to get your grooming right. And, let's face it, it’s high-time men get a bit of pampering—considering haircuts of the olden days consisted of a dodgy shopping centre chain, a quick slap around the head with the clippers and a free mint on the way out.
After a protracted lockdown, you'll be wanting to update your look ASAP and we heard that.
So without further ado, here are the best barbers in Auckland for a sharp new look.
Boar & Blade
Ponsonby & Wynyard Quarter
Boar & Blade are premium men’s grooming shops found in the heart of Ponsonby Central as well as Wynyard Quarter. Headed by owner Hohepa ‘Hops’ Rutene, their unique, relaxed and approachable culture has seen them become local legends. From tight fades to beard trims and clean shaves, no matter what you’re after, the team at Boar and Blade will have you looking your sharpest. Churning out suave cuts over top quality banter and beer, be sure to book in quick as the skilled team are hot in demand.
Room 104
CBD
Situated downtown in the old heritage building, Achilles House, Room 104 offers the ultimate men’s grooming experience frequented by Auckland’s A-list and businessman alike. This New York-style loft space is home to the exclusive barber shop that is Room 104. You can sit back, read a magazine, beer in hand and relax, while the talented team take care of your locks. Each booking designates enough time to go over your desired look without rushing and their repertoire of work is constantly updated with the latest on-trend styles.
Maloney’s Barber Shop
CBD
A staple in the Auckland Barber shop scene for more than 10 years, Maloney’s Barber Shop offers an array of services from a quick buzz cut to a hot-towel shave and everything in between. Every head of hair is treated with the utmost respect and is styled to perfection by this bunch of talented lads. Walk-in appointments are offered but if it’s the ultimate barbershop experience you’re after then be sure to book in for a cut-throat shave.
Flash City Tattoo
Ponsonby
Flash City is a walk-in only barber shop and tattoo parlour located on Ponsonby Road. Their two barbers—Sarah and Ryan work throughout the week and even offer ice-cold Coopers beer for their Thursday late-night sessions free of charge. Their services leave you and your wallet feeling relaxed and a little risky while you’re waiting for your shave. While you're at it, take a look at the ever-changing flash tattoos for a complete makeover.
Hair By Wayne
Epsom
It’s rare to see the new kid on the block slay the game and snatch the trophies right out the gate, but that’s exactly what Hair by Wayne has done. Located on Manukau Road in Epsom this barbershop is muscling in on the scene. Sweeping up the hair and the competition, Hair by Wayne was awarded the Neville Spence barber of the year 2019, 1st place Creative cut, 1st place razor fade 2018 and 2019 and also 2nd place in the traditional section. So you can relax and know you’re getting the works—that’s right, even men's facials and waxing. So what’s your excuse Epsom?
The Parnell Barbershop
Parnell
Situated on Parnell Road, this high-end barbershop just oozes style with its classic décor. Although walk-ins are welcome, spots tend to fill up fast so booking is recommended. Services at the Parnell Barbershop include a barber cut and beard trim or a barber cut and a cut-throat shave, all with a complimentary beverage. What sets this barbershop apart from the rest is you can hire the shop out for exclusive gentlemen’s club bookings and get two of your very own barbers to tend to your men.
Right Cuts
Auckland CBD
Nestled right in the CBD on Victoria Street West behind an unassuming facade lies Right Cuts, one of the best barbershops in Auckland. Here you’ll find reasonably priced cuts, wet shaves, beard shaping and tidying and what’s more, all men’s cuts are finished with a refreshing hot face towel. Add to this the friendly banter, decent tunes and laid back atmosphere and you know you’re in good hands—guaranteed to walk out with a slick style exactly how you want it.
Bespoke Barbers
Auckland CBD
Paul Bartolo is the creative mastermind behind this little mid-city gem. After spending more than 30 years in the industry, owning and working in barbershops in London, Melbourne and Auckland, Bespoke Barbershop brings together craft and style while maintaining a welcoming environment for its customers. Services range from a simple buzz cut to a full restyle and a quick beard trim to a beard reshape with a blade. Bespoke Barbershop is where “Tradition meets modern” and where “Craft meets style and equals success.”- Bespoke Barbershop.
Slick Shop
Ponsonby
You can’t walk out of Working Style in Ponsonby and not complete the look—it would be rude not to. Opened in June last year, Slick Shop is already making a name for itself. This hard working team threw in the towel on their corporate jobs and jumped mane first into the grooming business. While you can get the works at Slick Shop including buzz cuts, skin fades and cut throat shaves, they also offer a range of local New Zealand artwork for sale in store, so you can pick up something new for your space while getting a slick new look. Winning.
Brotherhood Urban Stylists
Takapuna
Last but certainly not least is Brotherhood Urban Stylist. Based in Takapuna, they strive to make you feel welcome and part of a “brotherhood” of sharing creativity. Specialising in both scissors and clippers, this barbershop has a service to suit everyone. From a “classic brother” full-style cut with a hot towel finish, a “silver brother” colour to blend those greys for a more natural look and an “executive brother” which includes a full scalp massage and a bevvy of your choice into the service. To complete the experience, this is all done while broadcasting the latest sports on television.
While you're reinventing yourself, why not check out Auckland's best tattoo studios.
Image credit: Agustin Fernandez, Maloney's Barber Shop, Hair By Wayne, Right Cuts, Slick Shop