IF YOUR CURRENT hair situation is less ‘catwalk model’ and more ‘just rolled out of bed,’ it’s time for a refresh. And while you might nail the morning shave (sometimes), taming a truly unruly barnet or sculpting a beard that doesn’t look like you trimmed it with garden shears, requires expert hands. Luckily, Sydney is awash with hair professionals who can transform even the most follically challenged man.
But out of the raft of salons in the city, which is the best? Fear not, we’ve done the hard yards for you and have condensed our top picks. From retro cool barbers to trendy venues offering everything from facials and scalp treatments, these are the best clippers in the business.
BARBERHOOD
Ponder this statistic: the average man shaves an estimated 20,000 times in his life – 20,000 times! And yet, for something so integral in our day-to-day routine, for the majority, we’re not actually told how to do it properly. Shaving is the bane of many a man’s morning, a tiresome chore that is rife with pitfalls (think bumps, ingrown hairs and nicks), so perhaps it’s unsurprising that there are so many men sporting shaving rash and ingrown hairs walking our streets. If your home shave isn’t passing muster, then it might be time to rejoice in the benefits of a traditional cut throat razor shave and let a skilled craftsmen ply their trade on your jowls. Enter Barberhood.
With locations dotted across Sydney, they’ve built a loyal crew who come back time and time again to let the seasoned pros banish bushy beards and tame unruly tresses.
Picky punters can select from a menu of haircuts that includes everything from fades and buzz cuts to beard styling and more. But it’s the traditional hot towel and cut throat razor offering that’s really the star attraction. Blanketed with hot towels, lathered up with warm shaving cream, and inhaling enticing aromatics as you lie back in a recliner while a master barber gets to work.
In addition, Barberhood has partnered with local co-working provider, Hub Australia, to offer members discounts and priority bookings because, even when you’re chained to your desk, looking sharp shouldn’t be a hassle.
UNOIT BARBERS
When it comes to pampering, women seem to have the bulk of the fun but UNOIT is determined to readdress this balance. Positioned on the border between Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, this ambitious unisex salon pairs the services of a traditional barbershop with cutting-edge skin treatments, for both men AND women.
Recently awarded ‘Australian Modern Barber of the Year’, this one-of-a-kind, one-stop-shop offers a fresh take on men’s pampering with a menu busting with hair cuts, beard shaping, deluxe cut throat shaves (which include exfoliation and pressure point massage to finish), Powermix treatments (customised to target specific hair and scalp concerns) and signature shiatsu massage. Feeling frazzled? Dive into their Powermix treatments for specific hair and scalp issues. And the cherry on top? You can even hit up their resident aesthetic team who offer everything from laser hair removal to cosmetic injectables.
But perhaps the creme de la creme service – and one that encapsulates both the UNOIT experience and ethos – is the Boss Experience. A premium package that includes a haircut, deluxe shave and mini facial, shampoo and hair detox, scalp and neck massage in the lie-down shiatsu lounge, plus an actual made-to-measure custom tailored shirt at Riley & Sons. How’s that for a combo?
THE LID DOCTOR
Situated in Surry Hills, The Lid Doctor (‘lid’ is a slang term used for the top of the head) is one of the newest boutique barbers on the block. Pairing 15-plus years of hairdressing experience, founder Nic combines combines contemporary cutting skills with traditional barbering.
Focused on modern and contemporary cuts, the team crafts some of the most dapper ‘dos and freshest fades this side of the Harbour Bridge. But, most importantly, the Lid Doctor is the barber version of “Cheers.” A chop shop where everybody knows your name, or they soon will. Here, the emphasis is on the entire look of a customer, rather than just the haircut and the team of experts trained barbers will take the time to learn likes, dislikes and hair habits, to make sure they nail exactly what you’re after.
They’re also beard architects, offering beard sculpting and maintenance that’ll tame even the wildest of face jungles. Feeling like a proper pamper? Their hot towel shaves are the real deal, leaving your skin baby-smooth.
TRUEFITT & HILL
Think old-school means outdated? Think again. Truefitt & Hill in Barangaroo and the CBD is where tradition gets a seriously stylish shot in the arm. These legends have been grooming gents since 1805, so they know a thing or two about a proper cut.
Sink into those leather chairs and let the impeccably dressed barbers work their magic. They’ll nail the signature classic cuts with the kind of precision that comes from centuries of practice. But it’s not just about the hair, their hot towel wet shaves are the stuff of legend. Got a beard that’s gone rogue? Their expert beard trimming and shaping will sort you out. And if you want to keep that just-left-the-barber feeling, their extensive range of top-shelf hair and skincare products is your secret weapon. It’s an investment, sure, but a good one.
NOAH
Situated in Sydney’s historic Strand Arcade, NOAH offers a sophisticated members’ club-like vibe. One where the main event is a killer cut.
The barbers here aren’t just clipping here, they’re crafting modern and trend-led styles with an eye for what works for you. Fades that are razor-sharp, textured crops with attitude – they’ve got it covered. And because looking good isn’t just about the hair, they offer deluxe beard trim services too.
KODA Cutters
Whether you’re chasing that perfectly undone textured look or something sharper that wouldn’t look out of place on a Milan runway, high-end snippers, KODA Cutters, are on hand to craft cuts with runway cred. Based in the CBD and in Bondi, their services cater to the modern man who appreciates a contemporary fit. But there’s much more to this venue than good looks. And if you’re starting to see a little grey ‘wisdom’ peeking up through up top, they’re not afraid of a bit of strategic colour work — the kind that subtly blends those greys so you look like you’ve just aged gracefully.
