When it comes to finding the best barbers in London, Birmingham and across the UK, there’s no shortage of great barbershops to sift through the cobblestone streets. The days when your only option for a haircut was found in a fluorescent-lit shop with a peeling linoleum floor are long gone, evolving into posh man caves serving up everything from hot towels to a shot of whiskey.
Some of the top barber shops around the world can be found in London and Birmingham. From no-frills mom-and-pop shops to elite hipster joints, here are the best barber shops in the UK.
Harris Gibbs
Started by barbers Chris and Alex, Harris Gibbs is known for their impressive experience and vast versatility. For skilled barbering, a quality, precision haircut and excellent customer service, you’ll love this spot. Ask them for advice on your next hairstyle and pull from their vast knowledge for a new trendy cut.
Fish
Opened in 1987 by founder Paul Burfoot, this old sex shop serves as a local standby for a fresh cut. Its two floors are chock full of nostalgia of an age gone by, with iconic photos of classic styles over simple mirrors and no-frills stations. With it’s retro design, house brand products, and unadulterated authenticity, Fish is a cut above the rest.
Ruffians
With branches across the UK, Ruffians comfortable quarters originated in the West End of Edinburgh. Clients love the cutthroat razor shaves and heated coat closets, but the true testament of greatness in this shop is undoubtedly the tact and skill of the professional and friendly barbers.
Paul Mall Barbers
If an old-fashioned chop is what you’re after, then head to the historic Paul Mall Barbers. With branches across London and New York, this shop has been in operation for over a century, making it a historic barbershop monument. Clients are offered a complimentary glass of whiskey or scotch while waiting patiently for their fresh cut so it’s easy to love this place.
Pankhurst
If adding a bit of luxury to your day is on order, Pankhurst is the place to be. With clientele edging toward the mature, you won’t find the run of the mill hipsters here. Expect elegant cuts, hot towel face massages in Bentley chairs, and a Johnnie Walker lounge within the walls of this barbershop haven.
Ted’s Grooming Room
A traditional Turkish barber with 11 city locations, Ted’s Grooming Room is a venue of male brilliance. Refreshments are served upon arrival, cuts are meticulous, and fans flock for the ear flame and hot towel. From the indie covers purring from the speakers to the expertly trained staff, Ted’s is an urban hub featuring the best in male grooming.
Joe and Co.
Former DJ turned celebrity groomer, Joe Mills is at the helm of the ship of Joe and Co. Voted Best Men’s London Barbers by the likes of Esquire, GQ, and Time Out, this salon offers all the extras you’d hope to find in an understated, airy shop filled with barbers handpicked by the man himself.
Murdock London
Experts at styling hair and shaping beards, the Murdock barbers stand as an empire in the male grooming field, with eight locations across the UK. Traditional barbering is their claim to fame, and they deliver with precision. Expect wet shaves, facials and even a beer while getting in touch with your masculine side.
Slider Cuts
When you walk into this humble shop, you’ll undoubtedly be brushing elbows with a who’s who of celebrity clients. A former MC, Slider has created a shop that has a reputation as an expert in cutting afro hair and prides itself on giving it’s clients an experience along with their haircut.
Manifesto
If the ever-popular retro style barbershop is not your thing, Manifesto has a place for you. With concrete interiors and sleek minimalist styling, this sophisticated saloon provides everything a modern man could wish for. Their team of gifted barbers offer precision beard trims, shaves and head massages, all while you sip on your complimentary glass of whisky.
Nomad Barber
Master barber Miguel Gutierrez prides himself on travelling the world to observe cutting and shaving techniques. He’s brought his know-how back to his stylish shop that provides a cool and comfortable atmosphere for his clients to relax in. With extras like hot towels with every cut, this shop is a standby for both city boys and hipsters.
Aveda
Not your typical barbershop, Aveda Men offers Ayurvedic wisdom alongside its clean cuts, shaves, and facials. Expect a fusion of traditional barbering with holistic wellbeing, with high performance hair care, personal blends service and an on-site coffee shop to add to your day’s relaxation ritual.
Barber Barber
If you’re looking for a shop with extensive knowledge of bespoke shaving and impeccable service, Barber Barber is your last stop. With its luxurious atmosphere, friendly barbers, and male camaraderie, this shop wants you to check your worries at the door, have a beer, and relax while they take care of your hair.
RXB Barbers
From complicated scissor cuts to exotic hair patterning, RXB possesses the ability to give you the extreme cut you’ve been searching for. Free drinks and Wi-Fi are served up in a comfy décor while elite barbers work their scissor magic. Feeling adventurous? Try an apprentice cut free of charge.
Jack The Clipper
With five uber-edgy locations available across London, Jack the Clipper has developed a cult following for their premium grooming packages and artful cuts. Expect to be pampered with a cut and style like no other, followed by indulgences like facemasks, eye treatments, and threading finished off with a towel massage.
Truefitt & Hill
Regarded as the world’s first upscale barbershop, Truefitt & Hill stand as champion of male grooming royalty. Open since 1805, this establishment has lopped the locks of generations of the Royal Family, alongside politicians and celebrities throughout the decades. Take a step back into time in this elegant piece of history and get pampered with posh extras like hand massages and manicures.
Carter & Bond
Located on two floors of barbershop excellence, Carter & Bond offers the finest quality haircutting, wet shaves, and a wide selection of premium grooming products. Housed in a unique space with vintage furnishings, the cool ambiance rivals their precision cuts.
Huckle The Barber
This no fuss, no gimmick barbershop prides itself on delivering this one thing: the full experience. Custom tailored haircuts are delivered in Huckle’s friendly, relaxed space in an environment second to none. You’ll leave feeling like a new man after experiencing the skillful barbering, solid conversation and relaxed vibe.
Sharps Barbers
Focused on the original craftsmanship of barbering, Sharps offers ‘new-school barbering’ that caters to keeping men comfortable in their own skin. Serving up a full range of products, an in-house coffee shop, and skillful male ‘prep,’ this shop is a must visit.
Gentleman’s Tonic
An unapologetic luxury establishment, Tonic offers private booths, TVs at every station, floating sinks, and unrivaled grooming services like Swedish massages. Considered a premium male grooming destination, Gentleman’s Tonic is your one stop shop for a personalized luxurious experience.
Dunhill The Spa & Barber At Bourdon House
A brand synonymous with luxury, Alfred Dunhill has managed to transfer its elegance to their discreet barbershop tucked in the corner of their London shop. A full menu of spa services with the likes of detox facials, hot stone back therapy, and hand and nail grooming are served alongside classic haircuts and wet shaves. Many of these barber shops will take great care and attention to safety whilst grooming, but if you’re going to do it yourself, make sure you use the best safety razor 2019 and take care not to cut yourself in the process.