Words: Zak Maoui
Haircuts can be the source of dread for a lot of men and finding one of the best barber shops can be difficult.
After all, there’s quite a bit that could go wrong. What if your barber gets a little trigger-happy with the clippers? Gives you an unequal fade? Or attempts to style your overgrown coiffure into a New Wave fringe? And, worst of all, you don’t get a second chance at a trim for a month or so, and you can’t exactly wear a baseball cap into the boardroom.
However, with the below selection of well-skilled barbers across London, your barnet will be in a good hands. Take a browse, choose one that suits you and have your pompadour primped to perfection in no time.
Woolf King's X
Expert barber to the stars Joe Mills (and our go-to barber for commentary on the coolest cuts) opened up his own location in King's Cross a couple of years ago, and it's now the go-to for proper haircuts. It prides itself on not being a barber shop, nor a hairdressers, and is not defined by men’s haircuts or women’s hairstyles. Instead selected stylists give the best look for each individual.
67-69 Chalton St, London NW1 1HY
The Refinery
Located in Mayfair this establishment is more than just a barbers and actually offers full-blown spa treatments, including massages and detox facials, and thanks to its moderate prices (cuts start from £39) it’s one of the cheapest, yet most opulent, spots for a tidy-up.
18 Grosvenor St, London W1K 4QQ. the-refinery.com
Ruffians
Having moved down from Edinburgh, award-winning grooming locale Ruffians is conquering London with some well-preened aplomb. Its relaxed Covent Garden location has become a hotspot for marvellously groomed gents (there are outposts in Marylebone and Liberty as well) and there’s also a range of in-house products so you can maintain the same professional level of style between trims. The “Ruffians Refresher” (which is essentially a face exfoliation complete with a moisturiser and skin consultation) will also help shed off any unwarranted stress.
27 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS. ruffians.co.uk
Ted’s Grooming Room
We can’t think of many places that can rival Ted’s Grooming Room when it comes to giving you a razor sharp chop. Each in-house stylist uses ancient techniques taken from the Ottoman Empire to provide you with whatever styling you require (ear flaming is also carried out), while additional services such as a hot-towel Turkish shave make for a relaxing session in the chair. Moreover, with outposts across London, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you can always pop-in for a last-minute fix.
42 Berwick St, London W1F 8RZ. tedsgroomingroom.com
Nomad Barber
Having spent a year traversing the globe to learn and document the history of barbering (there was even a vlog titled The Nomad Barber), Miguel Gutierrez set up shop in Hackney in 2014. The experience at this stripped-back joint takes some beating as it has an air of luxury rarely seen outside of the confines of Mayfair. Competitive rates belie the lavish nature of each session, and the soothing and clean ‘Bazaar Shave’ is worth a visit alone.
513 Hackney Road, London E2 9ED. nomadbarber.com
Pankhurst
Part speakeasy, part gentleman’s club is how Pankhurst is billed. This incredible barber, featuring bespoke chairs (all of which have been hand upholstered by Bentley’s craftsmen for your perching pleasure) sits inside the Thom Sweeney Townhouse. Pankhurst London has set a new standard in prestigious grooming experiences, and offers the highest standards of quality and innovation, providing nothing less than grooming excellence.
Thom Sweeney Townhouse, 24c Old Burlington St, London W1S 3AU. pankurstlondon.com
Kesman Grooming
With locations in Farringdon and Victoria, Kesman Male Grooming focuses on high quality haircuts, beard trims, cut-throat shaves and facials. It's an IYKYK establishment, that is gaining more popularity. The standard haircut service starts with a detailed consultation about your hair, followed by a refreshing hair wash with shampoo and scalp massage prior to the cut. Block out a good hour to really enjoy it here.
4 Benjamin St, London EC1M 5QUkesmangrooming.com
Truefitt & Hill
The flagship Truefitt & Hill store is located in the heart of Mayfair. In a traditional setting, you can experience a range of grooming treatments, perfected over 200 years. What's more, Truefitt & Hill has had the honour of serving the Monarchs of Great Britain over nine consecutive reigns.
71 St. James's Street, London SW1A 1PH. truefittandhill.co.uk
The Ned barbershop
Deep beneath the old bank where The Ned is located sits a barbershop that you'll want to visit. Down in the spa the barbershop or "parlour" is the place to head for signature cuts, colours, blow-dries and up-dos. There's even a L'Oréal colour specialist, Nicole, should you wish to touch up greys.
27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ. thened.com
Slider Cuts
Sat on East London's Hackney Road, Slider Cuts' list of returning clients includes Reggie Yates, Anthony Joshua, Tinie Tempah and Stormzy. Founder Mark Maciver is a multi-award-winning barber with 15 years of experience in razor-sharp cuts, but he can do just about anything you ask for. And with cuts starting at £20, what's not to love?
176 Hackney Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 7QL.slidercuts.com
Acqua di Parma Barbiere
Inspired by traditional Italian barbershops, the super elegant Acqua di Parma grooming space at Selfridges includes bespoke barber chairs and contemporary design touches, all infused with brand's instantly recognisable aesthetic. Here you can get close shaves, hair cuts, facials and beard trims.
400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB. acquadiparma.com
Dunhill barber
Situated at Dunhill's historic Bourdon House in Mayfair, the barber makes for a very special trip. Every appointment at the Alfred Dunhill barber comes with a thorough client consultation, as standard. Then you can choose from cuts, styling, wet shaves and beard maintenance, grooming packages and experiences.
Bourdon House, 2 Davies St, London W1K 3DJ. dunhill.com
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