The round-up: Brisbane’s best barbers
The boutique barber business is booming with the advent of beard culture, the return of rockabilly and the mania of Movember. Stylish gentlemen are hitting the streets with sleek styles, carefully coiffed cuts and formidable facial hair. Male grooming is now a big thing, and barbers are more relevant than ever – it’s never been easier to bridge the divide between rugged manliness and clean-cut class. The new crop of style-savvy scissor-smiths is a far cry from your father’s short-back-and-side specialist, and we’ve rounded up some of the big names in Brisbane’s barber scene.
Twin Palms, Fortitude Valley: Situated on Arthur Street – a mere stone’s throw from the fashionable promenade – Twin Palms imbues mid-century Californian style with a cutting-edge aesthetic and skilled scissor-smiths to create one of the best barber shops in town. All services come with a complimentary beverage, with appointments and walk-ins welcome.
Esq. Male Grooming, Milton and Brisbane City: As far as luxury is concerned, Esq. Male Grooming offers some of the most luxe services in town. With a rep for a high standard of service, a collection of excellent brands, hot and cold refreshments, and a cool atmosphere, this is where you go for the gold standard cut.
Empire Barbering Co., Ashgrove: If an experienced hand is what you seek for your next trim, we suggest paying a visit to Empire Barbering Co. on Waterworks Road. The veterans here have decades of experience between them, which is evident in their top-tier service. Cuts are followed by a hot towel and cologne finish, and the laid-back environment is perfect for those that prefer a relaxed setting for their regular snip.
The Moustachery, various locations: Walking into any of The Moustachery’s locations is like stepping back in time. Comfy, worn-in chairs, vintage decor and a consummate array of services make this barber outlet a truly memorable experience. You can get a cut at The Moustachery’s locations in Paddington and Bulimba.
Peaky Barbers, Woolloongabba: Boasting contemporary techniques and an old-school feel, Peaky Barbers at the base of The Drapery in Woolloongabba is a relative newcomer, but has quickly earned a loyal following thanks to its consistent service and commitment to giving your hair the attention it deserves.
Crooners Barbershop, Ashgrove: Got a particular style in mind? The sharp hands at Crooners Barbershop have the skills to make it a reality. This Ashgrove chop spot offers beard trims, fades and even nose waxes! Revel Brewing Co beers are on deck for sipping, while some top-notch styling and grooming products will help you keep your locks looking fresh.
Mr Hackett, Hawthorne: Operating since 2014, Mr Hackett on Riding Road is the brainchild of acclaimed cutter Greg Whatling. This luxury men’s snip spot (hailed as one of Brisbane’s best barbers) favours old-world techniques, which means you won’t find any clippers here. Those sitting in the chair at Mr Hackett will experience pure scissor craft, with consultation helping you achieve the best cut for your personality.
The Public Barber, Fortitude Valley: Simple, comfortable and welcoming – these are the three words that best sum up The Public Barber on Brunswick Street. Master barber Jay boasts more than two decades of snipping, and his knowledge on the craft knows no bounds. If you’re lucky enough to snag a seat (Jay is in high demand), you’ll be treated to a consummately professional experience and a damn sharp trim.
HQ Male Grooming, West End: This salon is a go-to for those looking for a modern approach to barbering, offering luxury services, top-notch grooming products (American Crew, Uppercut and Reuzel) and a relaxed atmosphere.
Bou’s For Men, Brisbane City, Hamilton and West End: Classic cuts, smooth shaves, personable service – these are the three key characteristics every barbershop needs, and Bou’s For Men boasts all three and more. Bou’s For Men’s Brisbane locales offer everything from wet shave treatments and cut-throat razor lather shaves to cuts, colouring and style consultation. If you’ve got a special occasion coming up and you need to look your best, Bou’s Bentley Package is a must – this comprehensive experience includes a deep soothing shampoo and conditioning treatment, head massage, cut and style (including eyebrow/beard trim), face shave accompanied by scented hot towel, and a splash of cologne to finish.
Blackwood Barbers, Mitchelton: If you are after a one-stop shop for grooming, styling and skin care, seek out the team at Blackwood Barbers. In addition to quick and easy clipper cuts, skin fades, straight-razor shaves and eyebrow, ear and nostril waxing, Blackwood Barbers also stocks grooming gear from Uppercut Deluxe, Slick Gorilla, Modern Pirate, Layrite, Proraso Cologne, Baxter of California and more.
The Electric Chair, various locations: The team at The Electric Chair is renowned for distributing the freshest cuts at all of its locations. Tame your mane and get lined up in The City, Everton Park or Morningside.
Jimmy Rod’s Barbers, various locations: One of the biggest names in the barber business is Jimmy Rod. The Jimmy Rod’s barber business has boomed within Brisbane, opening stores quicker than you can say “Just a bit off the top, thanks.” You can find Jimmy Rod’s Barbers all over town, making it a go-to neighbourhood resource. In 2016 Jimmy Rod’s unveiled its flagship appointment-only Shave Saloon, which also boasts a kitchen and whisky bar for those to like to linger after a cut.
The Emporium Barber, various locations: Few mane tamers are as reliable as the crew at The Emporium Barber. Relax with a beverage and let the experts work, with four Brisbane locations open for you to check out at The Emporium, on King Street, Woolloongabba and in The City.
Bare Bones Barbershop, Morningside: As far as reputations go, it doesn’t get much more sterling than that of Bare Bones. Taking a traditional approach to trimming, this barbershop offers classic cuts from bygone eras but are welcoming to styles from any walk of life.
The Harbour Barber, Cleveland: The scissor-smiths at The Harbour Barber provide deluxe packages and products for those who take their hair seriously. That being said, the spot is also perfect for those that want to kick back and relax with a drink in a man cave-inspired setting.
Heroes + Villains Barbers, West End: Created by some of Brisbane’s biggest names in hairdressing – Dmitri Papas, Justin Pace and Tim Hanlon – Heroes + Villains emphasises style, service and precision above all else. If you’re seeking near unparalleled professionalism and execution, this is your place.
RYAN.CO, Fortitude Valley: Tucked away in the well-appointed nook on The Valley’s fringe, RYAN.CO offers a comprehensive range of services for any gent looking to freshen up, including styling, beard trimming, shaves, hangover treatments, style cuts and more.
Tommy Gun, various locations: Tommy Gun barbershops are popping up with regularity across Brisbane, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Patrons can check in for their appointments digitally, score a beverage on the house, tune in to in-mirror televisions, are treated to a scalp massage and a hot-towel finish. Oh, and the cuts are top notch.
Honourable Mentions: The reality is that there are almost too many incredible barbershops to mention here. If you’re looking for a quick hit list of other reputable barbers to try, why not look up ONE on ONE Sports Barbershop in Slacks Creek, Carina Barbershop in Carina, Tony’s Chop Shop Barbershop in Coorparoo, Barber Girl in Bulimba, Paddington Barbers in Paddington, Tim’s Classic Cuts in Algester, Scotty Barberino’s in Samford, GR’s Barber Shop in Acacia Ridge, Tidy Az Barber Shop in Bracken Ridge, Tommy Two Blades in Teneriffe, and The Chopspot Barbershop in Greenslopes.
Know of a great barber that you think deserves to be on this list? Send your tips to [email protected].