The 15 Best Barbers In Sydney For A Cutting-Edge Trim

Whether it’s a modest touch-up or a complete aesthetic transformation, Sydneysiders are famously serious about looking good. So it should come as no surprise that there’s such a high density of premium barbershops here: where you can enjoy a cocktail, indulge in some banter, and get a fresh fade haircut for your trouble.

We’ve put together a curated selection of our favourites spots to choose from, with a variety of options to cover every ambience and style, for BH‘s official list of the very best barbers in Sydney.

If you need some inspiration for your next grooming sesh, hit up our compilation of the best short hairstyles or our comprehensive run of the best quality hair products.

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UNOIT, Darlinghurst

UNOIT is one of the finest (if not the finest) establishments on the Sydney barbering scene.

It’s one of the most unique too; conceived as the perfect fusion between research-driven clinical beauty treatments and an award-winning barbershop. The calming space is run by the incredibly well-regarded Costa Zachari: who was named Australia’s best barber in 2023.

Be sure to check out the UNOIT ‘Boss Experience,’ ($349) which includes a drink, cut, cutthroat shave, scalp/neck massage, plus a made-to-measure dress shirt from Riley & Sons. In our view, it’s probably the best value-for-money offering you could cop right now from what is easily one of the best barbershops in Sydney.

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Face of Man, Sydney CBD

No list of the best barbers in Sydney is complete without a name drop for Face of Man.

The QVB institution was originally founded in 1978, and despite the refurbishments, still retains much of its classic smokers lounge charm. Whisky bar and all.

Headed by local fade pioneer Shafeel (formerly of the famed Chifley Barbers) — who has lined up everyone from Aussie F1 icon Daniel Ricciardo to the Wu-Tang Clan (the latter by personal request) — whether you’re after a cut or a beard trim, you simply cannot go wrong here.

Recently, the aesthetics hub has expanded its ‘Face of Grooming’ services to include quite an extensive list of innovative beauty treatments — beyond the standard facial — executed by an accredited team of technicians and therapists.

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5000 BC, Sydney CBD

As one of the more premium barber shops in downtown Sydney, 5000 BC has a lot going for it.

Run by the affable duo of Jimmy De Jesus and Tay Basham, this Sydney barber looks, feels, and functions exactly as a high-end salon experience should: with plenty of cold alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink options, a clean and slick aesthetic, and roster of quality grooming products.

You’ll be walking out of this King Street barber shop in much better shape than when you came in, taking a bit of 5000 BC’s contemporary house style with you. More specifically, this is an optimal candidate if you’re looking for a barber to do beard maintenance — the signature ‘Luxury Face Shave’ ($81) is a thing of beauty.

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By France, Sydney CBD

Set within a meticulously restored heritage building, By France is a premium men’s hair studio that stocks some of Australia’s leading grooming brands (e.g. Patricks and Kevin Murphy) and offers a variety of barbering services to match.

The space is calming and gentle, ensuring those cuts and shaves are delivered with a heady dose of tranquillity — think of it like a bit of a dayspa as well, complemented by personalised lighting, an in-built Sonos sound system, and luxurious leather chairs.

By France is one of the most eloquent expressions of classic barbershops in Sydney right now, with each treatment including a tailored consultation, hair wash, the treatment itself, as well as a complimentary beverage.

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The Lid Doctor, Surry Hills

The great thing about The Lid Doctor is that you always know what you’re getting. And what you’re getting is a contemporary cut at a reasonable price; with the value-add of an unusually large internal courtyard. Great for posting up before or after your appointment.

Founded by the one and only Nic Singer, this Surry Hills barbershop’s word-of-mouth reputations speaks for itself.

You’ll be hard pressed to find anybody who hasn’t clocked a stellar experience here. It’s a barbershop that’s not just inviting, but encourages loyalty: exactly what you want from a reliable local grooming spot.

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Truefitt & Hill, Sydney CBD

Quintessentially British, if Truefitt & Hill is good enough for the HRH King Charles, it’s certainly good enough for us.

Established in London in 1805, this Royal Warrant-bearing brand is one of the world’s oldest continuing barbers. It’s also certainly one of the most attractive, with a cosy shopfront tucked away on the upper reaches of the historic Queen Victoria Building.

Cop a trim, shave, manicure, or massage at this esteemed QVB location and you’re guaranteed to walk away looking (and feeling) like royalty.

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Tate & Lyle, Sydney CBD

If there was ever a Sydney barbershop that nails the quintessential experience of London’s West End, it’d be Tate & Lyle.

Jacob, Callum, and Co. deliver quality cuts and amusing banter in equal amount. The discrete yet central location, tucked behind Chifley Plaza, also has the added benefit of being a convenient distance from most the city’s major corporate offices.

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Noah, Sydney CBD

Formerly known as Men’s Biz, the Sydney outpost of Noah is nothing if not intimate.

There are only two chairs in the entire space, meaning that each customer gets an almost unrivaled amount of attention.

The colourful and minimally appointed space make this quite a serene venue for a lunchtime trim, though if you happen to have some time on your hands, more involved treatments (e.g. waxing and colouring) are also available.

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Razorhurst Barbershop, Darlinghurst

If you’re looking for a reliable barbering establishment in Darlinghurst (a stone’s throw from South Dowling Sandwiches for good measure) then Razorhurst deserves to be on your radar. With its fuss-free interior and laidback atmosphere, this Sydney barber offers a welcoming environment for men of all ages.

Barbers Brian and Alex offer a classic, straightforward array of services: whether that’s a cutthroat shave, completed with a hot towel or a discreet ‘camouflaging’ treatment for men who want to see a little less gray at their temples.

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The Happy Sailor’s Barber Shop, Redfern

Redfern’s The Happy Sailor’s Barber Shop is a sure shot for locals and a great alternative to all the boutique barbers in Sydney that tend to be clustered around the CBD.

Owner/barber Nathan boasts over 18 years of experience, attained in London and Australia, meaning that he knows what’s required to provide impeccable grooming services at a fair price.

There’s a delightfully relaxed atmosphere here: the old-timey décor and wall-to-wall artwork inspiring feelings of nostalgia the moment you walk through the door.

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Mr Wolf Barber Shop, Newtown

While the name ‘Mr Wolf’ conjures up images of the Aunty Donna barbershop sketch, this Newtown establishment is a neatly appointed well-established spot in Newtown — specialising in slickbacks, pompadours, and various other men’s hairstyles that are more elaborate than your standard skin fade.

At full capacity, there are four barbers working and walk-ins are always welcome. That said, if you want to jump into the queue remotely, you can easily do so via the SLIKR app.

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Skim Fade, Zetland

Located in Zetland, conveniently close to Green Square Station, Skim Fade is a self-described specialist in “cuts and coffee”.

Cumulatively, Kasem and his team have over 13 years experience barbering in Sydney; and that is reflected in the airy open-plan space, where traditional grooming services are offered alongside eyebrow waxing and teeth whitening.

Finish up with a coffee and traditional Balkan pastry, prepared to order from Skim Fade’s in-house café.

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Antica Barberia Barber Shop, Crow’s Nest

A hidden gem nestled in Sydney’s Lower North Shore, Antica Barberia is staffed by master barbers Gian and Lauren.

The duo’s classic Milanese-inspired grooming solutions are complemented by the shopfront itself, which includes the only barber’s chair in Australia that is fashioned out of the frontal section of a Vespa.

Hop on, Peroni in hand, and treat yourself to one of Antica’s signature ‘luxury shaves’.

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Adilla Barbers, Double Bay

Sometimes you want more than just a haircut and that’s precisely what Adilla Barbers delivers.

Directors Frankie and Rhiannon crafted the concept from scratch, establishing one of Sydney’s premium barbers in a suburb well-known for its extensive community of skincare clinics and beauticians.

Part-salon, part-barber shop, there’s a wide range of services on offer. If you’ve got a few hours at your disposal, our recommendation would be to try the so-called ‘Adilla Escape’: consisting of a haircut, wash, shave, steam facial, and even waxing.

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M Barber, Manly

The four-chair setup at M Barber Manly makes this a great option if you’re looking for a fast and convenient grooming solution in North Sydney.

With basic haircuts that start at just north of $30, it doesn’t get much better on the Northern Beaches. Predictably, this also means that M Barber doesn’t lack for regulars — but that robust credibility, fueled by word-of-mouth, is all part of the appeal.

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If you’re not based in Sydney, yet still in need of a trim, consider exploring our range of barbershop guides for other major Australian cities below:

• Best Barber Shops Melbourne
• Best Barber Shops In Adelaide
• Best Barber Shops In Brisbane
• Best Barber Shops In Perth