So you're in need of a fresh haircut? Step away from the scissors and leave it to the experts. Whether you're after a tidy up, quick trim or a deluxe pampering experience, you'll find just what you need at these top-rate grooming destinations. Scroll on for our pick of the best barbers in London.
10 best barbers in London
Ruffians
Ruffians is far more than just a place to pop in for a quick cut. The award-winning barbers, men’s grooming brand and store — which has four locations in London and one in Edinburgh — has nurtured the ideal formula of a laid-back, down-to-earth grooming space. Each outpost is designed as a lifestyle destination, where you can settle into a comfy wingback chair with a coffee, craft beer or whisky as you talk through the treatments on offer with the friendly (and incredibly talented) staff. A combination of old-school and industrial design elements characterises the Ruffians aesthetic. Rustic worktops and Scottish oak cutting desks, stripped back brick walls, tiled facades and exposed filament bulbs create a warm and relaxed atmosphere, restoring the legacy of the barber as a social hub.
Truefitt & Hill
For a pampering experience fit for a king, swing by St James’s barbering institution Truefitt & Hill. The world's oldest barbershop still in operation, it was established in 1805 and counts the likes of Laurence Olivier, Cary Grant and Winston Churchill — as well as multiple generations of Royals — among its former clients. Today, it remains the barber of choice for many an A-lister from the realms of stage, screen, politics and sport. Stepping inside feels almost akin to entering an old-fashioned member's club: Timber-clad walls are lined with glass cabinets and mahogany shelves, while leather armchairs are set against a backdrop of original artworks. Whether you opt for a quick haircut and shampoo or indulge in the full 90-minute Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Grooming Experience, know that you're in good hands. The best in London, some might say.
Adam Grooming Atelier
Each of Adam Grooming Atelier's London-based barbershops offer an old world Turkish barbering experience in a classic-meets-cutting-edge environment. The all-Turkish team are expertly trained in age-old techniques that have been passed down through generations — including the traditional Turkish ear flame, which is offered as part of every service — but are just as adept at tackling modern cuts and hairstyles. Whatever you opt for, you're guaranteed to receive five-star service. Sit back with a Japanese whisky or Turkish coffee and let the guys take care of you. You'll emerge feeling replenished and ready for city life.
Huckle the Barber
Huckle the Barber prides itself on its unpretentious approach to grooming, claiming to offer "traditional services with a refreshing, modern feel and a forward thinking attitude". This down-to-earth ethos extends to the clean and simple design aesthetic of its branches — one in Old Street and another in Lambs Conduit Street — as well as the gimmick-free treatments. There's complimentary craft beer on tap, an enviable playlist sounding from the speakers and great chat from the lively barbers. It's just like being welcomed into a mate's place. If that mate so happened to be a world-class barber.
Manifesto
Manifesto is a super-slick operation that offers top notch treatments in an elegantly understated setting. Its branches in Leather Lane and Coal Drops Yard feel more like bars than barbers, with dangling light fixtures, leather chairs, matt black and teal walls and exposed brick — not to mention a complimentary glass of whisky with your haircut. Pop in for a quick tidy up or go the full hog with 'The Dandy' package, which includes a traditional wet shave or beard trim, haircut, treatment and head massage. It's old school luxury for the modern man.
SliderCuts
Since he first started cutting hair professionally in 2003, Mark Maciver – aka SliderCuts – has had the honour of tending to the manes of such legends as Lebron James, Anthony Joshua, Reggie Yates and Stormzy, among many others. His Hackney Road studio offers a range of styles and services, with value for money a key drawcard – haircut prices start at only £18. Not only is Mark is a wizard with the shears, but his impact has stretched far beyond the barbering industry, and he's become a highly influential cultural figure and role model.
Supply 91
Islington's Supply 91 was founded by award-winning ex-Ruffians barbers Maxwell Oakley and Luke Davies, so it's safe to say you're in good hands here. This isn't a place to pop in for a quick trim: expect meaningful pre-cut chats to determine exactly what you're after. This attention to detail extends to the welcoming and ambient setting, which is a calm oasis filled with green plants and nature-inspired wood tones. With a focus on sustainability, they use only organic hair products and plant a tree for every service they offer.
Jack the Clipper
Founded in 1996 by a family of Turkish Master barbers, Jack The Clipper – which has outposts in Bow Lane, Brick Lane, Spitalfields, Mayfair and Canary Wharf – has become a household name on London's barbering scene, renowned for its masterful approach to grooming. Choose from a wide array of treatments, from a classic wash and cut to the Royal Ripper, which includes a wash, cut, hot towel, face mask, arm massage and styling.
Ned's Barbershop at The Ned
The Ned – a buzzy member's club in the City – boasts six restaurants and a series of bars, but it's the barbershop you should make a beeline for. The 1920s-inspired wood panelled décor will put you right at ease as you peruse the extensive treatments menu. Options vary from a classic cut and style to a traditional wet shave. The Ned has also teamed up with luxury fragrance specialists Le Labo for the Le Labo experience, which includes a facial, traditional wet shave and full beard reshape with cut throat.
Joe & Co.
Celebrity men's hair stylist Joe Mills has brought to life his dream male grooming space. The result is Joe & Co., a relaxed and airy barbershop smack bang in the centre of Soho that's become renowned as one of the best barbers in London. Free flowing drinks, intelligent reading material and witty banter from the staff are obvious drawcards, but the real reason to come is for one of the top notch treatments that Joe & Co. is so beloved for. Whether you opt for a simple haircut or a complete restyle, you can rest safe in the knowledge that the experienced staff's meticulous attention to detail will result in a high-end haircut that lasts longer and grows out better.
You've found your perfect barber, now it's time to decide on the 'do that's right for you. Will it be a super-sharp buzz cut, preppy Ivy League cut or low maintenance crew cut?
