The best barbers in Canberra

Aras, senior barber at Truefitt & Hill Canberra, one of Canberra’s most recommended barber shops. Photo: Supplied.

Cutting and styling men’s hair might seem simple. But the reality is that a skilled barber has thousands of hours of training and experience under their belt.

They’re familiar with the latest trends and classic cuts. They’ve memorised exactly how to cut and style the hair of their regular clientele. And they ask the right questions to ensure every client leaves looking and feeling great (remember that descriptions like “short back and sides” can mean very different things to different people).

Whether you’re fed up of having bad hair days, or are new to Canberra and in need of a barber, we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll share our top picks for barbers in the Canberra region. Let’s get started.

What makes a great a barber?

Not all barbers or barbershops are created equal. To find a barber that you’ll want to visit again and again, keep the following in mind.

Experience and confidence. A good barber has the experience to cut and style your hair how you want it. A great barber has the confidence to tell you if your requested style might not work for your face and features, and will attempt to guide you towards something more flattering. If your barber looks and acts confident when you meet them for the first time, take it as a positive sign.
Convenience. While in-demand barbers can be busy, it shouldn’t be impossible to get an appointment. Some barbers even let you book online for maximum convenience.
Personal style and grooming. The best barbers care about their personal appearance – after all, they’re a walking advertisement for their own business. Look for a barber who is well-groomed and well-presented. Attention to detail in personal appearance often translates to attention to detail in cutting and styling hair.
Clean and tidy. A clean and tidy barbershop isn’t just good for hygiene. It’s also a sign that the business cares about presentation. If the floors are covered in hair, and the shop is a mess, it’s reasonable to wonder if that lack of care will also apply to your haircut.
Reasonably priced. Some barbershops charge an arm and a leg for the full haircutting and styling experience. Make sure you find a barber that is within your budget.

The best barbers in Canberra

RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on both Google and Facebook reviews.

Truefitt & Hill Canberra

If you’re a discerning gentleman looking for the royal barbershop treatment, it’s hard to go past Truefitt & Hill in the CBD. As the world’s oldest barbershop (it was established in London in 1805 and now has stores all over the world), its clientele has included Great Britain’s monarchs, as well as other royalty, politicians and dignitaries.

At Truefitt & Hill, you can enjoy a haircut and shave by an experienced barber, plus a range of skincare treatments, in a luxurious, comfortable and private atmosphere. Leather chairs and wooden cabinetry lend a warm sophistication to each cut and shave.

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Truefitt & Hill Canberra stocks a retail range of carefully crafted hair and skincare products, colognes, shaving and leather accessories. With over 200 years of research and customer feedback contributing to ongoing product development, Truefitt & Hill knows sophistication and practicality better than anyone.

Truefitt & Hill welcomes phone and walk-in appointments.

As David Sheard writes on Google, “Without doubt the best place for a men’s haircut. Nothing is rushed and the service is outstanding. The excellent scotch I get presented with each haircut is just the added bonus. If you want to ensure you get a great haircut and a great experience in the process then you can’t go past Truefitt & Hill Canberra.”

Click here to book online now.

Phone: 0488 688 747 cbr@truefittandhill.com.au truefittandhill.com.au

4B/21 Genge Street
Canberra City ACT 2601

The Gentleman's Barber Gungahlin

The Gentleman’s Barber Gungahlin has been working to redefine what the customer service experience of a barbershop is since 2019, and with their unique atmosphere and strong community presence, they are well on their way to doing so.

The most popular offering at The Gentleman’s Barber is the fade. The barbers are skilled in all types of fades, buzz cuts, beard trims and hair art.

Yusuf Farhadi writes in their Google review, “Popped in for a haircut, first thing you notice is how kind they are upon entry. Peter who cut my hair was a terrific barber, well experienced and knew what he was doing and listened very well. So happy with my haircut, will be back again.”

Martino's Hair and Grooming for Men

Established in 1989, Martino’s Hair and Grooming for Men is a modern-day barbershop that does classic to modern styles, all in a relaxed and stylish atmosphere. They use only the highest quality products on their clients and offer a range of services other than the standard haircut and beard treatments, including scalp analysis and dermabrasion, face treatments, and colour and highlights.

As Nigel Webster writes in their Facebook review, “Professional, friendly and competent hairdressing business that has an excellent customer service ethos.”

The Barbershop Canberra

If you’re after an affordable and quick appointment, The Barbershop is the place for you. Their services are straightforward, including buzz cuts, men’s styling, beard trims and hot towel shaves, all for less than $100. The Barbershop has two convenient locations in the city centre and are open seven days a week.

Facebook user Danny Supple had this to say about their experience at The Barbershop, “Awesome staff. Relaxed environment, always fast and perfect cut.”

H&M Barbers

From bald fades and modern crops to classic trims and beard shaping, this local, family-owned business prides themselves on delivering professional and quality services. With over 18 years of experience behind director Ben, and a team of passionate professionals at his side, H&M Barbers guarantees you an experience that will leave you looking good and feeling even better.

Happy customer Robert Powell left the following review on Google, “A welcome addition to Kingston. Professional, extremely well priced and does an excellent job. Ben offers a range of services and is extremely friendly. I recommend him to all the locals.”

If you’re looking for more information or hair styling, why not check out our article on the best hair salons in Canberra.

Your experience with barbers in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Where do you get your hair cut in Canberra? Share your answer in the comments section below.

Tags barber barbershop best of canberra men's hairdresser

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a barber shave different to shaving myself at home?

A barber shave is considered by many to be a milestone experience for a man. Barbers have honed their skills to give this experience with trained hands and can often share their expertise on a shaving routine to suit your personal needs. Plus, nothing beats the camaraderie and the chance to kick back and relax at a barbershop as someone gives you a relaxing shave.

What is a fade?

A fade is a hairstyle, variating from the classic “short back and sides”, where the hair on the sides is cut in graduated lengths from top to bottom. This gives the appearance that the hair “fades” away to skin moving towards the nape of the neck.

Are barber shops for men only?

Barbers are trained to cut hairstyles traditionally regarded as “men’s haircuts.” This means barber shops generally offer styles for men and facial hair shaving. Other services such as hair colouring tend to be limited or not offered at all.

How much does a barber haircut cost?

Barbers can charge as little as $10.00 for a buzz cut or $100.00+ for a full style haircut and experience. The price you pay for your service reflects not just the type of service you are getting but also the experience of your barber and the barbershop's reputation. Some barber shops may even provide add ons with their services like a complimentary beer or whisky.

Should I wash my hair before visiting a barber?

It is generally recommended to wash your hair between 12 and 24 hours before getting your haircut. Barbers do prefer you arrive for your haircut with clean hair as it makes it easier for them to style and cut your hair.

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47 Responses to The best barbers in Canberra

« Previous 1 2

Ashley Thomson 12:10 am 20 Oct 21

I believe a price range would be handy under this topic to give people an idea. These cuts can vary a lot. No I'm not a barber.

Flick Andison 11:53 pm 19 Oct 21

The Barter Barber

Sam Don Barber

Mo Bo 11:46 pm 19 Oct 21

Curtin Barber Shop.

Mike Lawson 11:39 pm 19 Oct 21

The Locker Room. Dan's big on men's mental health as well as being an awesome barber and an all round good bloke.

Ryan Dunbar 8:34 pm 19 Oct 21

The LOCKER ROOM Barbershop hands down. No one makes you feel more welcome than Dan. It’s like walking into a second home and the cuts are A grade ✌🏻

Doug Alex 7:48 pm 19 Oct 21

Does there have to be four of them and be able to sing really good ? 😀

Nicole Thomson 7:41 pm 19 Oct 21

Giovanni @ revelation manuka

Bailey Boljkovac 7:28 pm 19 Oct 21

36th chamber in gungahlin is the go

Lauren Peris 7:11 pm 19 Oct 21

The Locker Room Barbershop, Narrabundah. Supporting men’s mental health, a safe space for the guys, the best kids cuts in town and the fit out is super cool too!