The 7 best barbershops in Sydney

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Finding the right barber can be a lifelong search — ask any man who’s had too much or not enough of his locks cavalierly lopped off and stepped out onto the street disaffected. Thankfully, there are experts in this area who excel in getting the discerning man’s ‘do’ just right. Here, some of Sydney’s best barbers are recommended.

Sydney's best barbershops

1. The Barberhood Barbershop

Located on O’Connell Street in Sydney’s CBD, a stone’s throw from the Museum of Sydney, The Barberhood Salon is one of Australia’s finest grooming establishments. Voted the inaugural winner of GQ & LYNX Present Australia's Best Barber Shop 2015, Barberhood offers cuts of an exacting standard in a traditionally appointed barber shop, complete with timber and leather accents. To complete the overall effect, one can have their shoes shined, get a wet shave, and top their time at the barber off with a drink. Not bad, gentlemen. Sydney

2. Paul Anthony

Paul Anthony is a bit of legend in the world of barbers, although he’s only been in business in Sydney since 2013. Having trained and worked in the London, Cardiff and Leeds Paul knows how to deliver a sharp, timeless cut for men of all seasons. In fact, his philosophy is offering a highly personalized service, and he prides himself on being versatile enough to ensure each and every customers’ satisfaction. Paul’s instagram account, @menofpaulanthony, is a great resource for inspiration. It showcases both the perfection of his work and the kinds of cuts other men have chosen. He’s a busy man, so you’ll need to book in advance by calling him on 0452404775. Sydney

3. Sam Overton Salon

Another British expat, Sam Overton is one of Australia’s leading hair stylists and is currently Creative Director of Unilever Hair Care. Signed with Vivien’s Creative, he’s a mainstay in magazine shoots in the Australian fashion industry, so it’s no surprise that his salon is a classy affair. Located in a renovated Victorian house in Paddington, Sam Overton Salon is worth visiting just for the décor — raw brick walls, taxidermy reindeer, hard wooden floors, leather chairs. And with each of the hairdressers picked by Sam himself, a slick cut is assured. Paddington

4. Sterling Hairdressing Parlour and Barber Shop

Shopping Surry Hills

Owned by veteran barber Tony Vacher, Sterling Hairdressing Parlour & Barber Shop and Sterling Apothecary are two of Sydney’s greatest locations for men in search of the most classic of cuts. They have a particular knack for timeless, retro styles. Sterling not only offer men’s haircuts, styling and colour, but also hot-towel cutthroat razor shaves and beard trims — the full continental barbershop experience. Plus, they stock all men’s grooming needs, from their in-house aftershave tonic to Badger hair shaving brushes and razors. As evidence of their traditional yet individualiszed approach to men’s grooming, Sterling has partnered with LYNX as part of the iconic men’s brand’s Expression Series.

5. The Barber Shop

Bars Cocktail bars Sydney

What more could you ask from a barbershop than a precise cut offered in the same space as an award-winning bar? The first thing one notices upon entering The Barbershop in the heart of Sydney’s CBD of an evening is the dimly lit European cocktail bar-style interior, and indeed they offer a variety of beverages to suit your tastes, from vintage gins to boutique-bottled beers to European wines. Their bar is so good, in fact, that their owner Mikey Enright won a Time Out Legend award in 2014. As one might imagine, they offer all the traditional barber services, alongside contemporary cuts.

6. Hawleywoods Barber Shop

The Californian-style Hawleywoods Barber Shop is as much as place to hang out with other men of substance and style as it is to get the best cut, shave or shoe shine in Sydney. They also offer a range of classic Layrite pocket combs and their signature Hawleywoods T-shirts, for those looking to complete their greaser look. To top things off, there’s a neck massage machine that they guarantee will “knock your socks off.” Newtown

7. The Happy Sailor’s Barber Shop

Not far from Sydney’s iconic Bourke Street Bakery (the best place for sausage rolls in the country), there’s another of the city’s gems — The Happy Sailor’s Barber Shop. As retro as their name suggests, this barbershop has candy-striped poles at the entrance and the walls are covered in framed vintage-feel artworks and curiosities. It’s a feel-good establishment on a leafy part of Bourke Street, made all the more accessible by their walk-right-in-and-have-a-chat vibe and their $40-a-cut rate. Redfern

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The best barbershops in Sydney