The Best Barbers in Melbourne for 2024

Who are you using as your mo-spiration this year? There are plenty of iconic staches in pop culture to choose between, from Salvador Dali’s gravity-defying look (which, by the way, was still intact 30 years after his death) to Parks and Recreation character Ron Swanson’s bushy upper lip. If you’re hoping to imitate legendary Aussie musician Nick Cave, then it seems only fitting that you get your prep done at this Collingwood store, which may or may not be named after one of his songs. For the purposes of this, we’re saying it is. Here, customers are welcomed into the shop with a cold beer from local brewery Bodriggy, and their furry friends can come too, so expect to dole out some pats with your pampering. Once you’re done, browse the selection of styling products from Fatboy, Eleven and The Groomed Man Co.

Image: Simon Shiff. 

Maintenance is key to keeping your expertly groomed facial hair looking just right all the time. And Men’s Biz can certainly help you with that. The Melbourne barbershop holds prime position in the Royal Arcade in a space that dances the line between old-school and contemporary — like the retro barber chair covered with brilliant yellow leather and a full wall of aftercare products. After your hot towel shave, stock up on fine quality razors and aftershave to keep things looking sharp for months to come. There’s also a dicky little pocket moustache comb and sandalwood-fragranced wax set if you really want to dial up the theatrics.

You know how, after you’ve just had a haircut, you’re feelin’ slick, stylish and on top of the world? Razor Smiths has just the thing to help release some of that energy and newfound confidence: a pinball machine. If that’s not enough of a reason to visit this old-school Melbourne barbershop on Smith Street for your grooming needs, then the whisky cart and expertise of the barbers should seal the deal. Razor Smiths’ signature service is the traditional razor blade shave, which, of course, will include hot towels and a mini facial. If you want to combine it with a chop off the top, you can get The Full Works — a style or clipper cut and shave.

We’re not sure whether Kings Domain’s late trading hours are because it’s so popular or vice versa. We appreciate it either way. Where many other businesses close up shop when the sun goes down — or may just do one late night of trading — this Toorak Road joint stays open until 8pm on weekdays to give you a better chance of snagging an after-work spot and leaving your weekend free for fun times.

Kings Domain is quite the small business success story. Celebrity hairdresser Joey Scandizzo and his former apprentice Aaron Chan opened this store in South Yarra in 2013 as the trend for vintage barbershops was on the rise. Now, the duo (who has picked up a few other business partners along the way) boasts six barbershops Melbourne — and seventh in Sydney. A hot towel shave will set you back $65. Plus, if you book via the website, you can snag 25-percent off your first service.

Did you let yourself — or, more specifically, your hair — get a little out of control lately? It’s understandable. So if you have quite the (ahem) hairy situation to sort out, visiting a barbershop called Brother Wolf seems more than fitting. Pop down to this shop in St Kilda, or the original on Greville Street, Prahran, and one of the crew can get to work on your mop. This spot puts a modern spin on the old-school barbershop design, so expect plenty of indoor plants to match the palm leaf wallpaper. Hot towel shaves start from $60 here.