After years spent honing his craft at Sydney institution The Barbershop, English-born Jacob Martin unveiled his own venture Tate & Lyle in early 2020. Inspired by the diverse culture of London’s West End, where Martin first cut his teeth, the upmarket Sydney Barber offers a welcomed respite from the daily grind. Service is exceptional, offering hot-towel shaves, razor fades, Winchester couches and a dram of the good stuff on the house. This shop even pays homage to the famed English district through its moniker; ‘Tate&Lyle’ is cockney rhyming slang for ‘style’, which will elevate the moment you step inside.

While it might be new, 5000 BC is coming for the crown of the best barber in Sydney. Led by industry icons, Tay Basham and Jimmy de Jesus (formerly of The Barbershop), this sleek little spot opened in October 2021. 5000 BC has a focus on modern and contemporary cuts and the team crafts some seriously dapper dos, offering everything from clean skin fades to beard shape ups and style cuts. If you’re are looking for a fresh cut in Sydney, you found the place.

Helmed by 2018-19 Barber Brands International Barber of the Year, France Khamees, BY FRANCE. isn’t your run of the mill Sydney barbershop – it’s a full-scale institution. Opening in late October 2021, the modern men’s salon offers a range of services, from traditional barbering to contemporary hairdressing styles, all backed by a consistent level of expert knowledge. Here, you’ll enjoy hot towel service, complete with complimentary drinks and, of course, a fresh cut.

No stranger to the backstages of Fashion Week, RAW by Anthony Nader has been sustaining and trend-setting since 1997, reaping the industry awards and acclaim as one of the best barbers in Sydney in the process. With his team of highly skilled stylists behind him, Anthony’s accolades to date include;

The Little Barbershop in Wollomooloo is the definitive neighbourhood barbershop in Sydney. Showcasing two decades of experience in the hair game and having an unbeatable atmosphere to relax in is all part of the charm. This spot ticks all the boxes along the way to becoming one of Sydney’s best-kept barbering secrets – but we might’ve let this one out of the bag.

Gentry Barbers has grown in popularity to become one of the most recognised barbers in Sydney. Owner, Joe Ribera, and his team of highly skilled barbers behind him offer a wide variety of services to fulfil every customer’s expectations, including style cuts, combination packages and hot towel head shaves. While it’s his team that often steals the show, Joe has raked in the awards over his career that started at his family-owned hairdresser in Haberfield, his awards including;

A touch of the old in a vibrant and modern setting, Churchills is a true style-hub. Crack a beer and sit back as the team of expert men’s stylists carve out some of the best haircuts in Sydney. A little tricky to find at first, Churchills is located on the third floor of Myer Sydney City. Bookings are preferred, but they still welcome walk-ins while offering an extensive range of products hand-picked by their experts for styling at home.

Don’t just do you, do the best you. That’s the motto behind UNOIT’s Darlinghurst Barbershop. Designed for the refined man, this Sydney barber remains one of the best with a refreshing take on the traditional. Combining your regular old barber with advanced skin treatments for both men and women together in a contemporary and creative space, it’s a place where it’s ok to ask for the usual or explore a new look with a face treatment to boot.

Located in the heart of Paddington Sydney, brought to you by the brains behind ‘The Bespoke Tailors’ this barbershop is inside Sydney’s premium gentlemen’s tailor. A decadent den, like no other in the southern hemisphere, reflects this barber’s ethos of a modern man’s lifestyle and appearance. Offering private services by-appointment-only allows this Sydney barber to offer a truly exquisite experience for each gentleman. Tailored to your every need.

If talking smack is your go-to, Jack Rabbit Slims has you covered. Aside from doing killer fades and scissor cuts, the lads at this Sydney barber are known for their high-class banter. Settle in for a drink, grab a cut and catch some sun on the way out. Better, why not head down to the beach and make a day of it. Too easy.

A seriously stylish destination for men, Uptown Barbers delivers a world-class barbershop experience right here in Sydney. With two outposts in the iconic Dymocks Building and the elegant St James Arcade, the barbershop may have a vintage-inspired surrounding, however, you’ll find all the modern accompaniments here. From traditional cuts and hot towel shaves all the way through to modern hairstyles like French Crops and Disconnected Parts, the Uptown Barbers team stakes its claim on the versatility of service. Best of all, prices start at an affordable $35 and you can book online to avoid wait times.

Deep in the heart of Redfern is this South Sydney Barbers – a collective of five barbers with one simple goal: to give you the best greaser style haircut you’ll ever receive. Accordingly, Tommy J barbers deliver one classic fade after another inside a uniquely hip Australian setting.

One of the best Sydney barbershops by far, The Happy Sailor keeps it clean, simple and visually engaging. The interior is overflowing with nostalgic and kitschy vibes while the haircuts remain distinctly modern. Meanwhile, the Aussie service with a smile is routinely top-notch. Come in for a killer haircut or beard trim, Sydney style.

Although up to any stylish task, Boston Cut has absolutely mastered the African Australian haircut and should be considered the best barbers in Sydney for men’s Afro hair. Enter this popular Sydney location to get a perfect fade or afro with the utmost level of precision and technique, and if you’ve ever wondered where Nick Kyrios, Lamelo Ball, Khem Birch, or any other athlete gets their haircut in Sydney, we just let you in on a little secret.

At Men’s Biz in the Strand Arcade, not only will you meet some of the best barbers in Sydney, but you’ll be flanked by legions of handpicked grooming accessories from around the world. All the available products were selected for their quality and sustainability. Hence, come here to look sharp and then take some of that magic to go.

If you’re feeling that a touch of the Royal treatment may be in order, then a trip to the very same that snip Prince Phillip’s locks may be the solution. Established in London in 1805, Truefitt & Hill claim to be the world’s oldest barbers.

Frequently touted as one of the best barbers Sydney has to offer (with the awards to prove it), The Barberhood stands as a living testimony to the timeless art of men’s grooming. Come to either of these two venues in Sydney CBD for a slew of luxurious treatments along with some whisky to help pass the hour. Drinking and grooming–that’s what the Sydney barber shop experience is all about, folks. If you’re in the Sydney CBD, then you’ll definitely find this spot near you. Pop in to see what all the fuss is about.

One of the best barbershops on Sydney’s North Shore, That Barber Shop in Wahroonga has been in the business of good haircuts for men since 1963. Over the years the shop has evolved to become a hub for style with owner Greg still behind the wheel of the clippers alongside long-time friend Gerard. If you’re looking for the best fade in Sydney, book yourself in with Karim whose clipper work is truly second to none.

Boosting a team of male and female stylists, this user-friendly unisex inner west has earned its place on our list of best barbershops in Sydney. Many of their loyal customers comment on the teams’ vast knowledge of hairstyling and head shape compatibility. Others enjoy the relaxed and casual environment that sets the tone for a great experience.

It’s back to Redfern as we begin to close out our list of the best barbers in Sydney. Chicanos is as unmistakable in concept as it is in design. The walls are scoured with trippy Mexican artwork and the barbers themselves look like purebred Los Angeles exports. These dudes know their way around a razor for sure, and that means one tight and stylish haircut that you won’t find anywhere else.

Double Bay’s Adilla Barbers eschews the old-school ethos of barbering and instead has created a light-filled modern place where men can visit and feel comfortable knowing they can count on getting the best cut from a professional hairdresser, without having to go to a women’s salon. This is where you go if you want your beard expertly tended to or a touch of colour that won’t look like a home job.

Distinguishing The Bearded Barber from your standard Sydney barber is the impressive breadth of its operation. Not only will you find classic cuts in these parts, but they offer a full range of luxurious treatments for men. We’re talking about things like facials, teeth whitenings, waxings, skin needling, laser treatments, and microdermabrasion. Hop into their brand new store to fulfil your every conceivable need or desire. Undoubtedly one of the best barbers in Sydney.

As cut-throat shaves make a comeback Al’s Place positions itself as a premier location for some of the best barbering in Sydney. Al acknowledges that fashion and men’s styling has made a strong comeback in the past couple of years, and he looks to compliment the modern man with his cool, funky, chilled and happy outlook on barbering. Al’s Place is built on service, it’s the kind of barbershop where you can duck in for a quick beard trim and end up spending the afternoon chopping it up with some of Sydney’s most eclectic characters.

Sure, some of the best men’s barbershops in Sydney look like they’ve been operating since the 1920s, but in reality, most just popped up over the last few years. By contrast, Grand Royal Barbers has actually been in business since the late 90s, putting them far ahead of any beard-capitalising curve. Run by couple Steve and Maria, who have decades of experience between them, Grand Royal has opened a few branches and retains an extremely loyal following. Naturally, the haircuts here are consistently exceptional. With three locations, there’s sure to be one near you.

Located right in the heart of trendy Newtown, Mr Wolf Barber Shop is as classic as they come. A traditional walk-in-only shop, the colourful and creative facade plays the perfect backdrop for your next fade. Get in and get yourself sorted out.

This hole-in-the-wall has been shaping up Darlinghurst’s most dapper for over two years, collecting a following of very happy clients. Razorhurst is run by a barber Sydney residents are loyal toward, Alex has copious amounts of experience under his belt. For a reasonable price, he’ll give you a snip, trim, fade or shave that’ll leave you looking your freshest and sharpest.

Finally, you can have the Sydney Barber Shop experience outside of the CBD. Established back in 2014, Man Cave Barber Shop’s business has been booming. With multiple locations across Sydney, Man Cave is home to some of the best barbers Sydney has to offer. It is the place to go for guys looking for high-end, holistic barbering and grooming services that can deliver the latest cuts, styles, colours, beard trimming, beard grooming, Men’s facials, beard trims and more.

Check out these related lists before your visit to gain some serious style inspiration.