Be it a trim, thin or complete overhaul, most men (should) get their hair cut around once a month – lockdown permitting. But, from barbers who can be a little over-enthusiastic with the scissors to clipper-happy coiffeurs, it can be difficult to find a hairdresser who is consistently reliable and worth their often hefty price tag – especially if you’re entrusting them with your back-to-the-office post-lockdown hair cut.
Fortunately GJ is on hand to make it that little bit easier. We’ve done the research and rounded-up the best barbers in London, who promise to make sure your locks always look top notch.
For a touch of class: The Barber at Fortnum & Mason
A one-stop shop for the discerning gentleman, The Barber at Fortnum & Mason offers everything from haircuts and hot towel head massages, to bespoke beard styling, wet shaves and hair treatments. A beautiful blend of the traditional and the contemporary, visitors to The Barber can expect first-class service that aims to put a little of the ceremony back into the art of male grooming.
There is a fully-stocked (and fully complimentary) drinks cabinet in place too, should the need for a mid-snip sip arise. The Barber also offers ‘Keeps’ – beautiful wooden lockers designed to hold a gentleman’s personal grooming accessories – which are available to purchase for an annual fee of £850 which includes twenty haircuts and shaves throughout the year.
For the special treatment: Ted’s Grooming Room VIP Seat
In the heart of Mayfair, Ted’s Grooming Room have taken the VIP treatment to the next level. Hidden away downstairs in the central London establishment, through a haze of scented steam, you’ll find a singular seat in front of a sweeping mirror, cold beers close at hand and more barbering equipment and implements than you can shake a straight razor at.
This is a book-only appointment service, and the latest idea launched by Ted’s Grooming Room. And, true to the brand taking inspiration from Ted’s travels in Turkey, your bespoke consultation will be followed by a range of services including Turkish ear-flaming, steam and shaving, hot wax and eyebrow threading, exfoliating scrubs, Argan Oil and clay face masks. We’d suggest you treat yourself to the Ultimate VIP package, for £106.
For a royal-warranted trim: Truefitt & Hill
We’ve already waxed lyrical about the regal services available at Truefitt & Hill but its expert barbers certainly know their way around some of the nation’s most important barnets. The host of significant heads that have been primped, trimmed and tapered over the years in its St. James barber shop has even earned it a royal warrant — so it’s safe to say it knows a thing or two about world-class grooming.
For a grooming experience service fit for a king, opt for the 60 minute treatment. This one hour service offers all the grooming essentials – haircut and shampoo, traditional wet shave and a manicure — expertly performed by Truefitt & Hill’s highly trained team of barbers and manicurists.
For the friendliest service: Ruffians
Ruffians was founded in Edinburgh in 2012 and, a little over a year later brought its barbering skills to London’s Covent Garden. It’s not difficult to see why it’s enjoyed such exponential success and opened further shops in Marylebone and Shoreditch – the dedicated teams provide in-depth hair consultations and serve either bespoke coffee or whisky-based tipples during appointments.
A Ruffians haircut comes with a full consultation as standard – taking into consideration your lifestyle, face shape and hair type – to ensure you leave with a style you love. A refreshing hair wash with conditioning shampoo and an invigorating scalp massage before a cut, finishing and styling ensure you leave feeling as good as you look.
For a luxurious grooming experience: ADAM Grooming Ateliers
Looking for more than a little off the top? ADAM, named for the archetypal man, is the barbers for you. With ateliers in Mayfair, Canary Wharf, Fitzrovia, Victoria, City of London and London Bridge, this four-year-old brand is anything but fledgling. But the best, most luxurious outpost? Surprisingly, you’ll find it on the second floor of Harrods.
Upon stepping through the door, you’ll be greeted with a freshly brewed Turkish coffee or a choice Japanese whisky on the rocks, before enjoying the ‘Atelier Choice’ — a consultation, wash, cut, dry, second wash, hot towel, massage and style. It’s a thorough procedure — fuelled by ADAM’s almond oil-infused, menthol-refreshed range of in-house products. But our favourite part? It’s got to be the decor; a heady culture clash of traditional Turkish barbershop and Scandinavian simplicity.
For wherever you are in the city: Murdock London
If you’re a traditionalist who enjoys a quality haircutting service without any fuss, then Murdock is ideal for you. Offering classic barber services such as the wet shave, hair re-styles and beard re-shaping, Murdock has adopted and adapted the grand traditions of the old St James barber shops to ensure the modern, style-conscious gentleman remains impeccably well-groomed.
Every day is different in this city, but Murdock believes that its years of delivering quality can offer a welcome constant in the London man’s life — with a string of salons all across the capital. Alongside this, on your way out after a trim, you can stock up on the barber’s award-winning grooming products.
Looking for more advice? These are the grooming mistakes you are making (according to women)…
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