A close shave: the Esquire guide to the best barbers in Sydney
We curated a list of the city's best haircuts, buzzcuts and shaves, guaranteed
A SHAVE AND A HAIRCUT really are the building blocks to looking good and feeling even better, on the proviso that you find a barber who knows exactly what you want and can balance that with what you need.
The male grooming industry has been on a constant uptick of growth, ever since David Beckham hit the field in a fauxhawk. This is also due to men finally admitting that they actually care about the way they look, regardless of the generational XYZ divide. Although, expect to be blocked, online and IRL, if you ever use the phrase looksmaxxing in my presence.
But a great haircut, or shave, is the outcome of a few factors. A skilled barber or hairdresser, naturally. Your own willingness to let go and trust the process and it’s the relationship you build with them. A great barber isn’t just a “yes” person. They should have the conviction of their expertise to say when they don’t think a certain cut will work. Or how to interpret something like a low-fade into a shape that does work for your face shape or hair type.
Given this, here are our picks of Sydney’s best barbers and hairdressers for men. Whether you’re after a short-back-and-sides or razor-sharp buzzcut, we’ve got you covered. Selected through a combination of trial (and error), word-of-mouth recommendation and reputation for providing men the best haircuts in Sydney.
The best barbers in Sydney
Mallard
Where: 535 King St, Newtown
Newtown’s reputation for having a bit of edge can be applied just as easily to its barbering scene as its bars. Mallard opened back in 2023. The team harks from all over (UK, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand), bringing a literal world of experience and influence to their cuts or “baby-smooth” cutthroat shaves. Special shout-out to regular guest of honour in the window, co-founder Callum’s pup Hazel.
NOAH
Where: Level 2, The Strand Arcade 412-414, George St
Formerly known as Men’s Biz, NOAH (Nature of a Habit) is celebrating 10 years in Sydney in 2025. A go-to for some of the best-trained barbers in town, where you can get yourself a classic cut and hot towel shave on your lunch break. They even scent their towels in-house with essential oils, small touches that make a huge difference. The Strand Arcade also offers an extensive, exclusive haircare range to help style post-trim.
The Barberhood
Where: 5 Martin Place, Sydney
The Barberhood delivers premium cuts, sharp fades, tailored scissor work and signature hot-lather shaves with scented towels. Its award-winning team – training ground for internationally recognised talent like Wahl Team Ambassador Yuki Kano – blends old-school technique with contemporary style.
Face of Man
Where: Level 2, 131 York St, Sydney
Face of Man’s barbering arm, True Cut Barber Studio, led by Ashkan Lewns, launched in 2024 with the space’s move to York Street, completing the brand’s evolution into a true one-stop grooming destination. Alongside precision cuts and traditional hot towel shaves, its standout is the Executive Head Spa – a bespoke ritual ending with a head shave and Moroccan oil massage found nowhere else.
Tooth & Nail Hairdressers
Where: 373 Enmore Rd, Marrickville
Tooth & Nail – or just “Toothies” to locals – has been Marrickville’s inclusive salon since 2017. Since then, and a small change of address, founders Connor Keighran and Jake de Varine-Bohan now helm a 12-strong team of stylists. With a focus on client experience over expansion, and shop dog Brando greeting every guest, Toothies keeps Marrickville looking sharp and feeling welcome.
The Bespoke Corner Barbers
Where: Level 1/223 Glenmore Rd, Paddington
An extension (literally, upstairs) by one of Sydney’s sharpest tailors, The Bespoke Corner Barbers treats a haircut like it’s part of the wardrobe. There’s a whisky or cold beer on offer when you begin, Patricks products to finish, and the kind of quiet, detail-driven service that makes you forget you’re on a schedule.
Tate & Lyle
Where: Shop 1, 167 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Up a refined flight near Macquarie Street, Tate & Lyle is where London’s barbershop legacy nestles into Sydney’s CBD. Named after cockney rhyming slang for “style,” it fuses West End elegance and flair with a snug, sanctuary-like vibe. Think classically sharp cuts, off‑the‑wall creativity, top-tier barbers and a touch of quiet luxury you didn’t know you needed.
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