Finally, a choosing of cultivated, masculine retreats for the modern gentleman.
We’re happy to report that a barbershop resurgence has occurred. A few Auckland establishments haven’t been deterred by the ever-improving at-home technologies and snip-happy mothers, and herewith we present the suavest of the lot. Offering exemplary skill and service for when you need a tidy up, trim, or full-scale wet shave.
Dan’s Traditional Barber Shop
Helmed by the renowned Barber Dan and traditional in every sense, from the old school seats, mint green walls and fridge stocked with beers. Perfect for an equally no fuss fade or a specialty undercut. With years of experience wielding the shears, you can rest assured, you’re in very masterful hands. (459 Karangahape Road)
Room 104 Grooming Lounge
This New York-style, sun-soaked space in the heart of the city leaves one questioning their whereabouts — not quite The Big Apple but damn near close enough. Popular among businessmen and promising inner-city sartorialists a strapping space to see to their grooming needs, book yourself in for a cut-throat shave and an ice-cold Peroni from the masters of manly. (Level 1, Achilles House, 8 Commerce St, Auckland CBD)
Tokoya Barber & Shop
This Three Lamps haunt is a local favourite, beloved for its no-appointment-necessary swift service. Don’t let the rapid in-and-out job fool you, each razor fade, beard trim, cut and hot towel shave is a meticulous process that keeps the lads coming back for more. Insider tip: word on the street is that Kaisei is your go-to guy. (279 Ponsonby Road)
Maloney’s
No stranger to the tricks of the trade, the folk at this laid-back establishment promise to maintain your manliness with a clip and cut, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a traditional hot towel cut-throat shave to leave your skin supremely smooth. A haunt so popular, queues are known to form outside, did we mention they’re responsible for Richie McCaw’s dashing looks? (1-192 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD)
Flash City
For those keen to team their grooming regime with an ink session, Flash City, featuring the checkered floors and crisp white uniform shirts typical of barbershops in Brooklyn, honours the first tattoo parlours that were often found out back of barbershops.
(125A Ponsonby Road)
Boar & Blade
Founded in 2013, Boar & Blade has grown to have three shops across Auckland and Wellington. This modern barbershop has a tight-knit team and is renowned for its services that are catered towards each individual on a very personal level. Not only do the barbers at Bor & Blade have the slickest skills when it comes to hair, but also have the reputation for having the best banter, making it a favourite spot to relax amongst locals. (141 Pakenham St Unit W12, Wynyard Central & 136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby Central)
Bespoke Barbers
Bringing his skills that he honed and crafted in London, Paul Bartolo opened Bespoke Barbers in Auckland in 2014. Bartolo is a man who is genuinely passionate about men’s grooming and treats his sessions as so much more than a simple cut. He shares his top tips and advice to his clients, such as what tools to use and ways to style, so they can go away and maintain their newfound look with ease. (2/15 O’Connell Street, Auckland CBD)
Slick Shop
Although Slick Shop opened its doors later than the other barbershops mentioned above, Joseph, Keegan and Stitch have quickly become a household name for the locals of Ponsonby. Expect great chat from these barbers while you go in for your sleek cut and shave, while Charlie and Kimberly give you some pointers on how to take care of your fresh trim. (188 Ponsonby Road, Saint Marys Bay/Newton)