Barber shops have evolved over the years and a new crop of young barbers are taking over the Toronto scene, mixing old and new for the perfect amount of coolness. If you’re looking to sharpen your cuts, take a peek at Vv Magazine’s top picks from around the city.
Do you remember the last time someone used the term “metrosexual”? We don’t either. No, no. Guys aren’t metrosexuals anymore – they’re dubbed hipster, well-tailored, or discerning. We credit this growth in totally more apropos terms with the resurgence of barber shop culture in Toronto. They never left… but for awhile there they weren’t cool. As in, bragging rights weren’t afforded those who took their hair-taming seriously. That’s all changed, and as a man you’re only as rad as your hair situation is precise. So, to ensure you don’t become a total twonk (it’s British… look it up) here are the best barber shops/grooming studios for men in the T.Dot…
Mankind Grooming Studio
Perhaps the reason why men caring about their appearance became a la mode here in the city, Mankind Grooming Studios (three locations) offer every grooming service a guy could want. Best part? Their package deals. We can always get behind a good shave, massage, facial, and man-appropriate nail detailing – it’s a one-stop grooming solution.
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Crows Nest Barber Shop
With seven experts on hand plus a couple apprentices learning the trade, Crow’s Nest on Kensington is where you should head for an old school cut and shave in a new school setting. The perfect fade? Crows Nest is tops in the city.
Blood and Bandages
Aside from the vintage porn (who doesn’t crave a full bush visual from time-to-time?), Blood and Bandages has some of our fave barbers in the city. The joint is small, sure, but that just adds to that days-gone-by feelin’.
Original Grooming Experts
Any barber shop where you can get a Hangover Treatment is right up our alley. Original Grooming Experts will get you that ever-so pristine precision you’re looking for from the skilled hands of their talented crew. We imagine this is where GQ‘s elite would set up shop when visiting town.
John Allan’s
Guys are all about convenience, so picking up a tie and shirt combo at your fave department store (in this case, The Bay) followed by a quick trim and a shave couldn’t be a better way to kill an hour after work before the drinks begin.
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Terminal Barber Shop
The original location has been around since 1925 – that’s almost a century of making men look good. This is your traditional, old school, gentleman’s club vibe barber shop, right in the heart of downtown Toronto. The fact that the precision at this shop hasn’t faltered in about 90 years is reason enough to trust your ‘do to Terminal’s skilled barbers.
Proper Barbers
The lil barber shop that could, Proper Barbers has graduated from its back of house digs at Proper Reserve and Get Fresh Co. on Queen to its own space in Kensington Market. What can you expect here? Why, a proper cut, naturally. Seriously, the dudes behind the chairs here know what’s up – they have an innate ability to follow a cranium’s contours like nobody’s bidnass. No frills for looks that kill. Props!
Axe & Hatchet
Open since 2014, Axe & Hatchet is the only place to grab a cut in Yorkville that is dedicated solely to men. With handmade barber stations and wood accents, the Grooming Club is perfectly styled, just like the heads that walk out the door. Don’t expect perfection for chump change though – cuts start at around $50.
What’s your favourite barber shop in Toronto? DM or Tweet @ us @ViewTheVibe!
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