Shorten your locks at one of these Toronto barbershops
Everyone needs an occasional haircut, but there’s a difference between that place at the dark end of the street and visiting a barbershop with some atmosphere. These 11 Toronto places will take you back to those times when a haircut and shave were rendered with style and grace.
Town Barber
44 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Y7There’s one huge reason why you should be visiting here as often as possible: There is Sam James Coffee brewing all day. If you’ve never tasted this coffee, what are you waiting for? Head over for a shave or fade right away and see what you’ve been missing out on for so long. As a bonus – because we know how irritating it is to have little hairs left on your neck and back – Town Barber also sells stylish clothes.
Day Night Salon
122-163 Sterling Rd, Toronto, ON M6P 0A1You’ll feel as pampered as a movie star here because this barbershop adds so many elements to make you feel comfortable. There’s artwork on the wall (all from local artists), a backyard garden you can mellow out in and even coffee to get your java fix for the day. It’s the kind of place you’ll never want to leave, and won’t have to: At night, the barbershop turns into a party place, complete with beats.
Hastings Barber Shop
1270 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1C4The main reason people visit a barbershop and not a no-name, cheap place is because they want a home base. And in Leslieville, one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Toronto, having a hip barbershop to make your own is essential. This one combines trendy, modern decor with seriously awesome cuts and friendly service. Bonus points for having a Beer Store across the street, giving you a two-fer when heading out on errands.
Crows Nest Barber Shop
2 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2J7Deep in Kensington Market is this wicked awesome barbershop. The prices are reasonable, the banter is uncensored and non-intrusive, and everyone treats you like one of the gang. Plus, with a ‘50s-style atmosphere, you’ll be tempted to break into song, carving out turn lines a la Jets and Sharks. Just make sure you wait until they’ve finished your fade before you grab a mic and go, and don’t be surprised if you get some surprise harmony going on.
Blood & Bandages
872 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A3Don’t spend too much time thinking about the name of this place. It has nothing to do with the quality inside; the shop is all about atmosphere and vibe. Point? There are stag heads on the wall – antlers and all – and very masculine art on either side of the mirrors. It’s the kind of place that gave rise to the man cave, but Blood and Bandages was there first.
Onyx Barbers Inc
90 Adélaïde St E, Toronto, ON M5C 2R4Everything you’ve ever seen in movies featuring barbershops is true at Onyx: the barbers give it back to the customers as good as they get, and becoming a regular means earning your way. But once you’re in, you’ll find the best group of guys there, trading life tips on how to be a better man. For a teaser, check out their blog online first so you get a sense of what you’ll be walking into.
Palm Sunday
384 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M6G 1H9Word to the wise: you don’t have to try out every single hairstyle they feature on their website. It’s there for inspiration, yes, but mostly as a way of showcasing the outer edges of art. It’s bold, it’s brash and it’s in your face – and we wouldn’t have it any other way. When a barbershop cares this much about making your experience as broad as possible, that’s always a good thing.
Hollow Ground Inc.
1053 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M4Going to a barbershop for a shave is a lovely retro idea, but one that hasn’t lost footing. Why? It’s because of places like Hollow Ground, where the floor is a black-and-white checkerboard, the walls behind the mirrors are exposed brick and the barbers dress like they’re going to work, not to play time. Even the chairs look old-school, with stitched vinyl against a white backing. But the best reason to go is because you get the full barber treatment with no stone left unturned.
Terminal Barber Shop 2
150 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1C6When the existing Terminal Barber Shop – the one that had been there since the ‘20s – closed up, two barbers decided that wasn’t going to be the end for the iconic Dundas Street shop. While they didn’t revamp the original Terminal Shop, they did open one up around the corner, giving it a retro styling complete with snazzy barber chairs. The best part, though, is their cash register, which looks like it came straight out of a Jimmy Stewart movie.
