If you want to look sharp on the streets of Cape Town – and save a bit of cash – skip the conventional hairdressers and head straight to one of these stylish barbershops. As well as the old-school guys, who are still hitting the mark, trendy new barbers are popping up all over town, offering hot-towel shaves, quick snips, and even fine cups of coffee. Here are some of the best old and new barbers in Cape Town.
Yogis
Courtesy Yogis Barber
Yogis is the old kid on the block. This no-frills traditional barber on Buitengracht Street ticks all the boxes for a quick tidy up – fast, efficient service, no appointments, minimal small talk, high-quality barbers, and unbeatable prices. You may have to wait a few minutes before you’re called up to the chair, but the classic interior and vibrant atmosphere will easily keep you entertained.
Barnet Fair
Shop, Beauty Salon
Courtesy Barnet Fair
Barnet Fair started out as an understated barbershop on Bree Street. Although this original branch remains, the owners have since added two more locations to kick things up a notch. There is a crew of skilled barbers who’ll cut your hair and beard according to your specifications, but it’s the distinct atmosphere in each venue – with old-school chairs, whiskey, coffee and loud music – that makes this a rewarding experience.
Widow Maker Saloon & Barber
Courtesy Widow Maker
Window Maker has managed to mix the gritty appeal of Long Street with the feel of a traditional barber. Inside you’ll find wooden floors, exposed brick, classic barber chairs, and a slew of professionals ready to give you a quick snip or shave. If you’re there for more than a cut, you can also order a glass or two of Black Bottle whisky to make the experience much more enjoyable.
Urban Men
Urban Men is a located in the heart of trendy De Waterkant. Aside from the usual cuts, it also offers various hair treatments, hot-towel shaves, waxing and threading, massages and even facials. If you’re looking for a venue that takes a 360-degree view of men’s grooming, and doesn’t concern itself with the frills of slick new barbershops, then this might be the destination for you.
Blokes Hair
Market, Beauty Salon
Courtesy Blokes Hair
This small chain of barbershops has expanded across the city in recent years, and it’s cornered the market of easy online bookings and quick, friendly service. Their barbers are well trained in a range of standard men’s cuts, and each of their venues has a unique welcoming atmosphere that takes the stress out of getting neatened up.
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Mr Cobbs
Located in the busy V&A Waterfront, Mr Cobbs is a barbershop where you won’t necessarily find the personalised service and charms that characterise some of the city’s more customer-oriented barbers. But if you find yourself at the waterfront, and all you want is a simple cut, the team at Mr Cobbs have got you covered.
I'm a freelance writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. I write primarily about Cape Town and South Africa, but also spend time abroad producing stories for a wide range of websites and publications. Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/andrewthompsonsa
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