The Best Barbershops in Palma de Mallorca
With the irrepressible resurgence of the beard, the barbershop too has had somewhat of a renaissance. And the capital of the Balearics is no exception with a great selection of places where gentlemen can get a short back and sides, hot-towel shave, and some much needed man-pampering time. Here’s a rundown of the best barbers in Palma de Mallorca.
Syndicate Barbers
Founded by sharply-shorn Dutchman Bob Van Den Hoek, Syndicate Barbers is unashamedly a space where “men can be men” – with strictly no women or children allowed (though dogs are fine). It’s located on a leafy street on the edge of buzzy Santa Catalina neighbourhood, but once inside you step into a carefully crafted world of a seventies-era barbershop. A wooden turntable plays tunes from an impressive collection of vinyl, plus an old-fashioned safe is used as a spirit cabinet offering guests a fine selection of whiskey. They also provide traditional hot towel shaves, beard trimming and grooming, and of course great cuts.
La Barbería Haircuts & Wines
While Syndicate offers whiskey with their cut, this barber’s is more about the wine – as you might have guessed from the name. Tucked away behind the Avenidasin a charming period mansion block, this fun, hipster-tinged barbershop combines clean modern interiors with vintage barbershop touches. As well as great service and super-professional cuts, this establishment excels in the facial hair department with top-notch traditional shaves and shaping. They also offer an excellent selection of grooming products to purchase.
Truhán & Señor
While located in the centre of Palma, Truhán & Señor is deceptively hard to find but definitely worth seeking out. Owners Jose María and Marcos didn’t want to do mimic the classic American barber aesthetic too much, and the result is a fresher and bolder contemporary vibe. They still employ traditional time-honoured techniques, however, and the shop’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere means it’s one of the city’s most popular.
Barbershop Vladi
What it lacks in location – found in the gloomy subterranean shopping centre under Palma’s main square – Barbershop Vladi makes up for in sharp, professional cuts from the amiable young owner. He’s also a dab hand at old-school soap and razor shaves, as well as employing 21st-century tech in the form of an ozone machine for extra clean beards.
Peluquería Moll
While other barbers often buy in vintage fixtures and furnishings, Peluquería Moll is the real deal. Stepping inside feels like time has stood still in this barbershop that dates back to 1903, making it the oldest in Palma. Its owner Joan Moll learned the trade from his father, who in turn learned it from his. You can expect all the old-school cuts and trims (favouring scissors over clippers) with close to 50 years haircutting experience behind them. The funky retro sign alone is worth a trip.
Barbería Tomeu
With nothing but a sign labeled barbería (barbers) and the traditional barber striping, Barbería Tomeu doesn’t do showy. This is one of Palma’s most authentic and traditional gentlemen’s hairdressers, and one completely devoid of moustache motifs and faux-vintage trappings. What it does have is an antique till, lots of fascinating old photos of old Palma, and all the accoutrements of a barber’s from the last millennium. Plus local character Tomeu, a skilled scissor-wielder with over three decades cutting hair under his belt. He’ll even jot down details of the cut you’ve just had so you can have it repeated exactly.
Henry Barber Shop
Just reached its 20th anniversary, the Henry Barber Shop has a super loyal customer base who rave about this establishment. It is located in Palma’s residential Bon Aires neighbourhood, so needs to be sought out rather than stumbled across. Mustachioed head barber and perfectionist Enrique is praised for his professionalism and friendliness, and is an expert in all manner of cuts, shaves, and stylings.