There's probably never been such a huge selection of barbershops for the men of Dublin to choose from, but which are the best of the best?
When it comes to getting the perfect haircut, a lot of us guys don't like to admit that we can be pretty fussy, but the recent explosion in barbers of real quality that can do more than a basic back and sides proves that there is a demand for those places that can offer us a little bit extra.
Going to get your hair cut or your beard styled should be, as it was in years gone by, a chance to get away from it all and be treated to a little bit of relaxation and dare we say, even a touch of pampering. No matter what style of hair that you have or what you're looking for, these are our favourite spots in Dublin (in no particular order) to go and get a trim.
You've got to book in and make an appointment to get your hair cut at the Butcher Barbers, but it's worth the hassle to find this hidden gem which is positioned down an alley that connects Grafton Street and Clarendon Street. Emmet Byrne, who runs the shop, won barber of the year last year, so no matter what style you're after, Butcher will be able to cater for you. For those who like to keep their mane slightly longer, this might well be the best option, as the guys at the Butcher Barber take real care to make sure that you get exactly what you want.
When it comes to getting the retro styles that are in at the moment (think anything that has a contrast between the top and the sides) then there is no better bet than the Finnegan's Green Rooster Barbershop. The owner, Padraig, is incredibly passionate about the history of hairdressing and is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to how certain styles and cuts came to be in fashion. They do a pretty great job if you're after a facial hair styling, presenting you with plenty of options, and they stock a huge range of products to keep your hair and beard in check. There's also a school for barbers run from the shop too, so you can rest assured that you're in safe hands.
A new, Italian-inspired barbers that just opened up recently on Camden Street, Barbiere looks after you like nowhere else from the moment you step through the door. As Enny Buono, the owner states, his policy in that regard is pretty simple: "once you sit in that chair, you are the king". You can have a flick through the supplied iPad to find the style that you want before you get it cut, something which helps to make sure you that you on your barer are on the same page, which can be invaluable. The coffee is great (they are Italian, to be fair), and you really feel like you've gotten the royal treatment when you walk out the door. Enny comes from a long line of barbers, so when you chat to him you can really see and feel his passion for hair, something that all his staff definitely have too.
Book yourself in for a trim at Cut & Sew and you can enjoy a beer while you get your look tailored to perfection. They're happy to experiment and push the boundaires a little if you're going for a more unusual look, while if you're looking for a cost-friendly option Cut & Sew is a great choice, where you can get a cut with the trainee for just €15 (this is also their student rate). Perfect for those days just before you get paid, but you need your hair to be looking its best.
Although they often have a queue, that's due to the fact that these guys are pretty popular. Don't worry though, you won't be sat there waiting for hours, as the staff in here are good on a quick turn around without making a sacrifice on the quality. Offering a good cut at a reasonable price while you soak in the cool, retro decor, there's very little not to like about Bedford.
More than a barbers, The Grooming Rooms offers the full package, including waxing if you're partial to keeping the rest of your body hair in check along with what's on your head. When it comes to cuts, they do appear a bit higher on the price list than some of the other entries here with a full cut and wash setting you back about €35, but you won't mind parting with your cash thanks to the level of service and the friendliness of the staff, who'll be sure to give you the best advice going on what style will suit you perfectly.
Have we missed any off the list that you think should be included? Tweet us in and let us know.
