There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a new haircut, but sometimes a good barbers can be hard to come by. Whether it be a transformational statement do or simply a fresh trim that you’re after, we’ve rounded up the best spots in Manchester to get your barnet tamed, so you can walk out the barber shop door with a smile on your face and even some newfound confidence. So here it is, our pick of the best barbers in Manchester:
1. Notjust
Featured in The Guardian’s top 10 barbers in the UK, Notjust is perfect is you’re after an up-to-the-minute snip alongside understated creativity. Situated on the Ancoats-Northern Quarter border, their minimalist studio is more like a gallery than a barber shop and here barbering is considered an art form. Expect detail-orientated trims without any pretentiousness, plus Notjust do not just do haircuts as they also offer beard shaping, hot towel shaves, facials and natural solutions to hairline issues and hair loss too.
📍Unit 3, The Astley, 61 Houldsworth St, Manchester, M1 2FA
🕒 Open Wednesday 9am – 6pm, Thursdays 10am – 8pm, Fridays and Saturdays 8am – 5pm.
📅 Call 0161 451 4597 or book online here.
2. Close Male Grooming
Not only is Close one of the best barbers in the city but it also boasts the most barber shops in Manchester – stretching from the Northern Quarter to Castlefield, plus locations in Altrincham, Chorlton and West Didsbury too. Whether it’s a classic back and sides or a new shade to your hair, Close has got it all and it’s comfortable enough that you’ll want to make it your new hang out spot. As well as cuts and colour, Close offers beard shaping and cut throat shaves with hot towels. Better still, Close is a barbershop with bar vibes as you’ll be handed a bottle of beer with your beard trim – cheers to that!
📍22 Great Ancoats Street, M4 5AZ | 69 Bridge Street, M3 3BQ | Unit C, Duke Street, M3 4JL | Unit 1, Spectrum Apartments, Blackfriars Road, M3 7BP
🕒 Opening hours differ for each location, but all open Mondays to Saturdays.
📅 Book online here.
3. Flanagan’s Barbers
Grooming the gents of Manchester for over 30 years, this family-run barbers in Manchester now has branches in Didsbury, Altrincham, MediaCityUK and Wilmslow. Flanagans describes themselves as a ‘high end’ traditional barbers based in the Northwest, and you can find their King Street barbers in the heart of Manchester city centre. The barber shop offers a combination of traditional and innovative male grooming and barbering techniques, specialising in both modern and classic looks. Take a seat in one of their deep brown leather seats and rest assured your hair will be left in safe hands.
📍41 King Street West, Manchester, M3 2PW.
🕒 Open Mondays and Tuesdays 9am – 6pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9am – 7pm, Fridays 9am – 6pm and Saturdays 9am – 4pm.
📅 Call 0161 832 1109 or book online here.
4. Jersey Street Social Club
Located in Ancoats, this is one of the most unique barbers in Manchester as you can admire the eclectic, retro décor that dons the walls of Jersey Street Social Club as well as your new do. Plastered with photos, art, stickers, car registration number plates and more you’ll be absolutely mesmerised and the gowns are pretty jazzy too with leopard print and tiger print patterns, to name a few. They specialise in sharp, on-point cuts, traditional cut-throat shaves, and in their words, ‘beard taming’. Jersey Street Social Club also sets itself apart by being open every day of the week and later into the evening than some other barbers in Manchester.
📍1 Jersey St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6JA.
🕒 Open Mondays to Fridays 8am to 8pm, Saturdays 8am – 4pm and Sundays 11am – 4pm.
📅 Call 0161 236 5901 or book here.
5. Palace Barbers
Housed in the Northern Quarter shopping emporium that is Afflecks, Palace Barbers is a unisex hairdressers and barber shop that is much-loved by Mancs. Palace Barbers is known for being one of most welcoming and inclusive places to get your hair cut in Manchester – plus it’s gender neutral priced, LGBTQIA+- friendly and welcomes neuro-diverse customers (what’s not to love?) Palace Barbers offers all sorts of cuts and styles and if you’re after some hair inspo their Instagram page is a great place and features mullets and mohawks of all colours of the rainbows alongside plenty of unique hairstyles. However, it is walk-ins only but it’s perfect if you need more of a last-minute appointment.
📍2nd Floor, Affleck’s, 52 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PW.
🕒 Monday to Fridays 10.30am – 5. 30pm and Saturdays 10am – 5.30pm.
📅 No appointments – walk-ins only. Cash only accepted.
