10 Best Barbershops in New York City for a Perfect Cut (2025)

29 Jun 2025 6 min read No comments Barbershop
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Find the best Barbershop in NYC

New York City’s barbershops are as diverse as the city itself, each with its own unique personality, history, and specialty. We’ve curated this list of the 10 best barbershops in NYC based not just on technical skill, but on the authentic experience each provides.

This guide helps New Yorkers and visitors alike find not just a haircut, but an authentic NYC barbering experience. Whether you need a quick trim before a meeting or want to indulge in a luxury shave, these shops represent the best of New York’s diverse barber culture.



The 10 Best Barbershops in NYC

1. 12 Pell

Location: 12 Pell St, Chinatown, New York
Specialty: Skin fades, beard sculpting
Hours: Tue-Sun 10AM-8PM
Price Range For Haircut: $40-$70

Located in the Chinatown NYC, 12 Pell is a lifestyle store dedicated to personal care and style. We aim to redefine and reinvent the standard retail and grooming experience. 12 Pell is a place for relaxation and leisure. Our mission is to build a community that shares a passion for what we do – in art and in entrepreneurship

We are proud to offer our customers a wide range of hairstyles, treatments, looks and helpful products that reflect their individuality and personal taste.

2. Elegant Barber Shop

Location: 201 E 61st St, NYC, New York
Specialty: Classic cuts, straight razor shaves
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM, Sun 10AM-5PM
Price Range For Haircut: $35-$70

“The Midtown East shop is beautiful – well lit, modern, clean, and has amenities including drinks. I was offered a bottle of water on a hot summer day. In addition, high-end Gatsby wax (from Japan) is the hair product of choice here.

I’ve been seeing Max as my main barber at the Park Slope location for the last 2 years. He is a skilled barber – has impeccable memory (knows what your “usual” is), consistent, quick, attentive, open to suggestions/changes, provides recommendations. In addition, he provides guidance to other barbers with his regulars, when the shop/he is busy.”

3. George’s 2 Barber Shop

Location: 78 5th Ave, Brooklyn, New York
Specialty: Gentleman’s cuts, hot towel treatments
Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-7PM, Sat 8AM-6PM
Price Range For Haircut: $20-$40

This family-run shop has been serving UWS residents since 1972. Current owner George Jr. maintains his father’s tradition of “conversation and craftsmanship.” The $55 “Manhattan Special” includes a haircut, straight razor neck shave, and shoulder massage. Look for the vintage Yankees memorabilia covering the walls.

4. Made Man Barbershop NYC

Location: 170 W 23rd St, NYC, New York
Specialty: Luxury grooming, straight razor shaves
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-8PM
Price Range For Haircut: $35-$70


This upscale barbershop feels like stepping into a 1920s gentlemen’s club. The mahogany paneling and leather chairs create a luxurious atmosphere. Their signature “Wall Street” package ($120) includes a haircut, hot towel shave, shoe shine, and whiskey. Ask for Vinny – he’s been grooming NYC financiers for 15 years.

5. City Image Barber Shop

Location: 248 Kinderkamack Rd, Oradell, New York
Specialty: Traditional and contemporary styles
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM
Price Range For Haircut: $40-$75

They pride themselves on keeping up with the latest trends and hair styling techniques to make you look good. City Image Barber shop offers a variety of different service options to fit your exact needs.

6. Topman Barbershop

Location: 204 W 79th St, NYC, New York
Specialty: Creative designs, fades, and line-ups
Hours: Tue-Sun 10AM-8PM
Price Range For Haircut: $30-$60

This vibrant shop is Harlem’s go-to for artistic cuts. The walls feature rotating local art exhibits, and the barbers often freestyle designs based on clients’ personalities. Owner Jamal offers free cuts to local kids every Sunday morning. Don’t miss their “Harlem Line-Up” – the crispest edges in NYC.

7. Benny’s Barber Shop & Salon

Location: 809 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, New York
Specialty: Versatile cuts (men, women, and kids)
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-7PM
Price Range For Haircut: $35-$80

This family-friendly spot has served UES families for three generations. The current owner, Benny III, still uses his grandfather’s original 1950s barber chair for traditional cuts. They offer “First Haircut” certificates for kids and have a play area to keep little ones occupied.

8. City Masters

Location: 3350 US-9, Old Bridge, New York
Specialty: Executive grooming, beard maintenance
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-8PM, Sat 9AM-5PM
Price Range For Haircut: $50-$100

Designed for busy professionals, this FiDi spot opens at 7AM for pre-work appointments. The “Power Lunch Special” ($75) includes a 30-minute haircut, beard trim, and shoeshine. Their beard oil collection features scents like “Wall Street” (sandalwood and cedar) and “Battery Park” (sea salt and citrus).

9. Shantl & Co – Barber Shop

Location: 133 E 84th St, NYC, New York
Specialty: Afro-textured hair, fades, and braids
Hours: Tue-Sun 10AM-8PM
Price Range For Haircut: $35-$90

This Barbershop specializes in textured hair care. Owner Shantl personally trains all barbers in her unique “Moisture-First” cutting technique. The shop hosts monthly hair health workshops and uses all-natural products. Their “Crown Glory” package includes a cut, deep conditioning treatment, and scalp massage.

10. Gotham City Barber Shop

Location: 456 W 57th St, NYC, New York
Specialty: Edgy cuts, modern barbering
Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM
Price Range: $50-$100

This rock-and-roll inspired shop features a vintage comic book aesthetic. The late-night hours cater to NYC’s creative crowd – it’s not unusual to see musicians getting pre-show cuts at 8PM. Ask for Diego’s “Blade Fade” – a signature technique using both clippers and straight razors.


Final Verdict: Which Barbershop Should You Choose?

Hair and hair styling is personal and subjective, but if you need to be assured of skill any barbershop from the list above have the skills and experience to pull off a great cut. In upcoming posts we will look at specific hair types and shop recommendations.

Many of these shops get busy – call ahead or use their online booking systems. For the best experience, visit during weekday afternoons when shops are less crowded.


For the freshest cuts in the city, look at our full curated list for top barbershops in New York. And if we missed your favorite spot, let us know by dropping us an email.

FAQs: Best Barbershops in NYC

1. What’s the average price of a haircut in NYC?

Prices range from $20–$120+, depending on the shop and service:

  • Budget: $20–$40
  • Mid-range: $40–$70
  • Luxury: $70–$120+

2. Where can I get the best fade in NYC?

Top spots for crisp fades:

  • 12 Pell (Chinatown) – Best for skin fades
  • Topman Barbershop (Harlem) – Best for creative designs
  • Shantl & Co (Brooklyn) – Best for textured hair fades

3. Which NYC barbershops take walk-ins?

Most shops accept walk-ins, but popular spots (like 12 Pell or Gotham City Barber Shop) recommend booking ahead. For shorter waits, visit on weekday afternoons.

4. What’s the best barbershop for a straight-razor shave?

  • Made Man Barbershop (Midtown) – Luxury hot-towel experience
  • Elegant Barber Shop (Chinatown) – Classic old-school shave
  • City Masters (FiDi) – Quick pre-work shaves

5. Are there any 24-hour barbershops in NYC?

No true 24-hour spots, but Gotham City Barber Shop (LES) and City Masters (FiDi) offer late-night cuts.

6. Which barbershops are best for kids’ haircuts?

  • Benny’s Barber Shop (UES) – Play area + “First Haircut” certificates
  • George’s 2 Barber Shop (UWS) – Family-friendly vibe

7. How much should I tip my NYC barber?

Standard tip is 15–20%. For exceptional service (e.g., detailed designs), consider 25%.

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