New York City’s barbershops are as diverse as the city itself, each with its own unique personality, history, and specialty. After personally visiting dozens of shops across all five boroughs, 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. Elegant Barber Shop
📍 Location: 8 Pell St, Chinatown
✂️ Specialty: Classic cuts, straight razor shaves
🕒 Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM, Sun 10AM-5PM
💲 Price Range For Haircut: $35-$70
⭐ Why Go? Tucked away in Chinatown, this no-frills barbershop has been a neighborhood institution since the 1980s. Owner Mr. Lee still uses traditional techniques passed down through generations. The vintage barber chairs and the constant hum of clippers create an authentic old-school vibe. Regulars love the $30 “Executive Cut” which includes a hot towel treatment.
2. 12 Pell
📍 Location: 12 Pell St, Chinatown
🔥 Specialty: Skin fades, beard sculpting
🕒 Hours: Tue-Sun 10AM-8PM
💲 Price Range For Haircut: $40-$70
⭐ Why Go? Founded by former barbers from Blind Barber, 12 Pell brings a modern edge to Chinatown’s barber scene. The shop’s minimalist design features exposed brick walls and custom neon signs. Barber Tony is famous for his “360 Wave” fades – book at least a week in advance for his chair.
3. George’s 2 Barber Shop
📍 Location: 947 Amsterdam Ave, Upper West Side
🧔 Specialty: Gentleman’s cuts, hot towel treatments
🕒 Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-7PM, Sat 8AM-6PM
💲 Price Range For Haircut: $20-$40
⭐ Why Go? 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: 25 W 38th St, Midtown
💈 Specialty: Luxury grooming, straight razor shaves
🕒 Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-8PM
💲 Price Range For Haircut: $35-$70
⭐ Why Go? 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: 253 W 19th St, Chelsea
✂️ Specialty: Traditional and contemporary styles
🕒 Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-7PM
💲 Price Range For Haircut: $40-$75
⭐ Why Go? 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: 2107 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, Harlem
🔥 Specialty: Creative designs, fades, and line-ups
🕒 Hours: Tue-Sun 10AM-8PM
💲 Price Range For Haircut: $30-$60
⭐ Why Go? 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: 1485 2nd Ave, Upper East Side
🧑🎨 Specialty: Versatile cuts (men, women, and kids)
🕒 Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-7PM
💲 Price Range For Haircut: $35-$80
⭐ Why Go? 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: 90 Broad St, Financial District
🪒 Specialty: Executive grooming, beard maintenance
🕒 Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-8PM, Sat 9AM-5PM
💲 Price Range For Haircut: $50-$100
⭐ Why Go? 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: 572 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn
💇 Specialty: Afro-textured hair, fades, and braids
🕒 Hours: Tue-Sun 10AM-8PM
💲 Price Range For Haircut: $35-$90
⭐ Why Go? 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: 148 Orchard St, Lower East Side
🔥 Specialty: Edgy cuts, modern barbering
🕒 Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-9PM
💲 Price Range: $50-$100
⭐ Why Go? 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.
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