Long gone are the days when just anyone could become a barber – it’s now all about skill, experience and flexibility. Photo: Supplied.
Cutting and styling mens’ hair might seem simple, but most skilled barbers actually have hundreds of hours of training and experience under their belts.
They’re familiar with the latest trends and classic cuts. They’ve memorised exactly how to cut and style the hair of their regular clientele. And they ask the right questions to ensure every client leaves looking and feeling great, because “short back and sides” can mean very different things to different people.
Whether you’re fed up with having bad-hair days or are new to Wollongong and in need of a barber, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for barbers in the Wollongong region.
What makes a great barber?
Not all barbers or barber shops are created equal. To find a barber who you’ll want to visit again and again, keep the following in mind:
- Experience and confidence. A good barber has the experience to cut and style your hair how you want it, and the confidence to tell you if your requested style might not work for your face and features. They will attempt to guide you towards something more flattering if this is the case.
- Convenience. While in-demand barbers can be busy, it shouldn’t be impossible to get an appointment. Some barbers even let you book online for maximum convenience.
- Personal style and grooming. The best barbers care about their personal appearance – after all, they’re a walking advertisement for their own business. Look for a barber who is well groomed and well presented.
- Clean and tidy. A clean and tidy barber shop isn’t just good for hygiene. It’s also a sign that the business cares about presentation. If the floors are covered in hair and the shop is a mess, it’s reasonable to wonder whether that lack of care will also apply to your haircut.
- Reasonably priced. Some barbers charge an arm and a leg for the full haircutting and styling experience. Make sure you find a barber who is within your budget.
The best barbers in Wollongong
Region Illawarra’s editorial team has compiled a comprehensive list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best in Wollongong series, each business needs to have maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google and Facebook, and have plenty of positive reviews.
The Black Cockatoo
Lovingly dubbed as 'your favourite bar's favourite bar', The Black Cockatoo is a popular little cocktail venue hidden away in the back of a local bakery.
Known for excellent cocktails and fast, friendly service, The Black Cockatoo offers a laid-back atmosphere with a good dose of humour.
"This place feels like home," Mykala Macmillan says on Google. "Perfect place if you feel like a drink alone, or with friends. Friendly and easy to talk to staff."
Miss Barberette
Whether her clientele are men, women, boys or beards, specialist barber Miss Barberette (AKA Nina) puts a wealth of knowledge and experience behind every cut.
Known for her friendly service and lovable 'boss dog' who occasionally supervises the salon, Nina has amassed a loyal following of Wollongong customers like Bee Casey:
"Thank you so much for my son's haircut. Best haircut ever, it looks so good. You were also very sweet with him and very patient when he started to get a bit ticklish."
Barber Industries Wollongong
The team at Barber Industries Wollongong are well known for combining traditional barber services with modern aesthetics and comfort.
With attractive prices for hair, beard and combo cuts, discounts for students and pensioners, and a thoughtful Barbershop Blog, these 'maestro barbers' have Wollongong covered.
"I have been going to this barber for a few years now," Max Okely says on Google. "The service and the expertise that you get with Elei, is second to none. He has always taken his time and shows great care as he is going about his craft."
Just Cuts Wollongong
Just Cuts, as the name suggests, specialises only in cuts for men, women and children of all ages.
These salons don't take appointments or accept multiple-hour dye jobs. They do wash, treat and style hair, but other than they, they just... cut. This means that their maximum price remains the same for every appointment, at just $42.
Kirsten Blyton describes Just Cuts Wollongong as "inviting, well priced and filled with hairdressers that have extensive experience and knowledge with hair."
Dapper Man London
It's all about individual style at Dapper Man London in Wollongong, who are well known for their 'innovative, systematic approach'.
Customers happily show their appreciation time and time again in five star reviews, most of which mention the great skill and hospitality of head barber Tesh and team member Jess.
Ethan Hawken writes on Google, "By far the best barber I’ve ever experienced ... Tesh never seems to disappoint. I couldn’t tell you what Jess does to that coffee but I don’t think I could go anywhere else."
If you’re looking for more information on pubs in Wollongong, you might like our other articles on the best businesses Wollongong has to offer.
Your experience with barbers in Wollongong
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Do you have experience with any of the Wollongong barbers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a barber shave different to shaving myself at home?
A barber shave is considered by many to be a milestone experience for a man. Barbers have honed their skills to give this experience with trained hands and can often share their expertise on a shaving routine to suit your personal needs. Plus, nothing beats the camaraderie and the chance to kick back and relax at a barber shop as someone gives you a relaxing shave.
What is a fade?
Varying from the classic “short back and sides”, a fade is a hairstyle whereby the hair on the sides is cut in graduated lengths from top to bottom. This gives the appearance that the hair “fades” away to skin moving towards the nape of the neck.
Are barber shops for men only?
Barbers are trained to create hairstyles traditionally regarded as “men’s haircuts''. This means barber shops generally offer styles for men and facial hair shaving. Other services such as hair colouring tend to be limited or not offered at all.
Should I wash my hair before visiting a barber?
It is generally recommended that you wash your hair between 12 and 24 hours before your cut. Barbers do prefer you arrive with clean hair as it makes it easier to style and cut.
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