Toronto’s best barbershops for beard trimming
Thanks to Mumford & Sons and the resurgence of banjo music, more and more men are sporting a chin blanket these days. Some beards are trimmed and neatly groomed while others are dense enough to camouflage a family of ducks. But even the wildes beard-a-clava requires some care and maintenance, and these Toronto barbershops and beard trimming experts are up to the task. [Image credit: iStock.com/g-stockstudio]
Blood & Bandages
872 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A3The College West location is always busy so an appointment is recommended, though not essential. Visitors may be drawn in by the fact that hair and beard trims are fast and affordable. The shabby chic decor - featuring stuffed animal heads and vintage photos - offers something to think about while you’re waiting for Roger to go to work.
Crows Nest Barber Shop
2 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2J7Celebrities, TV sportscasters and just regular fellas flock to this swirling eddy of whiskers and testosterone in Kensington Market. The Crows Nest is so wildly popular that you must book an appointment days (or weeks) in advance. Regulars love the good music, conversation and hip decor. Beards of all shapes and sizes are welcome, and remember – CASH ONLY.
Mankind Grooming Studio for Men
477 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3E7They have three branches in the GTA, including this one in the downtown business district, and are staunch defenders of man’s right to facial hair in all of its scruffy splendour. A beard and moustache trim (ask for “The Gandalf”) is about $15 plus tip. While you’re there, investigate the full-on hair and body treatments from shampoos to mani-pedis, body waxing and skin hydration, or a straight razor shave.
The Nite Owl
3397 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8W 1N2Candy cane barber poles flank either side of the entrance to this tiny, old-school barber shop in the west end. Their website greets you with retro cheesecake art and a dude in a fedora - getting the picture? Dublin-trained local Brian Hurson runs the place and looks the part with a Don Draper haircut and handlebar ’stache. If you’ve ever wondered how they trim a beard in Ireland, come here and find out.
King’s Landing Barber Shoppe
396 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1S7They have the rustic, man cave decor down pat and you can usually walk in without an appointment to get a cut, shave or trim. They’ve been known to turn a lost-cause beard into a handsome sculpture any man would be proud to sport. The place is also licensed so you can sip a beer while you’re waiting or toast your stylist in a post-cut celebration.
Garrison's Barber Shop
254 Niagara St, Toronto, ON M6J 2L8Master Barber Alan Brown presides at this shop opposite Trinity Bellwoods Park. Modern touches like sleek, black chrome chairs, gleaming hardwood floors and minimalist decor update the classic barber shop template. Brown is hip to social media so check their Facebook page for frequent updates, promotions and staff changes. Straight razor shaves are a specialty but tidy beard trims are part of the repertoire. You can book an appointment online or just show up.
Rod, Gun & Barbers
2877 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y9Gentlemen on the hunt for refined grooming are welcome at Rod, Gun & Barbers, whose decor is inspired by a traditional rod and gun club. Make an appointment or simply walk in for a cut and shave, Cuban cigar, shot of single malt or all of the above. Clients’ needs are taken seriously here, where sport-watching, darts and a beer parlour offer ample opportunities to do more than get a clean look.
Terminal Barber Shop
594 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5G 1M5Terminal is flanked by city hall, Toronto’s main bus station and the financial district – what more could a barber ask for? With a rich history dating back to 1925, these walls have seen everything, from crew cuts to mullets and the current reprise of The Golden Age of Beards. The decor boasts four 19th century barber chairs, a Civil War-era cash register and artisanal cabinetry. Stop in for a $10 beard trim and shaping while you contemplate the past.
