Finding the perfect barber shop in downtown Boston can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many options, how do you know which ones truly stand out?
Whether you’re looking for a classic cut, a modern style, or just a relaxing grooming experience, Boston’s downtown has some hidden gems that cater to all your needs. In this article, we’ll uncover the 12 best barber shops in downtown Boston.
These top-notch establishments are known for their skilled barbers, welcoming atmospheres, and exceptional services.
Get ready to discover your new go-to spot for a fresh haircut and a confidence boost. From vintage charm to contemporary chic, each of these barber shops offers something unique.
Let’s dive in and explore what makes these 12 barber shops the best places to get a stylish and satisfying haircut in downtown Boston.
Top 12 Best Barber Shops in Downtown Boston
Here is a list of the top 12 best barber shops in Downtown Boston, known for their exceptional service, skilled barbers, and modern amenities:
1. Street Salon & Barber Shop
Street Salon & Barber Shop, located at 164 Newbury Street, Boston, serves both men and women in the area.
Offering various services, including haircuts, buzz cuts, fades, children’s haircuts, hair styling, and beard trimming, it’s a one-stop solution for all grooming needs.
Clients can enjoy specialized hair care treatments like bonding with Olaplex, deep conditioning, and smoothing with Inca Glow.
For those seeking hair coloring services, they offer full hair color, balayage, hi-lights, and ombre options. This LGBTQ-friendly barbershop has garnered a 5.0-star rating on Google from 133 reviews, showcasing its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.
Whether you need a classic cut or a modern style, Street Salon & Barber Shop provides excellent services within an inviting atmosphere.
2. Boston Barber & Tattoo Co.
Boston Barber & Tattoo Co. helps Boston and Beacon Hill residents express their style through haircuts and tattoos.
Located at 113 Salem Street, Boston, this unique shop offers both services in one space, setting it apart from other establishments.
Customers can choose from quality men’s haircuts, bald fades, neck clean-ups, and buzzcuts. For those interested in tattoos, any design is welcome. The shop also features an espresso and coffee bar, creating a relaxing atmosphere for clients.
Their excellent rating on various platforms highlights customer satisfaction: 4.0 stars on Google (153 reviews), 4.5 stars on Yelp (73 reviews), and 4.8 stars on Facebook (48 reviews). This commitment to quality service makes them a top choice in downtown Boston.
3. Matt’s Barber Shop
Located at 408 Market Street, Matt’s Barber Shop serves men, seniors, and children below 12. It offers haircuts, hot towel shaves, and beard trims.
Owned by Matt Charette, who’s been a barber for over 15 years, the shop delivers top-notch services. Matt’s Barber Shop earned the Best Barber on Planet Earth title from Cat Fancy Magazine in 1997 and Architectural Digest in 2003.
Their Google rating stands at 4.0, based on 131 reviews, while they boast a perfect 5.0 on Facebook from 24 reviews. This legacy and high customer satisfaction make it a standout choice in Boston.
4. Sly’s Barber Shop
Sly’s Barber Shop, located at 321 Western Avenue in Cambridge, offers a range of grooming services for men, kids, and seniors.
Renowned for accepting both walk-ins and appointments, it provides flexibility for customers’ schedules. Sly, with over two decades of experience, and Michael, with more than 10 years of expertise, ensure top-notch service.
Services include regular and design cuts, a cut and shave combo, and hair wash. A happy customer mentioned Sly’s calming presence with their hyper three-year-old.
With a notable 4.5-star rating on Yelp from 87 reviews, Sly’s Barber Shop is a must-visit for quality grooming.
5. Society Barbershop
Located at 770 Tremont Street, Society Barbershop offers an array of services tailored to men’s grooming needs.
Opened in 2018, the shop sticks to a classic barbershop model with a modern twist. Services include regular haircuts, beard trims, fades, and children’s haircuts.
Co-owned by industry veterans Alexander Mejia and Freddy De Mota, Society Barbershop is known for its skilled team and welcoming atmosphere.
The shop’s excellent reviews reflect its high service standards. Google users rated it 4.0 stars based on 86 reviews, while Yelp reviews garner a perfect 5.0 from 12 reviewers.
This combination of expertise and customer satisfaction makes Society Barbershop a standout choice in downtown Boston.
6. The Boston Barber Exchange
The Boston Barber Exchange, nestled at 112 Water Street, serves not only downtown Boston but also surrounding areas.
This traditional barbershop offers an array of services, including haircuts, hot lather shaves, beard trims, and facials with hot steam towels. Customers can also enjoy color treatments, combo haircut and shaves, and haircut with beard trims.
With expertise reflected in its impeccable ratings 4.0 on Google from 103 reviews, 5.0 on Yelp from 33 reviews, and a visible presence on Facebook it’s a preferred choice for grooming needs.
Clients can conveniently book appointments through the company’s website, ensuring a tailored and efficient grooming experience.
7. Bostonian Barber Shop
Bostonian Barber Shop, located at 92 Van Ness Street, Boston, MA 02215, stands out with its comprehensive range of services.
They offer haircuts, beard trims, and shaves, along with merchandise like shirts and beard oil. The shop caters to diverse clients, including students, business owners, blue-collar workers, first responders, and the LGBTQ community.
Their expertise extends to on-location services such as locker room and hotel cuts for athletes and backstage cuts for performers.
Bostonian Barber Shop maintains strong ratings on Google (4.0 from 201 reviews) and Yelp (40 reviews), bolstering its reputation as a top-tier grooming destination in downtown Boston.
8. Belsito Barber Shop
Belsito Barber Shop, located at 696 Tremont Street, offers a range of grooming services for all ages. Specializing in haircuts, buzz cuts, and detailed shaves, it ensures a tailored experience for men, children, and seniors.
Customers can also enjoy beard trims, neck trims, lip outlines, and more. Named after a Southern Italian mountain village, Belsito combines upscale style with a family vibe.
The shop’s professional barbers are highly skilled and attentive to individual preferences, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Beyond hair care, Belsito offers a relaxed atmosphere that makes every visit a pleasant retreat from the bustling city life.
With convenient booking options and a reputation for excellence, Belsito Barber Shop is a standout choice in downtown Boston.
9. Z Barbershop
Z Barbershop, located at 482A Columbus Avenue, Boston, is a premier men’s salon offering comprehensive grooming services.
The experienced team includes cosmologists and master barbers with over 20 years in the field. They provide standard haircuts, senior haircuts, beard trims, straight razor cuts, and buzz cuts.
Kids can also get their first haircut and receive certification. The shop boasts strong ratings, with a 4.0 on Google from 244 reviews, and a perfect 5.0 on Facebook from 9 reviews.
Conveniently, they accommodate customers both in the shop and at home, ensuring flexibility and top-tier service.
10. District Barbers Boston
District Barbers Boston, located at 190 High Street, is a top-tier barbershop that caters to a broad clientele, including athletes, celebrities, local business owners, students, and professionals.
With a perfect 5.0 rating from 114 Google reviews, this shop is known for its diverse services, including various beard trims, haircuts, and shave services featuring stimulating pre-shave oils, facial massages, and hot eye towels.
Owned by master barber Jared Petruzella, District Barbers Boston excels in accommodating different hair densities and textures, ensuring every client leaves looking their best.
11. Marvelous Barber Lounge
Marvelous Barber Lounge, located at 82 Broad Street, specializes in luxury grooming services. They offer a luxury haircut that includes shampoo, conditioning treatment, blow-dry styling, and an express face massage.
The deluxe hot towel shaves use premium shaving oils or lathers, adding a touch of sophistication.
Clients can also enjoy custom hair designs featuring elaborate geometric patterns. For classic looks, they provide cuts for men and children alongside head shaves.
With a notable 5.0 rating on Yelp from 11 reviews and a 4.0 rating on Google from 155 reviews, it’s a top choice for those seeking high-quality service in Boston. Featured in the Boston Globe and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
12. Atlas Barber Shop
Atlas Barber Shop, located at 14A Eliot Street, Cambridge, MA, offers a range of services like haircuts, hot lather shaves, and beard trims.
Clients can also enjoy facial cleansing. This shop, situated in Harvard Square, caters to Boston and surrounding areas with professional barbers ensuring personalized haircuts.
Atlas Barber Shop boasts of a 4.0-star rating on Google from 171 reviews and an impressive 5.0-star rating on Yelp from 9 reviews.
These high ratings highlight the shop’s commitment to quality service and a friendly atmosphere, making it a top choice in downtown Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there LGBTQ-friendly barber shops in downtown Boston?
Yes, Street Salon & Barber Shop is an LGBTQ-friendly establishment located at 164 Newbury Street. They cater to both men and women and offer a wide range of services.
Can I get both a haircut and a tattoo at the same place in Boston?
Yes, Boston Barber & Tattoo Co. at 113 Salem Street offers both haircuts and tattoos, creating a unique styling experience.
Are there barber shops in Boston that cater to children?
Yes, many barber shops in Boston, including Matt’s Barber Shop, Sly’s Barber Shop, and Society Barbershop, offer services for children.
How much should I expect to pay for a haircut in Boston?
The average price for a men’s haircut in Boston is around $47, while a women’s haircut can cost approximately $91.
Do I need an appointment to visit a barber shop in downtown Boston?
It depends on the barber shop. Some shops like Sly’s Barber Shop accept both walk-ins and appointments, while others may prefer appointments for a more personalized experience.
Can I get specialized hair treatments at barber shops in Boston?
Yes, many shops, such as Street Salon & Barber Shop and Marvelous Barber Lounge, offer specialized treatments like hair coloring, deep conditioning, and styling.
How can I book an appointment at a barber shop in Boston?
Many barber shops in Boston allow clients to book appointments online through their websites or by calling the shop directly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right barber shop can elevate grooming from a routine chore to a delightful experience.
Downtown Boston boasts some of the best establishments, from the LGBTQ-friendly Street Salon & Barber Shop to the multifaceted Boston Barber & Tattoo Co., providing stellar service and inviting atmospheres.
Matt’s Barber Shop offers classic cuts in a nostalgic setting, while Sly’s Barber Shop is known for its comforting environment and excellent service.
Society Barbershop merges traditional techniques with modern styles, and The Boston Barber Exchange remains a central favorite.
Bostonian Barber Shop, Belsito Barber Shop, and Z Barbershop cater to diverse clientele with impeccable skill.
District Barbers Boston, Marvelous Barber Lounge, and Atlas Barber Shop prioritizes luxury and personalization, ensuring every client leaves satisfied.
Natalie Kurtzman