10 great places to get a shave and a haircut
Men, if you’re starting to look a little scruffy as winter drags on, maybe it’s time for a makeover. A new breed of barber shop is doing its best to make guys feel at home, says Tabatha Coffey , the perfectly coiffed Australian-born hairstylist host of Bravo’s reality show Tabatha Takes Over. “Barbershops are becoming cool and trendy again,” she says, noting that some serve drinks, have pool tables and offer spa services. She shares some favorites with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.This is the place for a splurge, offering haircuts, straight shaves, pedicures and even waxing. Located in the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, guests are encouraged to linger for a game of pool or to catch a game on wide-screen televisions. “It’s about pampering yourself and taking care of yourself, and that’s fantastic,” Coffey says.You’ll find all the old-school services here, but with a hipster approach, Coffey says. The shop has an Xbox, serves beer and is decorated with street-art style. “They’ll give you your basic buzz cut if that’s what you want, but they can also give you something that’s more trendy and edgy,” Coffey says.With haircuts, waxing, tanning and massage services, this store offers one-stop shopping for customers. “They call it the reinvention of the barber shop,” Coffey says. “It makes more sense if you can do everything under one roof.”Coffey says this retro Manhattan shop is a perfect stop before heading out on a big date. But with a free cocktail for every customer and a pizza menu, it’s a great place to hang out too. “It feels a little bit like an old boy’s club, which isn’t a bad thing if you’re getting a haircut and shave.”Miami Beach
This South Beach shop helps keep the beautiful people looking beautiful, but normal folks are welcome too. Locals can pay a monthly membership for unlimited haircuts or shaves, and most of the area’s high-end hotels send their guests here. “It’s very Miami,” Coffey says. It also has a second location in Coral GablesMiami Beach
This South Beach shop helps keep the beautiful people looking beautiful, but normal folks are welcome too. Locals can pay a monthly membership for unlimited haircuts or shaves, and most of the area’s high-end hotels send their guests here. “It’s very Miami,” Coffey says. It also has a second location in Coral Gables.Philadelphia
Despite its clever name, this shop is marked by its professionalism and hospitality. “You’ll get a great haircut and a shave in a no-fuss, low-key way,” Coffey says. The shop, which features British Truefitt & Hill products, offers discounts for students and father-son visits. Plus, every customer gets a complimentary shoe buffing.The Elysian Spa and Health Club
Chicago
You can get a full array of spa services under one roof at this health club. But head to the “Men’s Atelier” a male-only hideaway for a traditional wet shave, with hot towel and head massage, all from the comfort of a leather lounge-style barber chair. “A lot of guys appreciate getting all their needs taken care of in one room,” Coffey says.
This traditional shop offers what may be the best shave in the Crescent City. “It does feel like you’ve stepped into an old-school barber shop,” Coffey says. “If you’ve had a long night out enjoying New Orleans, you can get a nice steam towel on your face and a shave, and you can feel all refreshed to do it all over again.”Professionals and students alike are welcome at this no-frills shop that has expanded to Portland, Ore., and Los Angeles, and plans to open in New York this year. Like a classic barber shop, it offers walk-in service, but it’s also decorated with rock posters. “They do great work and they do it affordably,” Coffey says. “And they do it in a cool, hip environment that’s comfortable and fun.”