The first time I had a haircut from a barber in Tondo, I freed myself from the standard barber’s cut. Instead, I went for a fade, and ever since then, I’ve been trying out different hairstyles. With that, I’m here to tell you: If you find yourself without expectations or simply want to try a new hairstyle, let the craft of the best barbershops in Manila work their magic. From getting slick, gradient fades to having beards shaved to perfection, you’ll come out more confident and dripping with style. You’ll be uploading selfies and My Days on Instagram and Facebook in the weeks after your cut — or at least until your hair grows out again.
1. Dapper Don’s
This unassuming establishment does its work in a peaceful street away from the engines and exhaust pipes that populate Banawe in Quezon City. It has a rustic interior that complements its leather barber seats.
True to its name, Dapper Don has barbers who make it their life’s mission to provide impeccable grooming and undeniable style for their customers. From faded shaves to classy pompadours or even a combination of both, their services are mastered by the careful hands you might have been looking for all along.
Address: 77 Nicanor Roxas St, Quezon City, Metro Manila
2. Folk 1006
Folk 1006 is probably one of the reasons why the historic First United Building in Escolta, Binondo thrives and trends every month or so. It is definitely one of the busiest establishments in this popular spot in Manila. This barbershop makes use of its limited space quite resourcefully, as its barbers are efficient in their craft and services. They have a profound mastery of grooming and can cover a wide range of hairstyles to boot.
Address: First United Building, 413 Escolta St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila
Also read: This ₱449 DIY Hair Dye Kit Is a Must-Try for Beginners
3. Covent Grooming Lounge
The barbers at Covent Grooming Lounge have a hefty promise for their guests: to dissolve stress, transforming them into kings once they sit down on their leather chairs. And it is a promise that they intend to keep for as long as they are in service.
Aside from offering superior haircuts and peerless shaves, Covent Grooming Lounge also hosts a bar inside its premises. Doesn’t a fresh shave and a nice glass of whiskey on the rocks sound relaxing?
Address: G/F The Grand Midori Makati, Legazpi St., Legazpi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila
4. Slick Barbers Co
Slick Barbers Co’s services are limited to six classic haircuts: pompadour, classic fade, razor fade, slick back, mohawks, and scumbag boogie. Its offerings may be small, but make no mistake: Its barbers are sharp and precise when it comes to styling their specialities. Their roster is composed of entirely self-taught craftsmen, and their mythic determination might just be what you need for a refreshing but spirited haircut.
Address: 3919 Yague St. cor South Ave. 1200 Makati, Metro Manila
Also read: 13 Best Wavy & Curly Hair Products to Add to Your Beauty Routine
5. Qubo MNL
If you’re looking for an adventurous pair of hands to style your hair, head to Qubo MNL. Formerly known as KAPWA Studio, this establishment in Poblacion offers a wide range of grooming services, all under the guise of a contemporary Filipino kubo. While men can enjoy slick haircuts from their barbers, women can also get a fresh cut and style from their hairdressers, making this spot great for pampering dates. Not to mention, you can also get inked by their tattoo artists here!
Address: 3rd Floor, 5650 Don Pedro, Poblacion, Makati, Metro Manila
6. The Union Station Barbercafe
If you’re looking to relax on a payday weekend, the splurge you’ll make in The Union Station Barbercafe will get you a long way. Luxurious is an understatement, as the barbers here will give you a treatment worth every penny. From its cleverly named “manlycures” to its classic haircuts and shaves, the barbershop evidently aims to always impress their guests. If that’s not enough, you can avail of their singeing treatment, where hair removal is done by lightly brushing ACTUAL FIRE over the strands. Manly, isn’t it?
Makati Branch Address: Upper Ground Level, Ayala Malls Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati, Hippodromo, Makati, Metro Manila
Eastwood Branch Address: One Eastwood Avenue, Eastwood City 1110 Bagumbayan, Metro Manila
Also read: 5 Philips Gadgets to Add to Your Self-Care Routine
7. Supremo Barbers
The barbers at Supremo can be pretty straightforward when it comes to hairstyling. They do their work efficiently and without fuss. But that doesn’t mean that they’re not flexible! Ask some specifics, and they’ll be happy to accommodate your preferences. Maybe you’ll even find the nuances to your pegged hairstyle with them.
Supremo Barber has multiple branches around Manila, so you can probably expect to find one near you.
Tondo Branch Address: 1473, Abad Santos Ave, Tondo, Metro Manila
UST Branch Address: 1175 P. Noval St, 466 Zone 46, Corner Dapitan St, Sampaloc, Manila, 1015 Metro Manila
Caloocan Branch Address: 117 Samson Road 1407 Caloocan, Philippines
8. Paps Barbershop
Let its patrons tell you just how much they adore the staff in Paps Barbershop. This salon’s regulars revere their barbers’ skills, ensuring customers go out the door while stroking their freshly cut hair. Paps may leave you with the same feeling, too, and pretty soon, it’ll find another patron singing their praises in you! The shop is also diverse, as their barbers are quite proficient in styling women’s hair.
Quezon City Branch Address: 371 Tandang Sora Ave, Quezon City, 1128 Metro Manila
Valenzuela City Branch Address: M. H. del Pilar 1444 Valenzuela, Metro Manila
Jupiter Street Address: 2b Jupiter St, Project 8, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Also read: Where to Shop for Local Shampoo Bars in the Philippines
Whether you pick an affordable barbershop or a luxurious salon out of this list, one thing is for certain: You’ll definitely look your absolute best. Who knows, maybe you’ll develop a habit of always looking good — that’s what the best barbershops in Manila can give you. This, I can tell you!
There are still other barbershops around the metro. After all, there are so many talented barbers here that are just bursting at the seams with creativity. If you have any recommendations for us, let us know and we might just find a new destination for styling!
Featured image credit: Covent Grooming Lounge | Official Facebook Page
