Long Hair Short: The Best Barbershops for Superior Male Grooming in Beijing

There's much to be said about cultivating a true gentleman. Manners, wisdom, and civility are just a few of the features to be found amongst honorable men, but as they say, you only get one first impression, meaning that on the surface, a dapper style in today's fast-paced society can be just as important as strength of character. And what better place to start than with an expertly manicured coiffure?

Not every hairdresser is created equal, however. Whereas one might work wonders with ladies’ hair, it may falter in the field of untamed cowlicks, man-buns, and scraggly beards. Likewise, a good barbershop isn't simply a place to get your hair cut. Rather, it should foster a sense of community, the kind of place where the barbers know your name, and they're always happy to catch up. Luckily, Beijing is host to a number of barbershops well-versed in both local hairstyles and more Western-leaning cuts, meaning that – barring another four-month quarantine – there's no excuse to walk around with a shaggy 'do.

AllCity Barbershop

The Gulou-turned-Chaowai Soho barbershop, AllCity, boasts a retro vibe and an impressive visitor list with founder Luda having cut basketball greats Dwayne Wade and Jeremy Lin, as well as Chongqing rapper Gai. The shop is well-equipped and boasts an arsenal of specially-designed clippers for precise styles, and besides pompadours and side parts, they also offer afro and dreadlock packages.

Daily, 11am-8pm. B1, Building A, Chaowai Soho, 6 Chaowai Street, Chaoyang District (135 5265 8042)

Zuotoushi Barbershop (做头士)

Despite Zuotoushi's name being a pun on the Beatles (披头士 in Chinese), most of their customers aren't looking to get a '60s-inspired mop-top. Between their scarlet chairs and classic checkerboard floor, the interior is as classy as their cuts, and each station is equipped with its own rinse sink, making for a relaxing spa-like experience. If you're the type of person who gets frustrated with the inability to reshape and recapture your new look just days after getting it, grab some product from Zuotoushi's exclusive range and ask the barbers for tips – they'll be more than happy to oblige.

Daily, 11am-9pm. 1047, B1, Tower 1, Wangjing Soho, Futong West Street, Chaoyang District (8478 4606)

Jiandeman Barbershop (剪得慢)

Don’t let its vintage American interior fool you; a healthy dose of laid-back old-Beijing essence and erguotou are what keep this barbershop running. Located underground, Jiandeman Barbershop evokes vibes of a true “man cave,” albeit not for your typical beer-guzzling sports fan. Graffiti, neon lights, tatted barbers, and shelves of classic movies and anime figurines create a space in which to relax and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Their tool kits are fit for styling multiple types of hair, and their barbers are known for taming the wildest beards. Extra points if you go on a day when the notoriously hilarious podcast, “Beijing Bro Talk Show,” is being recorded upstairs. 

Daily, 1-10pm. Bldg 1, 4 Guangxijiayuan, Liufang North Road, Chaoyang District (135 0108 8013)

DL Barbershop

Haidian's DL Barbershop is bringing swagger to the masses on Beijing's west side. Despite its small size and somewhat hidden location, DL is the definition of a neighborhood barber and is a local fixture for nearby basketball fans who, while not getting new cuts, can bide their time looking over the array of signed sneakers and merch from famous basketball players that line the wall.

Daily, 10am-8pm (closed Thursdays). A422 Linglongtiandi, Linglongtiandi Road, Haidian District (166 0124 3188)

TwoFace (双面理发馆)

Looking for a more refined experience? TwoFace has you covered. Easily the swankiest addition on this list, TwoFace's art deco-inspired design and mosaic floor distinguishes it from the grittier aesthetics of some of Beijing's other barbershops. It's also the only barbershop here that caters to both women and men, which isn't to say that they don’t have the skills to be considered one of Beijing's leading barbershops. On the contrary, TwoFace's bread and butter is vintage slicked-back, Brylcreem-heavy styles with short sides and long, combed back wavy and straight tops for the discerning gentleman.

Daily, 10am-9pm. L202-203, 2/F, China World Mall, 1 Jianguomen Dajie, Chaoyang District (6505 5217); B1, 3.3 Mall, 33 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (5745 1230)

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Images: Allef Vinicius (via Unsplash), courtesy of the venues