Jordan McCraeThe worst haircut I ever got came with a side of instant regret—sharper than the scissors themselves. I was overseas, the barber didn’t speak a word of English, and my attempt at pantomiming “just a trim” clearly didn’t land.
After that, I became a lot more careful about where (and who) I trusted with my hair. When I shared the story with the rest of the Auckland Magazine writing team, I found out I wasn’t alone. Everyone had their own horror story with barbers.
So we decided to do something about it. Between us, we booked cuts, beard trims, and clean-ups at shops all over the city. We also talked to other locals to get insight on places we couldn’t try ourselves.
After plenty of cuts and conversations, we finally narrowed down the list. Here are the barbershops we trust with our hair—and our dignity.
How much does it cost to go to the barbershop in Auckland?
It costs at least $30 to get your hair done at a barbershop in Auckland. This is just an estimate. The final price will depend on the type of haircut you get and any beard grooming.
1. Kiwicutz.Co
Address: 241 Church Street, Onehunga
Contact Details: +64 20 100 0786
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 3:30 PM
If you’re after a no-fuss, reliable haircut that won’t break the bank, Kiwicutz.Co is the spot. Whether you’re after a classic scissor cut, a sharp zero fade, or a beard trim, they can do it—and they do it well.
One of the things we really appreciate is that walk-in system. Even the regulars we talked to said they love being able to pop in whenever it suits them—no appointments or waiting weeks for a slot.
With nearly 20 years of experience, the team clearly knows their craft. One customer mentioned how the barber remembered his preferred skin fade from a previous visit, and finished it off with a straight razor and that signature aromatic hot towel.
One of our researchers also tried their service and really loved the mid-fade cut that he received. He said he really loved how the barber was able to quickly understand what he wanted, even without an extremely detailed description.
Parents also speak highly of the kid-friendly vibe. The barbers are quick when doing kids’ cuts. They’re also calm and great with children, making sure everyone leaves happy.
The only downside? Since it’s walk-in only, you might have to wait up to 20 minutes sometimes.
The quality of the cut is excellent
“Awesome barber! Takes his time to make sure you’re getting what you want and the quality of the cut is excellent. Great chat and nicely presented shop with good parking. Cheers!”
–Eddie, Google Reviews
He always does a great job
“Mohammed is my go-to barber! It is never easy finding a great barber so I am stoked to have found him. He always does a great job and I enjoy having a chat with him while he is applying his craft. He even breaks out the cut throat razor to sharpen up the fade, gets the eye brows under control and gives you a hot towel at the end for a relaxing finish. Excellent service!”
–Simon O, Google Reviews
2. Gents & Rascals BarberShop
Address: 1/188 Quay Street, Auckland Central
Contact Details: +64 9 303 0343
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Gents & Rascals BarberShop is best for anyone in the city who needs a quality cut on their own schedule. Walk-ins are welcome, making it a lifesaver for last-minute tidy-ups or busy days.
Customers consistently praise the friendly staff and the reliable scissor cuts, crisp fades, and clean beard trims.
We love that the barbers take their time with an in-depth consultation, so you get exactly the look you want.
Each haircut includes a razor finish around the edges and back of the neck, a shampoo, dry and style, and a relaxing hot towel at the end.
The shop even offers expert luxurious wet shaves, with an excellent attention to detail that keeps regulars coming back.
Parents also appreciate that older kids (over 10) get the same careful service as adults, though they charge full price for kids’ cuts since they don’t rush the job.
That said, they don’t cut hair for children under 10, so families with younger kids will need to look elsewhere.
Did an amazing job with my hair
“After having a bad experience at another barber, I decided to give these guys ago! Was served by Emily and she did an amazing job with my hair! This place will be my new go to!”
–Wade Veldsman, Google Reviews
Always leaves me walking out the barbershop stoked
“Emily is a top Barber. Consistently takes equal amount of care and precision each time I visit. Always leaves me walking out the barbershop stoked with the result.Highly recommend!”
–Dominic Palfrey, Google Reviews
3. Paris Barber
Address: 4/23 Shortland Street, Auckland Central
Contact Details: +64 9 368 4551
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Paris Barber stands out for its welcoming approach to both men’s and ladies’ barbering. With over 20 years in the business, this shop is known for taking the time to get your style right.
For ladies, the experience starts with a thoughtful consultation. People love how the barber listens to what you want and then suggests a cut that would suit your face.
Customers rave about the extra touches: the wash, conditioner, and blow-dry finish made many feel pampered. Men appreciate the precision and care, whether it’s a sharp cut with a straight razor finish or a simple buzz.
Others go on and on about the beard trims. People love the hot towel and beard oil at the end, saying it made their beard feel softer than ever.
The full shave experience is another customer favorite. Their clients admit that it’s relaxing, and their skin feels so smooth afterward. The hot towel and aftershave are the perfect finishing touches.
Parents say Paris Barber is great with kids as well. Several parents commented on the patience of these barbers. However, sometimes there’s a bit of a wait, especially on weekends.
Gave me one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had
”River was perfect. A true professional and master at his craft. He not only gave me one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had, but conversation as well. The shop had a great vibe and everyone was very friendly. Highly recommend.”
–Jacob Garcia, Google Reviews
Know the best cuts to give for different hair
”I’ve been going to Paris Barber for over half a year now, and I’ve consistently left more than satisfied with my cuts. Bayan is hands down the best barber I’ve ever had. Not only does he know the best cuts to give for different hair types, but he’s also just an all-around great guy. I can’t emphasise enough how highly I recommend his services & Paris Barber.“
–Oliver Kumarich, Google Reviews
4. Whistle and Flute
Address: 486 New North Road, Kingsland
Contact Details: +64 9 218 7980
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Whistle and Flute is perfect for anyone who wants a sharp, stylish cut by award-winning stylists. We love that the barbers here bring experience from all around the world and always seem to be on top of the latest trends and techniques.
Although appointments are required, people actually appreciate this because it means you get dedicated, unrushed attention every time.
One thing we can’t get enough of is their extra face spa experience. Having a cleanser, mask, toner, and moisturiser applied—plus a soothing massage—feels so relaxing and refreshing.
We also think the ear and nose waxing is a great touch for anyone wanting that extra polished finish—it’s quick, painless, and makes a real difference.
Their services cover everything from restyles and buzz cuts to beard trims and cut throat shaves, and we love that they welcome kids 15 and under. It makes life easier for families, and the staff are great with little ones.
If there’s one thing we’d change, it’s the grey blend service. While many love how natural it looks for softening grey hair, several people admitted to wishing it lasted a bit longer between visits.
Super attentive, skilled, and very professional.
“Ana is simply amazing! Super attentive, skilled, and very professional. The haircut was perfect—exactly how I wanted it. The place is clean, welcoming, and has such a great vibe. Highly recommended—I’m definitely coming back. Thank you, Ana! 💇♀️✂️✨”
–Brunna Siquera, Google Reviews
The precision of the cuts is top-notch
“Absolutely love getting my hair cut here! The precision of the cuts is top-notch, and the fades are some of the best I’ve had. Matt is awesome — highly skilled, knowledgeable, and clearly a pro at what he does. Always a great experience!”
–Umberto Lissignoli, Google Reviews
5. Tokoya Barber & Shop
Address: 279 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Contact Details: +64 9 378 4477
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Tokoya Barber & Shop is for anyone who values Japanese precision and a unique, calming grooming experience.
Haircuts here are truly a cut above the rest. The razor clean-up on the neck is flawless, and it’s reassuring to know they use a fresh blade every time.
The hot towel shave is a real treat and leaves skin feeling incredible. Regulars appreciate how precise the barbers are with beard shaping and line-ups; they always manage to get it exactly how they like it, every single time.
We also love that their extra waxing options—from eyebrows to upper lip—are done with both skill and top-notch hygiene.
Booking online is super easy and convenient, and we appreciate how punctual they are with appointments. The only thing we’d mention is the strict cancellation policy.
If you cancel within 90 minutes of your appointment, you’ll be charged 50% of the service fee, and no-shows are charged in full. It can catch you off guard if you need to cancel at the last minute, so it’s worth keeping in mind.
Friendly and welcoming environment
”Excellent haircut from Justin at Tokoya. Very friendly and welcoming environment barbershop. Also Kaori did awesome facial treatment, which my skin feels & looks a lot better already.”
–Sehwan Kim, Google Reviews
Always an amazing experience
“Always an amazing experience coming into the shop to have a fade cut. Jojo is very skilled and friendly – highly recommended.“
–Arloyd Santos, Google Reviews
