Thinking about barber training in Manchester?
Looking for barber training in Manchester? Discover what to look for in a course and how MEKK Education builds practical skills in a working barbershop.
There’s definitely no shortage of barbershops in Manchester, and it can be difficult to find the right one for you based on their services, expertise and location. We’ve put together a list of some of the best barbershops in Manchester based in different locations around the city, so whether you’ve just moved to Manchester, started university, changed jobs, or simply fancy trying somewhere new, you can find a trusted barbershop that suits you.
MEKK Studios - Ancoats
Location: 77 Lever Street, Ancoats, Manchester, M1 1FL
Website: MEKK Barbershop
If you’re looking for a barbershop in Manchester that is easy to reach from almost anywhere in the city, MEKK Studios is a strong place to start. Located on Lever Street in Ancoats, the barbershop is just a short walk from the Northern Quarter and Manchester city centre, making it a convenient choice whether you’re travelling in from Ancoats, the Northern Quarter, Piccadilly or elsewhere in the city.
One of the aspects of MEKK that’s unique is the variety of services they provide. Each of the barbers at MEKK comes from different backgrounds; therefore, they wanted to create a barbershop that served the diverse community of Manchester. Alongside traditional men’s haircuts such as fades, mullets and scissor cuts, the MEKK barbers also have extensive experience with cutting Afro and curly textures and have an experienced braids and dreadlock stylist on-site.
The shop itself has a sleek, modern feel and relaxed atmosphere. It was important to the barbers of MEKK to create an inviting, friendly and professional environment where clients didn’t have to sacrifice a great cut or a good vibe. The team has built a strong community around the barbershop through MEKK Social Circle, which hosts activities including running sessions, boxing, BBQs and charity events. The barbershop also provides barber education to help developing barbers build their practical skills and confidence.
For anyone searching for barbers in Manchester and wanting a modern, accessible shop with a broad range of barbering skills, MEKK Studios has a lot to offer.
The Butcher’s Chop Shop - Royal Exchange
Location: Unit 8, Royal Exchange Arcade, Cross Street, Manchester, M2 1WE
Instagram: The Butcher’s Chop Shop
Right in the middle of Manchester city centre, The Butcher’s Chop Shop can be found inside the Royal Exchange Arcade, making it a convenient option if you’re already shopping, working or spending time around Cross Street and Market Street.
The shop has a playful, butcher-like design and offers a range of barbering services, including haircuts, close shaves and children’s cuts. The team originally opened the shop with more than 15 years of combined barbering experience and pride themselves on excellent male grooming with a fun, modern twist.
It’s particularly convenient if you’re searching for a barber near you in Manchester city centre and want somewhere that is easy to reach without heading into one of the city’s outer neighbourhoods.
NOTJUST - Northern Quarter
Location: Unit 3, The Astley, 61 Houldsworth Street, Manchester, M1 2FA
Website: NOTJUST Barbers
NOTJUST takes a contemporary approach to barbering, in a very sleek and aesthetic barbershop environment. Their Manchester shop is located on Houldsworth Street, sitting between the Northern Quarter and Ancoats, so it’s a great option for those working or living around those areas.
The interior is deliberately modern and considered, with the brand placing as much emphasis on the environment as the services. They describe their approach to barbering as combining craftsmanship, service and community with minimal design, creating an experience that feels different from a traditional barbershop.
NOTJUST also has a second location in Stockport’s Underbanks, at 35 Great Underbank, making the brand an option for customers living further south of Manchester.
Flanagans - MediaCity
Location: Unit 3, The Garage, MediaCityUK, Salford, M50 2TG
Website: Flanagans Barbers
If you’re based around MediaCity, Salford Quays or the surrounding area, Flanagans is a great option for a barber within walking distance for you.
Established in 1993, Flanagans describes itself as a high-end traditional barbershop, combining classic barbering with modern male grooming techniques. The MediaCity branch is located within The Garage at MediaCityUK, making it particularly convenient for people working or living around Salford Quays.
Flanagans is a long-standing barbering brand with several locations across the North West, including Manchester city centre, Didsbury and Wilmslow, and has been part of the region’s barbering scene for more than three decades.
414 Barbershop - Salford
Location: 269 Chapel Street, Salford, M3 5JY
Website: 414 Barbershop
Located on Chapel Street in Salford, 414 Barbershop is a modern barbershop that combines traditional barbering with a contemporary approach. It’s particularly convenient for anyone living around Salford or studying at the University of Salford, as the barbershop is a short walk down the road from the main Salford campus.
The interior of 414 Barbershop is exciting, with skateboards, graffiti-inspired artwork, stickers and bold visual details, creating a relaxed, energetic space with a retro feel. It has the character of somewhere that feels rooted in the local community, with the eclectic décor helping to create an environment where conversation, music and laughter are all part of the environment.
The team has more than 10 years of experience across precision cuts and classic shaving techniques. They offer services ranging from standard haircuts and clipper cuts to longer hairstyles, beard services and hot-towel grooming experiences.
Oxford Road Barbers - Oxford Road
Location: 105 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6EX
Website: Oxford Road Barbers
For students and anyone living or working around Oxford Road, Oxford Road Barbers is a conveniently located option. The shop is close to Manchester Oxford Road station and within easy reach of the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Inside, Oxford Road Barbers has a warm and welcoming feel, with natural wood, traditional barbering details and a cosy atmosphere that makes the shop feel instantly approachable.
The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, which is a perfect break from the busy Oxford Road community. Whether you’re a student heading for a cut between lectures or simply looking for a reliable barber near you in Manchester, it’s a great option to consider.
Barber Barber - Barton Arcade
Location: 3 Barton Arcade, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BH
Website: Barber Barber
Tucked inside Manchester’s historic Barton Arcade, Barber Barber offers an experience that feels a world away from the polished, minimalist feel of many modern barbershops. The interior is packed with character, from dark wood finishes to the framed photographs and vintage details that line the walls. Combined with the ornate Victorian architecture of Barton Arcade itself, the barbershop feels almost like stepping back into another era of traditional men’s grooming.
That old-school atmosphere is at the heart of the Barber Barber experience. The brand was founded by Johnny Baba more than 25 years ago with a desire to celebrate the traditions of classic barbering in the modern world. Traditional techniques such as wet shaving and beard sculpting remain an important part of what they do, with the team placing a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Barber Barber is particularly convenient for anyone working or spending time around Deansgate, Spinningfields and Manchester city centre. If you’re looking for a barbershop in Manchester where the surroundings are just as distinctive as the barbering itself, Barber Barber is certainly one to experience.
Find the Best Barber Near You
The barbershops listed above are our top picks for some of the best places to get a haircut around Manchester, chosen for their combination of quality barbering, atmosphere and convenient locations. From traditional grooming in the heart of the city to creative, community-focused shops in Ancoats, Salford and the surrounding areas, Manchester has a brilliant range of barbers to choose from. Ultimately, the best barber for you will come down to your personal style, the type of cut you’re looking for and the kind of atmosphere you enjoy.
So, if you’re searching for barbers in Manchester, looking for a barbershop near you, or simply ready to find somewhere that feels like your kind of place, we hope one of our top picks is the place for you, and we’d always welcome you to experience our store, MEKK Barbershop.
