Best Barber Shops In Columbus

“Radio edit:
Paul is an artist, and I leave looking and feeling like “a weapon” every single time.

Extended cut:
I had always loved getting a haircut. Unfortunately, I had looked for a couple years to find a great barber after moving to Columbus and tried most of the top shops. You name it, it happened: many, many mediocre cuts, some truly bad barbering, a skin infection from a dirtier shop, and flakey, cancel-happy barbers. I was losing hope.

Despite their reputation and amazing pictures on social media, I walked into Soft Skull for the first time with low expectations. I am delighted to report that I was wrong.

Paul is the epitome of thicc gym bro, and he is also kind, respectful, and warm—a gifted people-person and conversationalist. (I am not, so this helps.) After asking what I wanted from my haircut and listening attentively, he walked me through his plans for my hair and beard and why he had chosen it based on my head shape, hair type, growth directions, color, and more. Then, he took his time and crafted the best haircut I’ve ever had, and walked me through care and styling. Some of my friends and students agreed in unsolicited commentary that it was, indeed, the best haircut they’d ever seen on me. It also grew out beautifully.

The shop itself is immaculately clean. It is also one of the only shops where I have never overheard conversation among the barbers/stylists that is misogynistic or homophobic—it’s a wonderful thing when people are confident in what they do and don’t need to constantly put others down to feel good about themselves.

Highly recommend.

To Paul: thanks for restoring my haircut joy. Long live Soft Skull.“

“Walked in with my son and we had a great experience! Ivan gave my son the best haircut he's ever had, by a long shot. We live in Florida but periodically visit Ohio, so now I'll be trying to time visits that align when my son needs his next cut. Great environment, skilled barbers, highly recommend! This really gave my son confidence before starting the school year. Thank you Ivan and Annex!“

“Hands down, best of the best here! Dakota's my guy, anyone and everyone can step in and give you an A-1 cut if you're main guy is out, this is huge in my opinion. The team is always sharing tips, techniques, ways of doing things with eachother, striving to always better themselves. Nothing but love for the fellas at The Garrison, stand up/straight up squad!!!“

“Best haircut of my life. This guy guys gets it. Had the best convos and made me feel like a friend.

Go to this guy“

“Fantastic Barber ( Chris Phillips) he took his time and explained the style I asked for and helped get the right style. My hair was long and he took his time making sure it looks as asked. Highly recommend this barbershop especially Chris. ?“

“I had been looking for a barber in Columbus for a few years now and after visiting A Cut Above The Rest I finally found my permanent barber. I made an appointment and was greeted upon walking in and had a very nice gentleman named Will cut my hair. He went above and beyond with my cut and beard trim and had me looking like a million bucks when I left. The conversation and vibes in the shop were amazing as well. Thank you to Will and A Cut Above The Rest for the amazing service and I look forward to my next cut.“

“Amazing service, went in as a walk-in, they took me in despite being late in the day. I was provided excellent service. Will be back!“

“It was my first time in the shop and I already can't wait to come back. Emily cut my hair and did an outstanding job. I was impressed by how naturally she listened to me and made personal recommendations for my hair—and I really love the cut!

The online scheduling is super easy and the shop is cute, clean, and comfortable. You can tell it's the kind of place where they really care about the work they do and the people they serve.“

“Fresh Clean CutsThe first place I’ve been to since moving to Columbus and the last. I will be a repeat customer for as log as I’m living downtown! Very clean cuts, competitive prices, and great environment! This place is perfect for any and all, especially working professionals.Services: Beard trim“

“Walked by this with my friend and stopped in for a cut the next day. Space was nice, it was a hot day and surprised to find the bus was actually pretty chilled. Kevin Berry is an excellent barber, good conversation and great work.Service: Long haircut“

“Jimmy Breen's isn't a large place. It appears to have been made out of a shipping container and refurbished into a barber shop with 3 chairs. But that doesn't really matter. What matters is they know how to cut hair. To be honest I've only ever gone to Sean. He's a super friendly guy and I'm always happy with the cut he gives me. I actually tracked him down when he left the previous shop I was frequenting him at because I gotta keep looking this good lol The other barbers are friendly too and their customers always walk away looking fresh from what I've seen. You won't be disappointed.“

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“Tiffany was amazing, which I knew she would be as she is my regular stylist that I was blessed to meet over a year ago. She came out to our wedding venue and did almost everyone of my special ladies hair and mine...9 styles in one morning, even styles she didn't anticipate doing, she was gracious enough to still service them. She didn't leave until she was sure I felt and looked my absolute best. Visit her shop you won't regret it. Thank you Tiffany, blessings!“

“Been coming here since just after Covid. Great place, wonderful staff and awesome haircuts.“

“The only place my boyfriend will get his hair cut. Ted is so nice and very professional and thorough. Gets it perfect every time!“

“Best haircut my son has had in ages . He left happy. Comfortable family atmosphere. This will be our new regular spot“

“Otis is a friendly professional guy that enjoys getting to know his customers on a first name basis. I like the old time atmosphere of his shop.“

“Was recommended to start coming here by a friend for my son. My son doesn’t do well with hair cuts. When we first came to Jamel he was very attentive to my son’s needs and was completely understanding and willing to work with him. I would recommend anyone needing a barber to come to him.“

“The shops been in business since the 1920’s! Did I hear that right!? Wow! It’s a real barber shop with the candy cane swirly pole and all. The haircut was spot on what I was trying to ask for, which seemed easy for the experienced barberette. But considering it was my first time in here, I felt like she interpreted my bumbling description really well! Is barberette a word ? It is now!The location has been in this building for the last year, and had been in its previous space for 39 years! Lots of parking, just follow the sound of bzzzzbzzzzz after you first walk into the 1500 labeled main doors, and you’ll be on your way to a great cut!“

“Simply the best Barber in Columbus! Walk-ins welcome, rarely a long wait, and the best cut every time!“

“Cash only! But worth every penny spent took a friend here got a haircut within 5 minutes completely done in 20 minutes out the door looks good definitely recommend and be back again“

“Jenny is a wonderful hairdresser. Always kind and sincere and does her best to give you the haircut your wanting“

“Chris did a great job with my grandsons haircut. Jackson is 4 years old and Chris was very patient with him. Made Jackson feel comfortable during his haircut.“

“This neighborhood institution has a great range of friendly and experienced barbers.

Hair type: Thick hair in a shorter style

Stylist: Meredith“

“More that six decades of cutting hair! Old school barber gives manly haircuts to manly men! Best deal in Whitehall!“