Finding a good barber is one of those small things that makes a surprisingly big difference to your life. When you've got the right one, you look forward to going. You trust them, you know what to expect, and you leave feeling better than when you walked in. When you haven't found the right fit, every visit feels like a gamble.
Whether you've just moved to a new area or you're simply ready for a change, here are seven things worth paying attention to.
This is the obvious starting point, and for good reason. Online reviews give you the unfiltered experience of real clients. Google reviews are generally the most reliable because they're harder to fake and people tend to be more honest.
Don't just look at the overall star rating. Read the actual reviews. Pay attention to what people mention repeatedly. If multiple reviews talk about attention to detail, friendliness, or the barber taking time to get things right, that's a genuine pattern. If there are recurring complaints about rushed cuts or poor communication, take note.
A high volume of reviews matters too. A barbershop with 4.8 stars from nearly 100 reviews is a more reliable indicator than one with 5 stars from six reviews. Volume means consistency.
This one is non-negotiable. A good barbershop should be visibly clean. The chairs, the tools, the floor, the capes: everything should look maintained. Used blades should be disposed of properly, clipper guards should be sanitised between clients, and fresh towels should be standard.
You can usually tell within seconds of walking in. If the place looks like it hasn't been swept since Tuesday, that tells you something about the standards across the board. A barber who keeps their space clean tends to be someone who takes pride in their work generally.
A good barber doesn't just ask "what are we doing today?" and start cutting. They have a proper conversation. They'll ask about your lifestyle, your daily routine, how much time you spend on styling, and what you liked or didn't like about your last cut.
This matters because the same haircut can look very different depending on hair type, face shape, and growth patterns. A barber who takes two minutes to understand what you're after will produce a better result than one who assumes they know based on a quick glance.
If you're trying a new style, a good barber will also be honest about whether it will work for your hair. That kind of directness is a feature, not a flaw. You want someone who'll steer you right, not just agree with whatever you ask for.
Some barbershops focus exclusively on short, clipper-heavy cuts. Others are equally comfortable with longer styles, scissor work, beard trims, and children's cuts. Depending on what you need, it's worth checking that the shop can actually deliver it.
Look at the services they list. A shop that offers a variety of services, from standard haircuts to skin fades, beard shaping, and children's cuts, is more likely to have versatile barbers who can handle whatever you throw at them.
If you've got specific needs (curly hair techniques, razor fades, hot towel shaves), ask about them directly. Most good barbers are happy to talk about what they do well.
There was a time when every barbershop was walk-in only. Some still are, and that works for people with flexible schedules. But if you're fitting a haircut around work, school runs, or other commitments, the ability to book a specific time slot is a genuine quality-of-life improvement.
Online booking in particular is worth looking for. Being able to book at 10pm on a Sunday when you suddenly remember you need a cut before a meeting on Monday is a small luxury that saves a surprising amount of hassle. No phone tag, no waiting in a queue. Just pick a slot and turn up.
You should never sit down in a barber's chair without knowing what the cut is going to cost. A good barbershop makes their pricing clear, whether on their website, on a board in the shop, or both.
Pricing doesn't need to be the cheapest in town. What matters is that it's fair, clearly communicated, and consistent. Hidden charges, vague pricing, or fees that seem to change depending on who's cutting are all red flags.
Good value isn't about finding the lowest price. It's about getting a cut you're genuinely happy with, from someone who takes their time, at a price you knew about beforehand. A £15 haircut that you love is better value than a £10 one that you don't.
This is subjective, but it matters more than people think. A barbershop is somewhere you'll visit every few weeks, often for twenty to thirty minutes at a time. The atmosphere should feel comfortable. Some people want a lively shop with music and banter. Others prefer somewhere quieter and more focused. Neither is better. It's about what suits you.
The best way to gauge atmosphere is to visit. Walk in, have a look around, and see how it feels. Watch how the barbers interact with clients. Are they friendly? Do they seem to enjoy what they're doing? Is there a good energy in the room? These things are hard to quantify but easy to feel.
You don't need all seven of these things to be perfect on the first visit. What matters is finding a barber you trust and feel comfortable with. Once you've found that, everything else tends to follow.
If you're in the Penrith area and looking for a new barber, we'd love to see you at Barbers Penrith. We've got 97 Google reviews at a 4.8 rating, online booking so you can grab a slot whenever it suits you, clear pricing on all our services, and a relaxed atmosphere where you'll feel welcome from your first visit.
We're based on Skirksgill Lane in Eamont Bridge, just outside Penrith. Book online or call us on 01768 866472.