Barbering is no longer a thing of the past, as the trade has been popularized by a new wave of barbers who not only understand the art of shaving but want to help those tired of the tedious morning chore. The straight razor shave is all the talk as it makes a comeback and offers men a chance to get primed and pampered. So in the spirit of Movember, here are a few of Montreal’s unique barbershops that will help gentlemen groom their broom.
Mint Barbershop
Working hard to keep you fresh is what these six barbers swear by with their innovative concept that pushes the limits of the classic Mint Barbershop. The spacious lounge includes wifi and a state-of-the-art entertainment system. The wait time will seem like a blast with options to play FIFA 14’on PS3 or grab a coffee and enjoy a movie on one of the flat-screens. When your turn is up, they offer the trendiest styles from the mo-hawk, faux-hawk, designs, fades, comb-overs, and high tops, but more than that, they promise to offer a bonding experience that will leave you coming back to see not only your barber, but your buddy.
Mint offers a cut and shave for $30.
7401 Boulevard Newman, Lasalle, QC H8N1X3
(514) 366-6468
Waxman House
Travel back to the 1920s as this triple threat historic shop offers the best beard trims, a café, and a tuxedo rental. For any who aspire to get the Jay Gatsby treatment, Waxman offers tailored treatment with their statement red chair. If you find yourself waiting, there are big friendly dogs walking around and sweet little seats by a back window. Also, word is, it turns into a speakeasy every now and then, but you didn’t hear it from us.
A beard trim rounds to about $15.
4605 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec H2V 4E4
(514) 845-8826
The Blue Dog Motel
Barber by day, bar by night, Blue Dog Motel has a dark and mysterious air to its two-seater space that resembles a powder room from Moulin Rouge. Enjoy a gin and tonic with a side of haircut and expect the best of the best with their impressive collection of hair pomade, including legendary Dutch brand Reuzel, that will have you looking perfectly primed. Don’t be fooled by the rugged exterior, because inside is nothing but a good time.
They offer a haircut for 25$ and a hot towel shave for 35$.
3958 Saint Laurent Boulevard, Montreal, QC H2W 1Y3
(514) 757-5865
Emporium Barbershop
A combination of the classic barbershops in London and the new way of barbering in Brooklyn is exactly what this one-stop shop for manly must-haves in Mile-Ex has to offer. A woodsy-scented wet shave to match their wood-paneled hipster joint brings back a sort of Elvis 1950s nostalgia. Throw back a whisky while you get your pompadour set or your moustache curled. The guys at Emporium Barbershop may seem vintage but they carry Germany’s finest Merkur razors.
A shampooing, haircut, and style costs $36 or $22 for a shave, $22 for a trim, and $12 for a beard trim.
283 Rue Saint Zotique Ouest, Montréal, Québec H2V 1A3
(514) 439-0898
Notorious Barbershop
In the middle of St. Henri, you will find the one-of-a-kind, Liberace meets Kanye West, barbershop. Decked out in gold trimmings, Notorious spares no expense. From the elaborate glass display, Versace’s iconic motif sprawled on the floor, and a thousand dollar shave, these barbers are all about making a statement. Along with the high-end treatment, Notorious brings a very vibrant hip-hop atmosphere to their shop, from the music they play to the fashion they sport. You are sure to leave feeling like a king.
A haircut will run at 30$, and a shave 25$.
4677 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H4C 1S7
(514) 507-6974
Chez Pasquale
At Chez Pasquale, it’s hard not to feel at home. They are all about hospitality, but offering their guests espresso and entertainment (NHL games on their LED screen, for starters) is just part of what they do. These barbers understand the needs of the everyday man by offering a luxurious and upscale service all at an affordable price. Their barbers are even featured on national education and tradeshow tours, so you know your cut will exceed expectations. Although they take their craft seriously, this shop knows how to let loose. Join their speakeasy Fridays or their 5 à 7 for drinks before or after a fresh groom.
Hair and shave combo for $30.
5184 Rue Beaubien Est, Montréal, Québec H1T 1W1
(514) 360-7132
Quality Cuts
Quality Cuts has been a labour of love for owner William Biney since 2010 and has recently opened a second shop in Ile Perrot. These barbers may be a little scissor happy but it’s because they understand the importance of sticking to the basics of what a barbershop was all about: a place for anyone to walk in and trust they will get quality time and service. Their logo, a pair of old-timey scissors, pays homage to their inspired craft, but don’t be mistaken, Quality Cuts is up-to-date on all trends and can offer the slickest of shaves and finest of cuts.
They offer a Royal Quality, a close razor shave and haircut for $40.
16400, Boulevard Gouin Ouest, Montréal, Québec H9H 1E1
(514) 684-4288
Kuts: New in Town
Kuts is ready to take on the barbershop scene in Montreal and their logo shows it: big bright neon scissors and built into them, a pair of brass knuckles. These hardcore barbers are gearing up for the fight and have only recently opened their doors in the heart of downtown. Catering to men of all ages and styles, Kuts can do everything from cuts and fades to an old fashioned hot towel shave. Covered with rustic brick both inside and out, this location is quaint with a hip hop ambience that is sure to get your groom on.
A haircut and shave will cost you $40 and a shave will cost you $20.
1453 Rue Lambert Closse, Montreal, QC H3H 1Z5
(514) 658-5887
Side note: Check out Groom, an all natural men’s care product line handcrafted in Montreal. You can test the beard oil and wax for free or purchase it at Salon Fox, Chez Pasquale, and Kuts.