The best barber shops in Chiang Mai

One of the best in the city, this barbershop is run by a group of highly-skilled barbers who also happen to be the most dapper men in town and also speak great English. If you’re after a classic quiff, sixties buzz or a simple beard trim and sharpen, this is the place to come. The vintage-style shop has expanded over the years, with the addition of a tattoo parlour and nearby vintage clothing shops to add to the atmosphere. It’s almost as if you need to dress up in your Sunday best to fit the scene, and at times, a dram of whisky or can of beer can make an appearance, making it the perfect stop-off for any city gentleman. Bookings only. 

B400-600. The Cutler Barbershop, Old City, Chiang Mai. 11am-7pm Mon-Fri and 12-7pm Sat-Sun

For a more street-style aesthetic, Skill Barber offers fast, clipper-heavy cuts by those who look better suited to a hiphop party than a barbershop. Their modern styles are famous across the city, perfecting a number of cut techniques from buzzcuts to intricate designs carved into high fades, something they like to call ‘hair tattoos’. At times you’ll find the crew hanging out the front of the shop with local rap artists and other famous folk looking for their latest fashion trim and while they do focus on men’s cuts, they can do punky, modern styles for both sexes if required. They also have a number of texture specialists for those who rock afros, cornrows and other black hairstyles.

B300-400. SKILL BARBER, Huay Kaew Road and Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai. 10am-8pm and 10am-9pm respectively.

Although a little lesser known, this shop is a real diamond in the rough – although judging by some of the scruffy heads walking in, it might be more of a battalion in the tangles. Tucked away in locations both in and out of the city square, this brother duo carve up some excellent styles in a clean, modern-meets-vintage setting. The Old City location is just around the corner from the upcoming Deaf Shop area, meaning you can get a trim then pop into the bar for a better and a flaunt if you so desire. For those out of the city, their Sansai venue makes for a trustworthy barber that’s away from the traffic and mayhem of inner Chiang Mai. 

B350-B500. Apirom Old Town in Old Town and Apirom Sansai in Sansai Noi, Chiang Mai. 9am-9pm

Although their Facebook has not been updated for over a year, this barbershop is still booming, with a steady flow of satisfied customers in and out of its doors. A little more traditional in its format, it offers a classic menu of trims, styles and beard trims at very reasonable prices. With a central Nimman location, they’re ideal for walk-ins and can sort you out in no time, so no more scruffy excuses when meeting a date in Chiang Mai’s hippest neighbourhood.

B100-400. 56 Barber Shop, Nimmanhaemin Road, Chiang Mai. 11am-9pm, closed Sun