Every time a client visiting Denver asks me where to get a good cut, I give them the same advice: skip the chains and find a real barbershop. From heritage shops near the 16th Street Mall to craft-cocktail-serving parlours in RiNo, Denver’s barber culture is built on community, creativity, and Colorado cool. Whether you need a precision skin fade, a classic straight razor shave, or expert beard work, these are the 10 best barber shops in Denver — hand-picked and evaluated by a professional barber with over 20 years of experience.
Each shop has been evaluated on cut quality, hygiene, atmosphere, pricing, and real customer reviews. Not sure what style to ask for? Try our Haircut Finder quiz before your appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Semion, Alfanis, and Barber Theory consistently rank among Denver’s top-rated barbershops for cut quality and customer reviews.
- Standard men’s haircuts in Denver range from $30–$45, with premium services starting at $50+.
- Walk-ins are welcome at most shops, but popular barbers like Alfanis often book weeks ahead — call first.
- Capitol Hill, RiNo, and downtown Denver are the city’s three main barbershop hubs.
- Every shop on this list was evaluated on cut quality, hygiene, atmosphere, pricing, and real customer reviews by a professional barber.
How We Selected These Barber Shops
As a professional barber with over 20 years of hands-on experience, I evaluate barbershops differently than a typical reviewer. Here is what I looked for when compiling this list:
- Google rating of 4.0+ with at least 50 verified reviews
- Range of services — shops that can handle fades, classic cuts, beard work, and specialty styles
- Hygiene and tool quality — clean stations, sterilised tools, fresh capes
- Barber skill and communication — do they listen and consult before cutting?
- Atmosphere and professionalism — welcoming environment for all clients
- Active presence — recent photos on social media showing current work
Last verified: March 2026. Prices, hours, and ratings may change. We recommend calling ahead to confirm.
1. Semion Barbershop (Capitol Hill)
Specialties: Precision fades, scissor cuts, beard trims, grey blending
Why Choose It: Named Denver’s best barbershop by 5280 Magazine for five consecutive years, Semion has grown from a single chair to four locations across the metro. Their 7-day worry-free guarantee on every service shows just how confident they are in their work.
What Book of Barbering Liked: With a 4.8 rating and over 1,700 Google reviews at the Lincoln location alone, Semion delivers consistency at scale. The barbers are equally skilled with clippers and scissors, and the online booking system makes walk-in anxiety a thing of the past.
2. Ollie’s Barbershop (Wash Park)
Specialties: Classic cuts, straight razor shaves, head shaves
Why Choose It: Family-owned since 2009, Ollie’s is a Denver institution in the Wash Park neighbourhood. The vintage décor and meticulous sanitisation standards create a barbershop experience that feels both nostalgic and thoroughly professional.
What Book of Barbering Liked: At $30 for a haircut that includes a straight razor neck shave, Ollie’s offers exceptional value. The 4.6-star rating across 350+ reviews reflects a shop that puts craft above everything. Their $15 buzz cut is one of the best deals in Denver.
3. The Usual (Five Points)
Specialties: Men’s cuts, straight razor shaves, classic styling
Why Choose It: Tucked into Denver’s historic Five Points neighbourhood, The Usual is an appointment-only shop that prizes quality over volume. The clean, professional atmosphere and great value pricing have built a loyal following since opening.
What Book of Barbering Liked: At $35 for a classic haircut that includes a hot lather neck shave, The Usual punches well above its price point. The barbers here genuinely listen to what you want and take their time getting it right — no rush, no upselling.
4. Alfanis Barber Shop (Capitol Hill)
Specialties: Expert fades, hot towel shaves, beard styling
Why Choose It: Located on the iconic Colfax Avenue, Alfanis has earned a legendary reputation with over 1,000 five-star reviews. The shop’s $10-off first-visit discount is generous, but the real draw is the consistently excellent fades and the vibrant, welcoming energy.
What Book of Barbering Liked: A 4.9 rating at this volume of reviews is almost unheard of. Alfanis barbers are fade specialists who can handle any texture and style. Fair warning: the shop has become so popular that appointments often book a month out.
5. Frank’s Barber Shop (RiNo / Larimer)
Specialties: Classic shaves, beard grooming, gentlemen’s grooming
Why Choose It: Two blocks from Coors Field, Frank’s is Denver’s original gentlemen’s salon — a space where craft beer, warm towels, and precision cuts come together. Winner of Westword’s Best Men’s Pampering Palace, this is where you go when you want to be treated like royalty.
What Book of Barbering Liked: The full-service experience at Frank’s is unmatched in Denver. From the complimentary local craft beer to the hot lather straight razor finish, every detail screams premium. The 4.8 rating across nearly 500 reviews confirms this is the real deal.
6. Spruce Barbershop (Berkeley / Tennyson)
Specialties: Modern cuts, style consulting, beard trims
Why Choose It: More than just a barbershop, Spruce is a full style consultancy with an in-house clothier on Denver’s trendy Tennyson Street. Created by husband-and-wife team Taylor and Becca Romero, it blends rustic charm with modern sophistication.
What Book of Barbering Liked: Complimentary beverages — including beer — while you wait set the tone. The barbers at Spruce deliver consistently excellent cuts in a space that feels more like a private club than a barbershop. Walk-ins are welcome seven days a week.
7. BarberX (RiNo Art District)
Specialties: Signature cuts, traditional shaves, beard grooming
Why Choose It: Located beneath The Source Hotel in Denver’s creative RiNo Art District, BarberX is a Reuzel-certified shop that marries classic barbering technique with a modern, community-driven atmosphere. Free parking and complimentary beer sweeten the deal.
What Book of Barbering Liked: The Signature Haircut includes a scalp massage and hot lather neck shave — details that elevate a standard cut into an experience. With a 4.8 rating across 380 reviews, BarberX consistently delivers precision work in one of Denver’s coolest neighbourhoods.
8. Chopz Men’s Salon (Capitol Hill)
Specialties: Skin fades, beard trims, men’s grooming, colour
Why Choose It: Chopz goes beyond the standard barbershop with a full men’s salon experience — haircuts, facials, waxing, manicures, and massages all under one roof. If you want more than just a cut, this Capitol Hill gem has you covered.
What Book of Barbering Liked: A 4.8 rating across 538 reviews speaks to the consistency here. The skin/razor fades at $50 are expertly executed, and the beard trims at $15 are a steal. American Crew certified stylists ensure you’re in qualified hands.
9. Stan’s Downtown Barbers (Downtown / Champa)
Specialties: Bald fades, flat tops, straight razor shaves
Why Choose It: Family-owned and operating since 1983, Stan’s is a Denver institution with four downtown locations. The Champa Street flagship sits near the 16th Street Mall, making it the go-to spot for downtown professionals who want a quality cut on their lunch break.
What Book of Barbering Liked: Stan’s signature cut at $45 includes expert consultation and a straight razor neck finish. The barbers here specialise in everything from clipper fades to classic scissor cuts and flat tops — a range of skills that speaks to decades of experience.
10. Barber Theory (LoHi / Platte)
Specialties: Precision cuts, modern styling, beard grooming
Why Choose It: With three locations across Denver, Barber Theory has built a reputation for meticulous, personalised cuts that justify the premium pricing. The Platte Street flagship sits in the heart of LoHi, one of Denver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
What Book of Barbering Liked: A perfect 5.0 rating with over 1,000 reviews on the Sixth Avenue location is genuinely remarkable. The barbers here treat every haircut like a craft project — precise, intentional, and tailored to your face shape and lifestyle.
Quick Comparison: Denver Barber Shops by Budget
Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose based on your budget and preferences:
- Budget-Friendly: Ollie’s Barbershop, The Usual, Alfanis Barber Shop
- Mid-Range: Semion Barbershop, Spruce Barbershop, BarberX, Chopz Men’s Salon, Stan’s Downtown Barbers
- Premium: Frank’s Barber Shop, Barber Theory
- Best for Fades: Semion Barbershop, Alfanis Barber Shop, Barber Theory
- Best for Beard Work: Frank’s Barber Shop, BarberX, Chopz Men’s Salon
How to Choose a Barber in Denver
As a professional barber with over 20 years of experience, here is what I recommend looking for when choosing a barbershop in Denver:
- Check their social media first. A good barber posts their work regularly. Look at their Instagram for recent fades, tapers, and beard work. If they are not posting, that is a red flag.
- Look at the tools, not just the shop. Clean clippers, fresh blades, and sterilised combs matter more than fancy decor. When you walk in, glance at the stations — are tools organised and clean?
- Ask about their speciality. Every barber has strengths. If you want a skin fade, ask if they do fades regularly. If you want a straight razor shave, confirm they offer it.
- Communication is everything. A great barber will ask questions before picking up the clippers: What is your hair type? How short do you want the sides? Do you want a hard or soft part? If they start cutting without a consultation, consider that a warning sign.
- Book ahead — Denver barbers tend to book up quickly on weekends — schedule mid-week for easier availability, especially at popular shops like Semion and Barber Theory. Walk-ins are available at some shops, but the best barbers fill up fast. Book at least 2-3 days ahead, especially for weekend slots.
For a more detailed guide, read our full article on how to choose the right barber.
What to Tell Your Barber
Walking into a new barbershop can be intimidating. Here is how to make the most of your appointment:
- Bring a reference photo. Show your barber what you want. Our haircut guides include photos you can save to your phone.
- Know the basics. Tell them what guard length you want on the sides (e.g. “number 2 on the sides, finger-length on top”) and whether you want a low fade, mid fade, or high fade.
- Mention your hair challenges. If you have thinning hair, a receding hairline, or cowlicks, tell your barber upfront. A skilled barber will adjust the cut to work with — not against — your hair.
- Not sure what to get? Take our Haircut Finder quiz — it matches you with styles based on your face shape, hair type, and lifestyle in under 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a men’s haircut cost in Denver?
Men’s haircuts in Denver range from $15 for a basic buzz cut at budget shops like Ollie’s to $75+ for premium services at upscale establishments like Barber Theory. The average standard men’s haircut at a mid-range Denver barbershop costs between $35 and $45.
Which Denver barbershop is best for fades?
Alfanis Barber Shop on Colfax Avenue is widely considered the best fade shop in Denver, with a 4.9 rating and over 800 reviews. Semion Barbershop and Barber Theory are also excellent choices for precision fades across multiple Denver locations.
Do Denver barbershops accept walk-ins?
Many Denver barbershops accept walk-ins, including Semion, Ollie’s, Spruce, and BarberX. However, popular shops like Alfanis and Barber Theory often book weeks in advance, so appointments are strongly recommended — especially on weekends.
Where can I get a straight razor shave in Denver?
Frank’s Barber Shop on Larimer Street is Denver’s top pick for a classic straight razor shave, complete with hot towels and craft beer. Ollie’s Barbershop and The Usual also offer excellent straight razor shaves at more affordable prices.
What is the best barbershop in downtown Denver?
Stan’s Downtown Barbers has been a downtown Denver institution since 1983, with four convenient locations near the 16th Street Mall. For a more upscale downtown experience, Frank’s Barber Shop near Coors Field offers a premium gentlemen’s salon atmosphere.
Are there any affordable barbershops in Denver?
Yes — Ollie’s Barbershop offers haircuts starting at $30 and buzz cuts for just $15. Alfanis Barber Shop on Colfax is another budget-friendly option with a $10 discount for first-time visitors. The Usual in Five Points offers quality cuts at $35.
This guide is written and maintained by Khamis Maiouf, a professional barber with over 20 years of experience. For more city guides, visit our barber shops USA directory. All information was last verified in March 2026.
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Khamis Maiouf is a professional barber who graduated from Hinckley College in England with a Level 3 qualification in hairdressing. With over 20 years of experience, he is an award-winning barber who has mentored numerous students and styled thousands of clients. A recognised expert featured on StyleCraze (20M+ readers).
Credentials: Level 3 Hairdressing (Hinckley College, UK) • 20+ Years Professional Experience • Featured Expert on StyleCraze • Founder of Book of Barbering