Melbourne's Best Barbers and Places to Get the Perfect Shave

From shaves and shoeshines, these are the city’s best places to be primped and pampered. By Melissa Singer.

Best barber

Kings Domain

Even at 9am, the well-stocked bar at Aaron Chan’s modern barber shop might look tempting to anyone braving the cutthroat shave but there’s also complimentary coffee if it’s a little too early. There are three outlets: at the “Paris end” of Collins Street, in South Yarra and in Prahran. The Bachelor’s Sam Wood is a client.

The Best Barbers and Places to Get the Perfect Shave in Melbourne

Best shoeshine

Men+Co

Nothing says boardroom-ready like a pair of buffed brogues. Pull up a chair at this new CBD barber shop and a complimentary Russell’s Reserve whiskey will be in your hand within moments. Add a shoeshine to your haircut or shave for an extra tenner.

Image: Clint Peloso

Best shave

General Order

Simplicity reigns at this minimalist barber shop in Cremorne, where you can get a tidy-up and a coffee on one of the most happening strips in the city. Third-generation barber Paolo De Marco and his team prep the skin with a hot towel and hand-whipped shaving cream. The premium service extends to the take-home products from brands including American Crew and Kevin Murphy.

Best facial

Crown Spa

Non-hotel guests are welcome at this city oasis, where you can enjoy the Aqua Retreat’s pool, steam room and rain showers before your facial treatment. The La Prairie Cellular Hydrating Facial for stressed skin is an effective post-flight tonic. Staying in-house? Book an evening treatment for a sweet slumber.

Best massage

Norbü Urban Retreat

At The Olsen hotel in South Yarra, Norbü is all about health, which means no-nonsense treatments in neutral surroundings. Remedial massage therapists can iron out kinks or ensure relaxation – your choice – and an infra-red sauna will continue the decompression. Keep an eye out for Channel 10 stars (the studios are nearby) and retired AFL players.

Top image: Men+Co/Clint Peloso