Last Updated: January 1, 2026
From the award-winning craftsmanship at Kings Own Barbershop to the Toronto-transplant excellence of Crows Nest, Ottawa’s barbershop scene delivers everything from precision skin fades to traditional straight razor shaves in spaces that honour the timeless art of men’s grooming.
Finding the right barber is about more than just getting a haircut—it’s about finding someone who understands your style, your hair type, and what makes you feel confident. Ottawa’s barbershop landscape offers everything from vintage-inspired shops with hot towel shaves to modern establishments specializing in contemporary fades and urban styles. Whether you’re seeking a quick trim or a full grooming experience, the capital has a chair waiting for you.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Crows Nest Barbershop (Wellington St) has a perfect 5.0 rating with $30 classic cuts. Capital Barber Shop offers vintage vibes on Bank Street. Kings Own Barbershop won Best Barber 2019 from Ottawa Faces Magazine. Khalil Barbershop has served Ottawa since 1990. Expect $30-45 for classic cuts, $25-45 for razor shaves.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 💈 Classic Haircut | $30-45 |
| 🪒 Straight Razor Shave | $40-45 |
| ✂️ Beard Trim | $15-30 |
| 👦 Kids Cut | $26-30 |
| 📍 Top Areas | Wellington St, Bank St, Hintonburg |
| ⭐ Highest Rated | Crows Nest (5.0 stars) |
Crows Nest Barbershop - Toronto Excellence in Ottawa
Crows Nest brought Toronto’s Kensington Market barbering culture to Ottawa
Address: 990 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X8 Phone: (613) 695-3899 Website: Book online
Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday & Monday: Closed
Crows Nest began in a Kensington Market basement in Toronto in 2010. Through dedication to quality and hard work, they’ve grown from that humble start to six locations, including their Ottawa outpost on Wellington Street.
Services & Pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Haircut | $30 |
| Beard Trim | $30 |
| Razor Shave | $40 |
| Kids Cut | $26 |
What Sets Crows Nest Apart
Perfect Rating: With a 5.0 Google rating, Crows Nest consistently delivers exceptional cuts. Reviews mention barbers who help clients choose styles suited to their face shape—not just executing requests blindly.
Hot Towels: The experience includes traditional barbershop touches like hot towel treatment, elevating a simple haircut into proper grooming.
Walk-Ins Welcome: While booking is optional, reserving online ensures you get your preferred time slot.
Customer Quote: “I’m 45 years old and the first time I got sincere compliments on my hair from anyone other than my mother was after I got a cut at the Crow’s Nest.”
Pro Tip: Street parking is available, but the Wellington West area can be busy—arrive early or plan accordingly.
Capital Barber Shop - Vintage Downtown Experience
Capital Barber Shop brings authentic vintage charm to Bank Street
Address: 590 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3T3 Phone: (613) 236-8838 Website: Book online
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
If you’re searching for a downtown barbershop with authentic vintage interior, Capital Barber Shop delivers. Established to serve men who strongly desire excellence and an extensive level of aesthetics, the shop has set a new standard for Ottawa grooming.
Services & Pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Haircut | $45 |
| Beard Trim | $25 |
| Razor Shave | $45 |
| Kids Cut | $30 |
| Student Cut | Discounted |
Special Offerings
Groom’s Party Package: Book the shop privately for your wedding party. Includes haircuts and beard trims for all groomsmen, with catered food available upon request. Perfect for the morning of your big day.
Appointment Only: Capital operates by appointment, ensuring dedicated time with your barber without rushing.
Customer Quote: “Great vibe, great energy, good people! Very happy with the service provided at Capital Barber Shop.”
Hair Fellas Barbershop - Hintonburg Modern Classic
Hair Fellas recreated the traditional barbershop with a modern twist
Address: 1237 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A3 Phone: (613) 695-9299 Website: Book via app
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The Hair Fellas brand launched in 2013 when a young Ottawa barber envisioned recreating the traditional barbershop feel with a modern-day twist. Starting in vibrant Hintonburg, they’ve since expanded to multiple locations while maintaining their original vision of great gentlemen’s cuts, shaves, and trims.
Services & Pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Haircut | $35 |
| Beard Trim | $15 |
| Kids Cut (13 and under) | $28 |
Why Clients Return
Extended Hours: Open from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays, Hair Fellas accommodates working professionals who can’t make daytime appointments.
Convenient App: Their booking app makes reservations simple. Put your name down, grab a pint next door, and they’ll come get you when someone’s free.
Consistent Quality: Reviews mention barbers like Carlos who’ve been cutting clients’ hair for 15+ years—proof of long-term relationships built on trust.
Customer Quote: “Milan does a sick skin fade and the app is great for making an appointment but if you just drop in you can put your name down and head next door for a pint and they will come get you when someone is free!”
Kings Own Barbershop - Award-Winning Craftsmanship
Kings Own Barbershop won Ottawa Faces Magazine Best Barber 2019
Address: 483 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 5N7 Phone: (613) 668-7059 Website: kingsownbarbershop.com
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Nestled in the heart of Ottawa, Kings Own Barbershop delivers an elevated grooming experience with a relaxed atmosphere and traditions that transport you back in time—including straight blade shaves executed with master craftsmanship.
The Story
Founded by Christopher Lord, winner of Ottawa Faces Magazine Best Barber 2019 and named among Narcity’s top 15 barbers in Ottawa, Kings Own represents the intersection of skill, community, and purpose.
Beyond the Chair
Kings Own Reserve: Their in-house product line, founded in 2017, uses all-Canadian natural products. With every product sold, $1 is donated to support marginalized communities.
Community Involvement: Christopher serves as a board member for Hair Donation Ottawa (cancer research organization) and Director of Media Relations for Shadow Ottawa, which helps alleviate homelessness.
Straight Blade Shaves: Experience the traditional art of straight razor shaving—a service that requires genuine skill and steady hands.
Best For: Clients who appreciate craftsmanship, community connection, and supporting businesses with purpose beyond profit.
Khalil Barbershop - Three Decades of Excellence
Khalil Barbershop has served Ottawa men since 1990
Address: Multiple Ottawa locations Phone: Check website Website: khalilbarbershop.com
Since 1990, Khalil Barbershop has been providing exceptional grooming services to Ottawa men. Their team of expert barbers and stylists have earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Top Choice Award for Best Barbershop in Ottawa 2022.
Why Three Decades Matter
Longevity in the barbershop business speaks volumes. Khalil’s 30+ years of operation means:
- Barbers who’ve seen every hair type and style trend
- Established reputation built on consistent quality
- Multigenerational clientele (fathers bringing sons)
- Proven ability to adapt while maintaining standards
Award Recognition
The Top Choice Award reflects genuine customer satisfaction—it’s based on actual client votes, not industry panels. Earning this recognition after 30+ years demonstrates sustained excellence.
Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop - Modern Chain Quality
Tommy Gun’s brings consistent quality across multiple Ottawa locations
Locations: Multiple Ottawa locations including Barrhaven Website: tommyguns.com
Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop brings the nostalgia of the classic barbershop into the modern era. As a Canadian chain, they offer consistent quality across locations while maintaining the atmosphere that makes barbershops special.
What to Expect
Walk-In Friendly: Most locations accommodate walk-ins, making Tommy Gun’s ideal for spontaneous grooming needs.
Consistent Experience: The chain model means you know what you’re getting regardless of which location you visit.
Full Service Menu: Beyond cuts, expect beard trims, hot towel treatments, and grooming products.
Best For: Clients who value consistency and convenience, especially those with unpredictable schedules.
Comparing Ottawa Barbershops
Ottawa offers barbershops for every style and budget
By Price Point
| Budget Level | Barbershop | Classic Cut Price |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Crows Nest | $30 |
| Mid-Range | Hair Fellas | $35 |
| Premium | Capital Barber Shop | $45 |
By Specialty
| Specialty | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Skin Fades | Hair Fellas |
| Straight Razor Shave | Kings Own, Capital |
| Vintage Experience | Capital Barber Shop |
| Community Focus | Kings Own |
| Walk-Ins | Tommy Gun’s, Crows Nest |
| Extended Hours | Hair Fellas |
By Neighbourhood
Wellington Street West/Hintonburg:
- Crows Nest Barbershop
- Hair Fellas Barbershop
Bank Street/Centretown:
- Capital Barber Shop
Gladstone/Little Italy Area:
- Kings Own Barbershop
Suburban Locations:
- Tommy Gun’s (Barrhaven, multiple locations)
- Khalil Barbershop (multiple locations)
Tips for Finding Your Perfect Barber
The right preparation leads to better barbershop experiences
Before Your First Visit
Bring References: Save photos of styles you like on your phone. Visual references communicate better than verbal descriptions.
Know Your Hair: Understanding your hair type (thick, thin, curly, straight) helps barbers recommend appropriate styles.
Be Honest About Maintenance: Tell your barber how much time you’re willing to spend styling daily. Some cuts require more upkeep than others.
Understanding Barbershop Pricing
Base Cuts vs. Add-Ons: The listed price typically covers the cut itself. Beard work, hot towel treatments, and products may cost extra.
Tipping: Standard tipping is 15-20% in Ottawa. Cash tips are appreciated but most shops accept card tips.
Walk-In vs. Appointment: Walk-ins may cost the same but require waiting. Appointments guarantee your time slot.
Building a Relationship
Stay Consistent: Seeing the same barber builds understanding of your hair and preferences over time.
Communicate: If something isn’t right, speak up during the cut—not after. Good barbers appreciate feedback.
Respect Time: Arrive on time for appointments. Late arrivals affect everyone’s schedule.
How Often to Visit
| Style Type | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Skin Fades | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Short Classic | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Medium Length | Every 3-4 weeks |
| Longer Styles | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Beard Maintenance | Every 2-3 weeks |
FAQ
How much does a haircut cost at Ottawa barbershops?
Classic men’s haircuts in Ottawa typically range from $30-45 depending on the barbershop. Crows Nest offers cuts at $30, Hair Fellas at $35, and Capital Barber Shop at $45. Kids’ cuts generally run $26-30.
Which Ottawa barbershop is best for fades?
Hair Fellas Barbershop in Hintonburg receives consistent praise for skin fades. Reviewers specifically mention barber Milan’s fade work. Crows Nest also earns high marks for precision fade execution.
Where can I get a straight razor shave in Ottawa?
Kings Own Barbershop specializes in traditional straight blade shaves with proper technique. Capital Barber Shop also offers razor shaves at $45. Both provide the full hot towel experience.
Do Ottawa barbershops accept walk-ins?
Policies vary. Crows Nest and Tommy Gun’s welcome walk-ins. Capital Barber Shop operates by appointment only. Hair Fellas accepts both—use their app to join the queue while you wait nearby.
What’s the best barbershop near downtown Ottawa?
Capital Barber Shop on Bank Street offers the most accessible downtown location with vintage atmosphere. For Parliament Hill workers, multiple Khalil Barbershop locations serve the core.
How often should I get a haircut?
For skin fades, every 1-2 weeks maintains crispness. Classic short cuts stay fresh for 2-3 weeks. Medium-length styles can stretch to 3-4 weeks. Your barber can recommend a schedule based on your specific cut.
Which Ottawa barber won awards?
Christopher Lord of Kings Own Barbershop won Ottawa Faces Magazine Best Barber 2019 and was named among Narcity’s top 15 Ottawa barbers. Khalil Barbershop earned the Top Choice Award for Best Barbershop Ottawa 2022.
Are there barbershops in Ottawa’s suburbs?
Yes. Tommy Gun’s has locations in Barrhaven and other suburban areas. Khalil Barbershop operates multiple locations across Ottawa. Check Google Maps for the nearest option to your neighbourhood.
Do Ottawa barbershops cut kids’ hair?
Most barbershops welcome children. Crows Nest offers kids’ cuts at $26, Capital at $30, and Hair Fellas at $28 for ages 13 and under. The experience often creates positive memories that keep boys returning as adults.
Should I tip my barber in Ottawa?
Yes. Standard tipping is 15-20% of the service cost. For a $35 haircut, $5-7 is appropriate. Cash tips are appreciated, but most shops accept tips by card.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s barbershop landscape rewards those who invest time finding the right fit. Crows Nest brings Toronto’s renowned barbering culture to Wellington Street with perfect ratings and $30 cuts. Capital Barber Shop delivers vintage sophistication on Bank Street. Kings Own combines award-winning skill with genuine community purpose.
The best barber isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the closest—it’s the one who understands your hair, your style, and makes you feel like a better version of yourself every time you leave the chair.
Start with the shop whose vibe appeals to you, book an appointment, and give honest feedback. A great barber relationship, once established, becomes one of life’s small but reliable pleasures.
Sources: MensHairCuts.com, Yelp Ottawa, Three Best Rated, Kings Own Barbershop, individual shop websites.
