A lot of us had to deal with cutting our own hair at some point during the pandemic, to mixed results and partial success. Now that everything has reopened, barbershops are once again in full swing and ready to fix people’s crooked bangs or too-long beards. This is the best time to find your new forever hairdresser, that special stylist you trust above all else with your appearance. The 2023 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Barber Lane (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Barbershop picks see below.
Our 2023 Beauty category sponsor is NorCal Plastic Surgery.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central, and Northern Marin.
Southern | Central
Southern Marin
Shavery Barbershop
Mill Valley
Shavery is unique in that it provides a level-based system of service to better fit everyone’s differing budget needs. The business has a focus on ensuring synergy between barbers and their clients to make sure no one walks out feeling like they got a bad cut or that they spent more than they had to. The shop also provides environmentally conscious products, so you can pick up a little something to protect your hair after you’ve gotten your beard trimmed. Hours are 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
238 E. Blithedale Ave., Unit J, Mill Valley, 415.384.8102
Central Marin
Barber Lane
Larkspur
Upscale and vintage; those are the two fitting words Barber Lane uses to describe its establishment. The styles are as contemporary as you need, while the store itself is reminiscent of traditional barbershops that have been disappearing over the years. Known for technical excellence, Barber Lane boasts a rigorous training program that all their barbers must complete. Hours are 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Monday, 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday.
2001 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, 415.419.5260
Barbers Three Plus
Corte Madera
Hidden in the back of the Park Madera Shopping Center, this is the perfect place for a beard trim. Or getting a perm. Or your summer highlights. Here, they do it all and they do it all in a relaxing and accommodating space. Opened in 1963, Barbers 3+ is one of the oldest barber shops in all of Marin County, and its commitment to customer satisfaction hasn’t wavered in that entire time. The next time you need a crew cut or flat top, consider checking out this long-standing establishment. Hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday.
514 Tamalpais Dr., Corte Madera, 415.924.2430
Brewer Phillips Hair Design
San Rafael
A lot of us had some pretty bad hair days — especially early in the pandemic — but the hairdressers here are happy to help correct even the most neglected hairstyles. Rave reviews are common, regardless of stylist. Not sure how to explain what you want? You’ll find yourself in good hands here. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
906 4th St., San Rafael, 415.485.1437
Drawing Room
Larkspur
A drawing room is defined as a place where friends come together to relax and support each other. That is the spirit that best represents this welcoming salon. Its specialty lies not only in cuts, however. Stylists at Drawing Room mix up perfect cocktails to color your hair in the exact shade you need, foams to give you the texture you’ve been waiting for, and provide hair extensions for any length that suits your fancy. The business also is known for its Single Shampoo, a 100% carbon-neutral shampoo that demonstrates the store’s commitment to the environment. Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
584 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, 415.924.8400
Fairfax Barbershop
Fairfax
Owner Spencer is known for his work ethic, his customer-focused attitude, and of course, his skill with a pair of shears. The unique atmosphere lets his creative personality shine – and is certain to make your hair shine too! Do note that this is a cash-only shop, so swing by an ATM before coming in for your perfect shave. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10am – 6pm.
67 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax, 415.258.0178
The Shop
San Rafael
The Shop is a great all-rounder, providing haircuts for men, women and children. While the decor and large percentage of male clients might make some women think this isn’t the place for them, that’s not at all the case, and their hairdressers are as knowledgeable about women’s styles as they are men’s. Anyone in the family is bound to get a great look in The Shop. They do only make same-day appointments, so be sure to call the morning you want a cut and don’t rely on being an afternoon walk-in. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; The Shop is closed Monday.
1244 4th St., San Rafael, 415.454.1258
Xclusive Club
San Rafael
True to the name, this is a membership-only barber, but the membership is free and comes with a whole host of discounts. Xclusive Club is about quality and traditional skill, rather than churning out as many haircuts per day as possible. The shop is somewhat new in town, having opened in 2019, but the stylists have quickly gained a reputation for quality above all else. With the level of skill available, the stylists are in high demand and unable to accept walk-ins, so be certain that you’ve booked an appointment days in advance. Hours are 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
1821 4th St., San Rafael, 415.521.5199
Sponsor
Nor Cal Plastic Surgery: 2023 Best of the County Beauty
