5 Barber Shops in Penang You Can ACTUALLY Trust Your Hair With!
Getting a bad haircut is one of the worst things you can experience, as it can affect your confidence. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of them and no hat could save the monstrosity that was my hair—-but I digress.
The reason why I shared that was because it was a dilemma for me growing up and it wasn’t until I was an adult when I discovered actual good barber shops. So if you share that same problem, you’re in luck because I’ve got you covered!
In this blog, we’ve listed down our handpicked barber shops in Penang that you can ACTUALLY rely on. These shops are equipped with the best barbers that will help you achieve haircuts that are as cool as Penang’s ice cendol.
How much do barbershops in Penang charge for their haircuts?
Barber shops in Penang would typically charge anywhere between RM10 to RM40. This could depend on a variety of factors such as the inclusions of the haircut (massage, shave, etc.) and the classiness of the barbershop itself.
1. Verlarz Classic Barber
Address: 69, Lbh Ah Quee, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-479 4796
Business Hours:
- Friday to Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Right off the bat, we noticed how lively Verlarz Classic Barbershop was because of the chatty barbers—and we mean that in the best possible way! During one of my quick shape-ups here, there was never a dull moment as the owner down to the staff were all friendly.
I also appreciated how affordable they were offering their services, which is more impressive when you consider their outstanding quality. Personally, I loved my haircut and upon interviewing their regulars, I wasn’t surprised that they shared the same sentiments.
During my visit, I also discovered that they do hair colours. Although it was a bit too groovy for my taste, it’s great that they offer these types of services on top of their high-quality haircuts.
One thing they could improve upon, however, is the interior design of the barbershop itself, as we felt that it was a bit too outdated even for the classic theme it’s going for. Nonetheless, it’s still a great spot if you want to share some laughs with strangers during your haircut.
Customer Reviews
Nailed the style I showed him with precision
“I recently visited Verlarz Classic Barber, highly recommended by my brother-in-law Hervin and fiancée, and had an incredible experience. Not only did I get a haircut, but I also had my hair coloured, and the owner himself took the time to do it personally!
He nailed the style I showed him with precision, and the colouring turned out even better than I had hoped for. The level of detail and care throughout the process was exceptional. The atmosphere was great, and the service was top-notch.
If you’re looking for a place where the barber listens to your needs and delivers perfection, Verlarz Classic Barber is the spot. I’ll definitely be back. Highly recommend!”
— Paul Dass, Google Review
Staff was so nice
“The best service we’ve had in Malaysia. My Mom and boyfriend both went in for a buzz and the staff was so nice.
Talked to us and showed us spots we shouldn’t miss. They were extremely friendly and chatty, we had the best time just getting to know each other. The master barber’s work is impeccable for both my mom and boyfriend. 70RM for both cuts”
— Carole-Anne Ruest, Google Review
2. Sause Barbershop
Address: 29, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-444 9637
Business Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sause Barbershop immediately piqued our attention because of its modern and rustic vibe—it almost made us feel old! However, we were instantly drawn in when we saw just how lively the ambience was thanks to their friendly and talented roster of barbers.
To give you an idea, these are the types of barbers that would have their own IG pages that feature their best cuts. We could also see just how much they understand their customers and their respective hair types, as they can easily handle coarse, thick and even thinning hair.
We also loved how they offered different services on top of their haircut such as facial washes, shampoos and massages.
What further cemented our confidence in their services were their prices, as they were nothing compared to bigger-named barbershops that offer virtually the same quality.
With that being said, it can be a pain to book a schedule with one of their barbers.
Customer Reviews
Amazing job
“Passed by and need a haircut.
Best decision! Even though I had a European hairstyle, the barber fully understood what I wanted and did a perfect cut – better low fade than my regular barber and very skilled use of the scissors.
Amazing job!”
— B.M., Google Review
Had the best haircut ever
“I had the best haircut ever by Sean! He took his time and his attention to detail was amazing! If you have coarse or kinky hair, Sean is your guy.
He will not disappoint you! And the price is amazing too! Coming from the USA where I spend more than 3x as much for a haircut that isn’t as good! Thank you, Sean, for expressing your greatness today”
— Phineas Newborn III Google Review
3. Bro’s Barbershop 1996
Address: 319, Jalan Tokong Thai Pak Koong, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 14-349 9614
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bro’s Barbershop is one of the oldest places to get a haircut in Penang, and we immediately saw why during our visit. As soon as we entered their doors, we were greeted by this overall classy and friendly atmosphere that immediately hooked us to their services.
Furthermore, we were impressed with their talented barbers, as they know just about every style in the book. I also noticed that their barbers do a great job of listening and talking their clients through the process, which is a small but impactful detail.
The place itself was well-maintained and up to par with those classier salons, which is why we’re mindblown at how they’re able to maintain reasonable prices.
We didn’t have many gripes with this barbershop aside from its slightly limited operating hours since they’re closed on Sundays. If you’re like me who only has free time during the weekends, you’ll know how frustrating this can be.
Customer Reviews
A great barber and a genuinely nice guy
“As all the other reviews will attest to, Idris is both a great barber and a genuinely nice guy. He did a great mid-taper fade plus a scissor cut on the top, and we had a great conversation as well.
He’s very accommodating to your schedule, just know that a reservation is required via WhatsApp.”
— Jeff Richards, Google Review
Most kind and courteous barber
“Idris is far and away the most kind and courteous barber I’ve had in years. Every time at Bros is like coming to a mate’s place, welcomed and listened to all while getting an amazing service. I will miss catching up and getting cleaned up here.”
— Ed Steele, Google Review
4. Bruno Barbershop
Address: 521, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 10-822 4781
Business Hours:
- Saturday to Tuesday, Thursday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
As soon as we entered Bruno Barbershop’s doors, we immediately concluded that it was one of the most aesthetically barbershops on the island. Featuring modern interiors and updated facilities, it made us feel like a million bucks even before our haircuts took place!
As for the haircut itself, it exceeded our expectations as well, which is greatly thanks to their talented roster of barbers. Personally, I felt that my initial consultation with their barber felt more like a conversation between friends because of how informative and friendly they were.
Furthermore, I think they know just about every style in the book because, before my turn, I kept seeing how they nailed every haircut down to a tee.
The only red flag we could nitpick from this barbershop is its slightly pricey rates, which could rub some people the wrong way. It is worth spending on, however, as they’ll treat you like royalty with their shampoos, massages and more.
Customer Reviews
The staff was incredibly friendly and professional
“Absolutely fantastic experience! The staff was incredibly friendly and professional. The shop itself is modern and spotless.
My barber took the time to understand exactly what I wanted and delivered the best haircut. Great value for money. Highly recommend it and can’t wait to return. Thank you!”
— Jamaleddin Alkurdi, Google Review
Simple and easy
“Simple and easy to operate, would be nice if there is information on the brand and type of washing detergent used by the machine.
8 rm for warm washing for 14kg and another 5 rm for 25mins of the dryer”
— CS Kim, Google Review
5. Son & Dad Barbershop
Address: 49, Lebuh Acheh, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Phone: +60 4-226 3661
Business Hours:
- Saturday and Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
If you’re looking for a great affordable barbershop that still features that old-school charm, then Son & Dad Barbershop should be on your radar.
This cosy and welcoming barbershop will make even the shyest introvert feel at home thanks to its cosy and welcoming vibe. It also helps that the barbers themselves are super friendly and understanding, which are two traits that you can never go wrong with.
We especially love their keen eye for attention to detail, as they don’t take any shortcuts with their haircuts. For instance, there was an instance where they prepared for almost an hour just to get a haircut right for one of their clients—now that’s commitment!
Furthermore, we appreciate their efforts at making the place squeaky clean 24/7. Although we do want to see them more, as their operating hours are quite limited or at least at the time of writing.
Customer Reviews
Wish we had this shop in the US!
“These guys were great! They took care of our two boys who both have sensory issues, and we’re so patient, especially with the youngest (2.5 years old) who cannot sit still. The haircuts looked great and no tears. Wish we had this shop in the US! Great work guys!”
— Christopher Janney, Google Review
If I was living here in Penang, this would be my barbershop
“What a fantastic barber shop. Izzairi takes a lot of pride in what he does and did a great job on my skin fade! I love that there was no rush to get me done because they planned an entire hour for a haircut.
If I was living here in Penang, this would surely be my barbershop for good! Thanks for the great experience.”
— Florian Fries, Google Review