New to Sheffield? How to find a local barber you trust
Moving to a new city means finding all your regular places again, and a barber you trust is near the top of the list. Here is how to find the right chair without a run of trial-and-error cuts.
Read the reviews, then look at the photos
Star ratings are a start, but the photos tell you more. Look for work on hair like yours, at the length and shape you want. A barber who posts a steady stream of real cuts is showing you what a normal appointment actually looks like, not just their best day.
Find a barber who cuts your hair type
Not every shop is set up for every texture. If you have Afro, Asian or mixed hair, look for a barber who says so plainly and shows it in their work. Getting this right first time saves you the frustration of explaining your hair to someone who does not cut it often.
Decide how you want to book
Some shops take walk-ins, others are appointment only. Appointment only means you pick a time, it is held for you, and there is no waiting around when you arrive. If your week is full, that certainty is worth a lot.
Bring a photo for the first visit
The first cut is where a barber learns your hair. Bring a photo of a recent cut you liked and be ready to describe how you wear it day to day. Because haircut terms shift from place to place, a picture is the quickest way to make sure you both mean the same thing. Our guide on how to explain your haircut to a barber walks through exactly what to say.
Check where it is and how you will get there
A barber you will actually keep going to is one you can reach easily. Check the area, the route and the parking before you book. If you drive, look at the signs on arrival, as some nearby car parks are pay by phone rather than free.
Settling in at Swarv Studio
Swarv Studio is an appointment-only, one-chair barbershop in Sheffield, in the S2 area near Bramall Lane. It is run by Errol Jones, who has more than thirty years cutting Afro, Asian and European hair, so new clients from all over the city and beyond settle in quickly. From the phone to the barber chair, no queues, no fuss. See the services and prices or, if a friend has just moved here too, share our referral rewards so you both benefit when they book.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a barber for Afro or Asian hair in Sheffield?
Look for a barber who names the hair types they cut rather than one who only shows a single style. Swarv Studio in Sheffield cuts Afro, Asian and European hair, so the shape is tailored to your texture instead of forced into a standard trim.
Is it better to go somewhere appointment only or a walk-in shop?
Both can be good. Appointment only means your time is held and you avoid queues, which suits a busy week. Swarv Studio is appointment only, so you book a set slot and it is yours.
Where is Swarv Studio?
Swarv Studio is at Unit 8, 92 Harwood Street, Sheffield S2 4SE, near Bramall Lane and Sheffield United's stadium. It sits inside a multi-unit building, so look for Unit 8 and follow the entrance signage.
Do I need to know someone to get a good local barber?
No. A first appointment is enough to start. If a friend already goes somewhere they rate, a personal recommendation is a shortcut, and referral rewards can thank you both when you book and add their name in the notes.
What should I bring to a first appointment in a new city?
Bring a photo of a recent cut you liked and be ready to say how you wear your hair. Terms can vary by region, so a picture keeps things clear when you and the barber are new to each other.