The BEST barbershops in the Southern Highlands


Killer Coifs and Exceptional Beards/Mustaches are IN

You're in a new city and away from your typical barber, yet you find yourself in sudden need of a fresh cut. How do you know who to trust with your hair? 

Sure, you could try and do some Googling for well-respected barbers, but there's really no need. When you pay attention to certain things, it's easy to judge the worthiness of a barbershop. You need to know that you have choices these days, barbering estblisments have gone boutique with straight razor shaves, massages, mani/pedis, shoe shines, libations along with deep relaxation inducing head and neck massages and warm towel compresses. Get the look you have always wanted and enjoy the experience at the same time. 

Here are a few ways you can tell you're in the right place

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  • The easiest way to tell if a barbershop is worth its salt is to see how difficult it is to get an appointment there. If you can get an appointment same day for a popular time (after the office crowd gets out of work or during lunch), it's likely the shop isn't well-liked by the locals. If the shop doesn't take appointments, that's not necessarily a bad sign - as long as it's busy. 
  • Notice how long customers are spending in the chair as you're waiting for your cut. If they're out in 15 minutes, there's a good chance the customers are not getting the best treatment. When it comes to haircuts, a slow, methodical cut beats a quick, hasty one every time. 
  • It may seem trivial, but things like shop decor and friendliness of staff counts. When a shop pays attention to the details in these areas, it can indicate that it pays attention to others too (like your hair). 
  • Pay attention during the hair cut, it's important. Did the barber secure your cape correctly? Did they ask you how you wanted your haircut? Did they follow your instructions at all? If the answer is no to any of these questions, you probably shouldn't make it your regular shop.
I started this business because I know what works and what doesn’t work. I know that men want to come in and just relax..a haircut with us is way more than just a typical haircut. You can come in and enjoy yourself for 30 to 45 min. Get a shampoo and a bourbon if ya want and chill…
— Tricia Youngblood, West End Barber Co.


Getting a haircut isn't supposed to be complicated. 



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First, a bit of background on the topic of barber shops. My grandfather, Herman Haire for many years owned and operated City Barber Shop on East Main Street,  high up the Blue Ridge Mountains in the beautiful town of West Jefferson, NC (scenic Ashe County).  Oh, I was giddy every time we visited my grandparents to visit the barbershop for a haircut and a (faux) straight razor shave just like the grown men in the chairs next to me. Place a nickel in the scale to see your weight and fortune, before sidling up to the checkerboard to watch the masters of checkers (my father as a teenager once played and beat the Virginia state checkers champion right there in the barbershop by the old pot belly stove. Word has it, my father could see five moves ahead). City Barber Shop had it all. Need to clean up? No worries, hit the showers in back, then let Herman, Bradshaw White or Baynard Gamble give you an exceptional shave and haircut. What man wants to hit the town on a Friday or Saturday evening only half prepared? Step up onto the shoeshine platform and watch the attendant shine your broghans, wingtips or penny loafers as bright as the Emerald City. Then walk next door to the Eat Well Cafe, also owned and operated by my grandmother, Pauline Haire for a meat and three meal as good as your mother made. Now you're ready for a show right across the street at the Parkway Theater. If you were lucky, you might have been able to see Earl Scruggs or Bill Monroe in concert. 

Over the years, my grandfather shared a bit of wisdom with me each time I sat in the chair. Along with my observations, we have enumerated how to be a good client while in the chair.  

1. Don't be impatient.


2. Don't freak out about hair clippings.

Things will get a little hairy sometimes,  but that's what the cape is for. 

3. Don't expect your barber to be a magician.

Bringing an inspiration photo is always helpful, but know that the person in the photo has an entirely different quality of hair and scalp. Your haircut isn't going to be a dead-ringer for the one in the photo. 

4. Don't nod.


At Liberty Fine Cuts &amp; Shaves the aesthetic is apparent. From the cars in the parking lot, the art work hanging from the walls, a more industrial interior design. &nbsp;Your haircut includes a cold, tasty beverage!

At Liberty Fine Cuts & Shaves the aesthetic is apparent. From the cars in the parking lot, the art work hanging from the walls, a more industrial interior design.  Your haircut includes a cold, tasty beverage!

5. Don't lay down mandates.


6. Don't be too picky.


7. Don't show up with messy or dirty hair.


8. Don't be weird about the tip.



The Reader's Choices Awards

The 2018 results are in! Here are your choices for the Top Cut in the Southern Highlands 

All of the barbers in these shops are experts at their profession. However, each business is unique in it's aesthetic. For instance, Floyd’s Barber Shop in the beloved town of Mayberry, Floyd’s City Barber Shop has been a staple among the attractions of downtown Mount Airy. A collection of thousands of pictures line the wall on the “Wall of Fame.” Owner Russell Hiatt has been snapping pictures of customers sitting in his barber chair for over 62 years, including celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, the “Incredible Hulk” Lou Ferrigno, and “Goober” – George Lindsey. 

  1. The coveted Readers Choice goes to West End Barber Co. in the West End of Greenville, SC

  2. A close second goes to Liberty Fine Cuts and Shaves also in Greenville, SC

  3. Lugi's Barbershop in downtown Gatlinburg, TN

  4. The UpperRoom Barbershop, Blacksburg, VA

  5. Floyd's City Barber, Mount Airy, NC (AKA Mayberry)

  6. Blue Ridge Barbershop, Blue Ridge, Georgia