The best barber shops in Bologna
The shops of master barbers dedicated to your beard
For years it was the hallmark of elderly academics and bohemian youth. Today, however, the beard is synonymous with style. A true ritual celebrated in its own temples: the barber shop. Beneath the porticoes of Bologna, numerous salons compete with razors, scissors and pomade to sculpt faces with distinct character.
Whether Salvador Dalí moustaches with a hipster twist or a classic goatee, beards are now treated like treasured companions, groomed with the finest products. Fashion, however, has transformed not only customer habits but also interior design. Today these shops are curated down to the finest detail, though the vintage aesthetic remains the favourite: old school looks inspired by 1950s America.
Between display Harley-Davidsons and empty whisky bottles repurposed as scissor holders, top barber shops offer far more than a simple haircut. We have selected the best barber shops in Bologna, places to step out with a sharp beard and an effortless haircut. Your beard will certainly thank you.
Barber Shop di Dino Candelà
Via de’ Carbonesi, 4/A
A time machine just steps from Piazza Maggiore. Stepping inside this shop feels like entering an old American barber shop from the 40s and 50s, influenced as well by Sicilian style. Originally from the Trapani area, Dino Candelà wanted to pay homage to his homeland, where at the age of 14 he first began handling scissors and razor. A ‘hair artisan’ who not only cuts and styles, but looks after the client, listening to stories and experiences. All set to the rhythm of blues and jazz.
Machete Barber Shop
Via San Vitale, 3/A
A brand that turned vintage appeal into a successful formula. With more than 20 branches across Italy and the UK, Machete Barber Shop is a benchmark for old-school style. The design echoes classic American barbers, complete with matching music and dedicated service. Keeping pace with modern times, an app on iOS and Android lets you book your preferred barber in one click, alongside an online shop stocked with Machete brushes, wash bags and fragrances.
Antica Barberia Marchi
Piazza Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 5/D
Time passes, but Barberia Marchi remains firmly rooted. Having recently celebrated 150 years in business, it remains one of the city’s most sought-after shops. Inside, the charm of history is palpable, while techniques blend heritage and innovation under owner Gerardo Rusolo. Besides, where else can you have your beard trimmed in the same chairs once frequented by Giosuè Carducci and Lucio Dalla?
Sala da Barba 1922
Piazza Santo Stefano, 13/B
Another slice of history: hair and beards have been styled here since 1922. What could be better than relaxing with a wash and hot towels overlooking Piazza Santo Stefano? Owner Francesco Scigliano is a true master with scissors, renowned for having groomed politicians such as Romano Prodi and former mayor of Bologna Giorgio Guazzaloca, alongside figures like Stefano Accorsi and Biagio Antonacci. You are in safe hands.
New Deal – Pusher Barber Shop
Piazza Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 4/L
A go-to destination for beard enthusiasts. Pusher Barber Shop combines hipster style with on-trend salon design. Beyond reshaping your look, you will find the right grooming products for your daily beard and moustache routine, leaving you sharp and refreshed.
Hair Gear Club
Via Polese, 44
‘For many, but not for everyone’, runs their slogan. Visiting Hair Gear Club is about more than a quick trim; it is about immersing yourself in a rock-and-roll atmosphere. Inside the shop, live music sets the mood while your beard is treated with hot and cold towels. Their specialities? Hipster and rock-inspired cuts.
La Barbiera
Via Farini, 32
An all-female salon. The team is led by owner Simona Fabbri, one of the most respected professionals in the craft. The feminine approach shines through in meticulous attention to aesthetic detail, with cuts tailored to your facial structure and a refined selection of skincare products. If you are tired of the usual trim and want a fresh perspective, this ‘her for him’ shop is the place to go.
