Unless you plan on looking like Tom Hanks in Castaway your whole life, at some point, you’ll need a haircut. In Reykjavík, there are so many places to choose from, it can feel like a paradox of choice. Luckily, the folks here at the Grapevine have sat for lots of haircuts from many different places, and we’re happy to guide you to some of the best we’ve found.
Rakarastofa Ragnars & Harðar
Vesturgötu 48
Going to Rakarastofa Ragnars & Harðar is like travelling back twenty years, minus the toxic masculinity bullshit. When you sit in the old school barber chair you just point at the haircut you want from an old poster with images of different rockabilly styles. The barbers are father and son. If you want to go for a classic and firm look and get some political chit-chat in at the same time, you choose the father. If you want something younger and a chat about tattoos, you choose the son. Both, of course, are excellent barbers. Also, if you want to tidy up that beard, they are the ones to go to. VG
Stjúri
Laugavegur 59
Stjúri is almost like an institute in itself. Placed in the legendary gentleman’s store, Kormákur & Skjöldur, and always dressed like a British gentleman from the fifties, he gives you a unique vibe that is hard to find anywhere else. Stjúri is one of the few that can give you a solid haircut in just 15 minutes. If you’re kind, and tell a good joke, he even gives you a cognac to ease those nerves. But don’t expect it, that’s rude. VG
Rauðhetta og úlfurinnSkólavörðustígur 8
Rauðhetta og úlfurinn is another institution of Reykjavík hairdressing. If you want to get the cool blonde downtown Reykjavík girl look, look no further. It’s a hip place right in the centre of town. A lot of talented and ambitious hairstylists have taken their first steps at Rauðhetta og Úlfurinn, which is named for the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale. So take a chance and let the wolf get into that hair. VG
Barbarella Suðurgata 7
Based on the name of a badass movie heroine, Barbarella will make sure you look your best. Whether you’re planning to stop an evil scientist from destroying the world or simply going out on a Friday night, the stylists here will take good care of you. It’s located very close to downtown, so if you are going out on a Friday night, you don’t have to go far to show off that new ‘do. SPO
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