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Gardens · Cape Town

More than just a haircut.

Walk-ins welcome · no appointment needed

The traditional barber in Gardens, Cape Town, right next to Gardens Centre. Proper men's haircuts, beard trims and hot-towel shaves from David, a Paris-trained barber with 20+ years at the chair. Just walk in, take a seat, and leave looking sharp.

4.9 / 5 from 400+ Google reviews

“Best barber you could get in Cape Town or ZA as a whole.”

Google review

Classic barbershop interior with leather barber chairs, mirrors and a checkered floor (stock photo)
Stock photo, placeholder for a real shop photo
20+years cutting hair
Pariswhere David trained
4.9★400+ Google reviews
Walk-inno appointment needed

The services

Done the traditional way

Straightforward barbering in Gardens, with time and care. No gimmicks.

  • Men's haircut

    Classic or modern, short back and sides or a big change. Reviewers say the cuts come out "precise, stylish and always what you ask for".

    Price ask in store

  • Beard trim

    Shaped, tidied and lined up to suit your face, whether you keep it short or grow it out.

    Price ask in store

  • Hot-towel shave

    The old-school ritual for your face or your head: hot towels, lather and a close straight-razor finish.

    Price ask in store

  • Kids' cuts

    From a toddler's very first haircut to teens. Parents in the reviews praise David's patience with nervous little ones.

    Price ask in store

Prices to confirm. Reviewers call the prices "very reasonable" and "affordable". A full price list can go here once the shop confirms it.

Why choose us

Why Gardens keeps coming back

  • 20+ years' experience

    David had been cutting hair for 18 years back in 2020, and he's still behind the chair.

  • Trained in Paris

    He learned the trade at a top school in Paris, according to a long-time client.

  • Walk-ins, no booking

    No apps, no appointments. Pop in during opening hours and take a seat.

  • Proper hot-towel shaves

    Face or head, done the traditional way with hot towels and a straight razor.

  • Kids & first haircuts welcome

    Google lists the shop as good for kids, and parents in the reviews say their toddlers and kids came out happy.

  • Fair prices, clean space

    Reviewers mention "a very reasonable price" and "a clean and authentic space".

Barber giving a client a close straight-razor shave (stock photo)
Stock photo, placeholder

The hot-towel shave

A little old-fashioned calm.

Hot towels to open things up, a proper lather, and a straight razor in steady hands. Face or head, it's a properly close shave and a good excuse to switch off for a while.

“Got a quick haircut + hot towel shave for a very reasonable price.”

Google review
Call to check the wait
Black-and-white photo of a bearded barber in a white barber's tunic, working up shaving lather in a bowl at his station
Photo from The Traditional Barber's public Facebook page (profile photo). We assume this is David; to confirm.

Meet your barber

David

Paris-trained, with more than two decades behind the chair.

The Traditional Barber is built on regulars. Some clients have been coming back for close to a decade, many bring their sons, and visitors to Cape Town find their way in too. Expect an honest opinion, a sharp result and good conversation, without the frills.

“His haircuts and shaves are always top-tier and you might walk away with a life lesson afterwards.”

Google review
  • Trained in Paris
  • 20+ years' experience
  • Walk-ins only, so just pop in

What to expect

How a visit works

  1. Walk in

    No booking needed. Come in any time during opening hours. If you're short on time, call ahead to check the wait.

  2. Take a seat

    Tell David what you're after, or ask for his honest opinion.

  3. Cut, trim or shave

    A proper haircut, beard tidy or hot-towel shave, done with care.

  4. Leave sharp

    Back out onto Myrtle Street, right next to Gardens Centre.

Fridays have a short lunch break, 13:00–13:45.

What the regulars say

Rated 4.9 from 400+ Google reviews

★★★★★

“Best barber you could get in Cape Town or ZA as a whole.”

Google review
★★★★★

“No frills. Just good bloody service.”

Google review
★★★★★

“Been coming to him for the past 8–9 years.”

Google review
★★★★★

“Cut of high quality in a clean and authentic space.”

Google review
★★★★★

“Precise, stylish and always what you ask for.”

Google review
★★★★★

“He has been cutting my son's hair for years.”

Google review

Visit the shop

Hours & location

06 Myrtle Street, Gardens
Cape Town 8001
Next to Gardens Centre
Opening hours
Monday09:00 – 18:00
Tuesday09:00 – 18:00
Wednesday09:00 – 18:00
Thursday09:00 – 18:00
Friday09:00 – 13:00
13:45 – 18:00
Saturday09:00 – 15:00
SundayClosed

Walk-ins only. Friday has a short lunch break, 13:00–13:45.

Getting here

  • Landmark: on Myrtle Street, just behind and next to Gardens Centre, in Gardens on the Oranjezicht side.
  • Accessibility: wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park (from the Google listing).
  • Parking & public transport: to confirm with owner
Get directions

Good to know

Frequently asked

Do I need an appointment?

No. The Traditional Barber is walk-in only, so just come in during opening hours. Want to check how busy it is? Call 074 836 7574.

Do you cut kids' hair?

Yes. Parents in the reviews mention toddlers' first haircuts and a nervous 12-year-old's first barbershop cut, and Google lists the shop as good for kids.

Do you do head shaves?

Yes. Hot-towel shaves are offered for both the face and the head.

How much does a cut cost?

Prices are to confirm with owner. Reviewers describe them as "very reasonable" and "affordable". Ask in store.

Which payment methods do you accept?

To confirm with owner (cash, card, SnapScan etc.).

Is there parking?

Google lists a wheelchair-accessible car park. Other parking details are to confirm with owner.

Are you open on Sundays?

No, Sundays are closed. Saturdays run from 09:00 to 15:00.

Walk in today

No booking needed. Just walk in.

Looking for a barber in Gardens, Cape Town? You'll find us on Myrtle Street, next to Gardens Centre. Want to check how busy it is first? Give David a call.