As inflation continues to affect everyday expenses, many Toronto men are speaking out about what they say is a steep rise in haircut prices.
A recent Reddit thread highlighted growing frustration with the cost of grooming. One user shared, “Yesterday I got a cut and my beard done for $55. I tipped $5. That’s $720 a year—seems ridiculous.”
Others quickly chimed in, with many saying they now avoid tipping or have started cutting their own hair. “It’s crazy out here,” one commenter wrote. “I get a haircut once a month, $40 and $5 in tips. Then I just use my trimmer to keep the fade fresh. I hate it.” Another said simply, “When my barber told me my haircut increase is $60, he ain’t seen me since January.”
According to barbers, the rising prices are the result of growing business costs.
“There’s a lot that goes into it—mainly rent,” said Julio Benitez, manager of The Village Barbershop in downtown Toronto. “It goes up, so you always gotta charge up a little bit to make ends meet.”
Benitez explained that prices also depend on the barber’s skills, time, and extra services. “Definitely $40, $45, $50—that’s what most barbers charge nowadays,” he said. “But there are shops that charge $75 or even $100, which is a little bit outrageous.”
Alvin Auayang, a barber at Mad One Barbershop, agreed, adding that many barbers are self-employed and have to cover more expenses themselves. He also said the rise in prices reflects the value of a barber’s training and expertise.
“With the skills they’ve developed and the knowledge they offer, the price goes up,” Auayang said. “It’s also become competitive—everyone’s trying to offer the best service.”
Despite the cost concerns, Auayang hopes customers understand what goes into the price of a haircut. “We work hard to give the services we provide,” he said. “All we want to do is give you peace of mind.”
