Image by Kaitlin Maree Photography via Romantic Greenhouse Wedding Inspiration

It might just be me, but it feels like men’s hairstyles are on the march. With the rise in popularity of beer and barber shops and the proliferation of celebrity doos on the red carpet and the playing field, more men seem to take pride in the hair around their head. But let’s face it (pun intended), not everyone looks good with a Mohawk. Or channels. Or the shaved side, spiky top combination. For men that don’t keep up to date with the latest fashions, this male hairstyle renaissance can be a minefield. How do the dudes find a style that suits them? How do blokes make sure the mop on top of their head looks good, particularly on their wedding day? How does one find a seasoned professional who won’t make you look like Billy Ray Cyrus on the big day?

Image by Nigel Unsworth Studios via Janina & Ramon’s Classic White Wedding at Milton Park

We have turned to expert Phoenix Thomson from American Crew, the world’s leading men’s grooming brand, for the answers. Phoenix has been a hairdresser since 1990 and has worked as a stylist commercially and on runways all over the globe for the last 20 years. She is the Senior Education Manager at American Crew and has just relocated from Australia to the head office in Miami to work with the global team. She is a queen of not only making men look handsome but feel handsome as well – and for a relaxed wedding day, confidence is a must.

Image of Phoenix Thomson from American Crew

“I wouldn’t recommend trying out a barber for the first time before your wedding, it’s important that they know your hair, and how you feel comfortable wearing and styling it. If you can, visit a couple of times prior and make sure you have the right fit for you”.

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Phoenix has given us the top barbers in Melbourne and Sydney based on talent, vibe, whiskey selection and products to take the heavy lifting out of the hair equation:

Rokkman Barbers

Step into Rokkman Barbers and experience a contemporary twist on old school tradition of men’s hairdressing. “Monochrome art deco furnishings and geometric tile patterned floor, mix together to create a gentlemen’s club atmosphere with a San Francisco ‘30s gangster flair”. They have craft beer, a range of spirits and some seriously talented stylists. And hey, you get $10 off your first appointment – what is not to like? Based in Collins St and South Yarra, Insta stalk the crew here.

Men+Co

Cool, classy and the place to get your groom on. Founded by Chris Dunkley & Gary McKenzie, the Men+Co team consists of internationally acclaimed stylists, competitive barbers, editorial stylists, photo & video stylists, instructors, photographers, authors of barber textbooks, basically their team has decades of ‘behind the chair’ experience. Pay them a visit in Melbourne city and have a whiskey whilst you get your hair did – check out their Instagram here.

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Kings Domain

Established in 2013, Kings Domain have not only some of the best stylists in the country but salons in Cremorne, South Yarra, Prahran and the CBD in Melbourne, but good news for Sydney fellas as they have just opened their second salon in Sydney, which can be found on the 3rd floor in the MYER building. Want some inspiration for your style vibe head to their Instagram right here.

Mensbiz

Founded in 2006 in Melbourne, Australia, Mensbiz is not only a barbershop but the equivalent to Sephora for the blokes. Their team of experts hand-pick a curated selection of best-in-class men’s shaving, skincare, hair care, fragrances and grooming accessories from around the world. From the traditional to the modern – from affordable through to high-end you can buy. You can find Mensbiz in Melbourne at Royal Arcade and in Sydney at Strand Arcade – for prices please hit this link.

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Barberhood

Barberhood – “where all gentlemen are handsome” – has two salons in Sydney and pays homage to traditional barbering techniques, supreme customer service and luxury men’s grooming products. These guys pride themselves on the experience – the journey rather than the destination – however if the destination you are after is “strapping young lad” then you have come to the right place. Instagram gloriousness right here.

Ms Zigzag says: Thanks to our resident groom writer Caz Pringle and Phoenix Thomson from American Crew for enlightening us on where to go for a clean shave and a classic haircut. 

About Caz Pringle: Caz has been in the Event Management industry for the last decade, producing events for the likes of Rolex, Revlon, New Balance, Jeep, The Australian Open, Peroni and Alfa Romeo. After running her own events company for three years, she now lives in Antalya, Turkey with her husband where she remotely works as a copywriter and digital content producer and teaches Boxing and Yoga. She also writes the blog www.shecanpunch.com about boxing and women’s empowerment, you can follow it on Insta @SheCanPunch.