FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you've ever wanted to ask your barber, in one place. If the question you have isn't here, just send us a message or walk in and ask — we're not precious about it.
Booking & Visiting
Do you take walk-ins, or do I need to book?
Both. We take walk-ins whenever a chair's free, but weekends and after-work slots fill up fast, so booking is the safer bet. You can book online in about 30 seconds through our website or Google Maps listing, or call us on 0498 008 451.
How do I book an appointment?
Easiest way is through the Book Now button on our website, or directly from our Google Maps listing — just search "The Bearded Man Prahran" on your phone. If you'd rather talk to a human, give us a call.
Where are you located?
203 Chapel Street, Prahran, VIC 3181. We're on Chapel St between Greville St and Commercial Rd, a few minutes' walk from Prahran Station.
What are your opening hours?
Monday 10am–7pm. Tuesday to Friday 8:30am–7pm. Saturday 8am–4pm. Closed Sunday. We keep hours updated on our Google listing, so if something changes (public holidays, etc.) that's the best place to check.
Is there parking nearby?
Street parking along Chapel Street is metered but usually available, and there's a Wilson Parking complex at Pran Central just around the corner on Commercial Rd if you want something covered. Prahran Station is a 3-minute walk if you're catching the train, and the 78 tram stops right outside.
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The shop is ground-floor with step-free access.
First Time at The Bearded Man
I've never been before. What should I expect?
Walk in, we'll take your name and get you a drink — free Industry Bean coffee or a craft beer, your call. Then your barber will sit you down and have a proper chat about what you want before anything starts. We don't rush the consult, because it's where a good cut actually begins. Expect to be in the chair for 45 minutes to an hour for a cut and style.
Do you do a first-timer discount?
Yes. First cut is $55 instead of $65 — that's $10 off your first visit. Includes the full consult and tailored cut. Just mention it's your first time when you book or walk in.
What if I don't know exactly what I want?
That's what the consult is for. Bring a photo if you've got one, or just describe the general vibe — "tidier version of what I've got," "something sharper for work," "growing it out but not chaos." Your barber will talk you through what'll suit your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle. If you're totally stuck, we'll recommend something — but you'll always have the final say.
Can I bring reference photos?
Always. Screenshots are the fastest way to get on the same page. A photo from multiple angles is even better.
How long does a haircut take?
A standard cut runs 45 minutes to an hour. Beard trim with the cut adds 15–20 minutes. A full hot towel shave is around 45 minutes on its own. We never rush — if you're in our chair, you've got the time.
Services & Pricing
How much is a haircut?
$65 for a standard cut. $55 for first-time clients. Buzz cuts are $35. A buzz with a fade is $50. Kids under 12 are $50. Full price list is on our barbershop page.
Do you do beard trims?
Yes. A basic shape-up and trim is $30. A full beard trim with razor outlines and a hot towel finish is $50. Happy to do it with a cut or on its own.
Do you do hot towel shaves?
Yes — traditional hot towel shave with a straight razor, $60. It's unhurried, done properly, and is honestly one of the most relaxing things you can do for an hour in Melbourne.
Do you cut kids' hair?
We do — $50 for under-12s. Clean, considered cuts, done with patience. We've had plenty of first-time-in-the-chair kids come through, so we're used to it.
Do you do colour or grey blending?
Yes. Grey blending starts at $60 — a natural softening of the greys rather than full coverage. On-scalp lightening is $200+ depending on what you're after. Both are tailored, so book in for a chat first.
Do you cut women's hair?
We specialise in men's grooming, but we have a female stylist in the shop one day a week for women's cuts and colour. Message us to check the current day.
Do you accept card and contactless payment?
Yes — card, contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay. Cash works too. We split tips directly with your barber, so if you're tipping and prefer cash, that's appreciated but never expected.
The Experience
Why do you offer free coffee and beer?
Because a haircut shouldn't feel like a chore. We use Industry Bean coffee — proper Melbourne stuff, not supermarket beans — and we've got craft beer for the after-work crowd. It's not a gimmick, it's just how we think the experience should feel: unhurried, looked-after, the opposite of a 15-minute production line.
Who are the barbers?
A small team, all experienced — no juniors, no trainees on your head. Josh started the shop in 2015 after 13 years in the game and is a three-time Australian Men's Hairdresser of the Year finalist. The rest of the team each bring 8–15+ years of barbering between them, from the UK, NZ, and across Australia. You can read more about each barber on our about page.
Can I request a specific barber?
Absolutely — most of our regulars do. When you book online, you can choose who you want to see. If your usual barber's booked out, any of the team will look after you just as well.
What's the vibe like? Is it one of those "old-timey" barbershops?
No. We're modern — clean lines, good lighting, a mix of music, sometimes a DJ on Fridays. No Victorian wallpaper, no fake-Italian accents, no one calling you "sir" ironically. Just a proper barbershop on Chapel St.
Is it male-only?
Not at all. Most of our clients are men because we specialise in men's grooming, but everyone's welcome. Bring a partner, a mate, your kid. We've got a ladies' stylist one day a week too.
Products & Aftercare
What products do you use in-shop?
We've developed our own range — TBM Essentials — which we use and sell in the shop. Shampoo, conditioner, grooming cream, sea salt spray, volume powder, curl cream, and beard balm. All formulated with our barbers' input so we know they actually work on the hair we cut every day. If you want something specific from another brand, just ask — we usually have recommendations.
Can I buy TBM Essentials online?
Yes, through our products page. We also ship Australia-wide.
How often should I get my hair cut?
Depends on the cut and your hair. Short cuts and fades usually need a refresh every 2–3 weeks to stay looking sharp. Medium-length styles can stretch to 4–6 weeks. Longer cuts we'll often recommend every 6–8 weeks for shape. Your barber will tell you honestly at the end of the cut what'll work best for you.
Any tips for growing out a haircut without looking rough?
The biggest one: don't skip cuts entirely. A trim every 6–8 weeks during a grow-out keeps the shape intact so it looks intentional rather than unkempt. Your barber can plan a grow-out with you — it's a normal thing to ask for, and we'd rather help you grow it well than see you disappear for six months.
Policies & Practical Stuff
What's your cancellation policy?
We ask for 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Stuff happens, so if you do need to cancel late, just let us know as early as you can and we'll sort it out. Repeated no-shows may mean we ask for a deposit on future bookings.
What if I don't like my haircut?
Tell us. Seriously — don't walk out and suffer. While you're in the chair, speak up and we'll adjust. After the fact, if something's not sitting right within the first few days, come back in and we'll fix it at no charge. A cut you don't love isn't a cut we've done properly.
Do you have gift vouchers?
Yes. Available online and in-store, any dollar amount. Good for cuts, beard work, shaves, or products. Good for a whole year from purchase.
Do you run a loyalty program?
Nothing formal, but we look after our regulars. If you're in the chair every few weeks, you already know.
About the Shop
How long have you been on Chapel Street?
Since 2015 — we're Prahran's original Chapel Street barber. A decade of cuts, coffee, and the occasional beer.
Have you been featured in the press?
We have, yeah. TimeOut Melbourne, Man of Many, Boss Hunting, Urban List, The Trend Spotter, Visiting.com.au. We're not here to claim we're the best, but the coverage has been generous over the years.
What's the best way to stay in touch?
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook — @thebeardedmanmelbourne across all platforms. New cuts, products, and shop updates go up there first.
Still got a question? Get in touch or call us on 0498 008 451. Or just walk in — we're on Chapel Street, you can't miss us.
Good Cuts. Good People.