Best Barber Shops in Waco: A Baylor Student's Complete Guide
Finding a good barber shop in Waco doesn't take long — once you know where to look. Whether you need a $13 traditional cut before an interview, a premium fade before your roommate's wedding, or a quick walk-in trim before family weekend, Waco has barbershops across every price point and style. Here's what Baylor students actually need to know about the best options near campus.
The Closest Barbershop to 19Eleven
If you live at 19Eleven on S 8th Street, DHDesigns (216 S 11th St) is just 0.3 miles away — about a 5-minute walk. It's the only barbershop within walking distance of campus on the south side, which makes it the most convenient option when you need a cut without getting in the car. Haircuts start at $35. Call ahead to confirm availability, since DHDesigns runs on a tighter appointment-based schedule than larger walk-in shops.
Best Value: Under $20 Traditional Cuts
Two shops stand out for budget-conscious students who want a clean, honest haircut without a premium price tag.
Tito's Downtown Barbershop
900 Austin Ave | ~2 miles from 19Eleven
Tito's is Waco's best value for a traditional cut. At $13 per haircut, it's the most affordable quality cut in town, and the shop has been serving downtown Waco for decades. Walk-ins only — no app, no booking, no frills. Show up and wait your turn. Cash is preferred.
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 8am–5:30pm | Saturday 7am–2pm | Closed Sunday–Monday
Best for: classic tapers, crew cuts, standard fades, low-budget reliability
Note that Tito's closes at 2pm on Saturdays and is closed entirely on Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly before game days or weekend events.
University Barber Shop
1325 S Valley Mills Dr | ~3 miles from 19Eleven
Another solid walk-in shop with haircuts starting at $16. Five barber chairs mean shorter waits compared to smaller shops. Family-run and well-regarded by longtime Waco residents. A good option if you're in the S Valley Mills corridor or want to combine with a Target or HEB run nearby.
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 8am–5pm | Saturday 8am–11am | Closed Sunday–Monday
Best for: traditional and military cuts, quick walk-in convenience
Mid-Range: Standard Fades and Modern Cuts ($25–35)
For cleaner fades or more stylistic work than classic shops offer, several mid-range barbershops in Waco land in the $25–35 range.
Fademasters Barbershop
Waco's dedicated fade specialists. If a precise skin fade or high taper is what you're after, Fademasters has the technique for it. Check current hours and location on their website at fademasterswaco.com or Google Maps — they stay active on social media. Walk-ins are usually welcome.
Best for: skin fades, taper fades, detailed lineup work
Butler's Barbershop
Top-ranked on multiple platforms in Waco and consistently pulls five-star reviews for fade precision. Butler's is the name most Waco residents bring up when talking about the most consistent, high-quality cuts in the city. Appointments are recommended since walk-in waits can stretch long. Check butlersbarbershop.com for current pricing and booking links.
Best for: premium fades, detailed lineup, consistent results
Premium: Full-Service Experience ($35–50+)
Monument Barber Co.
2011 Washington Ave | ~2.5 miles from 19Eleven
Monument is the most polished barbershop experience in Waco. They do premium fades, beard trims, straight razor shaves, and scissor cuts — and every service comes with a complimentary drink. The shop has a modern aesthetic and an appointment-based model that keeps waits minimal.
Hours: Monday–Tuesday 9am–6pm | Wednesday–Friday 8am–6pm | Closed Saturday–Sunday
The main requirement: appointments only — Monument doesn't take walk-ins. Book through monumentbarberco.com or Google. If you're planning a cut before a formal event, graduation photos, or family weekend, book 3–4 days ahead. Saturday is closed entirely, so plan the pre-event cut for Thursday or Friday.
Best for: pre-formal and graduation cuts, full beard trims, straight razor shaves, special occasions
At 19Eleven, the gated community and location on S 8th St puts Monument about 7 minutes away by car — close enough to make a lunchtime appointment work between classes.
Walk-In vs. Appointment: The Quick Guide
| Shop | Walk-Ins | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tito's Downtown | Walk-in only | $13 |
| University Barber Shop | Walk-in only | $16 |
| Fademasters | Usually yes | $25–35 |
| DHDesigns | Call ahead | $35+ |
| Butler's | Appointment preferred | $25–40 |
| Monument Barber Co. | Appointment required | $35–50+ |
Timing tip: If you need a walk-in cut before something time-sensitive, go Tuesday through Thursday morning. Saturday mornings at any walk-in shop get packed during football season and family weekend — expect longer waits or a closed shop if you show up after noon.
Women's Cuts in Waco
Most of the shops listed focus on men's cuts, but two options work well for women:
- Monument Barber Co. — does scissor cuts for women and men alike; professional, appointment-based
- Champions Salon & Barber (721 Austin Ave, downtown) — full-service salon that also handles barbershop cuts, hair coloring, and styling for any hair type
For nail salons, check our guide to the best nail salons in Waco for Baylor students. Both guides together cover most of the regular grooming stops a Baylor student makes.
Price Summary by Cut Type
| Service | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional haircut | $13–16 | $20–25 | $35–40 |
| Skin/taper fade | — | $25–35 | $40–50+ |
| Beard trim (add-on) | — | $10–15 | $20–30 |
| Straight razor shave | — | — | $40–55 |
Student budget tip: Tito's at $13 or University Barber Shop at $16 are the clear winners for a clean traditional cut. For a fade, Fademasters in the $25–35 range splits the difference. Monument or Butler's make sense for occasions that warrant the extra investment.
From 19Eleven to Each Shop
If you're living at 1911 S 8th Street, here are the rough distances:
- DHDesigns — 0.3 miles, 5-minute walk (south on 8th to S 11th)
- Tito's Downtown — ~2 miles, 5-minute drive north on Austin Ave
- Monument Barber Co. — ~2.5 miles, 7-minute drive via Washington Ave
- University Barber Shop — ~3 miles, 7-minute drive via S Valley Mills Dr
- Butler's/Fademasters — check Google Maps for current addresses
Finding a regular barber you trust is one of those things that makes a new city feel familiar. Once you've landed on your shop, it tends to stay your shop for the rest of your time at Baylor.
For more on what's around campus, explore our walking guide to Baylor's south campus and S 8th Street, or see the Baylor student budget guide for tips on managing everyday expenses in Waco.
If you're still looking for housing near Baylor, explore our floor plans or schedule a tour. 19Eleven's S 8th Street location puts you walking distance from DHDesigns and a short drive from every shop in this guide.
