Barber shops dot Toronto - no surprise to anyone as you can't walk a block without seeing a spinning barber pole. The resurgence hasn't happened overnight per se, but the barber shop wave has definitely taken root. The modern barber still holds true to days long past - straight razor shaves, white smocks, close fades and pomade - but each new establishment is adding its own spin on the classic shop.

Here are my picks for the top new barber shops in Toronto.

The Nite Owl
South Etobicoke residents are flocking to this revitalized 1940s era Long Branch spot from mustachioed owner Brian Hurson who honed his craft in Ireland and Crows Nest in Kensington. All types are welcome from children flaunting flattops to old men seeking straight razor shaves.

The Fitting Room
More of a lifestyle brand that also sells clothing and men's products, the Fitting Room on Dundas West captures the spirit of modern day barber shop culture. Its modern aesthetic is the result of the collaborative vision from 1 LOVE T.O. co-founder Bryan Brock and longtime barber Brian Cafua.

Town Barber
This Dundas and Ossington barber shop is courtesy of Chris Hammel, another Crows Nest alumn. After working out of the back of Lost & Found he relocated and expanded a couple blocks north at the beginning of the year.

Rod, Gun & Barbers
This Junction barber puts the bar in barber shop. Along with a cold beer (and occasional live music) with your cut, expect walls splashed with eclectic knickknacks and a dart board to pass the time in case there's a long wait.

Hastings Barber Shop (Cabbagetown)
Three years after the original Hastings Barber Shop opened in Leslieville, Karolina Conroy and co. opened their second location on the edge of Cabbagetown. A lot more spacious than the Leslieville digs, the three chair shop has a full-sized pool table in the back, taxidermied deer heads and its own in-house paste and pomade.

This post was brought to you by Heineken.

What did I miss? Add your favourite new barber shop to the comments. Photo of Nite Owl.