Neon Signs for Barbershops: Sharp, Not Gimmicky

Barbershops occupy a specific aesthetic territory: part traditional (the pole, the leather chairs, the hot towels), part streetwear, part members' club. Neon suits that territory unusually well, which is why barber neon has become its own recognisable genre. But it's also easy to get wrong, and a wrong neon sign in a barbershop reads instantly as trying too hard.

Having made signs for barbers, salons and studios around the UK, here's what separates the shops that nail it.

Know your wall hierarchy

A barbershop has three sign-worthy zones, and they want different things.

The mirror wall is a spot where clients spend a lot of time looking at themselves. If you put a sign there, people will really notice it and pay attention to it for a while, more than they would anywhere else in the business. But there's a catch - if you put the sign on the wall opposite the mirrors, it will show up backwards in all the photos people take from the chairs. So, what's the solution? You put the sign up high on the wall, but behind the chairs, so when people take pictures, the sign will be readable in the mirror. It's a small thing, but it makes a difference. And, yeah, good barbers actually think about this kind of stuff.

The waiting area is where you'll find those fun phrase signs. You know, the ones that show a bit of personality - like "Take a seat, stay humble", "Only fresh cuts allowed", or "Don't worry, it'll grow back" for the bold ones. Or, you can create your own unique phrase that reflects your shop's vibe. The thing is, people get bored while they're waiting, and that boredom can actually be a great marketing opportunity. Clients will often take pictures of these signs to pass the time, and that's free advertising for you - a marketing channel that nobody really thinks about, but can be really effective.

The window is looking for something simple. You want a sign that's easy to read, like the name of your shop. A neon outline of a barber pole would be great, and an "open" sign that glows is a good idea too. The classic spinning pole is recognisable from far away, but a neon outline can say "barber" just as well, even at night, and it's cheap to run.

Name and logo signs: the main event

Barbershops usually have a really bold style, think crossed razors, crowns, and old-fashioned lettering. This kind of branding looks amazing in neon lights. If you put a sign with your logo behind the counter or on a mirror, it's like having a sign behind the bar in a pub - it gets your name in every picture people take in the shop.

When it comes to designing logos for barbers, there are a few things to keep in mind. For instance, if you're going for a vintage look with lots of fine details like thin lines, small text, or intricate designs, you need to make sure the logo is big enough to look good in neon. A logo that looks great on a business card might not work as well when it's blown up to neon size, so it's a good idea to simplify the design or make it bigger. A good maker will be honest with you about what will work and what won't, rather than just taking your money and making something that doesn't look good. If you want to see how your logo would look in neon, you can send it through our logo upload page and we'll send you a free mock-up within a working day. This way, you can see exactly how it will turn out before you spend any money.

Colour: the barbershop palette

When it comes to barbershops, the colour palette is generally more subdued compared to salons. This is largely due to the fact that barbershops often aim to evoke a sense of tradition and heritage, which is reflected in their use of classic colours like red and white - a nod to the iconic barber pole. These colours are not only a tribute to the trade's history, but they also create a sharp, clinical atmosphere that complements the chrome and steel of the clippers and other equipment. On the other end of the spectrum, warm white is a great fit for barbershops that are going for a more vintage, rustic look, often featuring wood and leather accents. However, there's one colour that barbershops should approach with caution: hot pink. This colour is closely associated with the beauty salon aesthetic (we've covered that whole world separately in our salon sign ideas), and using it in a barbershop setting can completely alter the message and tone of the brand, unless of course, the brand is intentionally trying to challenge traditional norms. In that case, hot pink can be a bold and attention-grabbing choice, but for most barbershops, it's best to stick with a more classic colour scheme.

One colour, used confidently, beats three used timidly. If you want visual interest, get it from the design and the placement halo, not a rainbow.

Practical shop notes

To create a great ambiance in a barbershop, it's a good idea to mount signs on standoffs - this gives them a floating look that's perfect for a premium but masculine feel. The wall halo effect is also really flattering, especially on brick or dark paint, which is often used in barbershops. Adding a dimmer is a great idea too, so the shop can easily switch from bright working light during the day to a moody atmosphere in the evening. Lots of barbershops are open late, and the sign should be able to adapt to this - it's all about creating the right mood. Plus, the running costs are really low, so it won't break the bank - a decent-sized sign that's lit during opening hours will only cost about the same as one or two haircuts per year in electricity.

Steam and product mist are lighter here than in salons, but the same rule applies: keep signs clear of the hot towel steamer's direct path.

Where to start

When it comes to your brand's sign, it's a good idea to go custom right from the start - after all, it's your name and it should be perfect. But if you're trying to create a certain atmosphere on a budget, you can start with a ready-made phrase or graphic from our business collection, which can get you the look you want for less money. Then, when you have a bit more budget to play with, you can invest in a custom logo piece. We make all of our signs in our workshop in Wokingham, and they come with a 3-year warranty, which is important in a room where the walls can take a beating.

The best barbershop neon doesn't announce "we bought a trend". It looks like it was always meant to be on that wall, saying exactly what the shop would say if walls talked. Usually something short, confident, and slightly daring the customer to disagree.