Going for my first "old style" shave at a barber. Any advice?
- Thread starter zammboss
- Start date
Relax & Enjoy
Hot Towel face mask.
Ask for for a Cut Throat (not shavette) re-placable blade type. Not many now use these.
Head massage.
Finish off with Pinaud clubman Talc (puffer).
Cologne mist " walk through it ".
Charles U.K
Hot Towel face mask.
Ask for for a Cut Throat (not shavette) re-placable blade type. Not many now use these.
Head massage.
Finish off with Pinaud clubman Talc (puffer).
Cologne mist " walk through it ".
Charles U.K
My advice would be do a search here on what other folks have encountered before you make the appointment.
99 percent of the cases have been a situation of extreme disappointment at a very poor quality shave with a shavette, and the smashing of an idea in the head that you just can't get back.
Stories of bleeding, nicks, scrapes and finishing up the final pass with a fusion far far outweigh those that had a good experience.
If you are armed with that info and choose to go ahead, at least you'll be making an informed decision on your gamble.
99 percent of the cases have been a situation of extreme disappointment at a very poor quality shave with a shavette, and the smashing of an idea in the head that you just can't get back.
Stories of bleeding, nicks, scrapes and finishing up the final pass with a fusion far far outweigh those that had a good experience.
If you are armed with that info and choose to go ahead, at least you'll be making an informed decision on your gamble.
Listen to the man, Phil speaks the truth!
Be aware that alot of places cannot use a true straight razor anymore because of health code. (All razorblades must be single use.)
This way explained to me recently when I went to an old school mens barber shop and asked if they offered shaves. (I shave my head and hadnt been in a barber shop in well over a decade.)I got hot towel, hot lather, hot towel, head masage, hot lather and then a shave. The barbers were really cool old timers (probably in their 70s) and did a pretty nice job. He did have to use a shavette that took DE blades because of the health code stuff though. Also, he said how much he hated not being able to use the old kind anymore.
I told them that I recently started straight razor shaving and they said that was nice because not alot of "youngsters" (LOL... I'm 30) care about a good haircut or shave anymore. The barber gave me some tips on changing my grip slightly on different parts of my face (and it helped) too! It was a nice experience overall and worth the $12 it cost me. I will probably do it again this week since I'm on vacation.
This way explained to me recently when I went to an old school mens barber shop and asked if they offered shaves. (I shave my head and hadnt been in a barber shop in well over a decade.)I got hot towel, hot lather, hot towel, head masage, hot lather and then a shave. The barbers were really cool old timers (probably in their 70s) and did a pretty nice job. He did have to use a shavette that took DE blades because of the health code stuff though. Also, he said how much he hated not being able to use the old kind anymore.
I told them that I recently started straight razor shaving and they said that was nice because not alot of "youngsters" (LOL... I'm 30) care about a good haircut or shave anymore. The barber gave me some tips on changing my grip slightly on different parts of my face (and it helped) too! It was a nice experience overall and worth the $12 it cost me. I will probably do it again this week since I'm on vacation.
- Thread starter
- #6
what if you bring your own blade?problem solved!
I wouldn't want a barber who has never shaved me use a razor he has never personally used. With all the shavette hate, I will tell you one thing. No matter how much you hone a razor, it will never be as sharp as a disposable blade. Shaving is done with technique, not the equipment used. I Experience far closer and less irritating shaves with my Feather folding razor than I do any of my traditional straights.
I doubt this is true. First it's cheap steel. Second it's stamped steel. Third I believe I heard somewhere that most modern blades are actually not as well ground as they were in the past (allowing cheaper steel to be used), instead being made less sharp but coated with teflon to improve glide to compensate.
Always tell the barber if you have any sensitive areas, whether you shave ATG, etc. Some barbers think they can shave anyone against the grain but there are plenty of clients that its not suitable for. I'm one of them.
Something for the weekend, Sir?
- Thread starter
- #11
Just came back from it. Place called MANN Grooming for men. 30$+ tax. 40min shave and facial massage. Everything is very well disinfected and changed often. Not a single drop of blood was shed. I wouldn't go back for that price when I feel like I can get my face this smooth while taking my time with a DE.
It did get me to worry about how good of a job I could do on my own with a straight razor now i'm not sure if I want to invest in one any more.
It did get me to worry about how good of a job I could do on my own with a straight razor
now i'm not sure if I want to invest in one any more.
It did get me to worry about how good of a job I could do on my own with a straight razor
Depends on how badly you want to shave with a straight. It isn't for everybody.
Those of us that use them, love them (for the most part). Due to arthritic wrists, I now look forward to shaving because it doesn't hurt my wrists. I can get my face just as smooth with a straight as I can with piece of plastic. Takes a bit longer to shave, but at least now it is enjoyable.
I wouldn't let an experience like you just related be the decision maker. I've never had a "professional shave" in my life. MAYBE before I die, I'll give it a shot. I'm 60 now and I can probably make it the rest of the way without it.
You'll never know until you try.
i find the opposite to be true - so long as the blade is properely honed and stropped.... YMDV
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Just came back from it. Place called MANN Grooming for men. 30$+ tax. 40min shave and facial massage. Everything is very well disinfected and changed often. Not a single drop of blood was shed. I wouldn't go back for that price when I feel like I can get my face this smooth while taking my time with a DE.
It did get me to worry about how good of a job I could do on my own with a straight razor
glad you had a great experience!! I'd think it'd spur you on to get your own Straight! if you don't like it you can always B/S/T it! keep in mind there is a learning curve
Yeah I've had a rather lengthy post about getting a traditional shave. For the price I personally wouldn't say it's worth it. There are a bunch of barbers on this forum and their guests and they have singing praises. It really really depends on where you are.
I will never understand why I'd want anyone else shaving me-----especially with a straight!! Why pay someone else for something I can do whenever I want, how I want, and with whatever razors I want, in the directions I want, and use the SC and AS I want and have great fun and satisfaction doing it and saving $$$$ (and do a better job) besides--------those are the reasons I spent the time to learn to use a DE and a straight razor!! NO WAY am I shelling out to let someone else have a whack a my whiskers and charge me for it to boot!!! But to each his own.
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