There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t get asked this question by a new visitor to the barbershop.  Ok, so I might be exaggerating a bit.  But, I can understand how movies like the Untouchables and Eastern Promises can give us barbers a bad rep, making almost any man a bit nervous at the thought of getting a professional straight razor shave, but relax.

Barbers who advertise straight razor shaves are generally well trained in getting the shave close…but not that close!  Besides, actually cutting someone to the point where it gets ugly won’t happen with a “pro” behind the blade or even a novice for that matter.  Now, a “pro” fessional hitman…that’s a different topic entirely!

So, if you’ve ever wanted a good old-fashioned straight razor shave, do your research, and ask around for good place to get one.  But by all means, please, do not let fear deprive you of one of the most relaxing services only a man can appreciate.

I promise you will love it!

Oh, one more thing.  The more you go, the more relaxed you will become.  And, for the record, falling asleep during a shave my friend, is the best compliment you could ever pay your barber!

Enjoy!

Every guy gets one… right? Somewhere, right now, there are guys describing their desired haircut to their barbers. And for good reason, because every guy wants their haircut to look good on them.

There are generally 2 schools of thought about haircuts…

• A haircut is supposed to compliment your overall style.
• A haircut is supposed to dictate your overall style.

Personally, I side more with #1 because the average man has only two wardrobe styles – (1) going out & (2) work. Not to mention, for many there is no “wiggle room” in their corporate dress code, so the hairstyle typically follows suit making the “going out” hairstyle virtually the same as the “work” one.

Whatever your position, your haircut is something you should be proud of. So make sure you wear it because it fits you (See: Face Shapes Guide), and not because you saw it in a magazine.

The original barber pole was red & white, signifying that the location in which the pole rested was a place where bloodletting was done. That’s right, barbers (who were called Barber Surgeons back then), were the first surgeons with the responsibility of bloodletting, tooth extractions and other surgical practices of that time.

The red and white stripes symbolize the bandages used during the procedure: red for the blood-stained and white for the clean bandages.  Originally, these bandages were hung on the pole to dry after washing. As the bandages blew in the wind, they would twist together to form the spiral pattern similar to the stripes in the modern day barber pole.  The top basin were where the leeches were kept, and the bottom basin was where the blood was placed.  The pole itself represents the staff that the patient gripped during the procedure to encourage blood flow.

Today the barber pole (although more patriotic in color representation), is still the identifying symbol for barbers. Making this 6000 yr old image the oldest symbol of a profession to date.

Now you know…

Well, I’ve been thinking…and I came up with an idea!

Why not treat yourself to a day of pampering? At a place that understands what a guy likes?

Here’s a thought: request a gift certificate to get a good old fashioned shave.  There are so many full-service barbershops opening up around the country.  I know because I’ve worked in a few.

They offer shaves, haircuts, manicures, pedicures, facials and even massages in some places.  It may sound like your standard spa, but these places have a nice, manly twist.  Many offer you a bottle of beer and snacks while you watch TV, all while you get your service! Consider a package. Now…its very possible that you might not want a haircut since you are extremely loyal to your barber or stylist, but consider a few of the other services.

Here are a few places I know will treat you right!

The Shave of Beverly Hills - Beverly Hills, CA
Dean Anthony – Long Beach, CA
Metro for Men - Irvine, CA
Aidan Gill for Men - New Orleans, LA
Grooming Lounge - Atlanta, GA & Washington D.C.

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