By Anton Constantinou
I love shaving. Few things in this world are more satisfying than taking a razor to stubble, particularly once it reaches the itchy stage. Call me old fashioned, but there’s something therapeutic about it – even if you do lose a bit of skin in the process.
So imagine my excitement at visiting Truefitt & Hill – the world’s oldest known barbershop, located in London’s Westminster area. Where I would enjoy a wet shave of the highest order.
My early research told me I was in for a treat. First established in 1805, Truefitt & Hill is a true pioneer in the art of men’s grooming, with a long-standing tradition of innovation and excellence. During the course of its history, it’s catered for Britain’s elite, and provided a luxury service to some of the most esteemed gentleman on the planet. I, a mere amateur in the world of pampering, felt hugely privileged to be paying them a visit, if not a little out of my depth.
In the days leading up to the visit, I made a conscious effort not to shave. If the appointment was going to be worth it, then I would need to grow out my facial hair in preparation. A mere five o’ clock shadow just wouldn’t do.
The barbershop was just as I imagined it – an old-world sort of place, with fine interiors and a regal façade. It has a royal warrant above the door that reads: ‘By Appointment to: HRH The Duke of Edinburgh – Hairdressers’, and a smart blue awning that just screams opulence. The barbershop feels perfectly at home in its Westminster location, nestled as it is between the various groomers and perfumers on St James’s Street.
The first thing that hits you when you enter is the smell of luxury cologne – on the one hand, clean and citric, and, on the other, earthy and animalic. As I arrived, I was greeted with a formal yet friendly hello by a lady at the front desk who addressed me by the title of sir and invited me to take a seat. Look important, I told myself. Don’t let her see how uncomfortable you feel.
What I saw before me made me very excited: a wondrous display of fragrances, creams, and grooming products, all beautifully packaged and arranged. I knew, right then, that I’d be coming away with more than just a smooth face.
Any nervousness I may have felt in that moment was quickly put to rest by my barber, who couldn’t have been more hospitable. After leading me to his chair, he asked me lots of questions about myself like what my shaving routine is and how often I moisturise.
The shave began with a hot towel massage, which, as we know, is the best way to open up one’s pores. The towel was left to sit on my face for roughly 3 – 5 minutes, after which point, shaving cream was applied using a badger hair brush. The shave itself was neat and precise, and, at no stage did I feel like my skin was being torn at.
In true barbershop tradition, the shave was rounded off with some moisturising and a splash of aftershave. I was given a choice of two aftershaves – the Grafton Cologne or the Freshman Cologne. I went for the Freshman, in the knowledge that it’s lighter and makes for easier wearing.
While not my first wet shave in a barbershop, this was certainly the closest and most prestigious I’ve received. Never has my face felt as smooth as it did on that day – it was almost as if the barber had removed the skin and replaced it with that of a baby’s bottom.
As presents go, this is the perfect gift for a man. A must-have for any dad or boyfriend who appreciates the finer things in life. A traditional hot towel wet shave at Truefitt & Hill costs £55 and takes roughly half an hour. For gift vouchers, CLICK HERE.
Comments