Found a local barber in our area that does hot shaves. I decided to try it out since it would give me a comparison of my technique to the 'pros', see what is possible with a straight blade and see the equipment that is used. As I walked in, I noticed there were no strops, something I expected from the old days when barbers used to have that little spinning red-blue stripe lamp outside the shop.
I needed a haircut so got one of those too.
The haircut included a neck shave, something I've only had once before; I had a preview of what was in store for me.
Pre-Shave
After the haircut the barber directed me to a different chair for the shave, stuck a towel in my shirt as a 'work area' and applied a moisturizer over the bit of growth I had from the day before. They used a specialized vapourizer, that shoots a jet of steam against the face, I sat in the chair for about 15 minutes soaking, nearly fell asleep. A hot towel was applied afterward.
The Shave.
The place used razors with disposable blades, this would explain why I never saw a strop as I walked in.
In conversation with the guy, I mentioned that I had been using a st8 for 4 months, mentioned that my neck area was always a problem, he also added the side of the mouth was also tricky, to which I agreed. Not much to say about the shave itself, the shave started wtg, then atg, with some repeat strokes on the the lower jaw as necessary.
Post shave
Prior to applying the after shave, he warned me that it would sting; he was far wrong. I use either Tabac or 4711 A/S, the stuff he used on me likely has a bit more alcohol than the stuff available in the local drug store, Strong hint of Menthol in conjunction with the alcohol. He followed this up with a moisturizer
Bottom line
Shave and a hair cut 2 bits it wasn't close, of course the little ditty was written in the 30s (I think), the economy has changed a little... to the tune of $46CAN. Stupid me for got to see what a lone haircut was... maybe next time, the cut was really well done, I wasn't raced out of the chair, the barber was willing to talk about the trade and I got the neck shave, this is included in every hair cut.
The results
I was feeling my chin the whole way home, it was smooth, felt nicely moisturized, no burn, and smooth, did I mention it was smooth?
My wife noticed the difference as well, noted the smoothness, but also noticed the redness on either side of my face on the lower jaw (no wonder it stung with the A/S), looked like the kind of thing one would get if they slid on their butt on ashphalt (not quite of bad, but I was reminded of it). I was surprised though, it didn't sting at all
Would I do it again, no... that's an expensive procedure that will last maybe two - three day. It was interesting to see how my technique compared. I have ideas on my pre-shave... I need to look for our vapourizer.
I might think about getting a str8 with a pack of disposables, maybe for travel.
The Post shave lotion may have stung like the dickens, but my face certainly didn't seem to mind.
A fun experiment
I needed a haircut so got one of those too.
The haircut included a neck shave, something I've only had once before; I had a preview of what was in store for me.
Pre-Shave
After the haircut the barber directed me to a different chair for the shave, stuck a towel in my shirt as a 'work area' and applied a moisturizer over the bit of growth I had from the day before. They used a specialized vapourizer, that shoots a jet of steam against the face, I sat in the chair for about 15 minutes soaking, nearly fell asleep. A hot towel was applied afterward.
The Shave.
The place used razors with disposable blades, this would explain why I never saw a strop as I walked in.
In conversation with the guy, I mentioned that I had been using a st8 for 4 months, mentioned that my neck area was always a problem, he also added the side of the mouth was also tricky, to which I agreed. Not much to say about the shave itself, the shave started wtg, then atg, with some repeat strokes on the the lower jaw as necessary.
Post shave
Prior to applying the after shave, he warned me that it would sting; he was far wrong. I use either Tabac or 4711 A/S, the stuff he used on me likely has a bit more alcohol than the stuff available in the local drug store, Strong hint of Menthol in conjunction with the alcohol. He followed this up with a moisturizer
Bottom line
Shave and a hair cut 2 bits it wasn't close, of course the little ditty was written in the 30s (I think), the economy has changed a little... to the tune of $46CAN. Stupid me for got to see what a lone haircut was... maybe next time, the cut was really well done, I wasn't raced out of the chair, the barber was willing to talk about the trade and I got the neck shave, this is included in every hair cut.
The results
I was feeling my chin the whole way home, it was smooth, felt nicely moisturized, no burn, and smooth, did I mention it was smooth?
My wife noticed the difference as well, noted the smoothness, but also noticed the redness on either side of my face on the lower jaw (no wonder it stung with the A/S), looked like the kind of thing one would get if they slid on their butt on ashphalt (not quite of bad, but I was reminded of it). I was surprised though, it didn't sting at all
Would I do it again, no... that's an expensive procedure that will last maybe two - three day. It was interesting to see how my technique compared. I have ideas on my pre-shave... I need to look for our vapourizer.
I might think about getting a str8 with a pack of disposables, maybe for travel.
The Post shave lotion may have stung like the dickens, but my face certainly didn't seem to mind.
A fun experiment