Thread: I'm going to start offering straight razor shaves at my barber shop,, any advice?

If I might add this thought. I understand the luxury of the hot towels and pampering that goes into a barbershop shave but there is a segment of the shaving public that, as of this point in time, cannot take advantage of having someone shave them. Due to sensitive skin and avoidance of menthol and eucalyptus ingredients the only effective shave I can get is a cold water shave. I'm left with almost nil on irritation and just as smooth as a hot shave. Customer base would be vastly improved if a cold water shave method was devised. While a hot shave by a barber is relaxing and rewarding I would find a cold shave exhilarating and rewarding. I have never been shaved by a barber and would find that a most interesting experience.

10 for a cut and 10 for a shave sounds like a dream.... Geez in sweden Stockholm last time i checked a shave cost from 75$ witch is 45min shave and up to 120$ and you get 75min with shave and alittle massage. And all this with a shavette cuz barbers are not allowed here to use the straights. only if you buy one from them and thay store it in the shop. hair cuts are around 45$

Doing along with the pampering line, using an atomizer sprayer give the hot towel a quick mist before placing it on their face to soften the beard. This does 2 things, it will reduce any bleach or other smell in the towel as well as give your customer a good feeling.

I know the regs require that you use a single use blade.
Normally that means a shavette and half of a DE blade.
Have you thought about bumping up to the Feather "system"?

Recently you could get the Pro Blade for $14/pack +/- - $0.70/Blade on the bay/amazon - still a lot more than a split DE - but having shaved with both IMHO the experience is light years ahead with the Feather (Or Kai if you prefer)

And I'm with the: "you should charge more" crowd. Think about the turns per hour/chair time.
A Barbershop shave is a premium/special experience and takes time to do well, it should be priced accordingly.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

...Due to sensitive skin and avoidance of menthol and eucalyptus ingredients the only effective shave I can get is a cold water shave.

This. My last barber shave was in 1971; my neck was stinging for three days. Not that my own double edged shaves were more pleasant. When I changed to lukewarm or cold lather and cold rinse I began enjoying a shave for the first time in 50 years.

Ask the client if their skin is normal or sensitive. If sensitive, skip the hot towel in favor of cold towel and cold rinse. Knowing what I know now, I'd insist on a cold towel and cold rinse if I went out for a shave. And good luck!

I applaud you for starting to offer straight razor shaves. I like your idea of only doing after hours until you get the hang of it. In NW Illinois on Mississippi River, a haircut at my barber costs $10. He shaves neck, around ears and sideburns for $2 extra. He doesn't offer full face shave currently. I usually bring my own straight razor with me and he really enjoys trying out the different razors that I bring him. Of course if I forget mine, he has his own shavette with disposible blades. I think $10 for full face shave is totally reasonable. I love the hot lather, hot towel, etc. treatment. Make sure you give a good close shave and I think you will have a good number of clients wanting straight razor shaves. I wish you all the best and much success.

I have never done a cold water shave. Would you just use cold towels when preping like you would with a hot towel? I could see where that would feel good. I always finish up with a cold towel. Also, have you tried Razor MD products for your sensitive skin?

Originally Posted by hidestoart

Doing along with the pampering line, using an atomizer sprayer give the hot towel a quick mist before placing it on their face to soften the beard. This does 2 things, it will reduce any bleach or other smell in the towel as well as give your customer a good feeling.

Thats a great point. It would also "introduce" my products that I do sell by letting them be able to smell it. Thats what usually makes people ask questions.

I'm lucky that in Ky we can use a regular straight razor, alot of states can but people dont want to take the time to keep it sharp or for whatever reason.

Originally Posted by MJC

I know the regs require that you use a single use blade.
Normally that means a shavette and half of a DE blade.
Have you thought about bumping up to the Feather "system"?

Recently you could get the Pro Blade for $14/pack +/- - $0.70/Blade on the bay/amazon - still a lot more than a split DE - but having shaved with both IMHO the experience is light years ahead with the Feather (Or Kai if you prefer)

And I'm with the: "you should charge more" crowd. Think about the turns per hour/chair time.
A Barbershop shave is a premium/special experience and takes time to do well, it should be priced accordingly.

I'm with you on that. Getting a barber shave is getting pampered and does take time so it should cost more. I havnt tried the feather. I do have a shavette that takes persona blades that are not DE but they slip into the razor. I also have a DOVO shavette and of course my trusty Double Duck! My thinking is,,, no one wants to do shaves in our little town , so it would be a great little niche PLUS it would feed other aspects of the shop , haircuts, products etc . Thanks for the feed back!