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

Originally Posted by robscissorhands

...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?

I've tried every combination of hot shower, cold rinse, warm lather, cold lather, etc. over the past year. It seems that moisture, without regard to temperature of prep water or lather, is my key for a close shave.

I never got to using Razor MD. Knowing I get neck and cheek irritation easily I try to shave conservatively* using best practices. Cold or lukewarm face washing and lather doesn't hurt the shave and definitely helps my skin. Lots of cold water rinsing after shaving also helps. In the end, cool prep, cool lather and cold rinsing has eliminated skin irritation I used to see with lots of hot water and hot towels.

*aftershave or alum bars rarely tingle and never burn

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.

Actually thats incorrect for all but maybe a couple states, we can still shave with real straight razors, most barbers are lazy, they tell people they arent allowed to use straight razors in general because its easier than explaining that they just want your money and don't want to waste time shaving around your ears and neck in some cases, and in all cases you learn very little about honing in barber college, so maintaining a sr takes self education. In my case I had to self educate, we learned a figure 8 on a double sided super course hardware store stone in barber college only because you had to know how because it was part of the practical at the state board practical exam.

Originally Posted by LouG

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 offer sr shaves for $10, haircut + neck outline/sideburn shave on every cut for $10, extra $3 if they want a head shave (full head shave or sides of the haircut on a high and tight)

Originally Posted by robscissorhands

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.

Exactly, glad us KY barbers can still use them, saves me a fortune and allows me to promote sr shaving.