Whilst is usual for women to get pampered in UK its very rare the fellas get some TLC of their own. In Turkey this role is filled by the barber & is an experience every British man should try, for it is possibly the closest shave you will ever get. No quick in & out here they take their time. Most Turkish men go once or twice every week for a tidy up as the prices are very reasonable & it’s a chance for them to relax.

Here’s what happens in a Turkish barbers :

First of all hot towels are applied to your face to open the pores. Then copious amount of shaving cream is put all over the beard area.

Now for the first scary part –  the barber will get out a cut throat razor often with a flourish & begin to shave you. At this point you are probably gripping the chair’s armrests for dear life. Every bristle & hair is cleanly shaved off with nose & ears being held well away from the blade when those areas are being done. Quite often 2 passes are made ,with the lather
replenished for the second shave. Every customer gets a new razor blade inserted as hygiene is paramount.

Here comes the second scary part. The barber will set fire to a ball of cotton on a wire & tap it on your face to remove those stubborn hairs that are coarser, like the ones often on the higher part of the cheek bone . The flame only comes into contact very quickly so the
skin does not burn but it can be a hairy ( pun intended ) moment the first time it happens. The ear hairs get the same treatment.

Next ,if anything remains, comes the wax. A glob of warm wax is placed over the offending area of hair, allowed to solidify a little & then ripped off swiftly a moment or two later – stiff upper lip should be maintained –  no wimpering allowed . Eyebrows & nose hairs don’t escape unscathed either they get a tidy up too but thankfully are trimmed with scissors.

Once the shave is complete cologne is splashed on the face ( remember, real men don’t squeal  ) – you can let go of the armrests now.

Finally moisturiser is massaged in to your face, your head, neck & arms are all massaged & pummelled & then you are done. The whole procedure can take 30 minutes or more but the time spent is totally worth it .

You will feel completely relaxed ,as clean as a whistle & with a face as soft as the proverbially baby’s botty. Give it a try on your next holiday to Turkey