Straight Razor Service, Step-by-Step
1. Welcome client to the shop as soon as they
come in, addressing them by name if possible.
2. Sit them in your chair for a consultation to find out
what services they want; some small chat here
may be appropriate to help you determine if they
seem like they are in a rush or have time to relax.
3. Place a neck strip on and a drape over the client.
Step away for a moment to allow them to get
comfortable.
4. Proceed with the haircut before the shave.
5. Once they have approved of the cut, dust off
their neck to remove loose hairs to keep them
comfortable. Then, place a hot towel on the client’s
face. Ask them if it is too warm while you are
laying it down so as not to burn them. While
he is relaxing, prepare the shaving cream and
fill a bowel with water for rinsing off the lather
between strokes. Leave the towel there until it
has cooled. Apply it again if they have time to
relax while giving them a complimentary neck
or head massage.
6. Remove the towel and begin applying the lather
with the brush, thickly and evenly anywhere
you will be shaving, using paintbrush-like
strokes. Let this sit on the hair so it can
penetrate the follicles.
7. Shave the client, start with the face, then jaw
line, finally the neck. Hold the blade angled at
about 20 degrees, stretching the skin as you go.
Re-lather if it starts to dry out. The first pass
should be with the grain, using short strokes.
Transition to sideways to the grain with longer
strokes, and finally against the grain with longer
strokes. Three passes should suffice. You may
prefer to have no lather on the third pass so you
can better see what you are doing and make
sure you didn’t miss anything.
8. Use a clean, wet towel to thoroughly remove
any remaining cream and/or hair. This towel
should be cold to close the pores.
9. Follow up by using a cotton swab to wipe the
shaved area with an astringent to clear off the
remaining shaving soap.
10. Make sure the client is satisfied with the final
product, inform them of any after care, and
remove the drape and neck strip.
11. Get paid!
12. Properly clean and store your tools and supplies.
Dec./Jan. 2011 | barbersonlymagazine.com | 27