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Barber Shops

Barber Shops

Always ask the price before committing yourself to a seat in the barbers’ chair as they have been known to vary charges even though they have a standard price list. There are various options open to you, but most men seem to go for a traditional shave and this is what you can expect:

Your face is washed with warm water to soften up the bristles. The barber will then whip up foam in a cup using traditional ‘traş’ soap and apply a first layer to your chin, neck and sideburns. While that's soaking in you'll often be treated to a neck and temple massage.

The second coat of shaving soap is applied to the same areas as before, and the barber will work his magic with his razor or ‘ustura’– a typical straight razor that flicks open like a pen-knife.

If you're unfortunate enough to suffer the odd nick, the barber will produce what is known as a ‘blood stone’ or ‘kantaşı’ in Turkish. This involves a quick rub to the nick which will stop the bleeding immediately.

Now for your cheekbones. This is the real treat and there are two ways of removing unwanted cheekbone hair. First option is dipping cotton wool into some pure alcohol, then lighting it and brushing it quickly over the cheekbones. Don’t worry, it's not painful or dangerous, but there is a faint whiff of burnt hair after. Second option is to use a length of cotton, which is twisted and drawn across the cheekbone, plucking out the hairs. You might know this technique as "threading". To finish the look, you can have nasal and ear hairs trimmed as well. The barber will use a modern little shaver to do the nostrils, but the ears will be done with the cotton wool and alcohol method. Finally, just so everyone knows you’ve just been to the barbers, traditional lemon essence cologne is patted around the shaven areas, and to top it all off a good slap of moisturising face cream and you may even get a shoulder massage as well. Baby, smacked and bottom are all words to describe your finished appearance and you 'll certainly feel refreshed and invigorated!

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