Since opening its first barbershop in Shoreditch in 2006, Murdock London has provided the style-conscious gentleman with a menu of grooming experiences in the most refined of environments. With seven shops across the UK capital, plus a newly opened space within Hackett's flagship store in Paris, it can be counted on to meet the high-maintenance demands of any global city.
The Traditional Murdock Wet Shave lasts for 45 minutes, during which you'll be pampered to precision with a cut-throat razor and hot towel. The treatment uses Murdock's signature products and concludes with a splash of your chosen cologne.
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If time allows, upgrade to the luxury version – it includes an express facial that will leave you feeling fresh-faced and revitalised. Alternatively, if you've grown attached to your 'tache, Murdock's Moustache Trim and Styling service will ensure you continue wearing it in the best shape to frame your features.
With shops in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, London and Birmingham, BarberBarber is clearly getting something right. Its Traditional Cut-Throat Shave goes way beyond a mere tidy-up, starting with a skin analysis, exfoliating cleanse and a hot-towel steam to prepare the face.
Following a luxurious lather and close shave, the skin is soothed with oils and balms to leave it feeling super-smooth. The Ultimate BarberBarber Experience incorporates a haircut and finish to complete the look.
At Edinburgh barbershop Ruffians (pictured above), the Cut-Throat Razor Shave comprises the full works, including a personalised skin consultation, upper-body and face massage, exfoliating scrub, soothing hot towel and expert shave. Linger a while over a craft coffee or a scotch before you head on your way feeling suitably invigorated.
Three outposts in London – in Covent Garden, Marylebone and Shoreditch – mean capital-dwellers north and south can now experience the Ruffians regime.
For an especially gentrified experience, a visit to The Barber & Spa (pictured above), housed within Dunhill's historic London home, the restored, Grade II-listed, 18th-century Bourdon House, really cuts the mustard.
The expansive menu of treatments offers classic and deluxe versions of the wet shave – the latter inclusive of an express facial and hot-towel face massage. Tailor your experience to include additional services, such as hairstyling or a scalp massage, and relax in a traditional barbershop chair before leaving feeling in tip-top condition.
Further afield, Stockholm's Head to Throat barbers like to take their time – a Classic Hot Shave experience lasts for an hour and 15 minutes, ensuring you receive the care and attention you deserve, plus time to thoroughly relax and enjoy the process, which is enhanced with warm towels, skin oils and skin balms.
Not wanting to allow the remote location of Scandinavia to prevent punters from benefitting from the team's talents, during the summer of 2016, Head to Throat took their services on tour to the US, popping up at guest spots in Houston, New Orleans, Jackson, Orlando and Miami. Keep an eye on its website for details of future overseas excursions.
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