Barber! A pint, please!
We all have our routine when it comes to maintenance – maybe you’ve been visiting the same barber every month for your whole life, or maybe you try and get in and out as quick as poss when the time comes around. But, what if we told you that this could all change? What if, and hear us out, your trip to the barber became more than a haircut: a chance to unwind, socialise, and yep – even have a beer or two.
This year, we’ve decided to upgrade our trips to the barbers, and try out ‘The Gentleman Experience’ – a sharp haircut, a perfect shave, and a time to relax all in one.
And, with Christmas coming up fast, and reunions with friends, dinners with family, and the possibility of running into your ex at the pub inevitable – there’s really no better time to get yourself looking (and more importantly, feeling) your best. So, book yourself in, pull up a chair, and relax. Trust us on this one.
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1 A sanctuaryWe visited LAB Gentlemen, a barbershop in the heart of Battersea, where we were welcomed by manager Raffaele. The place exudes nostalgia, and the air is scented with a perfect mix of leather, talc, and musk. If we had to choose a soundtrack for the mood – we’d pick James Brown’s classic – ‘It’s a Man’s World’. Yep, there’s no doubt here – we’re entering masculine territory.
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2 A good barber knows what you want (probably better than you do)
“Our top priority is to see customers leave with a smile”, Raff tells us. “The customer doesn’t always know exactly what they want – that’s our job, really.” A good barber understands those vague requests of ‘the same but shorter’ or ‘just a bit off the top’. Whether it’s a buzz cut, a low fade, or even a mullet – your barber will know the style you’re after (and they’ll be happy to discuss it with you, if you’re not sure).
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3 License to shave
It’s said that the barber is the only person in the world we voluntarily allow to put a razor to our neck (makes sense, really). And whilst in theory, this sounds pretty terrifying – it might actually turn out to be the most relaxing experience of your life (not even being dramatic). “First, we prep the skin for shaving by applying a hot towel with essential oils. This softens the pores and makes shaving easier”, Raff tells us. (By the way – this is perfect for soothing the skin before the onslaught of Christmas food and hangovers). The shaving foam or cream is then lathered onto the face with a specialised brush – which feels pretty great – and the barber proceeds with an expert millimeter-close shave. Whether sharpening up your beard or going fully fresh-faced – you’re guaranteed to feel insanely sharp afterward.
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4 A good chat
The Gentleman Experience really isn’t just about sharpening up. It’s also a real moment of exchange, where genuine friendships and bonds can form. “Here, we talk about sport, politics, cars, love lives (and of course a good few in-chair confessions which fall strictly under stylist-client confidentiality), Raff tells us. “There are so many friendships born here – the barbershop can be as friends as the neighbourhood pub. My clients come for a haircut, but they rarely leave straight away. They chat, play table football, and have a laugh. It’s often my favourite thing about the job”.
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5 Cheers!
What’s barber without ‘bar’, right? “Our barbershop is a place full of life – we love to relax and have fun,” Raff tells us. “Sipping on something is all part of the experience. We call it liquid serotonin – we serve coffee, tea, cold beers, and even some pretty excellent whiskey. It helps to create a warm atmosphere and encourages good chats – we really are there to have a good time, just as we would do with friends. Don’t worry though, we don’t partake until after the last trim of the day.”
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6 Your new tradition
“These days, more and more clients are booking their barber visits in pairs or groups”, Raff explains. “Around the holidays, especially, the barber trip is becoming a real sharing experience. Relationships are strengthened and bonds are made during these experiences, which is why barbershops are so much more than just places to get a haircut. Our customers come more and more often with families; fathers, brothers, children – we’re part of their family tradition, and we love that.”
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7 Christmas with a difference
And so, for the LAB Gentlemen Experience. We can’t fault it. Of course, there’s the impossibly sharp new look you’re leaving with (you can’t imagine how much a beard trim, nose wax, and blackhead treatment can change a person). More than that, though, you’ve had a laugh, a chat, and some much-needed time to take a load of and unwind. Is there a better way to kick off the festive season? We don’t think so.
With Treatwell, you can book grooming online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Find amazing venues in your area.
