Shear luxury

AT SOME point between nasal hair trimming becoming a basic grooming routine and boyzillians no longer regarded as acts of masochism, shaving evolved into a borderline obsession among even the least metrosexual of men.

Perhaps a trend sprouting from the Serpico-like beards sported by the likes of Brad Pitt, or the rakish appeal of a perfectly styled moustache, suddenly mowing your mug with an electric shaver just doesn't cut it. In fact, if the recent entry of several male grooming establishments is anything to go by, getting the full hot towel, straight-razor shave from a pro could fast become part of the average guy's grooming routine.

"More men are discovering the pure luxury of an old-fashioned hot towel shave, delivered via the expert hands and consummate skills of a 'master barber'," says Keith Power, owner of Jermyn Street - the latest newcomer to the old school barbershop scene.