Men, Get A Shave In Your Own Private Room At The World's Oldest Salon Chain

Say hello to India’s first ‘men’s only’ salon in the luxury segment. UK’s Truefitt & Hill offers everything from shaves to facials, including VIP treatments. 

Truefitt & Hill have a right to claim that they groom men for greatness – this barber’s shop has been catering to the discerning gentlemen since it first opened its doors in London in 1805. Apart from being favoured by eight generations of the UK monarchy, former clients read like a Who’s Who guide, and include Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill. The chain has three salons in the city — one at Indiranagar, one at Lavelle Road and another at Whitefield.

The signature service is a 45-minute straight-razor shave, which begins by wrapping the skin in hot towels, and involves exfoliation, and the application of pre-shave oil, finishing with a relaxing facial massage. Other services include pedicure, manicure, haircut, head/face/hand or foot massages and facials.

Istayak Ansari, Director of Lloyds Luxuries Ltd, assures us that it’s not about the services, though – but the overall experience. The entire set-up is geared towards understated luxury, with quaint touches like traditional shaving mugs, Victorian lanterns and the barber’s pole outside lending old school charm. If you want to take it a step further, book your services in one of the two Royal Suites. These VIP rooms ensure absolute privacy, and are apparently a hit with business tycoons, celebs and politicians. And if you want to take a little bit of the experience away with you, then there are 137 products in the Truefitt & Hill range — all of which are made in England. You can select colognes, shaving creams, balms, bath gels, razors, brushes and travel pouches. Our shout out is for the No 10 range, which is aimed at a slightly younger clientele, and has a fresh, peppy smell. 

Walk-in appointments are something of a rarity — so be sure to call ahead to book your slot.