Today, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the best straight razor shave in San Diego, a house specialty at 18|8 4S Ranch San Diego. From beginning to end, we offer a program that blends VIP treatment with the most effective grooming techniques, taking every customer on a journey that ends with them looking and feeling incredible.
It’s the Experience!
18|8 4S San Diego is not a traditional unisex hairdresser or a parlor. It’s a Fine Men’s Hair Salon. An establishment that delivers personalized, exceptional service and style solutions that are trendy, classic, and sexy. Men don’t come here for a shave, a haircut, or a grooming treatment alone; they come because we’ve got a dynamic team of stylists, cosmetologists, barbers and specialists who love their craft and do incredible work for every client. They come here because it’s an investment in the longevity of their hair, skin, and nails, and because we’re a great crowd of people to be around (#justsaying). If you need more proof, just look at how much fun we have on Instagram.
Now that you know where to go, the best straight shave experience in San Diego is a four step process.
Step 1: Prep
It all starts with a warm towel to relax and soften up your skin. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dozing off. It happens!
Jessica, one of our barbers, says “We do this for a number of reasons, but most importantly to open up your pores and set the stage for an extra close shave.” This helps get rid of any dead skin cells (exfoliation) and uproot those pesky ingrown hairs. In many ways, it’s like a form of heat therapy that helps you clear your mind.
Step 2: Hot Lather
Now that you’re comfortable, we follow up with a hot lather that feels amazing. Forget the icy shaving cream that smells like gas-station hand soap. We use the highest quality shaving cream that spreads easily across your soft, heated skin.
Step 3: Straight Edge Shave
The straight razor shave is shaving’s Gold Standard. Those supermarket-bought razors that give you shaving rash, pimples, and leave weird islands of hair around your neckline don’t compare. Not by miles. A straight razor gives you a clean, close finish by removing hair at the root-level, which adds days onto your shave.
Jessica says “We apply shave oil lather first, then a shave cream; then we do two passes of the straight shave (one with the grain).”
Step 4: The Final Touch
When it’s all said and done, we use an aromatic towel to clean you off and complete the shave by leaving you with a final memory of that warm, relaxing feeling that started the experience.
“My clients love the hot towel; it’s soaked in bayrum and smells great. It’s a super relaxing experience.”
Afterwards, we apply some after-shave and finish off with a quick massage.
Challenge Your Perception
Here’s the thing: unless you’re a beard-guy, shaving will be a part of your weekly routine for the foreseeable future. Just something you do every day if your hair grows quickly, and every second or third day if it doesn’t. Like death and taxes. Week in, week out.
The amazing news is that shaving can be more than a necessary grooming chore; in the right setting, with the right people and ambiance, it can be one of the best things you do for yourself on a regular basis. It can be special and something you look forward to. It can be rejuvenating. A reward, a routine in self-care, and a ritual before taking on a big challenge. That’s what we do: turn the mundane into magic.
At 18|8 4S, you’re getting the highest level of service and expertise at every visit. The biggest draw to making your straight razor shaves and touch-ups is adding a layer of familiarity to your experience. The better we get to know you, the better we can meet your needs and learn what products work best for you.
Blend it with an Executive Membership
To get more from your visits, why you get an Executive Membership to 18|8 4S? Save yourself time with advanced scheduling, save 15% on all grooming products, and round out every visit with a shoulder and neck massage.
Give us a call at (858) 914-5418, or book an appointment with us online to experience the best straight razor shave in San Diego!