The Secrets of a Great Italian Barbershop
A trip to the barbershop in Italy isn’t just a rush for a quick trim – it’s part of an ingrained ritual that has helped Italians earn their reputation as the world’s best-groomed men.
Haircuts were first introduced in Italy in the second century BC, where regular shaving, sharing the day’s news, and local gossip soon became a part of barbershop culture. Even today, modern barbershops preserve old-world expectations of style and elegance for gentlemen of all cultures throughout the Mediterranean.
Italian Barbershops
The barbershop experience is relatively consistent throughout the Mediterranean. Some shops are more upscale, and some are found in humble neighborhoods, but the philosophy is the same: groom each client like a beautiful bespoke suit.
Darius Arya, a well-known author, historian, and archeologist who regularly appears on Discovery, BBC, and CNN, visited a single-seat barbershop in Capri. The local barber, Federico, has worked in the same barber shop for over 40 years taking care of locals and celebrities alike.
Federico takes immense pride in every haircut, every shave, and every customer. It’s this attention to service and that generosity that makes the Italian barbershop so unique. They offer exemplary one-on-one assistance when you walk into a barbershop or restaurant. When you walk in a second time, they greet you by name. You become part of the family.
Here are some takeaways from Darius’ time in Federico’s Chair and some of Federico’s favorite lessons to help men up their beauty game.
You are the star!
How to Get an Italian Haircut: 3 Steps
No matter how much you hate being the center of attention, you’ll need to get comfortable with that feeling in an Italian barbershop. Barbers like Federico are artists and top professionals who understand the importance of a stylish haircut and perfect shave. They are not messing around.
In Mediterranean countries, the shared grooming experience with your local barber and neighbour’s is something to be experienced weekly, if not daily. This is because the culture expects men to be well groomed. Grooming is a serious business trusted by serious professionals like Federico. When you walk into their shop, you are expected to demand the best in grooming practices and allow yourself to be treated like the celebrity you are!
Of course, not all barbershops are created equal. You’ll want to avoid barbers who pull out the electric shaver when you walk in the door. The only satisfactory shaving experience in Italy is accomplished with a hand-sharpened straight razor under the direction of the barber’s surgeon-like dexterity and precision. Nothing else is considered a proper shave.
1. Take time in the Chair
The Italian barber experience should not be rushed (who wants to rush a guy with a straight razor to your chin)? It often begins with a facial massage to prepare your skin for the hot towel that will soon follow to open your pores and soften tough facial hair.
Making time for storytelling, laughter, and conversation is expected in an Italian barbershop, so don’t rush the experience. Instead, embrace the joy of collaborating with an artist who only desires to present you to the world looking your best. You are worth a bespoke grooming experience designed only for your skin and your face.
2. To Beard or not to Beard
Beards are trending, but men forget that they require as much attention as the hair on our heads. Big beards especially require more than just occasional care. Federico recommends a good beard shampoo – one designed for beard hair and delicate facial skin – followed by beard balm, oil, and a beard brush or comb.
Using products not designed for beards can irritate the skin and make your Beard frizzy and unmanageable. Instead, invest in the right tools for cleaning, trimming, and grooming your facial hair; you’ll put on your best face forward every time.
3. Experience Fragrance
Finally, a great Italian barber shop tells its own story through the fragrance they use. Most shops choose handcrafted oils, lotions, soaps, and shampoos derived from natural ingredients sourced in Italy. These natural treatments help you feel fresh and confident and are essential to every grooming routine.
