I recently had the pleasure of visiting Monarch Barber Shop in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. Join me as I get a shave and talk about the world of traditional shaving with owner Jesse Crouse, who shares his expertise, passion, and maybe a little controversy, for the craft.
A New Gem in Austin
Monarch Barber Shop has been open for just three months, and Jesse is already making a name for himself. With a focus on quality and customer education, he aims to elevate the shaving experience for his clients.
The Shaving Experience
As I settled in for a clean shave, Jesse walked me through the process. Here’s what you can expect during a professional shave:
- Cleansing the Skin: Jesse started with a botanical face wash from 1 Blade to prep my skin. This step is crucial for removing dirt and oil, ensuring a smooth shaving surface.
- Hot Towels: A couple of hot towels were applied to open up the pores. This not only relaxes the skin but also softens the hair for a better shave.
- Pre-Shave Oil: Jesse mixed in some pre-shave oil, creating a “cocktail” of products that would help protect my skin during the shave.
Choosing the Right Blade
Jesse explained the importance of selecting the right blade for different hair types. He prefers the Astra blade for its thin geometry, which often provides a sharper finish. However, for tougher areas, like the chin, he might switch to a Feather blade.
Common Shaving Challenges
During our conversation, Jesse highlighted common issues he sees with customers:
- Ingrown Hairs: Many clients struggle with ingrown hairs due to improper shaving techniques.
- Multi-Blade Cartridges: He recommends single blade shaves, as multi-blade razors can irritate the skin.
Preparing for the Shave
One of the key takeaways from my visit was the importance of skin preparation. Jesse noted that many clients don’t take the time to adequately prepare their skin, often just using water. He recommends:
- Using Heat: Warmth helps open pores and soften hair.
- Applying Oils and Balms: These products hydrate the skin and provide a protective layer against irritation.
The Barber’s Perspective
Jesse shared his thoughts on the art of shaving from a barber’s perspective. While many customers find the experience relaxing, he admitted it’s quite the opposite for him.
And Jesse has some opinions about traditional shaving that might be a little controversial to the “enthusiast” shaver” (paraphrased from the video at about the 8:30 mark):
I’m gonna open up the dialogue, you know? I’m gonna prioritize your comfort, you know? … [L]ike I know I want to see, especially your followers man, I’ve been following you for a long time. I want to see people you don’t get mad at this and so I’ve always thought about it as the barber, you know Some people would never you know something there’s people do it all the time. I don’t think in the barber world.
I’m wondering the consumer on your end you know with your viewers and stuff like that what the reception is you know I mean you tell me what you think because there’s like purists out there….
…[I]f I’m a barber and I’m a purist you know and that’s a lot of the stuff especially when it comes to shaving. I think the gap between Barbering and the consumer is so interesting because some guys ask me about their ways of shaving and I’ll tell them, you know OneBlade. Just say this is how you put a straight blade to yourself in the mirror. As an enthusiast if you want to use conventional razors and slice your face up and do that stuff go at it bro go at it that’s not you know but I say the ergonomics of a straight razor is for me to put on you.
They ask because they don’t know what else is out there and that’s where your job comes in and even mine, you know as a barber with people asking me every day is, yeah, ‘what should I do use what I don’t want to use a Gillette anymore I don’t want to use my Harry’s anymore. You know, what else is out there for me? Should I buy a district razor that you use And I go no I like I’m like here’s the thing man.’
You’re gonna have a terrible time with it. You know it’s I’m giving you a good shave with it. You’re gonna have a terrible time with it so here’s the answer to your question: a OneBlade or something with the ergonomics that you can use on yourself and not the straight razor ergonomics that I put on your face. So that’s a really interesting conversation and then also opens the door for like, okay, you got some tough hairs. I can lather you up another 10 minutes, dig at your upper lip with a blade, you know.
The Tradition of Shaving
Despite the pressure, Jesse loves the tradition and luxury that comes with giving a shave. He emphasized that it’s rich in history and is more than just a routine; it’s a ritual that connects clients to the past.
Aftercare: The Finishing Touches
Once the shave was complete, Jesse applied a Kiehl’s facial tonic for a refreshing finish. While he uses some alcohol-based aftershave products for hygienic purposes in his business, Jesse prefers non-alcohol-based balms over traditional aftershaves with alcohol, which can be harsh on the skin. He uses:
- Bay Rum: A classic scent that many associate with barbershops.
- Moisturizers: To hydrate the skin post-shave.
The Importance of Quality Products
Jesse believes in using quality products, stating that many of the items he uses are available for purchase, allowing clients to replicate the experience at home.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Shaving Routine
Jesse’s dedication to the craft and focus on customer education was an interesting, educational experience.
If you’re looking to elevate your shaving routine, consider visiting a professional barber like Jesse. Not only will you receive a top-notch shave, but you’ll also gain valuable insights into proper skin care and shaving techniques.
