Razor's edge: Seeking that clean cut

Razor's edge: Seeking that clean cut

Maria Kegel, Contributor, Jakarta

The barbershop at Hotel Indonesia is one of the few in Jakarta
that offers customers a traditional shave in addition to its
other services of haircuts, shampoo and styling, manicures,
pedicures, massages for the scalp, shoulders and arms and ear
cleaning.

The shaving tradition has been passed down from father to son,
and at one point several generations of barbers worked there side
by side.

The barbershop boasts a large clientele, but business has
dropped over 50 percent since 1997 when demonstrations became a
daily occurrence outside in the traffic circle.

"Most clients are afraid to come to the hotel now," Nasrun
Iskandar, the shop's supervisor, said, adding that regular
customers include both foreigners and locals, and that they are
over the age of 35.

"Young people go to the salon, they don't come to the barber
anymore."

With a traditional shave, the straight razor is used. However,
with mounting concern over hepatitis, AIDS and other blood-borne
diseases, disposable razors are the popular option, and a new
blade is fitted into the handle of the straight razor for each
customer.

"Patrons are given the choice between the two blades, but we
usually use a disposable razor now because most guests want
that," Nasrun said.

Although the disposables are a third of the length of the
straight razor, shaving with them takes no longer than it would
with its traditional counterpart.

"Older patrons still prefer the straight razor, perhaps
because they are more comfortable with it," he said.

He noted that straight razors were soaked in an antibacterial
solution after every use.

Guests do not come every day for a shave but have one when
they get their hair cut, he said.

Nasrun said that there was no skin irritation from shaving
with the blade and most guests never complained about it. He said
one reason could be that the barbers had many years of experience
behind them.

"If I shave myself at home with an electric razor, I'm still
going to have redness and sensitivity, and it feels like I have a
burn."

Nasrun said the straight razor gave a better shave. "If you
pass your hand over your skin, it feels so smooth, but with the
electric shaver, you can still feel some missed stubble."

Dr. Edwin Juanda from the Jakarta Skin Center said an electric
razor stimulates the skin with its vibrating heads, and this can
cause the skin to become red and swollen. In addition, some men
may have an allergic reaction to the electricity, Edwin said.

If someone develops a skin irritation or allergic reaction
from shaving with an electric razor, they should discontinue use
and stay with a manual blade, Edwin said.

Triple blade razors have recently emerged on the market and
Edwin said these could be a better choice for men with skin
sensitivity.

Shaving tips

Nasrun Iskandar has seen a lot of hair come and go over the past
15 years he has worked at the Hotel Indonesia barbershop. As the
shop's supervisor, he is on the cutting edge as to what
classifies as a good shave.
* At the barbershop, patrons have a hot towel placed over the
lower part of the face to soften the skin and open the pores. The
same can be done at home by steaming towels and putting them on
your face for just half a minute, Nasrun said. "If the skin is
soft, then it is easier to shave."
* Apply foam to the area to be shaved, but soap is a good enough
substitute if you have run out.
* If you nick yourself with the razor, apply ice or a cold towel
to the area to slow and stop the bleeding.
* Be sure to follow with an aftershave, as the alcohol will
clean the cut and kill any bacteria that is present, reducing the
risk of infection. "Aftershave is used not only for its nice
smell but for its alcohol, which is really important as it stops
the bacteria."
* Keep a small towel in the freezer to have ready in case of any
nicks.
* Do not put small pieces of tissue paper on your cuts to stop
the bleeding as the wound will likely reopen when you remove the
piece of tissue later.
* The thickness of your hair dictates how long your blades will
last. If you have thick hair, you might be able to use the blade
only once, Nasrun said, adding that he could only get one or two
shaves out of each blade he uses.
* Edwin offered the last tip: Stick with disposables, always
discard used blades and never share your razor with anyone,
including other family members.