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.