A shave with Mustafa

The maestro prepares to get to work

One of the interesting elements of living in a divided city is the option to cross the border for quick shave.  Yesterday I crossed over to the north with a Korean/American friend who is shortly to return to the US.  We agreed that he should not return without experiencing a Turkish shave atleast once.  As gents we are typically not so accustomed to this level of grooming, but the Turks and Turkish Cypriots have truly mastered the art of shaving and hair removal.  Many men in Turkey would not dream of shaving themselves every morning, but would instead visit a barbers shop every few days for straight edge or cut-throat shave.  A visit to the barbers is considered a social event, and men commonly gather in barber shops for a shave, haircut, or just to drink tea and talk.

'Flaming' those ear hairs! 

And when it comes to a shave, nothing is rushed. Everything is done with precision and purpose, and somewhat unconventional techniques for hair removal are commonly applied.  This includes 'flaming', where a kerosene soaked cloth is ignited and then brushed against ears and nostrils to burn those pesky  unwanted hairs.  My friend and I yesterday observed a new approach, which was a complete ear wax, where a gentleman's ears and nostrils are filled with warm wax which sets and is then removed.  Ouch! Suffice to say we opted just for the 'flaming' and the regular cut-throat shave.   I'm not sure whether these techniques would pass muster in an OH&S audit in Australia, but they are very effective.

A shave is also accompanied by hot towels, cologne and a back, neck and shoulder massage.  All in all a fine way to spend a morning, especially for gents who are not used to such indulgences.