Pall Mall Barbers and Barbering on the BBC

Pall Mall Barbers was the backdrop for a recent programme filmed for the BBC on the History of Barbering. With our salons styled in the traditional barber shop style with wood panelling, retro tiles and front facing sinks, they are the perfect location for a programme about barbers and how the barber shop developed.

Dr Alun Withey, one of the BBC’s New Generation Thinker was doing a feature for the broadcaster about barbering in the 18th century and decided to use one of our barber shops in Central London to film in.  The team were there for most of the day and we have some great shots of them filming.

Sporting his own impressive growth of facial hair, Alun took the plunge and went for a luxury wet shave when he came into Pall Mall Barbers in Fitzrovia after deciding to experience all the joys of a professional shave for himself.  So with Michael, a very experienced and skillful barber he was in safe hands and ended up with a smooth, hairfree face and soft moisturised skin. If you want to see the before and after pictures and learn a little more about the history of barbering, the programme is now on the BBC Arts website.You can also see the steps Michael goes through when he gives a luxury wet shave.

Or if you want to read more about the fascinating history of barber shops and their tradition of surgical services through the ages, then Alun’s got a longer feature on his blog.

And if you fancy enjoying the barbering skills of a Pall Mall Barber, why not book in for your own luxury wet shave. You can book online or call any of our Central London barber shops.

Safety Razor

What Exactly is a Safety Razor?

It sounds a bit like safety scissors. You know those ones with the rounded edges that can’t actually cut anything and you give them to children?  Well, thankfully, a safety razor is nothing like those!

A safety razor is as sharp as any other razor, but it also has  the addition of a guard that glides along the skin between your face and the blade, which reduces the risk of cutting your face whilst shaving.  So they are ideal if you have sensitive skin, or perhaps scars and marks on your face. An elegant tool in any man’s grooming kit, a safety razor gives a really close, smooth shave and with replaceable single blades, they are also a very cost effective shaving tool in your daily routine as new blades are a much cheaper option than most of the multi blade alternatives.

At Pall Mall Barbers, we have a few safety razors – the St Paul, the Westminster and the St James, which are really popular with customers. It just depends on the look you like and the way you hold the razor, to determine which safety razor would be best for you.

The Independepent recently included our Westminster one in their list of 10 best safety razors – high praise indeed. They particularly liked the simple way of being able to change the razor blade with the handle releasing the razor head.

If you’d like to try one of these safety razors yourself but need some advice first, pop into one of our central London barber shops and any of the guys there will be happy to help you. Otherwise, if you know what you want, go straight to our safety razor page and you can buy online too.

History of Barbering

Ever wondered about the history of barbering and how the barber shops of old used to operate?  Well, we recently had a visit from Dr Alun Withey at our Fitzrovia barber shop in London, who knows all about such things.

Dr Alun had come in to have his beard shaved off and in his role as an academic historian of medicine and the body and a 2014 AHRC/BBC 'New Generation Thinker', he has written a really interesting piece on his blog all about the history of barbering.

As this was his very first experience of a professional wet shave with an open blade, he was naturally a bit nervous but as he was in the process of making a short film about shaving in Georgian Britain and this was part of his research, Dr Alun wanted to experience a proper wet shave by a qualified barber, and let's be honest, if you're going to have a cut throat razor held against your skin, you'd definitely want a Pall Mall Barber doing it!

Fortunately for Dr Alun, the barber in question - Michael, knows exactly how to give the closest, smoothest shave known to man and Dr Alun seemed impressed!  And he knows a good barber when he comes across one as he's spent the last 5 or 6 years researching and writing about shaving and the history of barbering.

In his blog, the history of barbering is covered from the 18th century when the skills, hygiene levels and quality of the barbers' tools often left gents of the time, with sore faces and nicks and cuts galore.  Thankfully that's no longer the case!

Why not read the blog, then book a professional wet shave for yourself and revel in this luxurious and very masculine experience.

St James area of London

The St James area in the west end of London is synonymous with the British aristocracy and Gentleman’s Clubs, and Pall Mall Barbers has been associated with the area since 1896.

In fact, the street Pall Mall is still the home of many private members clubs like the RAC Club, the Army and Navy Club, the Carlton Club and the Reform Club. Plus many more around St James’s Square, St James’s Street and Piccadilly.  With so many well groomed, professional men in the area, it was only natural that a men’s barber shop should thrive in St James.

In the “City of  Westminster”, this very historic area of Central London is full of beautiful architecture where some very prestigious international firms have their head offices. St James is also within walking distance of some of the capital’s most famous landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. It’s even home to some of London’s most beautiful parks like St James’s Park and Green Park. So it’s naturally a very busy area with business people, tourists and day trippers to London, making St James definitely one of our favourite areas of London.

The Trafalgar Square branch of Pall Ball Barbers is within easy reach of all these famous sights, plus close to several tube stations like Leicester Square, Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus. So if you work in the St James area or are just visiting and any barber services like a luxury wet shave, men’s haircut or any type of men’s shaving products and hair styling products, why not drop by our barber shop and see how we can help. You can also Barber shop appointments in St James area of Londonbook appointments online or order any of shaving and hair products we sell in store.

We look forward to seeing you when you next need a barber in St James.

Men's Shaving

Who would Adam and Eve it? Our men’s shaving services have been included in Esquire’s Style Guide as something to buy this week.

And who are we to argue?  It’s always very flattering when our staff and our services are recognised and recommended, especially when it’s by one of the most stylish and respected men’s magazines around.  So, thanks guys.

And as the popularity of beards seems to be waning, maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a professional men’s shaving appointment at Pall Mall Barbers? You’ll be in very capable hands with any of our experienced barbers and with one of our luxury wet shaves, you’ll be getting the best shave in the business.  Your skin will be cleaned and steamed with hot towels and an invigorating facial scrub and then you’ll be treated to the luxury range of Pall Mall Barbers eponymous men's shaving products featuring sandalwood and clove and include a pre shave scrub, shaving cream and post shave balm.

If you’ve never had a professional wet shave before, it’s part pampering and part grooming.  You’ll experience the closest shave possible, have the smoothest skin and leave feeling relaxing and refreshed.  As far as men’s shaving goes, it doesn’t get any better than this.

We’ve got three barber shops now in Central London and you can book your men’s shaving appointment online or give us a ring.  And if you’d like to try any of our men’s shaving products, these can be bought online or in store too.

Luxury Wet Shave

A luxury wet shave by a professional barber is the height of pampering for most men. Especially those who appreciate the skill required as an open blade glides across your skin. Plus, it’s the ultimate shaving experience – giving you the best shave you’ll ever have.

At Pall Mall Barbers, we have been shaving the men of London at our barbers shops for over 100 years.  Our barbers are some of the most respected and experienced in the capital – you’ll often see them on TV or quoted in the press when a shaving expert’s view is needed.

So if you book in for a luxury wet shave you know you’ll be in good hands.

The first step would be to remove any dead skin cells and rough patches of skin by using an exfoliator. Specially designed for men, this prepare your skin and ensures you’ll get a smoother finish.  Next, to relax you and open up the pores we’ll place some hot wet towels over your face for a few minutes.  As you sit back, eyes closed and start to enjoy the experience we begin preparing for the next step which is working up a thick creamy lather of shaving cream with one of our badgers hair shaving brushes.

Once the hot towels have been removed, we’ll rub some shaving oil onto your face and then start to apply the shaving cream using the shaving brush in small circular motions.  This encourages the bristles on your face to stand up which is helped by your pores having been opened by the hot towels.

Then the real skill of the luxury wet shave can begin.  It can be quite scary the first time you have a sharp blade held against your skin, so it’s reassuring to know that the barbers at Pall Mall Barbers are the best in the business. Using short, firm strokes on your skin, the blade won’t tug at hairs or pull against your face, so it’s unlikely to cause any irritation, no matter how sensitive your skin is.

When your traditional wet shave experience is finished, your skin will be cleaned and a moisturising balm applied to hydrate and smooth the skin.

The first thing most men do when they’ve had a luxury wet shave, is to put their hand up to their face and feel their skin. It’s great to see their reactions – they often can’t quite believe how amazingly soft and smooth it feels.

Why not treat yourself to one, you can book a Pall Mall Barbers traditional wet shave online or if you want to get a really nice gift for someone else, get them a luxury wet shave gift voucher so they can come into one of our Central London barber shops at their convenience?

Double Edged Razor

Double edged razors are really popular with men you prefer a traditional shaving routine, rather than using an electric version.

One reason for their popularity is that the blades they use are much cheaper than those used by Mach 3 (or 4 or 5!) razors.

They're also very easy to use.  When you need to replace the blade on your double edged razor, you simply unscrew the top, remove the top and then take out the blade - they can still be sharp enough to cut your finger, so be careful.

Unwrap your new blade and slip over the screw, replace the top of the double edged razor and screw the handle firmly back in place.  That's it! It takes seconds.

At Pall Mall Barbers in London, we've been doing professional wet shaves since 1896 so we really are the shaving experts.  We've got loads of great tips and shaving advice, and if you use a double edged razor we can help share that knowledge so that you get the smoothest, closest shave possible.

We always recommend that if you use a double edged razor, you shave with it at a 45 degree angle and go down your face slowly.

Double edged razors are great for sensitive skin and are less likely to give your skin any irritation because there is only one blade touching it.  They are also really good if you want sharp lines on your designer stubble as they can get closer to the edge.

If you want to see one of our barbers demonstrating the double edged razor watch this video on the Pall Mall Barbers YouTube channel.

Shaving Cream

All men use something during their daily shaving ritual to help their razor glide across the skin - it may be a shaving cream, a gel, an oil or foam.

Here at Pall Mall Barbers, we use a shaving cream.  In our opinion, it really is the best product to use.  And we should know what we're talking about.  Pall Mall Barbers has been in London since 1896 cutting mens hair and delivering the closest, smoothest shaves in the capital,  All from our traditionally styled barbers shops.

In fact, we provide ourselves on delivering a traditional service in a modern manner for over 100 years.

Our barbers are some of the most experienced and respected in the UK today and you'll often see them in magazines, on the TV or radio talking about their skills and sharing their advice.  In fact, when a media company wants an expert's view or advice on shaving, it's Pall Mall Barbers they turn to. So, when we say a shaving cream is the best product to use, you should listen.

Our Pall Mall Barbers Sandalwood and Clove Shaving Cream has been developed using the finest ingredients and contains prickly pear seed oil and jojoba oil combine in this hydrating shaving cream to deliver a luxury lather and a comfortable shave.

It will create a thick moisturising foam when lathered up with a shaving brush and the circular movements with encourage the bristles on your face to stand up.This means your razor can get closer to the base of the hair, so you get a smoother shave.  The oils in the shaving cream will soften and hydrate your skin so that it feels super smooth afterwards.  Use regularly and not only will your shaving experience and end result will be better, but people will probably start commenting on the quality of your skin too.

If you'd like to try some of Pall Mall Barbers shaving cream, you can buy it in any of our Central London barbers shops or on our website, on the shaving cream page.

Moustache Wax

Do you have a lovely line of facial hair above your top lip?

You do?  Need some advice on how to look after it and what products to use?  Then you've come to the right place.

At Pall Mall Barbers, we have the most experienced barbers in London and our three salons are some of the oldest and most respected in the capital.  We've been cutting and styling men's hair since 1896 - well not us personally, but the Pall Mall Barbers name.

We really are the experts when it comes to all things hair, shaving, beards and moustaches and we have developed our own range of men's hair and shaving products that includes an amazing moustache wax.

The Pall Mall Barbers moustache wax has  been developed after listening to our customers and knowing what works.  The Moustache wax really is a luxury product scented with the natural, masculine fragrance of Sandalwood and Clove. It also contains essential oils that will moisturise your hair and the skin underneath it.

You can buy it online on the moustache wax page of our website and if you want to know how to use it, we have a great video demonstrating exactly how to use the Pall Mall Barbers moustache wax.

Pre Shave Scrub Recommended by Experts

Our Pre Shave Scrub is an amazing product - we've blogged about it before and how it prepares your skin for a smoother, closer shave.

As the first step in our unique 3 Step Shaving System, the pre shave scrub contains prickly pear seed oil to moisturise the skin and the added Amazonian guarana seeds add texture to this invigorating scrub. To finish off, we've added cocoa butter and shea butter which will lubricate and soothe your skin.

It's very easy to use our pre shave scrub.  Just wet the face with warm water and apply a one pump dose. Massage it gently into your skin and then rinse with warm water a few times.  With its natural ingredient, it's ideal for sensitive skin and won't irritate it.  We've got a great video of Erin demonstrating how to use it, so if you'd like to see it, click through to our youtube channel and our pre shave scrub video.

By using a pre shave scrub, you're getting your skin ready for your shave. It removes dead skin cells, so your razor can get that bit closer to your skin and it opens the pores, so your bristles stand up a bit more.  That way you'll be able to get a smoother and closer shave. You can get it online or in any of our London barber shops.

So not only do we, and our customers who use it, think it's a great product, it seems so do those clever chaps over at Modern Barber.  A quarterly magazine devoted to the UK’s barbering industry and written by professional journalists with a background in men's hair and barbering.  Check out the Modern Barber site.

They've featured it in this month's magazine.  Thanks guys!

Mens Shaving Brush

A mens shaving brush is so much more than just a simple old shaving brush..... it's a crucial tool in your shaving ritual to get the smoothest, closest shave possible.

The best mens shaving brush is made out of badger's hair, which is world renown for its durability and ability to absorb water, unlike horse hair or any other synthetic material. The bristles in our mens shaving brush will soften and lift the hair follicles on your face for a closer, longer lasting shave.

So why not bring a bit of Pall Mall Barbers old school indulgence into your bathroom and treat yourself to a high grade mens shaving brush?

The best way to use a mens shaving brush is to generate a thick, creamy lather.  We've got a great video here with Erin demonstrating how to use the Fitzrovia mens shaving brush which is available in three great finishes - an imitation ivory, black resin and an oak.

This particular mens shaving brush is great if you have quite tough stubble as the hair is taken from the back of the badger and is therefore rougher and will encourage your bristles to stand up more.  Watch the video, and Erin will show you exactly how to use it and some great shaving tips and advice.

If you then fancy trying it out yourself, then you can buy the Fitzrovia mens shaving brush here, along with a range of our other mens shaving products.

Post Shave Balm

Post shave balm is the best way to finish your daily shaving ritual.

The final step in the Pall Mall Barbers unique 3 Step Shaving System is our Sandalwood and Clove Post Shave Balm.

If you’ve followed the 3 step process, it’s important to finish with a product that will soothe and smooth your skin, so that it looks refreshed and feels comfortable.

We developed this product after years of experience shaving men’s faces and noticing which products worked and listening to the specific needs of our customers.

Hence, our Sandalwood and Clove Post Shave Balm has been developed using the best ingredients available.

It contains prickly pear seed oil which will calm and soothe the skin after your shave, and then glycerine to smooth it, and prevent any dry or rough patches developing. Its masculine scent of sandalwood and clove adds a luxurious end to your daily shaving ritual, as well as containing antiseptic properties to protect your skin.

To use the post shave balm, simply dispense a one pump dose after shaving and massage into your face. It you want to see a video to see exactly how to follow each step in our professional shaving system including the post shave balm, watch it here.

Suitable for all skin types, the post shave balm can be bought on its own or as a set with the pre shave scrub and shaving cream with from the exclusive Pall Mall Barbers 3 Step Shaving System.

Shaving Cream for Men

Shaving cream is a must for a good shave.

The second step in our exclusive 3 step shaving system is the shaving cream.

We developed the Pall Mall Barbers shaving cream over several years. Applying our experience as barbers, listening to our customers and noticing what products worked well.

The result is this Sandalwood and Clove Shaving Cream with its luxurious scent and thick lather.  It contains prickly pear seed and jojoba oil which combine to create a smooth, creamy lather that encourages the bristles on your face to stand up, so that you get a smoother and more comfortable shave.

To use this shaving cream, all you need to do it wet your face with warm water, dispense one pump of the cream from the canister directly onto the face and lather it up with a shaving brush. Using circular movements with your shaving brush with generate a generous lather.  We’ve got a great video of Erin demonstrating the technique for you.

Once you’ve finished your wet shave, rinse any remaining shaving cream off your face with cool water and pat your face dry – don’t rub it with the towel.

The natural products in this shaving cream make it suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones and it comes in a 100ml dispenser which will last quite a while as a single pump dose is all you need for your daily shave.

This product can be bought on its own or as part of our 3 step shaving system – a professionally developed range of shaving products specifically designed for men, to give the closest and smoothest shave possible.

Barber Shop Gift Voucher Make Great Gifts For Men

Looking for some inspired gifts for men?

Gifts for men can be really tricky especially at this time of year, or so everyone tells us.  We have to disagree though. As we’re sure the one thing any man would be delighted to receive is a gift voucher from Pall Mall Barbers!

As a traditional barbers in Central London, we offer full barbering services such as wet shaves and beard trimming as well as men's hairdressing services.  We've also got a range of luxury products for all the grooming requirements of a man who likes to look good, and they all are great gifts for men. But if you’re really not sure what to get that special someone, then a voucher would be the perfect gift.

A real treat for any man, is a luxury wet shave. So imagine receiving a gift voucher from one of the oldest and most respected barber shops in London (yep, that’s us) to experience the closest, smoothest shave ever. With a men's shaving gift voucher from Pall Mall Barbers, you will be sure to impress the man in your life. Our men's shaving sets make a great gift too for any man with the highest quality shaving razors and shaving brushes. Or for the well groomed male who has everything, why not treat them to a manicure set for men? With a men's shaving gift from Pall Mall Barbers you won’t leave anyone unhappy! See our range of shaving products.

We recently launched our eponymous Pall Mall Barbers range of haircare and hair styling products for men, so whatever the hairstyle of choice for the man in your life, we’ve got the perfect product.

Also, our luxury 3 step shaving system has been developed by professional barbers using the best quality ingredients and with the masculine scent of sandalwood and clove. You can buy each of these shaving products for men individually or as a set.  They would make great gifts for men.  Or buy a gift voucher and let him decide exactly what he’d like to try.

Our quality vouchers are sent in a beautiful high quality card case that looks classic, masculine and stylish- in keeping with the Pall Mall Barbers brand that stands for style and excellence making a perfect gift for any occasion

For a range of values to suit your pocket, you can call into our Central London barbers shops or purchase them online on our gift vouchers page.


If you still can't decide, why not call into one of our Central London barbers shops and get some advice. We'd be happy to help.

Shaving Lesson from Professional Barbers

Have you ever thought about having a shaving lesson?

You’ve probably been shaving for years, but have you ever wondered if you’re doing it right? Ok, so the end result may look alright but is there any way you could be getting a closer, smoother shave?

At Pall Mall Barbers in Central London, our barbers really are the very best at what they do.  Their experience has been built up over years of barbering and their knowledge is often sought by the media – you might have seen them on various TV programmes and in high profile publications sharing their expert advice?

So what better way to get top tips on your daily shaving routine than booking in for a shaving lesson from the best in the business?  You can book online or why not treat someone you know to a gift voucher for one of these shaving lesson?

We have 3 different types of shaving lessons:

Open Blade:
This is the epitome of the masculine self-care ritual. Our barbers will teach you how to shave properly with an open blade – you’ll learn about hair growth, skin products, the right way to hold the blade and how to save money on blades in the long-term.  Once the most popular way for men to shave, the open blade razor is becoming more popular again.

Safety Razor:
You’ll learn the art of the safety razor with advice and a personal demonstration on how to get the closet shave possible, how to use the right products and make sure your skin’s condition is optimised.

Double Edged Razor:
A very popular razor, learning how to use a Double Edge Razor will help you achieve excellent results with your daily shave. As well as offering you a brilliantly close shave you will also save a substantial amount of money over time by using one, as blades for the Double Edge razor can be much cheaper than typical replacement blades. It’s a beautiful looking piece of male grooming equipment, and will last you many years.

A shaving lesson gift voucher would make a great present for the man who has everything.  It's a real treat and the benefits he'd pick up would last a very long time.  So, go on, treat him..... or yourself!

3 Step Shaving System from Shaving Experts at Pall Mall Barbers

If you’re looking for the best shaving experience – one that gives you a close, smooth shave and will nourish and protect your skin, then we have just the thing.

Introducing Pall Mall Barbers 3 Step Shaving System.  Developed by our team of experienced barbers and their  knowledge built up over the years in our Central London barbers shop, the system comprises of  product for a pre-shave face scrub, a hydrating shave cream and a post shave balm.  All featuring the luxury scent of sandalwood and clove.

Start using these products and you will really notice the improvement in your skin and the quality of your shave.

Pall Mall Barbers Sandalwood and Clove Pre-Shave Cream includes prickly pear seed oil to moisturise the skin whilst Amazonian guarana seeds add texture to the invigorating face scrub. This prepares your skins by getting rid of any dry or deadskin cells on the surface, so that when you shave, your razor gets closer to the skin.

Next, the Sandalwood & Clove Shaving Cream also includes prickly pear seed oil with the added moisturisation of jojoba oil, which combine in this hydrating shaving cream to deliver a luxury lather, encouraging the hairs on your face to stand up for a closer shave and the smoothing properties will give you a more comfortable shave too.

Finish your routine with Sandalwood & Clove Post Shave Balm, A cooling shaving balm again featuring the superb prickly pear seed oil which will calm and soothe the skin after shaving.It has the added ingredient of glycerine which will also soften the skin and prevent dry rough patches.

These products are available individually or as a set, and make a great gift for someone special or to treat yourself.

We’ve also got a really useful video with one of our highly talented barbers going through each step and demonstrating how to use it.

Pre-Shave Scrub for Men

Preparing your skin with a pre-shave scrub. 

You’ll often hear a professional barber say that one of the first steps in getting a smooth, close shave is to prepare the skin. And so, after years of experience shaving the men of London, we’ve developed our very own Pre-Shave Scrub.

Pall  Mall Barbers Pre Shave Scrub contains prickly pear seed oil that moisturises the skin, whilst the Amazonian guarana seeds add texture to this invigorating scrub. So not only will it remove any surface dead skin cells but it will do so gently without pulling on the skin and aggravating it. It’s therefore ideal for sensitive skin. Our  pre-shave scrub also contains, cocoa butter and shea butter, some of the best ingredients to lubricate and soothe the skin.

This is the first step in our unique 3 Step Shaving System – a system designed by professional barbers in our London barber shops, that not only protects and nourishes your skin, but also ensures that you get a smooth, close shave. Using the Pre-Shave Scrub as part of your shaving routine will help to open the pores and remove dead skin cells, helping the hair bristles to stand up and for your razor to get closer to your skin.

To use this Pre Shave Scrub, all you need to do is to wet the face with some warm water and apply a one pump dose. Massage gently into your skin for a couple of minutes and then and rinse your face with warm water a few times. Pat dry with a towel. You’ll notice a difference in the feel of your skin straightaway.

If you’d like to try the Pre-Shave Scrub and better prepare your skin for its daily shave, you can buy it on our website or in any of our Central London barber shops. It would also make a great present for any guy who’s looking to improve the condition of his skin and the quality of his shave.

We've got a great video with Erin demonstrating each step of our shaving system so you can see exactly how to use the pre-shave scrub.  Watch the video.

It’s available individually or as part of the Pall Mall Barbers 3 Step Shaving System.