The Art of Shaving

The best head shave and beard trim I’ve ever had. A bit pricey but worth it. John the barber is great! He did an awesome job and didn’t waste any time. Seems like he has his every step planned out. I felt I was in the hands of a true professional the whole time.
On the store side, the customer service and the product knowledge of these guys is great. Some of them are really good at selling without being too pushy, so be careful because their products are not cheap, but you do get what you pay for.

I am rating their customer service, not the products. My husband went there to see if any appointments were available. He walked in and saw the associate was sitting on the client chair and was also on Facebook. He asked for a quick shave and the associate replied, «No I’ve been booked for 3 days.» Yet he was on Facebook. No other client was in the store. He spoke to the manager and told him his employee was on the phone sitting in the chair doing nothing but «Facebooking». The manager told my husband, «He’s been booked for 3 days». But he’s on Facebook with no clients! The next appointment wasn’t even coming until a later time. It was extremely frustrating for my husband to have dealt with a manager that was not able to resolve the situation nor did he offer to schedule a different date. Dry personalities. Such ducks.

I’ve not purchased any products here… my rating is based only on the prompt service provided during a very busy weekend before Christmas… we were greeted when we walked in (the store isn’t very large) and were able to purchase a gift card and be on our way within seconds… literally. I was amazed.

Have you seen my glistening dome? I shave a lot, everyday in fact. You name it, and I’ve tried it. For years, I searched for the perfect materials to render to closest, smoothest and best looking shave. I started at Saks 5^th Ave., and ended at the Dollar Tree. Opposite ends of the spectrum, huh? Guess which one had the best stuff? Dollar Tree, by a long shot. Their shave gel for men was my staple from 2007 until this past summer when it all but disappeared from the shelves. This has forced me to start searching for «the right stuff» once again. And like a piece of discarded American plastic floating in the ocean, I found myself washed up on the lathery beach of «The Art of Shaving.» The guys who work in here are like used razor salesmen, aggressive and unrelenting as if a commission was forthcoming. The look of the store is great though, and the product placement is well thought out. It looks more welcoming than it actually is. I walked out with a «starter kit,» most commonly used for traveling by serious shavers. The kit included some prep oil, shave cream, a brush and an aftershave. Everything is chemical and alcohol free, so this place would be a major win for people with sensitive skin. You’d never guess it was a division of Procter & Gamble, who owns Gillette.
As for functionality, it was A-​OK. The shave is decent, but the oil is a pain in the ass. I suppose if I was using a straight razor, it might be a little better, but I use a standard two-​blade handle razor. What happens is that during shaving, the oil and hair mix inside the razor, creating a terrible mess and actually block the razor from cutting properly. To counter this, the razor has to be rinsed frequently, errr very frequently. And because I shave in the shower, the hair and oil to get all over the tub, leaving its surface nasty looking and slippery. It’s a big mess, essentially. So I quickly decided their «Art of Shaving» products aren’t for me.
Until Dollar Tree gets their shit together, I’m still searching for a proper alternative. Right now, I’m using Gillette’s «Body Non-​Foaming Shave Gel,» which is working alright for now.

Ok… So I was excited to take my husband and father in-​law here since I thought it would be a nice experience. I’ll start with the young lady who was working that morning. She seemed way to occupied with her cell phone to greet or answer questions about the «spa treatments». Her answers where short and she basically referred me to the barber and handed me the spa descriptions to read for myself. That’s fine and all but my husband is rocking his playoff beard and he didn’t need the royal treatment and hair cut ($ 80 for both) Just a clean cut, shave and possible head shave. So I was asking what her thoughts were to what the costs would be for what we needed. It seemed to of been a mathematical equation to figure out what services he needed and the costs. But HEY, it was before noon so maybe she needed more time to wake up.
I got my father in law the royal treatment which he loved. No complaints here. If it weren’t for the girl working this place would of received a lot better review. Z
My husband ended up with the traditional shave with head shave. When cashing out I noticed a minor nick which I told the girl about saying that we needed to wipe the blood off. She went and got a napkin for us. Would of been nice for a wet one as well. But we were done and it seemed they had others to take care of. Regardless, the hubs was happy about everything until we got home. His neck was on fire… He was starting to get red bumps. I looked around his head and also noticed red scratches from the blade. Ok… So the guy has sensitive skin… Yes, this was his first time doing a close shave like this (he uses electric)… But I feel as though the expert barber should consult and find out what would be needed to help avoid some of these irritations that could occur. Even putting on a after shave so that it can calm the skin just a bit… I called the barber shop to provide my feedback. Even to let the barber know he should at least set some type of expectations for others in the future. To spend a good $ 125 for Both guys and have my husband looking bumpy and uncomfortable was a bit upsetting. Could of gone to a barber down the street for the same results half the price.
The barber called back (which was nice) and offered us to come back to get a aftershave put on to help settle the skin. Which I couldn’t take advantage of. The next night the manager called back and offered to come back with a complimentary service or a refund. We decided to give this place another try and see if we would have a better experience this time around. Hopefully, they can do what our other Unilocalers have claimed. Red carpet service and a great cut.

Well.
I went in to get hubby a special V-​day gift and I would say I was successful!
Someone greeted me right away, explained every product that matched the description I gave (shopping for an awesome dude with a luscious beard).
The only thing I will say is this place is way high end. Keep a tally of the items you are buying as the total adds up extremely fast. I actually felt a little faint when I swiped my card. :)
While my pockets are insanely lighter, I know I got the most sophisticated, functional gift that will keep on giving!

I have always been the guy who picks up a razor and scrapes it across the face for about a minute; I usually get most of it. Today, I used the pre-​shave oil, shaving cream, and after-​shave balm along with one of their shaving brushes. I have to say that I am very impressed with how my face feels and the closeness of the shave. I also have a bald head and cannot wait to try it there.
My interest has always been at least mildly peaked when I passed the store in the International Plaza. On this particular night a fluke happened as I was really mentally pondering my favorite football (soccer) team Chelsea (colors blue). So as I am passing the store the name Chelsea stood out and I think it was in blue writing so I really had to inquire further. I was mildly disappointed but the good humor had started as the sales lady was also a football fan. After we got my confusion out of the way she offered me some samples and as I asked more questions I thought I would like to give this a try. So I bought a basic set after she expertly explained the product and demonstrated the pros/​cons of the different choices.
Yes, it is a little more pricey than going down to the drug store or supermarket. But coming from a guy that has always complained about those prices at those stores anyway I believe this is a good turn of events for me. With the Holidays here I think sporting a new type of clean shave is excellent present for myself. I like earthy aromas so I was very happy that I got Sandalwood. In the process of shaving the morning after, I started with the pre-​shave oil which had a thick heaviness about it and was soothing going on the face. There was no tingling from chemical feeling but the heaviness seemed to lift the stubble. The second step I had second thoughts about. After wetting the brush and applying just a very small amount of cream to the center of the brush. Not long after I had a nice even lather on my face that was ready for the razor. The second thought was when I used the brush under the nose it had a pungent smell from the follicles that made up the brush. I believe that will go away the more I use it and since I am using a scented shaving cream. I am sure the shaving process took me a little longer since I was doing something special for me but I don’t think I have ever had this clean of a shave from myself. I could ascertain every stroke was approaching a perfect cleanness. I applied the after-​shave balm and I felt like was ready for an after 6 event. Feeling good about now.
This was one of my Christmas gifts for myself. Yes I am a fan. Definitely four stars and a recommendation to stop by for your gentlemen friend for that special gift.

Today was my sixth time going to The Art of Shaving for a haircut. This place is truly the real deal. My normal guy, Fernando just left but I was pleasantly greeted and given a phenomenal cut by Sarah. Every time I’ve come I have been given the royal treatment. Everyone is extremely friendly and warm but most importantly they do a phenomenal job cutting my hair and giving me exactly what I was looking for.
Yes, I am a female getting my hair cut here. Due to a negative experience in the past with a barber shop in St. Pete I was hesitant to try somewhere else besides going to the one on my base. I even posted a review on here because I was turned away by this other shop for being a female.
Let’s get one thing straight, this place is professional. I don’t mind paying more money if I know I will be getting an amazing cut, treatment and all around just having a good experience. Since there is only one chair all the attention is on you. The barber doesn’t have to worry about 10 other people waiting in line so he/​she can take their time.
I’ve bought many products from TAOS as well. It’s just an overall fantastic store. I can see why it does so well.
I have always been treated with respect, which has also been a wonderful thing too. The gentlemen working at the shop have come to know me now since I get my hair cut there once a month. They greet me by name and always show me their new products.
Couldn’t say enough good things about this place and I will definitely be asking for Sarah when it is time for my next cut. Wish I could post a photo because I have already received many compliments on my cut today.
Bravo Art of Shaving, bravo.

Just a haircut this time, Sarah did a great job. Looking forward to a shave next time!

This was a serious indulgence for me (pre-​birthday treat), but I am very glad that I took the time to get a straight-​razor shave.
Shaving is one of those pain in the butt things that I have to do every weekday, and I’ll be the first to admit that I am dangerous with a sharp blade approaching my face when I’m still half-​asleep. Over the years I have suffered my share of nicks and dings as I give it my best shot to look presentable.
A few months ago, I received some really nice shaving products in a VIP goody bag, and so I went in search of the company (The Art of Shaving) that offered these products. It turns out that you can buy their products in Nordstrom, but they also have their own shop in International Plaza. The Art of Shaving opened about a year ago on the lower level of International Plaza sandwiched in between Starbucks and Neiman Marcus.
The shop is filled with all sorts of pre-​shave oils, special lathering-​soaps and shave creams with boar bristle brushes, a wide mix of razors — from my old standby Gillette Fusion all the way up through some expensive straight razors, and variety of other skin care products for men. It’s all a little intimidating, but the sales staff is quite knowledgeable, and they helped me pick out a pre-​shave gel that didn’t make me smell like a customer in a French brothel.
I saw the sign advertising their straight-​razor shaves and decided to treat myself to something new and unique. The Master Barber was Sarah, and this lady was absolutely amazing. She started by placing a warm, moist towel over my face and then described the variety of products and techniques that she would be using. She rubbed in some pre-​shave oil to soften my scruffy exterior, and then applied the warm shaving cream, followed by short strokes of her straight razor — first with the grain and then against it, then another warm towel, then some moisturizer stuff, and then a cool towel to close the pores.
I confess that I have never had a facial, and I was a bit freaked out about having someone playing with my face, but holy crap — this was seriously amazing! My face is smoother than a baby’s butt, and I just wish that I had half of this lady’s talent with a razor in my hand.
The cost was $ 55 for this amazing treatment, and well worth every penny.
Ladies, if you’re looking for a unique gift for your guys, then consider a haircut, shave, or some of the products from The Art of Shaving. They offer gift certificates.
Travis, my man… she says they can do whole head shaves as well!