The Art of Shaving

Went and saw Marcus for a hair cut and Royal Shave today — and had a fantastic experience! Marcus was professional, skillful, and very kind, walking me through the whole process. He was thorough and did an awesome job — best shave I’ve had in a very long time. I’d highly recommend him for anyone looking for a high-​quality professional shave. You won’t regret it. Will definitely be going back to see him next time I need a shave — and you should, too.

I go here for a haircut and beard trim. Ask for Joshua… he does a great job! And does fantastic job with beard trims!

I went in just as they were closing, and the GM, Ameena, was so helpful. I was having a bit of a travel issue, and she was able to solve it quickly and perfectly. I would totally go back to this store just for her. The products are great, and the new «holiday» peppermint shaving cream looks awesome.

At first glance in the mirror this morning the thought of doing this (long overdue) review came to me. After a long struggle I have come to appreciate my beard. That appreciation was taken to new heights back in Oct 2014 when I was getting ready for a wedding. After having a great experience with Art Of Shaving (Union Station location) previously I decided to try and recreate that magic. As with before from start to finish I certainly got my monies worth… and then some. Master Barber Joshua Martin took the exceptionally professional time to walk me threw the entire process of my service. Not one moment did I feel rushed or that exceptional service wasn’t priority #1! As I stared in the mirror today I thought to myself I need to book another appointment… not because of an upcoming special occasion… but to experience again what I named that moment with Joshua…“Beard Therapy”!

I was there on Saturday, ¹²⁄₁₃ and got the royal shave from Joshua. He is outstanding. He explained the process in detail as he did it, and he had an excellent touch with the blade. He did not cut me and he made sure my face was well-​moisturized afterward. He even trimmed me a bit around the neck. In short, Joshua was extremely professional and went above and beyond to take care of me. I anticipate returning to AoS for my future haircut and shaving needs.

My shave and experience at the Art of Shaving exceeded my high expectations. I expected to get a great shave. What I didn’t expect was to get funny, insightful conversation from my barber Brian and the other barber Joshua. We talked about trust, women, the stat of masculinity, history and culture. The environment in the barber shop is old school cool, the barbers are great guys and masters of their trade. I’ll definitely be going back.

No better grooming experience in Washington, DC than a Haircut and Royal Shave from Master Barber, Joshua. It’s the ultimate indulgence. Joshua works his straight razor with such precision and mastery that I often drift off to sleep while his New Orleans Brass Band softly serenades in the background. Office manager, Ameena is always helpful and quite knowledgeable on the wide variety of Art of Shaving products. Always a wonderful experience at this location. Highly recommended!

I had never done the full shaving experience and now wonder why. I will be doing this every time I make the trip to DC

Went to the Art of Shaving in DC for the first time, also the first time I got a beard trim and shave. Read some really good reviews about Joshua and they were all true. Clean, professional, confident in his skills and good conversation. Made me feel like an old friend. Will definitely go back to see him.

Just got a head shave and a face shave here this morning. Joshua did a great job. Very relaxing and the closest shave ever.

Brian, the barber gave a great shave as usual, as well a sharp haircut. He does an incredible job of being meticulous and efficient at the same time with his work. I heartily recommend his services!

Went back and again had a great experience. But let me apologize the barbers name is Joshua from New Orleans, not Justin. This time I got a haircut and a shave. Joshua is excellent at his craft, easy to talk to and the experience is so worth it. I will go back for sure,

I tried to get my husband to write a review for the Art of Shaving near Farragut North, but he won’t Unilocal despite being happy with the services. So I am doing it for him. He has been getting his hair cut from Brian the barber for a little more than a year now and he keeps going back because his hair style has never looked better! This is the first place he has continued to go back to over and over again because they do a consistently good job. The barber takes his time and is meticulous (I’ve watched). They use good products and use straight razors on the back of the neck or old school face shave. My husband started using some of the shaving products as well and his face seems to look a lot better than with his previous shaving routine. It’s a little pricey but comparable or less expensive to the other places he has tried in DC. Professional staff, knowledgeable, and a fun barber/​spa.

Everybody there is excellent, but I always request Joshua as my barber. He truly cares about what he does to put the «art» in the shaving, and he always gives 110% just to give me the right touch. As I have sensitive skin, he takes extra time and makes extra effort to tailor his methods specifically to make it right just for me! After a royal shave, I always feel truly royal and like I have just spent time in a resort. An absolutely relaxing and luxurious experience such that five stars is not enough! They are the best and absolutely attentive to customer needs and service.

Joshua was awesome! Great first experience. Got the royal shave and haircut for about $ 80. Very relaxing.

I went in for a «traditional shave» with the straight razor and the whole bit. I don’t think I’ll be doing that again soon. The barber was very nice and the whole procedure was relaxing with the hot towel, etc. But after I left the place and rubbed my face there were a ton of not-​shaved hairs in random places –below my nose, corners of my lips, a bunch on my neck, odd ones here and there.
It was literally so annoying any time I would touch my face that I shaved when I got home.
So for disclaimers: it was my first time getting my face shaved with a straight razor; and I only had one and a half days of growth so there wasn’t a ton of stubble. Or maybe that’s just what it’s like and why people stopped using straight razors back in the 1600s.

A disappointing experience… Nothing like the other Art of Shavings I’ve been to. Not only did the scissors pull my hair and the razor cut my neck, but the barber’s friend came in and asked my girlfriend to stand-​up and turn around for him.
A completely awkward and unprofessional experience.

Last week was actually my first ever trip to a «chain spa» like the Art of Shaving — I’ve had my beard professionally trimmed for years by a local barber who recently retired.
While I was impressed with the front-​office staff, Ron, the barber himself, was a true master of his craft. I got the Standard Shave, but felt absolutely no discomfort, and was left with a better-​looking beard than I’ve had in ages. He’s also a very pleasant person to spend half an hour or so with.
The hot and cold towels are nice touches, but the precision with a straight razor is really the part you’ve gotta love as a man with a sensitive face. To be honest folks — if you are worried about a drop of blood here or there, you”re better off taking an electric razor to your face and stop trying to grow a man’s beard.
Again, I’m not a fan of chains as a rule, but for Ron’s sake, I will definitely be going back to this location whenever I’m in town.

I’ve been an Art of Shaving fan for some time and I’ve used their products for two years now. Lately I’ve been struggling with razor burn and irritation due to more frequent shaving (an unfortunate side effect of entering the professional world).
I went in midday on Saturday and the place was empty, which was totally fine by me. I explained my problem to the employee (his name eludes my memory) and he steered me toward a new razor and had lots of useful advice on technique. At no point did he try to push an expensive handle or bundle of products. I went home and had the best shave in years.
Final Verdict: Spot on advice for anyone who struggles with shaving. Products can get expensive, but there was never pressure to go for the pricier stuff.

For a nice winter treat for myself, I decided to go in for a luxury beard trim & shave. I’ve been eyeing this place for a while now, and it looked like a great place to try. Who knows? Maybe I’d find one of those rare DC gems where they offer high quality service for the NYC prices everyone around here charges. Not so. When I arrived, I was seated and told that the last guy was «just finishing up» and the barber should be with me shortly. 30 minutes later, I left without a trim or having ever been seen (I was the ONLY person waiting). Totally unacceptable.
If you’re going to charge luxury prices, you need to deliver luxury services. Period.