Plenty of men keep a tight schedule for haircuts and never give their skin a second thought. Sweat, wind, cold New England winters, and long days all leave their mark anyway. A facial at Route 1 Barbershop & Shave Parlour in Portsmouth takes about 45 minutes and happens in the same barber chair you already know, without any spa-style fuss.
What Happens in the Chair
Your barber starts with a face massage. It loosens tension in the jaw and forehead and gets the skin ready for what follows.
Next come hot towels. The warmth opens things up and gives the treatment its relaxed pace.
Then your barber works cleansing massage creams into the skin. This is the part that refreshes your pores and clears away the buildup a regular wash leaves behind.
To finish, an astringent goes on to shrink the pores. Your face feels clean and tight when you sit up.
If You Have Never Had One
Not knowing what to expect keeps a lot of guys from trying a facial at all. That's why the process here is laid out plainly before you start: massage, hot towels, cleansing creams, astringent. No surprise products, no mystery steps.
You don't need to change clothes or head to a separate room. You lean back in the barber chair, and your barber handles the rest. Most of the 45 minutes is spent with your eyes closed.
Pair It With Related Services
A facial fits well beside other work the shop does on your face and scalp. If you also want smooth skin, a hot towel shave with a pre-shave massage removes the hair before your skin gets its attention. If dryness or itching starts higher up, a scalp treatment for flaking and buildup gently exfoliates the scalp so it can settle into healthy oil production.
To see haircuts, fades, and the rest of the menu together, start at the Route 1 Barbershop & Shave Parlour home page.
Men's Facial FAQs
How long does a men's facial take?
Plan on about 45 minutes from the first massage to the final astringent.
What is included in the facial?
Four parts: a face massage, hot towel service, cleansing massage creams worked into the skin, and an astringent to shrink your pores.
What does the astringent do?
It shrinks the pores. It is applied after the cleansing creams, so your skin finishes the session feeling clean and tight rather than oily.
How is a facial different from a hot towel shave?
A facial uses no blade. It focuses on cleansing and refreshing the skin with massage creams and an astringent. A hot towel shave removes hair in five steps, from a lotion massage through lather and a careful shave to a cold towel that closes the pores.
When can I come in?
The shop at 2800 Lafayette Rd, Unit #14, Portsmouth, is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday until 5:00 PM, and Saturday until 4:00 PM. It is closed Sunday. Call (603) 431-4153 to book a time.