In our first episode of #MyUrbanHunting adventure with Mercedes-Benz, our 2018 A-Listers Jeanbasri, Captain Joe and Wan Azim hopped into the sleek and nippy Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and explored bespoke men’s grooming in the city’s top three establishments.
GENTLEMEN’S TONIC – Anti-Aging & Booster Facials
Founded in London, now available here at Publika, the award-winning urban male spa boasts more than just cutting-edge barbershop services and bespoke grooming treatments. It excels in hospitality, pampering the client as soon as he steps in.
Upon entering the establishment, our A-Listers immediately found themselves greeted to a cozy and elegant environment at the waiting lounge where they were served complimentary drinks and reading materials. Once settled down, the experts on hand proceeded with giving Jeanbasri, Wan Azim and Captain Joe a brief introduction of their services and treatments, including its comprehensive range of products that range from hair and skin care, to professional and advanced derma-care, each containing only the most powerful, natural and active ingredients developed over years of research, complete with fragrances and barbering tools.
Our A-Listers had the opportunity of luxuriating in the Anti-Aging Facial and Booster Facial treatments, both involving the use of Gentlemen’s Tonic’s Advanced Derma Care products, the spa’s first ever range of cosmeceutical products, designed specifically for men’s skin. At just 60-minute long, the Anti-Aging Facial utilises a unique protein enzyme that stimulates cell metabolism to dramatically lift, tighten and firm the skin whilst increasing textural clarity and tone. The Booster Facial, on the other hand, is a 30-minute quick-fix facial for those who are permanently on the go, an effective way to introduce the skin to active ingredients that cleanses, tones, soothes and hydrates the skin. Throughout the treatments, our A-Listers also enjoyed modern facilities such as their personal plasma screens, in the company of experienced, knowledgeable staff.
TRUEFITT & HILL – The Ultimate Shaving Experience
At the luxurious Truefitt & Hill barbershop in Bangsar Shopping Centre, A-Listers Wan Azim, Jeanbasri and Captain Joe experienced royal-class facial grooming in classic-Kingsman style, or what the two-century-old British establishment aptly calls The Ultimate Shaving Experience – essentially Truefitt & Hill’s signature Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shave, combined with a deep relaxing face massage.
The ceremonious ritual starts off with the barber settling the client into a state of total relaxation. He then proceeds with applying Truefitt & Hill Pre-Shave Oil before wrapping the client’s face with a hot, wet towel for approximately two minutes. Next, the barber lathers Truefitt & Hill Shaving Cream using Truefitt’s Badger Hair Shaving Brush until it turns into a creamy texture that he then applies across the area that needs shaving. He performs the shave artfully using a traditional razor beard shaver.
Once the first shaving is done, the barber preps the client for the second shave with a gentle application of Truefitt & Hill moisturizer. Following the second shave, a wet face towel in normal temperature is placed over the client’s eye area, while the barber applies powder onto the shaved area. This brings him to the trimming stage, carried out using an electronic razor or scissors to ensure precision and a clean, final touch. After trimming, the towel will be removed, only to be replaced with a second hot towel service for another two minutes. A soothing cucumber cream is then applied, followed by the final and third hot wet towel. Simply kick back and relax as the barber brings the experience to a refreshing finish with a 15 to 20-minute face massage followed by a calming cold wet towel.
THE BURROW BARBERSHOP – Bespoke Haircut
Tucked within the modern independent general store Merchant & Sisters in Damansara Heights is this hidden gem for men’s grooming. The Burrow is an unmarked, classically styled barbershop. Hidden away from public view, it allowed our A-Listers to enjoy some peace and privacy, as well as their barber’s full attention. Attending to only one client at a time, The Burrow provides excellent haircuts and beard trims as well as products such as pomades and cologne by artisanal local brands such as Mentega, Apothecary, and The Elektrik Chair.
The Burrow opened in June last year as a partnership between resident barber Al Siew and Subang-based barbershop, Othrs., founded by hairdressing maestro and our 2016 Men of the Year, Activism honoree Lex Low. Al, a law graduate who traded textbooks for clippers and never looked back, enjoys fresh challenges and opportunities to innovate. His diverse clientele reflects his commitment to providing an inclusive environment that extends a welcome to female clients seeking edgier looks. External engagements have included charity events, pop-ups, and even cutting hair in an experimental theatre performance.
Each of our A-Listers enjoyed an exclusive consultation with one of the two founders, followed by a personalised haircut tailored to enhance his natural good looks. The trio left The Burrow looking stylish, confident, refreshed and satisfied with their boys’ day out in this episode of The A-List 2018 x Mercedes-Benz #MyUrbanHunting Grooming Escapade.
