A cut above the rest

A cut above the rest

Truefitt & Hill, quintessentially English barber's, recently opened its first franchise in Thailand

SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE

Witty, sophisticated and cultured — adjectives typically used to describe such well-known figures as Alfred Hitchcock, Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde. While these men were defined and distinguished by the aforementioned characteristics, there was another commonality they all shared: all three preferred were loyal patrons of Truefitt & Hill.

Established in 1805 by William Francis Truefitt and certified as the oldest barber’s in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records, Truefitt & Hill has a well-earned reputation for providing the ultimate grooming experience for those who favour the  English-gentleman look. In recent years, the London-based company has extended its reach to Asian markets, its latest foray into the region being the opening of a branch at Bangkok’s newest shopping complex, Central Embassy.

“The franchiser gave me some leeway in the design of the shop,” said Sakorn Thavisin, the Thai franchisee, who modelled the shop with English sensibilities in mind.

The Union Jack images dotted around the shop plus vintage photographs depicting aspects of traditional English life are testament to Sakorn’s fondness for the English and their culture. Given pride of place in the centre of the premises is a  large black-and-white portrait of Sakorn’s father taken while he was studying at London’s Dulwich College during the 60s.

So what type of customer is Sakorn hoping to attract? “Truefitt & Hill is not a hair salon,” he was quick to reply. “We’re the first barbershop in Thailand that offers the gentleman look.”

For him, though, “gentleman” seems to be broad, loosely defined term. The shop welcomes all comers, he said, regardless of age, sex or creed — but with a single proviso: the client must be seeking a certain, rather traditional masculine look and style of service.

Signature treatments on offer here include a “Royal haircut” (1,100 baht) and a “Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shave” (1,000 baht), the latter employing high-quality products and special techniques, including shaving with, or across, the grain of a client’s facial hair, but not directly against it, in order to deliver the closest, most comfortable shave possible.

Already a firm favourite with regular customers, the relaxing head-and-face massage (900 baht) is a very effective de-stressor. Administered by master barber Chadi Kayrouz, this laying on of hands may cause some to doze off in a matter of minutes, but on waking one is guaranteed to feel recharged and rejuvenated.

Other head-to-toe pampering services available here include a manicure/pedicure (1,100 baht) and a meticulous ear-cleaning (600 baht), which is done in the time-honoured Thai-Chinese style.

Toiletries and facial care accessories are also retailed to ensure that customers have access to the very best shaving products, body soaps, cologne sprays, fine shaving brushes and quality razors for use at home as part of their daily grooming routine.

Although the Central Embassy outlet has not been open very long, Sakorn is already eyeing opportunities for further expansion since he believes that all gentlemen living in or passing through this sun-kissed metropolis of ours should have access to the high-calibre grooming service that Truefitt & Hill is qualified to provide.


Truefitt & Hill is on the fourth floor, Central Embassy. Call 02-160-5755.

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