How often can we come up close and personal with people of interesting professions. And have you heard of the term ‘Shaver’, a person who shaves for others? Last December 2014, I was invited to We need a Hero located at 57 Eng Hoon Street, #01-86 S160057 for a basic shave. I took the chance to interview Jayden Tay, a ‘shaver’ or barber with We need a Hero, and he clarified some key facts about his work at We Need A Hero. Read on…
1. What got you interested to be a Shaver with We Need A Hero ?
Working at We Need A Hero has allowed me to hone my barbering skills, but I was interested in learning how to shave professionally as I felt it would enable me with the complete skills to be an all-rounded barber.
2. Share with us a lesser known fact about this profession…..
Cutting short hair is actually more difficult than cutting longer hair as there is less room for error.
3. Could you explain the steps and procedures involved in a proper shave for men?
Shaving at home:
Always shave after showering as your pores would be open and your beard softened, resulting in a cleaner, closer shave.
Use warm water if possible as cold water will constrict pores and result in a rough finish.
Even when shaving at home, it is important to use professional shaving products as they are more nourishing than the harsh commercial ones that come out of a can. A wide range of Geo.F. Trumper products are available at We Need A Hero, including best-sellers like the non-drying Geo. F. Trumper glycerine-based shaving cream as well as the super hydrating Geo. F. Trumper Skin Food as both a pre- and post- shave balm. Professional shaving tools from Edwin Jagger and Kent are also available at We Need A Hero.
Work your shaving cream up into a lather in a bowl using a badger brush, and apply it using the brush to help unclog pores.
Start your first shave following the grain and go across the grain for your second shave for a closer shave.
Rinse face with cold water to close the pores.
Apply Geo. F. Trumper Skin Food as an aftershave. Its alcohol-free formula soothes and nourishes sensitive and aggravated skin so you feel comfortable.
Ensure your skin is kept hydrated with a non-greasy, lightweight moisturiser such as Geo. F. Trumper Fragrance-Free Moisturising Lotion to finish.
Traditional wet shave at We Need A Hero:
Regardless of how much or little facial hair u might have, it is recommended that you visit a barber at least once a month for a professional wet shave. A traditional wet shave at We Need A Hero uses a single blade or straight razor instead of the modern multi-blade razor commonly used by most men at home. If you’re fed up with razor burn, ingrown hairs, redness and bumps, then your skin will thank you for treating it to a traditional shave. Not only will you emerge with a closer shave than ever, your skin will look better as using a single blade or straight razor ensures your skin isn’t unnecessarily aggravated by having multiple blades run over sensitive complexion.
Hot towel to open pores and follicles
Shave oil for a smoother shave
First shave
Second shave
Facial scrub to removed dead skin and unclog pores
Relaxing facial massage
Cold towel to close pores
4. Why do you think Singaporean men are not too disciplined with the shaving regime?
Being Asian, most Singaporean men don’t have that much facial hair and may find shaving a chore. But as mentioned above, regardless of how much or little facial hair you might have, it is recommended that you visit a barber at least once a month for a professional wet shave.
5. Facial Stubs vs Cleanly shaven: What’s your take
I don’t have a particular preference for either look. Both styles can look good depending on how well you carry it off. A lot depends on the lifestyle of the person, but even if you intend on keeping a stubble, ensure that it is regularly and well groomed, so you don’t end up looking scruffy.
6. Share with us your little ways to make your job a little more interesting…
Pushing myself out of my comfort zone and trying new techniques. Sharing with each of my clients on how they can look their best according to what I know about their unique lifestyles, likes, etc. My greatest satisfaction comes from clients feeling that there are a little more heroic when they leave We Need a Hero which is in line with our philosophy of making every heroes out of everyday men.
7. What can customers expect from the services of WNAH?
We’re not just a regular barbershop offering the usual haircuts and shaves. We Need A Hero is a one-stop grooming destination exclusively for gents. Think of us as a safe haven where then men can tend to all their grooming needs in a setting they felt comfortable in. Leveraging on our years of expertise from STRIP and Browhaus, We Need A Hero also offers treatments such as waxing, IPL, and brow grooming on top of our top-notch barbershop services to provide a top-to-toe grooming experience for our customers under one roof. Our barbers and therapists are all highly experienced and come with a wealth of training, so you can be sure your experience at We Need A Hero is nothing short of perfect.
8. Complete this sentence… I rather Shave than to…..
Do anything, really. Doling out good haircuts and shaves is my way of being a hero. Website:
Facebook:
Address:
57 Eng Hoon Street, #01-86 S16005
Open on Monday to Friday, 11am to 9pm | Saturday, 10am to 9pm | Sunday, 10am to 8pm close on selected Eve and Day of Public Holidays
Edited by Dennis Toh