The Art of Shaving

My review is based on a combination of the Barber Spa and the service when you call. A few weeks ago I came in and got a haircut from Roberto, who was a nice guy and great barber. I left and felt good about finding a new spot to regularly get cleaned up.
Flash forward to this past Saturday and I call to make an appointment with Roberto, but had forgotten his name. I called and said «I’d like to make a haircut appointment with Rodrigo», to which she responded «we don’t have a Rodrigo here, we have a Roberto …» and some other name that doesn’t sound like Rodrigo. Obviously I meant Roberto. I apologize for the mix up, and she says well what do you need, a haircut or shave? To which I say a haircut, like I had initially mentioned. She says they are booked today, but could put me on a call list. I say that’s fine, but could you put me on a list for a specific time frame (like if you call me at 5, I won’t go in, but I could do anywhere between 1 – 4). This seemed to infuriate her and she said «it doesn’t work like that» before I could finish or even explain myself. Then she took my information, asked me how far I lived, and that was it. She was really unpleasant.
So Roberto — you get 5 stars. Lady on the phone who didn’t even give her name when I called, you get 1. If you’re going to charge $ 40 for a cut before tip, at least have a front store staff that is courteous and inviting, not cold and bitter.

Solid five star experience. The barber that gave me the Royal Shave, Jose, was a master craftsman. He took his time, paid attention to detail, and cared about doing the perfect job. That type of attitude and dedication is hard to find these days. The location is terrific, and the shave was incredible. Kudos!

I did not catch the name of the gentleman who helped me pick out my boyfriend’s Christmas present today (12÷16÷14) but he was very helpful. He was friendly, knowledgeable and able to consult with everyone in the store (on an evening during the busiest season in retail right before close) in a timely manner. Not pushy at all but made sure I was selecting a product that my boyfriend would like.

I went in for a shave and beard trim a few months ago.
I don’t have anything to compare to, but i felt the experience itself was very good.
I liked the way the customers are treated, the barber isn’t pushing products at you (mentions them briefly, but won’t repeat unless you express interest), the smalltalk was fun enough and unobtrusive, the atmosphere was very relaxed, and the shave itself feels nice (loved the hot towels :)
However, the quality of the beard trim itself was mediocre. I normally trim it myself, and despite my best efforts, can never get the result to be completely even. I hoped that a master barber can correct that, or at least do a better job of it than I can.
Unfortunately, the trimmed beard was more lopsided than ever (this became very obvious after a couple of weeks, when it grew out a bit). Thus, while the process is nice, the result is not. Hence the 2-​star review :(

Master barber Val is the man. He knows it all too well, you won’t be disappointed. Great haircut and shave, will be back for sure.

I went in for a beard clean-​up, and they basically took it off. I made it clear that while it was big and bushy, I was growing it out and only wanted a light balancing /​trim job. And the mustache handlebars were also to stay.
Instead, he took the beard down to what feels like a 3 on the clippers — clippers that should never have been used in the first place — and completely removed the mustache. It will take at least 2 months to get it back to where it was when I walked in, and I will still need to find a barber that can take basic directions.
For whatever it’s worth, everyone was very nice and the store is clean and fancy or whatever. But a ‘bad haircut’ is a bad haircut, and there’s no way I’d go back and let them try it again.

The newly opened barber shop is topnotch. Master Barber Val is the best. Very highly recommended.
The Art of Shaving products are fantastic, as well. I have been using them for over ten years. You will not be disappointed.

Very professional and very friendly. Highly recommended and this is coming from a Ny salon owner. If you are a guy and have not tried The Art of Shaving you must try this one in Boston! Michael the manager is top notch.

Jose is the best! Great cut, amazing shave. Styled my beard like I’ve never been able to do. All products smell manly and are not overpowering… just right. Very impressed with the whole experience. Treat yourself, we deserve it.

Very friendly staff, though they definitely try to upsell. It’s a small store, so it gets crowded around holiday times. They are definitely very helpful. The store is neatly laid out, with a sink for demonstrations in the middle –highly recommend prior to purchase. They also provide nice gift packaging if you ask nicely (and discounts!). The prices are slightly higher than Amazon, but you get a lot more option and the convenience factor of having it there and then.

So I have been using the Art if Shaving products for a while now and absolutely love them. I’ve been to a few of their stores and always have a pleasant experience. This being my first time at the Newbury St. store, I was totally impressed! The staff was very friendly and welcoming. (Cute too if I do say so myself!)
I got a shave from Jose who gave me the best shave I’ve ever had! Keep in mind I LOVE going to barbers for a shave… My face is so smooth all want to do OS touch it! Lol! Anyway, it was so relaxing and luxurious! I even learned a thing or two about better shaving rituals!
I am totally bringing my buddies in for a guy spa day!

I found my old barber Val from State Street! My haircuts have returned to normal. They have a really old fashioned way of doing things here, not like a salon. I’m thinking of trying a shave.

Based on the service I received from one employee, I will not be returning here (ever). The products are great, though, and my brother loves them. If need be, I will shop at the one in Copley.
I purchased gift certificates for two traditional shaves before Christmas, and was very clear that is what they were intended for. I explained that my brothers were in town visiting, and that I thought it would be a fun male-​bonding type thing while they were together (which only gets to happen about once a year). The guy who helped me out (never got his name) was rude, detached, and didn’t seem to care at all that I was shopping. He kept talking to another employee and some girl that was clearly visiting the other employee. Whatever, I work retail, too, so I understand that you need a minute to yourself, but don’t do it while «helping» a customer.
Oh, by the way… the store isn’t even set up to do shaves yet. They have no idea when they will be. So this guy let me buy two certificates for something they can’t even do (and none of the other stores in the area have the Barber Spa). What? No. My brothers found this out when they called to schedule appointments. So I called to find out how to get a refund. Spoke to the same guy who «helped» me in the store… he was rude and told me it couldn’t happen. «You bought a gift certificate. Buy products with it.» No. I bought a certificate for a service. You just happened to be out of the proper voucher and had to give me a gift card.
I went into the store the next day, and of course, I got the same employee. Again, he didn’t seem to care that I had a problem. He was RUDE. Actually started talking smack about «the idiot who helped [me] out» and how he should have told me the spa wasn’t ready. I told him he helped me, and he hung his head in shame. He finally called his manager to come back and give me a refund.
The manager was VERY NICE and the only positive part of my experience with this store. Copley, here I come.

Wilie I am not a huge fan of The Art of Shaving in general, I like to go in and look around and talk to their staff about grooming, etc. This store has their typical offerings, but the staff was very friendly and the location is excellent. I got a pack of 5 dual edge safety blades (Gillette) for about $ 6. Not a bad deal.