A Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Grooming Experience
A review of Truefitt and Hill London, Royal Barbershop for Male Grooming in Indiranagar, Bangalore.
As a youngster, I looked forward to my visits with my dad to the amiable barber in my native city, Srinagar. A source of excitement, my joy sprouted from the sense of independence I enjoyed, because this was the only time I felt like a real adult when my dad allowed me to make decisions for myself: in this case, my discretion regarding my hairstyle was left with me. A week ago, I encountered the same enthusiasm following these fond childhood memories when I booked an appointment at Truefitt & Hill, the “Oldest Barbershop in the World”, as recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, in the plush neighbourhood of Indiranagar, here in Bangalore.
The Beginning
Truefitt and Hill traces its roots to Mayfair, London when it first saw the light of the day in 1805 while King George III reigned over England. In this era of fine craftsmanship, innovation, and styling, Truefitt & Hill serviced London’s elitist clientèle with an array of exclusive products and unique services.
The London barbershop has had the honour of serving monarchs of Great Britain throughout nine consecutive reigns, and while society evolved ‘Truefitt & Hill’ never lost its place when it came to serving the gentry. True to its name, Truefitt & Hill continues to be an eminent barbershop till this day, and its barbers are known to visit the Buckingham Palace or the Windsor Castle where they attend to His Royal Highness.
Today, India has seen numerous outlets bringing the same legendary service to the country, and it’s boutique barbershop in Indiranagar, Bangalore is the place to experience best-in-class grooming services. The impressive location and the splendid look of the barbershop is reason enough to gift yourself a new haircut or a shave.
The Gentleman’s Groom Room
No less than an exclusive gentlemen’s club, Truefitt & Hill, India’s first ‘men’s only’ salon in the luxury segment, wears the “Oldest Barbershop in the World” tag handsomely. For those who want a taste of royal treatment, this luxurious salon built over 1500 sq has everything from exquisite mahogany interiors to a vintage look achieved through its aristocratic British décor.
The royal blue exterior of the boutique resonates the English touch, while the majestic mirrors and the impressively luxurious, über-comfortable leather seats are indications of the finest quality of English tradition. The framed royal warrants along with the framed portraits of Monarchs that hang on the walls, and a colourful coat of arms, tend to remind visitors of its royal roots. The salon is equipped with four grooming stations that can drench you in extravagance, and two royal VIP suits that are all about privacy. From the well-arranged tools {including a set of seven straight razors, one for each day of the week} to formally clad barbers, every inch of the premise rocks unparalleled machismo stepping up the entire grooming experience and taking salons to a complete new level.
There are many reasons why Truefitt & Hill’s signature services carry the ‘Royal’ tag. Plush interiors detailed with gold, Victorian lamps, traditional shaving mugs, and the brushes as well as the sparkling razors will make you put the Royal automatically before the services. The services on offer vary from basic grooming services like Haircuts and Shaves; extending to exquisite services like Beard styling, Head and Face massages, Hair colour, and Hair highlights along with Waxing & Threading.
I had booked an appointment for their Royal Facial and Royal Manicure & Pedicure in the second week of August. My appointment was duly designated with telephonic confirmation followed by an SMS and a reminder phone call from the barbershop staff.
The Product Line
There are over 130 products that have been created to revitalise your senses and give you a fresh new look. The 1805 line is considered one of their best. It has top notes of mandarin bergamot, and cardamom while the middle notes are dictated by geranium, lavender, and clary sage. The base comprises of sandalwood, cedarwood, and musk.
The most recent addition to their line of products is the Sandalwood line which uses sandalwood, cedarwood, and tonka for its soft base notes. With a heart of lavender, jasmine and thyme intermingled with the zesty twists of pineapple and melon; you will find whiffs of lemon and bergamot in the top notes of the Sandalwood line.
{Their shaving accessories like the fine brushes and razors in the old style, throw you back in time. But be aware, technologically, all these products and accessories are high-tech and contemporary.}
{Truefitt & Hill colognes have a very distinct, warm, and strong fragrance. It was a delight to whiff those powerful notes again, which reminded me of scents that my grandfather used to gift us from London in a bygone era.}
Truefitt and Hill allows you to select the products that you would like to use {colognes, shaving creams, balms, and bath gels to your liking} before you sit back and soak yourself in their luxurious treatments.
The Experience
I have frequented a few other salons and the experience here was incomparable. There’s nothing like a hot towel on your face or the manly fragrance of shaving cream to sap the stress right out of your body.
The Royal Facial ~ Intense Skin Cleansing Regime for Him
The facial was preceded by an insightful discussion with Senior Store Manager, Dinesh Kumar on the products and the treatment type that would complement my skin.
Their Signature Royal Facial is 60 minutes of your life well spent, truly! The intense skin-cleansing regimen begins with a hot towel wrap and ends with one too, and between the two towel wraps, your skin will go through exfoliation with a scrub, massage with essential oils, and a Hawaiian Lei orchid face pack; leaving you feeling refreshed with a revitalised look. Because grooming is, after all, not complete without us feeling great!
The Royal Pedicure and the Royal Manicure
For someone who spends most of their day in a pair of closed shoes, few things feel as wonderful as a pedicure; and Truefitt & Hill guarantees the ultimate in relaxation with their 45-minute long treatment of the hands and feet. The ritual involves soaking hands and feet in a blend of various essential oils; this is followed by a moisturising massage including a shower sherbet {scrub}. Then a hydrating clay mask is used to nourish the skin, ending with foot reflexology ~ leaving you feeling truly pampered!
The Verdict
Truefitt & Hill, India have created a new niche for male grooming services in our country. Today, we no longer tie masculinity with the dishevelled look. We have slowly but surely started to accept the advantages of good grooming, and related stereotypes have been left far behind.
At the end of the good three hours spent in the über lavish institution for male grooming, I feel initiated into the club that vaunts a noble clientele including the likes of Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Paul McCartney, and Winston Churchill!
So, next time when you think about male grooming, a haircut, or even a shave, do step into Truefitt & Hill. The experience is worth your money and time. After all, why should women have all the fun? Till then, stay stylish, stay groomed!
To note: Truefitt & Hill offers complimentary valet service, wi-fi, and refreshments with every visit. Just make sure that you call ahead to book because walk-in appointments are something of a rarity at the salon.
Address: Ground Floor, 598/1, 12th Main, Indiranagar.
Store timings: 8 am to 9 pm from Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 9 pm on Sunday
Find them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/TruefittAndHillIndia
Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from Truefitt & Hill Bangalore. Due judgment and care have been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review.