Barbering Around The World - Turkey

by Ted's Master Barber

There is no fixed signature or style for men in Turkey; utmost importance is placed on finding the right style for each individual gentleman, which means every cut complements the hair type and facial structure of the client. This is one of many of the traditional aspects of Turkish barbering we continue to honour at Ted's Grooming Room today.

The most obvious example is the amount of beard maintenance currently going on in London and beyond! Turkish barbers are the masters of beards in particular and other cultures have always looked to them as the prime example of how to wield a straight razor. More and more barbershops in the UK are beginning to adopt the cut-throat shaves and beard trimming techniques pioneered in Turkey, but very few, if any, have mastered the art. In terms of specifics, the use of aromatic hot towels have spread but we're yet to see anybody else adopt our ear-flaming techniques or massages that are a requirement for every shave at Ted's Grooming Room.



In Turkey, the art of male grooming has always been considered a vital part of the culture in its own right, so hairstyles have always reflected this pride in appearance, rather than subcultures such as music etc. However, the particular shape and style of facial hair has long been considered to reflect the personality of its owner.



A large walrus-style mustache suggests a man of great intellect, philosophy and open-mindedness, whereas a subtle, thin one can mark him a pragmatist of practical thinking and great caution. Those who grow a “horse-shoe” ‘tache are believed to be expressing great pride and solidarity with their friends and family.