Turkish Barber: Hot Towel, Razor, Flame and Cologne

A Turkish barber does much more than cut your hair. You get a hot towel, a close shave with a straight razor, a quick flame by your ears and a splash of lemon cologne. Then you walk out smelling of citrus.

What happens at a Turkish barber?

Every shop has its own order, but a full visit to a Turkish barber usually runs like this:

1. Steam or a hot towel. The heat opens the pores and softens the beard.
2. Lather. The barber builds a foam with a brush and works it into your face.
3. The razor. He shaves you close with a straight razor, paying attention to the ears and the base of the nose.
4. Wax or flame. Next, he deals with the stray hairs that the blade missed.
5. A hot cloth. Another cloth clears your face.
6. Massage and cologne. He rubs your face, head and shoulders, and the cologne comes last.

Why does a Turkish barber use fire?

The flame is the part people remember. Traditionally, the barber wraps gauze or cotton on a stick, soaks it in spirit and lights it. Then he taps it quickly against your ears, and the fine hairs singe away.

Today, most barbers use wax. They spread it warm, let it cool and pull it off quickly. So not every shop still does the old flame, and you can always ask for wax.

Where does the lemon cologne come in?

Lemon cologne, or kolonya, closes the visit. The barber pours some into his hands and works it into your skin as part of the massage. In most shops, a bottle also waits at the till, so you can freshen up on the way out.

What is a Turkish barber shop like?

A barber shop in Turkey is a social place, where men meet and chat as much as they get a cut. So expect a conversation, even with little shared language. A glass of tea or a Turkish coffee often appears while you wait. You will see two words on the signs: berber, the traditional barber, and erkek kuaförü, a men’s hairdresser. Both will give you a shave. For the manners around you, read our guide to Turkish etiquette.

A Turkish barber on your trip

A shave fits easily into a day in Istanbul. Tell us when you book, and we add the stop. Our concierge service arranges it on your free days too.