Cutter and Grinder: The Hair Doctor

Joe Fuller gets shaved and shorn by expert barber/engineer Hossein in the stunning 1920s Chicago-style surroundings of Cutter & Grinder

They call him the hair doctor. Hossein is self-effacing about the moniker but it’s certainly an apposite title. The Cutter & Grinder proprietor has been a professional barber for over 25 years and has also trained as an engineer. He skilfully blends his experience in engineering and barbering to sculpt well-designed haircuts that last.

After confidently dissecting my hair, Hossein felt that it might look better falling a different way, and politely pondered about the curious way other barbers had cut my crown. I’ll admit that I was initially wary: I’d gotten used to my mini quiff falling to the right but I’m always up for letting barbers do things their own way and trusting their judgement. I wasn’t disappointed.

When Hossein and I were chatting about my hair I told him that my hair grew quickly. He replied that: “Everyone says that but no hair grows quickly. The important thing is connection and movement, if the haircut isn’t connected properly then it can mushroom out and people can think that it then grows quickly in particular places. Some barbers leave everything behind and there is no science behind the cut. It’s about precision and hair keeping its shape.”

This could be considered the male equivalent of a beauty treatment: my face has never felt so fresh and fragrant

I can happily report that my hair has indeed kept its shape over the last few weeks. Previous haircuts had infused a separating line that I could never seem to conjure up again in my morning rush. Hossein’s cut is far easier to maintain, and has resulted in a more stylish, cleaner and defined swoosh than the jumble I had before.

I had never had a barber’s wet shave before so was curious and excited about the process. Hossein told me that the joy is gone from shaving and that it “used to be more fun”, so he wants to show people how enjoyable a proper shave can be. A warm towel was applied which was a welcoming sensation, and I even got a head massage which felt therapeutic and fun in and of itself.

The products were all pleasant concoctions, including pre-shave oil and pre-shave cream mixed together to relax the skin. It was mushed together and then applied with one of those authentic wavy shaving brushes. The whole process felt nice and warm, and the brush was caringly applied: a clear step up from the cold indifference of my disposable razor.

This could definitely be considered the male equivalent of a spa day or beauty treatment: my face has honestly never felt so fresh and fragrant. I felt invigorated and alert so it would be perfect before a job interview, date, party or even just a normal day’s work.

Stubble was slower to return than after my typical shaving shambles and my girlfriend appreciated my smoother jaw. Hossein told me that he could have cut closer in fact but that he took it easy since it was my first time: exemplifying naturally good customer service and consideration for his punters.

It’s about precision and hair keeping its shape

Hossein ran Cutter and Grinder by himself for its first three years of business but now has a full time assistant in Matt. He took some time finding the right apprentice, chagrined by the gung-ho roustabouts thinking that they could cut hair after a few weeks of training. Matt has taken his time however and put the work in: “He’s never sat down in six months, he’s always standing up and watching. In six months I’ve brought him up to a level where people are actually coming for him. That’s what happens when you’re patient and learn a trade properly.” You can therefore be confident about getting a great haircut from either gentleman.

I can wholeheartedly recommend going to Cutter & Grinder for a haircut and/or wet shave for an enjoyable, exceptionally high quality service from an experienced barber. The luxurious interior (restored and refitted by Hossein himself and sourced from a 1920’s Chicago barbershop) is worth a visit in its own right. Men are looking more stylish and swish again, and Cutter & Grinder is the perfect place to get your tonsorial act together. Check out the website below to peruse the other services they offer, including knife, razor or scissors sharpening and stropping.

Cutter & Grinder: Gentlemen’s Grooming Salon
110c Western Road, Norfolk Square, Brighton, BN1 2AA
Open Mon/Tues 9am-6pm, Thurs 9am-7.30pm, Fri 9am-6pm & Sat 8am-5pm, 01273 730333, www.cutterandgrinder.co.uk