GETTING AHEAD IN A CUT-THROAT BUSINESS

A PLYMOUTH barber's shop wants to put itself a cut above others by offering wet shaves.

The Compton Barber Shop, in Eggbuckland Road, started the service this year after staff Cheryl Hellings and Emma Castlehouse were trained by Staffordshire-based expert Mark Sproston, also known as the Shave Doctor.

SMOOTH OPERATOR : Top barber Mark 'The Shave Doctor' Sprotson (right) visits Compton Barber Shop to teach wet shaving to business partners Jon and Cheryl HellingsTop barber Mark 'The Shave Doctor' Sprotson (right) visits Compton Barber Shop to teach wet shaving to business partners Jon and Cheryl Hellings

Jon Hellings, who runs the business with wife Cheryl, said the 10-stage treatment involved more than just scraping away hair, and was all about skin care, using the traditional hot and cold towels and the latest facial products.

"It starts with oil treatment, hot towels to open pores," said Mr Hellings.

"The shave is with an open razor, using disposable blades.

"Cold towels to close pores, hot ones to open them again, and finish with a moisturiser. It's relaxing and pampering and good for the skin.

"It takes about 30 to 40 minutes."

He said modern men had lost the habit of wet shaving, leading to problems with razor rash.

"It's all about getting people to experience it and get the message out," Mr Hellings said.

The Compton Barber Shop opened in July 2008, and has seven barbers.

"We have continued to grow," Mr Hellings said.