Nothing gets us prepped for a big event like a fresh hot towel shave from one of our favorite barbers. Wanting to spread the word, we rounded up our top four NYC shaving sanctuaries catering to a multitude of dispositions; whether your style leans boardroom or rockabilly, there’s a straight razor in this city with your name on it. Read on to find yours…

Esquires of Wall Street
14 Wall Street, New York, NY

They say dress for the job you want, and we agree. But we’d take it one step further and say shave for it, too. Located across the street from the New York Stock Exchange, Esquires of Wall Street has been helping the city’s power players clean up and unwind for the better part of a century. And while you may not be impressed by the humble décor of this vintage joint – it hasn’t changed much since it opened for business in 1932– there’s a good chance you’ll be in the chair next to a big name exec. Don’t worry if you haven’t made it to the big leagues yet – owner Niall Costello offers every patron that great equalizer: a free beer. And if you need something more to take the edge off, there’s a stocked liquor cabinet as well.

Barbershop
8 Rivington Street, New York, NY

Formerly known as FSC Barber, this Lower East Side favorite is now located in a expanded space just around the corner from its original digs. Designed by Taavo Somer as part of the Freemans Sporting Club empire, Barbershop has the modern rustic look one would expect, chockablock with reclaimed wood, mid-century chairs and a prominent pair of mounted antlers. The vibe may be hipster but the staff is friendly and great at what they do. Create a new grooming ritual and treat yourself to a classic shave that soothes your mug with oil, cream, hot foam, aftershave and warm eucalyptus towels. Be sure to make an appointment as this place fills up fast.

The New York Shaving Company
202B Elizabeth Street and 146 East 39^th Street, New York, NY

Retro-hip and proud of it, The New York Shaving Company set out in 2008 to create “the idyllic male sanctuary that combines the refinement of eras past with the fulfillment of present-day expectations.” Today that means a nostalgic soundtrack, an antique-y interior and top-notch barbers who approach their craft like true artists. Before you’re lathered up, expect a shaving consultation to analyze your beard growth and skin type. Walk out the door with your closest shave in years. Ready to give yourself the straight razor treatment? The New York Shaving Company offer classes on the traditional technique as well as razor sharpening services and a proprietary line of cult favorite products.

Persons of Interest
299 Smith Street and 82-84 Havemeyer Street, Brooklyn, NY

Charmed by the old world spirit of Sal’s Hairstylists on Smith Street, TV producer Steve Marks opened Persons of Interest in its place when the Brooklyn barbershop shuttered in 2010. He kept some of the former shop’s retro relics during the design phase (yup, that faded tropical mural is a seventies original), and then fully modernized with a staff of barbers from NYC’s most renowned establishments. There’s now an apothecary section peddling high-end grooming gear, and a second location for Williamsburg dwellers. Got a special night out? Upgrade your basic shave to the “Clean Slate” featuring an invigorating scrub, mask and moisturizer to have you looking your best.