Beauty sleuth: haircut and beard trim at Ruffians Barber Shop

Barber shops have been sprouting (sorry) for a while now, thanks to the beard’s return to favour and a renewed appreciation for lacquered hair (thank you, Don Draper). The latest is Ruffians in Covent Garden, a sister outpost to the Edinburgh original. It’s all exposed brick, filament lightbulbs, Belfast sinks and oak worktops lined with an impressive array of in-house products

I was greeted with fresh coffee and Tunnock’s teacakes by stylist Hari, who quickly decided that my idle quiff ‘isn’t doing anything’. We decided on something shorter and smarter, and I settled into one of Ruffian’s signature petrol-blue Takara Belmont barber chairs while he prepared an impressive set of traditional tools — no electric clippers here.

He started with a dry cut around the sides for reshaping, followed by a wash, a vigorous head massage and more cutting to add texture and encourage growth. After an application of matte clay and a few spritzes of Ruffians One fragrance I was done; transformed from a dishevelled mess to clean-cut rogue in just 40 minutes.

Afterwards I chilled out by the fireside with a complimentary iPad and a copy of 100 Beards to peruse. I was so at home, I’d have poured myself a scotch from the bar if the sun had been over the yard-arm.

Ruffians Barber Shop haircut and beard trim, haircut £45, beard trim £30

27 Maiden Lane, WC2 (020 7240 8180; ruffians.co.uk)