"LET ME TAKE CARE of your face," purrs James Ttoffali, master barber at London's Truefitt & Hill, as he gently leans my leather chair back and closely inspects my unshaven chin.

In front of me, on a marble surface, stand all manner of lotions, oils, scissors and razors; the collection completed by a rather inviting pot of what could almost pass as whipped cream and a large, fluffy badger brush.

"Do...