BASRAH, Iraq – Troops deployed to Contingency Operating Base Basra can get a little “hot headed” while visiting the Turkish barbers at the local Oasis Barber Shop. “[Service members] come in and see others getting fire to [remove hair from] their ears and they are afraid, but when they get it they come back for it every time,” says Ugur Bengogullir, a local vendor from Adana, Turkey. “It’s the experience. Very few people don’t get it; only if they are afraid of the flames.”
In the traditional grooming process, a Turkish barber will take a pair of closed shears and wrap the tip with a stretched cotton ball. He’ll then dip the shears in rubbing alcohol and light it, creating a flame.
Almost immediately after the shears are lit, the barber splashes the fire gently and repeatedly over the customer’s ear, singeing any fine hairs that may be growing. Once both ears are “clean” the barber rubs them to take away any debris.
In keeping with tradition, Oasis barbers Isa Ozkan and Erdal Kurt, both of Adana, treat customers to the Turkish shave with lather and a straight razor. To prevent razor bumps or ingrown hairs, they dip the blade in alcohol and light it just like the shears.
The heat and alcohol sterilize the blade, creating a sharp, clean shave.
After the shave, lemon cologne is applied to the face to close the open pores, another tradition. The barber wipes the shaved area with a steamed or damp cloth and begins to focus on any other area of the face that needs to be groomed.
He completes the grooming process by giving another once over and offers a mirror so the customer can do the same. “If the customer is satisfied, it’s good. If not, [the barbers] fix it” says Bengogullir.“This is why Turkish barbers are the best. They are doing it because they love it,” he added.
According to grooming experts at Ted’s Grooming Room, London, the love of the art of fine grooming in Turkey dates back to days before the Ottoman Empire when barbers groomed local citizens to promote relaxation. They measured their success based on the comfort of their customers.
The Turkish barbers of the Oasis Barber Shop at COB Basra are a part of a long lineage of traditional Middle Eastern shavers.
“I was born in a barber shop,” Ozkan joked. “I cut hair all through elementary school.” Barbering takes years to learn and perfect, he said.
Experience doesn’t necessarily mean higher prices. The grooming session can take as little as ten minutes and cost less than ten dollars.
“You can’t beat it!” says Lt. Col. Keith Dunkle of 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. “It’s more than a haircut. It’s a wash, massage, trim; I’ll be back!” he added.
Dunkle isn’t the only frequent customer. “It’s the attention to detail that keeps me coming back,” says Staff Sgt. John Marshall of the 1-174th Avenger Battalion. Marshall says he’s had the hair-burning technique at least five times and will return at least once more before redeploying.
“I’d recommend it to soldiers,” said Spc. Anthony Goines of 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. “Especially since we’re leaving.” While we’re here though, we should take in the culture, he said.
Service members looking to redeploy in the coming months can expect to pay extra to get grooming services in the States. For now, the Oasis barbers plan to stay open, offering their service to those who serve.