The Strand is a four-storey beauty salon overlooking the Mid-Levels escalator in Central. The whole of the second floor is dedicated to men's grooming and treatments ranging from an authentic wet shave to a more adventurous full-body wax.

I opt for the wet shave by veteran Liverpudlian barber, Lee Stephens, who joined the spa earlier this year and looks the part with his neatly trimmed beard, white shirt and black braces. Lee tells me he wants to recreate the blokey atmosphere of a traditional barbershop, where guys can discuss footy scores while waiting, albeit in a more refined setting.

The floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate the masculine interior. The cool grey walls are matched with a black counter stacked with magazines, and the imported Japanese barber chairs add authenticity even though they're a little stiff. There is also a dimly lit VIP room for those who want more privacy.

Lee uses the English brand Penhaligon's Blenheim range for the shave. First, he massages my face to soften the bristles, then uses badger-hair brushes to raise them before going to work with a cut-throat razor. He also uses the razor to neaten the hairline on my neck. A series of creams and ointments and hot and cold towels are applied before and after the shave to moisturise my skin and prevent razor burn. (As it turns out, I did not need to shave again for at least two days longer than after I use my Mach-3.)