A new family-run barbers has opened in Stroud which is hoping to be a cut above the competition.

First Class Traditional Turkish Barbers has opened on George Street offering the full gamut of gentlemen’s grooming from haircuts to the traditional cut-throat shave, to beard styling, hair masks and even eyebrow threading.

Owner Mehmet Cokezici, who has lived in the area for 20 years, has brought together four highly-experienced barbers who, full of enthusiasm for their trade, aim to bring an authentic touch of Turkish style to the streets of Stroud.

“We’re here to help the men of Stroud look their best,” Mehmet says. “A visit to the barbershop always helps you feel good.”

Mehmet’s team includes his son Ismail, whose zest for the old-school traditional barbershop culture was part of the inspiration to open the salon which will be open for business seven days a week.

“It’s often just the small touches that make the biggest difference to one’s appearance,” Ismail says before adding, “For a first-class haircut, it’s not about the quantity of hair that comes off, but quality of the cut.”

Ismail is further joined by colleagues Vayram, Cengiz and Pakito who all hail from the Mediterranean resort of Marmaris on the Turkish Riviera.

“It’s great to have opened our doors and be part of the Stroud community,” says Cengiz who smiles broadly. “We’re enjoying meeting lots of new customers.”

It’s fair to say that all the team are excited by the opportunity that awaits them in the family barbers, not least because their specialism is the skin fade haircut that has become one of the most popular and striking of hair trends for men. The cut is often paired with a stylish quiff, comb over or side parting that makes for a particularly modern, head-turning look.

Judging by these smartly-styled gentlemen, it won’t be long before all of the town’s menfolk are looking equally as sharp.

One such customer is local resident Paul Trevitt who popped into the new barbers with son Jake for a well-needed cut on opening day last Wednesday. And the result? Jake was well-impressed with the transformation that the barbers gave his old man – and he might just be joining him for a return visit and cut next month.