The Ritual of the Razor

Roman barber and content creator Daniele Maullu on slow shaving, Indian head massages and why the Mühle R41 never leaves his travel bag

When we speak to Daniele Maullu on a Friday evening, the 31 year old is in his “mid-beard phase.” Every Monday, when his Roman barbershops Barberia Maullu and Barberia Tondere are closed, he produces new content for his more than two million followers. Most of the time, that means shaving off a week of beard growth with a straight razor, leaving only his signature immaculate moustache behind. Elegant, unhurried and almost cinematic, Maullu’s videos feel worlds away from the frantic pace of social media. The lighting is meticulously crafted, every movement deliberate, every sound captured in crystal-clear detail. Some viewers come to learn traditional shaving techniques, he says. Others simply press play to unwind.

Your videos feel almost meditative, which is unusual for social media. Was that a conscious decision?

Not really. That’s simply how we work in our barbershops. We believe shaving shouldn’t be rushed. When someone sits in the chair, we want to give them a moment where they don’t have to think about anything. The slow movements, the attention to detail, the preparation of the skin – it’s all about helping the client relax. I try to bring the same feeling into my videos.

Many people discover traditional wet shaving through your content. How did you become a barber?

My father is a barber, and we opened our first shop together sixteen years ago. He taught me the basics, but afterwards I kept learning through courses, other barbers and, of course, by constantly practicing. Today we have two shops in Rome.

Your videos feature mostly straight razors. What do you use at home when you’re shaving yourself?

At home, and especially when I travel, I use a safety razor. It’s simply much more practical. You can’t travel with a straight razor, so a good safety razor is the perfect companion.

Speaking of safety razors: the Mühle R41 has achieved cult status. Some people swear by it, while others are intimidated by its reputation.

(laughs) The R41 is actually my favorite safety razor. It’s the one I always carry with me when I travel.

What would you tell someone who is nervous about trying an R41 for the first time?

Start without the blade. Hold the razor without a blade installed and learn how it naturally wants to sit against your face. Once you understand the angle, everything becomes much easier.

Because of its open-comb design, it’s often considered an “aggressive” razor. Would you agree?

Not really. I think almost anyone can use it. The important thing is pressure. If you have a very tough beard, you can apply a little more pressure. If your skin is sensitive or your beard is softer, you simply use less. The razor responds to your technique.

Does choosing the right razor always depend on the person sitting in your chair?

Absolutely. The first thing I do is feel the client’s beard and skin. That immediately tells me which razor will work best. Every face is different.

You’ve visited barbershops around the world. What makes an Italian shave different?

In Italy, especially in my shop, we spend a lot of time on preparation and the small details. The goal isn’t just removing the beard—it’s creating a relaxing experience. In India, for example, shaving is much faster and more practical, but the barbers are incredibly skilled. Their technique is fantastic, and they often finish with wonderful massages of the face, neck and shoulders. That’s something I really admire.

Your videos have attracted millions of viewers. Has social media changed your work as a barber?

Very much. Before, many customers had never experienced a traditional shave or a straight razor. Now people come into the shop saying, “I saw your videos. I want that experience.” I even have clients travelling from Canada, the United States, Japan and many other countries just to visit the barbershop.

The sound is a huge part of your videos. The ASMR experience seems almost as important as the shave itself.

Sound is incredibly important. We started with a simple microphone, but today we use professional film equipment. At the same time, I’m always trying to improve. My dream is to reach Netflix-level production quality one day.

Where do you find inspiration?

I love films and documentaries. Whenever I see an interesting camera angle or composition, I write it down and discuss it with my videographer.

After thousands of shaves, what still fascinates you about the ritual?

The ritual itself. It’s time that I dedicate to myself. Every morning I wake up early, work out, and when I then shave, it´s a moment that gives me balance. Afterwards I feel calmer, more focused and ready for the day. For me, shaving isn’t just grooming, it’s part of my wellbeing.

Do you remember the first time you shaved a client?

Very clearly. I was terrified. My hands were shaking because I was afraid of cutting someone. Every barber remembers that feeling. With experience, the fear disappears.