Basic Grooming

Men’s Grooming Back to Basics

By Amber Flynn @expertgroomingadvice 

Get Your SWAG Back

Spring is here so it's time to put your best foot forward by                                                          shedding those winter layers and reclaiming you.

Investing a little time and money into your look is no longer considered vain or a "woman's thing". Men that put thought and effort into their appearance come across as confident, successful and sexy  Don't be fooled, even the men that seem to always look casually cool have put in effort to do so.So where do you start? With the basics. Before thinking about hair styles or fashion trends there     are basic grooming tips that all men should consider.

Cutting, trimming and shaving

Regularly scheduled haircuts should be priority. Period.

Find a barber who knows their stuff and become a regular. Not only will this make for great cuts, but an ongoing relationship with a barber can go a long way towards getting a cut in an emergency situation. Easy rule of thumb, if your friends or significant other have noticed you need a cut, you're already past due. Try being proactive, not reactive. Book your next appointment before you leave the shop from your current appointment. Depending on your hair type, style and growth rate your next cut should be between one and six weeks. I know that is a big discrepancy but a good barber will help you determine when you should come in for your next cut. This applies to hair on your head and facial 

hair.

Now let's discuss some other areas that need attention.

Eye brows, Ears and Nose   

                                                                                                                                                               Eye brows, You should have two of them. Most barbers will offer to help you with this, let them. Trimming and separating your eyebrows is easier for your barber than for you. Don't worry trimming is NOT the same as arching. 

Ear hair,  lets just say eww together. Again most barbers have got you covered here as well. If they don't normally do it or forgot, just ask.       

                                                                                                                                                            Nose hair, unless you have a really old school barber you're probably on your own. Try and trim or tweeze them at least once every two weeks but look out for any strays in between. 

 Armpits                                                                                                                                             This should not be up for debate. If you look like you 

have a troll in a headlock, trim that stuff. I'm not saying it needs to be completely shaved, which is acceptable for some people but can be very itchy and no one wants to be scratching their underarms all day.

Chest, back and groin                                                                                                                                                                                   These areas are a little more personal so discretion is up to you. It is important to note however that if you are going to shave these areas you will need to do it fairly often to avoid the itch factor, an issue that typically happens as the hair grows back, not to mention if there is something that feels worse than a hairy back, it is a prickly hairy back. Depilatories (hair removal creams) are also an 

option. Dissolving  the hair at the root means slower regrowth. But the process is a little more 

involved and would require enlisting some help for the hard to reach areas.Another factor with these 

creams is the possibility of chemical burns if left on too long. So at attention to the directions. For men that are truly brave, waxing is also an option. Keeping in mind that ingrown hairs happen so to help alleviate the problem it is important to exfoliate (remove dead skin) and moisturize  (use lotion).

Keep your nails short and clean. 

I shouldn't need to explain why long dirty fingernails are not a good look.  If your budget or schedule permits, try a monthly manicure/pedicure to have someone take care of this for you. I recommend letting them buff your nails as a way to keep the healthy shine without looking too “fancy” .Since nails grow at different rates there is no set time frame for it when to cut,  however when it is time to trim your nails, water is your best friend. Nails absorb water and as they do they soften. This is the perfect time to attack them with the clippers. Finger and toe nails become more flexible, making it less likely that you will crack or cut too low on the nail which tends to happen when the nail is stiff and dry.

Wash that Mug                                                                                                                                  Cleanse your face on a regular basis with a facial soap.Most body soaps are too strong for the face. You need to invest in a cleanser that is just for the face. No, it’s not okay to use hand soap for your face. It’s called HAND soap for a reason! Most soaps have harsh ingredients that can harm your face and actually cause you to break out. A great cleanser goes a long way. You will see a dramatic difference in the skin after one use.

Pucker up Buttercup                                                                                                                   

 Lips can suffer all year round as the sun dries them out and the cold weather can cause them to chap. My recommendation for kissable lips? Use a lip balm regularly. But use sparingly as you don’t want 

to look like you’re wearing lip gloss.

Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?                                                                                            No excuses! Obviously not everyone has perfect teeth. But that doesn't mean that you should be out here making people yield like they're at a traffic light every time you smile.  There are plenty of over the counter teeth whiteners available that are safe and effective. Brightening up your smile can take more than five years off your look. Also brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day might keep the dentist away but it can help you to get a little closer to that special person you've had your eye on.

And last but not least,

HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE

it's great for you skin, hair, nails and your waistline.

Coming next…

Products...  what they do and my best recommendations 

      

The return of the BARBERSHOP

The NEW traditional barbershop    

 the best of the old school mixed with modern influences

Barbershops are seen in almost every old movie or nostalgic TV show... Front and center on "Main street". A gathering place, where boys become men and grandfathers are wise men listened to with the respect earned from life's experience. As long as men have been getting haircuts, they’ve been hanging out at barbershops. Talking sports, current events, politics…the barbershop has always been the place to connect with other men in the community.    The place you can relax and just be yourself with no judgement.      

                                                                                                                                                                   In the ‘80s and ‘90s, higher-end salons and discount chain establishments took over, making this right of passage experience hard to find.                                                                     

Fortunately the traditional barbershop is coming back with a uniquely tailored experience, taking the best parts of old-school barbering and adding a modern twist. Here are some of the things you can expect when you visit a "new" traditional barbershop, aside from great conversation

APPOINTMENTS 
Gone are the days of having to wait hours at the barbershop. Even with the great atmosphere... You don't want to spend your entire Saturday there. Most upscale and new traditional barbershops not only offer appointments, they also have online booking options.

COMFORT & CLEANLINESS 
Although there is a barber pole and classic barber chairs you will find touches that feel more like a cool man cave instead of a cookie cutter salon. Classic enough for the most nostalgic of men yet with modern touches that let you know they care about personal style.

A FROSTY BEVERAGE 
It’s not uncommon to be offered a beer, mixed drink, or soda while you wait. It’s a nice touch that helps you relax after a long day or get a little caffeine after a long night.

A HOT TOWEL 
Not many things better feel better than a hot towel. Whether it's used to clean and relax you at the end of a haircut with neck shave or wrapped around your face where it helps to open the pores and raise the hair on your face for a shave, feeling for a moment like it blocks out the world. An important touch that lends itself to the personal nature of the service.

A STRAIGHT RAZOR SHAVE

Obviously you can give yourself a shave at home, but allowing yourself to experience a shave by a barber is a male tradition steeped in history. A straight razor shave takes precision, focus and time. Expect that you will need to make a separate appointment for a shave even if you are getting a haircut.

A GREAT HAIRCUT
Barber training is focused almost solely on cutting and grooming for men. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that they are experts and know how to give you a clean precise cut tailored to your expectations or at the VERY least explain why your haircut ideas are unrealistic for your hair type, face shape, lifestyle etc. This is done before they start cutting. A good barber always gives you a thorough consultation, making sure you're both on the same page.

 

As with anything else, each barbershop offers services and perks unique to them and the area they are serving. Find a place that offers quality services, a welcoming atmosphere and great conversation... You’ll know when you find the right barbershop it will feel like your among friends. Sometimes it can be a bit of a search, but when you find it, it will be worth the extra time you invested.