Grooming Tips
Shaving
Shaving is something a man
will do some 20,000 times in a lifetime. Unfortunately for most men
it is also a task they have learned and continue to do incorrectly.
Improper shaving can result
in razor rash or razor bump. Razor rash is essentially an ingrown hair.
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair follicle is blocked and the hair is
forced to turn and grow outside of its normal path. Men with curly hair
are more prone to razor bump.
Shaving properly involves a
few distinctive steps.
Steam is the first step to
a proper shave. Shave immediately following or during your shower. Steam
and hot water soften the beard.
Next apply high quality pre-shave
oil to the beard and massage in an upward motion. This establishes a
lubricating barrier for the razor to glide very closely to the skin
without irritation.
The need for lubrication continues
if you want the closest possible shave without irritation. Top quality
shave creams or gels should be used. Glycerin based products are best
as they offer superior lubrication. Premium creams in conjunction with
a shave brush, such as badger hair, can whip up a lather that cannot
be equaled from a pressurized can.
Always use a clean, multi blade,
swivel head, razor. Shave first in the direction of growth. Reapply
lather and then shave against the grain until smooth. With the price
of cartridges costing $22 bucks for an 8 pack you need to get the most
out of your razors. Utilizing quality products and implementing these
techniques will allow you to get several shaves out of each cartridge.
After the razor, rinse with
cool water. Most think hot water is best but there is a good reason
to use cool and even cold water at this point. Cool closes the pores
on the face preventing at least some dirt and oil from entering. If
you want to use hot water go ahead, it’s your face.
For the finale, use an alcohol
free after shave balm or lotion. This soothes the skin following a fairly
harsh and unnatural act. It allows the skin to heal faster which lends
well to the fact this task will be required again pretty soon.
At The Male Room our goal is
to help you look your best. Let us teach you how it’s done by treating
yourself to one of our hot lather shaves. There’s nothing quite like
experiencing the hot, steamy towel treatment, our premium products and
our professional staff.
Hair Styling
Whether you wear your hair
long, short or somewhere in between finding the right person to cut
your hair can be the difference between always looking your best and
not. Bad haircuts take time to get over…..literally.
Your hair style needs to be
compatible with several factors. Your head shape is one factor. Face
shape is another. Many times finding a complimentary hair style requires
some feedback and professional consultation.
Cowlicks, for some can seem
unmanageable. At the very least they complicate the haircut. Establishing
a relationship with a good stylist is the best course of action.
Subtle changes to hair style
can make one appear younger. We tend to wear our hair in similar fashion
to when we were younger. Styles in and of themselves can date a person.
A good stylist can help you determine where you may want to go. Don’t
be afraid to try something new. You just may find something you like.
Coloring
Coloring for men is a touchy
subject. Some just seem too uptight to try for fear of being made fun
of. Nothing says older than gray. The truth though is that color on
a man should be of the camouflage variety. This is a blending technique
that makes it nearly impossible to tell.
Some gray hair issues such
as yellowing can be eliminated with proper shampoos and may not require
coloring. Other types of natural gray may be best left alone. Again,
your best bet is a professional consultation.
Bacne
Clogged pores lead to bad skin
on a man’s back. It’s hard enough to keep your shirtless self looking
presentable without having to worry about back acne. Unfortunately the
very thing you do to keep fit leads to bacne. Once the pores are opened
by sweat and heat they suck up oil and dirt. Diet, as always, impacts
this condition.
The good news is the same process
used to perform a facial can be performed on the back. Getting a back
treatment at least quarterly will keep your skin looking healthy year
round.
The process at the Male Room
is performed in a private room. First we cleanse the skin to remove
excessive residue. Then we perform a light massage to stimulate circulation.
Next we apply a soothing clay mask to unclog the pores. The mask is
removed by hot towel. Moisturizers are applied to complete the process.
Don’t let bad skin make you
anxious when it comes time to remove your shirt at the beach next spring.
Waxing
Another sensitive issue that
men sometimes have to contend with is unwanted hair. Unsightly would
be a better description than unwanted. It seems hair grows everywhere
and anywhere it isn’t wanted.
Not much dampens a first impression
more than stray hairs around the ears and sticking out of the nose.
Back hair is cited as one of the top 10 turnoffs by women.
Some hair you can remove yourself
but it is time consuming. You can shave it, wax it, buzz it, or employ
a laser. Each method falls in a different price point. Waxing seems
to be the consensus best overall choice. Waxing lasts longer than shaving
and is more economical than laser.
Nose and ear hair removal is
done either in the chair on in a private room. These processes are generally
very quick and inexpensive compared to the time it would take to do
yourself. Plucking a single nose hair can bring tears to even the toughest
guy. Our method is quick and painless. Don’t believe it? Try it.
At The Male Room we perform
back waxing and other large areas in one of our private rooms. After
the hair is removed we follow by applying a moisturizing massage. This
replenishes the skin.
Some things to consider about
waxing are that some skin types may not be conducive to waxing. If waxing
for the first time it may be painful. Subsequent treatments will be
less painful and take less time. First timers may also experience some
back acne. This is a temporary result that will diminish with proper
technique.
Take the steps to eliminate
unwanted hair. A private consultation from a professional is the next
best step to answering any questions you may have.
