Ask a Grooming Specialist: What Are the Hair Grooming Basics Men Need to Know?

The men’s grooming industry is booming, thanks to men who are taking more time and effort to maintain their appearance and perfect their style. So what does it take to get that perfect style? Too many men enter their barbershop with a specific style in mind, only to leave with less-than-impressive results or to have it disappoint the next morning when they try to recreate the style. Our grooming specialists understand the frustration, but don’t lose hope! We’re here to share five tips to help you get the perfect look, every time.

1. Know Your Wants and Needs

It can be easy to trust your grooming specialist with your style. After all, they’re the expert. They aren’t you, however, and can’t read your mind. Taking a little time to familiarize yourself with the styles you like can help you provide some clear direction to your barber. Don’t be afraid to provide your point-of-view, since it can help your specialist give you the best possible style.

If you’re looking to mix it up with a new style or color, it’s well worth it to explore men’s grooming websites or magazines for styles that will work for you. Check out the styles worn by men who have similarly shaped faces as you do. If you’re looking to color your hair, it’s also important to consider your eye and skin color. Something you may overlook, but is highly important, is your hair type. Whether you have curly hair or straight, coarse or fine, thick or thin, you need to choose a style that will work well with your hair. This is where your grooming specialist can be a valuable resource.

It’s also worth considering your age, occupation, lifestyle, and personality. Choosing a style that you don’t feel comfortable with can leave you facing an awkward few weeks until it grows out. Help your barber understand how they can best style your new look by helping them understand who you are.

2. Less is More, But Quality is Key

If you’ve tried every product under the sun in your attempts to recreate the perfect look, you’re probably familiar with the staggering variety of hair products available. Rather than fill your bathroom cabinet with potions and creams and pomades, choose a handful of high-quality products, handpicked just for you. Professional products, like your grooming specialist uses, will outperform many, many products available to consumers.

There are dozens of different types of products, but pomade is one of the easiest products to start with. Even still — it can come in plenty of different strengths, textures, and finishes. Do ask your barber for their recommendations, especially with respect to your specific texture and style.

3. Nail the Application With a Little Patience

Having the right product in hand doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to use it. The first tip is that a little goes a very long way. You can always add more, but it’s best to start slow and thoroughly work the product through your hair, starting at the roots. The roots are the foundation of your style, and not getting product through this part of your hair means that your style may fall flat.

Take time to play with your style, and don’t be afraid to build up the intensity. The fastest way to get the messy-yet-groomed look is to start by making your hair disheveled with your product, then refining it to your satisfaction.

4. The Right Tool For the Job

You’ve got the cut, you’ve got the product, you’ve got the technique, and now all you need is the right tools for the job. A blow dryer is a versatile tool, as is a good brush. It can take some practice to master these tools but don’t hesitate to ask your grooming specialist for their pro techniques and tips.

5. Be Honest With Yourself

If you’re the kind of guy who wants to run a hand through your hair and call it good, you won’t be happy with a style that takes a little more attention and skill. Conversely, if you enjoy your morning ritual and find pleasure in perfecting your look each morning, you may prefer a more high-maintenance style. No matter what your personality is, our grooming specialists can help you find the perfect style that meets your needs, suits your style, and showcases the gentleman in you.

Help men find their inner gentleman with our men’s grooming franchise opportunities. We’re dedicated to providing a grooming experience that is unlike any other, with world-class grooming services for distinguished men. Learn what it takes to join our team at The Gents Place.

Your next great endeavor begins today. Contact our team to learn more.