Jan 29, 2026 | Uncategorized
We see guys in the chair daily at First & Mane who think about their hair as if it were the rug in their house and wash it vigorously with strong soap each morning. You’ve got to clean your hair, but you might be doing more harm than good with what you’re doing. Your hair needs a little bit of thinking outside the box when it comes to the rinse and repeat cycle. If you’re ever in town, a Scottsdale men’s haircut can help you determine the best approach for your individual needs.
Our clients are always surprised to learn that shampooing not only cleans one’s hair but also helps to maintain the natural oil produced by one’s scalp. The natural oil produced by one’s scalp has its name as sebum, and it plays a crucial part in ensuring that one’s hair remains hydrated. Over-washing one’s scalp leads to the removal of these oils, hence making one’s skin look dry and irritated, while under-washing leads to clogged pores and dull skin.
Understanding Your Profile
Before giving you schedule advice, it is important that you analyze the variables that are involved. There is no one set rule that applies to all men because all heads of hair are distinct and unique in their own way.
How often should men wash their hair? The first variable that we look at is the type of hair that you have. It is important that you understand that the role of genetics is vast with respect to how oily your head is and how fast the oils travel on the hair shaft.
Your lifestyle and environment also play a huge role in this. If you are spending five days a week in the gym sweating it out, your scenario will be entirely different compared to a person sitting at a desk in an air-conditioned environment. If you are working in an outdoor setup in a polluted city or a construction site, your hairs will be exposed to dust that will need more frequent washing.
Another common question is, should men wash their hair every day? The answer is likely no, but let’s break down some different hair types.
Managing Oily Hair
If you realize that you have greasy hair or flat hair by the end of the day, it means that you either have fine hair or that you have an oily scalp. For such men, we would advise them to wash their hair either on a daily basis or every other day.
You may ask, how often do men wash their hair when it’s oily? The goal that you want to achieve in this process is to get rid of the extra oils without drying your scalp. This is because your scalp might end up producing more oils as a result.
Dealing with Dry, Coarse, or Curly Hair
On the other hand, for clients with thick, coarse, or curly hair, it is difficult for the natural oils to run down the hair strands. If these clients were to wash their hair on a daily basis, it is bound to become brittle and frizzy. That is why we recommend that our curly or dry clients only wash their hair once or twice a week. If one is required to shower on a day when one is not supposed to wash one’s hair, one only needs to wash the hair with water or co-wash with conditioner only. Can guys wash their hair every day? Yes, but it’s not advised if you have these hair types.
The Routine for Normal Hair
You are one of the lucky ones if your “normal” hair isn’t either excessively oily or dry. In any case, we always recommend washing your hair every two to three days. This means your natural oils can condition your hair as it was intended to, but it keeps any product or grime from building up on your locks. This is your call to wash your hair if it looks like it needs it or if it lacks its natural shine.
Find Your Rhythm
In short, we think that listening to your hair is the most important thing we can tell you. Perhaps you are washing it too frequently if you have an itchy scalp or a tight feeling on your scalp. Perhaps you are not washing it enough if you notice flakes or if your hair looks oily. We encourage you to try this guide to help you determine what’s best for your hair. Also, visit First & Mane for personalized advice during your next cut!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.
Jan 15, 2026 | Uncategorized
We see it time and time again, right in our chairs at First & Mane. The client comes in, describes what they are looking for, and confesses that they can never quite capture the look on their own at home. The trouble, more often than not, isn’t their skill or the quality of the cut. It simply has to do with the fact that they are working with the wrong product. The hair care section of the drugstore can be overwhelming, and it is common practice to simply grab what you see and go.
To help you upgrade your daily routine, we are going to break down two of the biggest players in the male grooming industry: pomade vs hair gel. Knowing how each works and their chemistry will give your hair the same look whether it’s been cut or not.
Understanding the Classic Pomade
Pomade is the traditional gentlemen’s grooming product. If you can picture the slicked back hairstyles of the 1950s, or the pompadours and quiffs we cut today, you can picture pomade. Traditionally, these products were oil-based, which means that they were very hard to wash out of the hair.
In today’s market, we’d suggest you look for water-based pomades. They provide you with the same pliable hold without the grease, and they come out easily at the end of the day. Flexibility is the main attribute you want to remember in this regard. Pomade does not crunch or harden. It allows you to comb your hair at 2 PM and restyle it with the ease you had at 8 AM. It is made to work with your hair, not against it.
The High Hold of Hair Gel
Hair gel is probably the first styling product you used in high school. It is renowned for its maximum hold and extreme high shine. In contrast to pomade, hair gel uses alcohol and hold polymers to hold hair in place. Once it dries, it will stay in the position you placed it in until you wash it off.
This formulation gives it a stiff hold, which is nearly wind-resistant. Although it went out of fashion for a short period when natural hairstyles became the fashion, gels work well for a particular kind of styled hair where the enemy is movement. It gives a wet look that will last all day, although it is not touch-friendly.
Comparison of the Finish and Feel
The largest difference between gel and pomade is in finish and feel. The gel dries into a shell around the hair shaft that has an extreme hold but no give. If you try to touch your hair after you have dried it with gel, you’ll see that your hold is broken and often comes out as white flakes on your shoulders. It is a set it and forget it type of product.
The pomade can still be worked with throughout the day. Also, it won’t dry out the hair. As for its components, gels contain high amounts of alcohol, which dries out the scalp when used on a daily basis without using an appropriate conditioner. The pomade is less harsh on the scalp area compared to gels when it comes to shine finish – matte to high shine.
Picking the Right Choice for Your Hair Type
Choosing the winner is completely dependent on your hair type and the look you’re trying to create. For instance, if you have really thick and frizzy hair, and you’re looking for something to help you defy gravity and create spikes or a sharply defined side part, then you’re looking for the help of the former in the hair gel vs pomade debate.
But for those with thinner hair or those who like a natural flow, we highly recommend the use of the former between pomade or gel. This not only gives your hair volume and texture, it also doesn’t weigh your hair down and doesn’t show your scalp by matting your hair together in chunks.
If you like to run your fingers through your hair, don’t use gel. If you like your hairstyle to look exactly the same when you get home as it did when you left the house, gel may be the solution.
The Hunt for the Perfect Finish
A good start to upgrading your grooming routine involves knowing what goes on your head. If you’re a man who requires the sturdy hold of a gel or the refined and flexible hold of a pomade, the key to your confidence boost begins with the right tool.
But if you’re still not sure which tub you’d rather grab, gel or pomade, just come on down to our shop for your next haircut. We’d be happy to evaluate your hair type and walk you through exactly how you can apply our product for that freshly barbered look every morning. For expert advice and a great cut, experience our barbershop services firsthand at First & Mane!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.
Jan 8, 2026 | Uncategorized
A good beard involves more than just growing facial hair; it’s an act of cultivation. Just like a garden can quickly turn into a jungle if it’s left uncultivated, a beard can quickly resemble a jungle if it’s left uncared-for. The trick to having an impressive beard may very well lie in the details, and particularly the boundaries. A defined line upwards can turn a rugged look into a statement.
Every day at First & Mane, we get to work with clients who have a great growth rate but struggle to style their beard. The difference is usually the lines around the cheeks and neck. When the lines around the cheeks and neck are well-defined, the face itself will appear more chiseled. A well-cut beard will define the jaw, clean up the neck, and give the face a harmonious shape, making it attractive by nature. If you’re looking for a local barbershop in Scottsdale that specializes in beard line up, we’ve got you covered.
This style takes some effort to maintain; however, it is well worth it. The effect of a well-cut line up is that it gives you a confident look. You feel confident when you head out knowing you look great. With this in mind, let us talk about what you can do to achieve such a style. If you’ve struggled with how to properly line up a beard, these steps will help you achieve a sharp look!
The Right Tools for the Job
A clean shave at home can be attained, but you require proper equipment. A regular razor blade without preparation is sure to cause you uneven lines and irritation. First of all, you require a good quality trimmer. You should look for a trimmer that contains a T-blade. This enables you to carry out precise trimming and achieve sharp edges. This is essential to achieve clean lines on your cheeks and neck without trimming your beard.
A straight razor or safety razor is also needed to achieve the most refined finish. While trimmers are perfect for laying the line, a razor will remove all the stubble and leave you with the smooth skin contrast effect to make your beard stand out. Clear shave gel is also a must-have in your beard care routine. Unlike shaving foam, clear shave gel allows you to see where you are shaving and avoid errors in the process.
Lastly, a beard comb or brush is needed to prepare your hair before cutting to make sure you are not cutting stray hairs when all you needed was to brush them in place.
The Professional Touch and Home Maintenance
Of course, having the right equipment is a fantastic start, but the initial shape is usually better left to the experts. As soon as you sit in our chair, we evaluate your facial features, hair growth patterns, and jaw shape. We do not simply cut; we design a line-up that will go along with your features. We can create a curved or straight cheek line that emphasizes your cheekbones and create a neckline that prevents the dreaded ‘double chin’ without looking messy.
Once we have determined the perfect shape on you, maintaining the look is much simpler. You won’t be wondering where the line is supposed to be; all you have to do is follow the blueprint that we have laid out. Between appointments, you can maintain the area with your trimmer to keep the stubble at bay according to the lines we have laid out.
When you see the lines beginning to wear off or become hard to see, that is the signal that it is time to return. We can reestablish the lines, deal with the bulk, and put you back on track. Explore different lined up beard styles to find a look that suits your personality.
Confidence in Every Detail
A well-groomed beard is an accessory like no other. It tells a lot about your attention to detail and personal respect. When you look in the mirror and notice clean-cut lines, it gives you a confidence boost. You are ready to take on the day.
Whether you like your cheek line high, low, or sharp, it’s about accuracy. And while a sloppy edge shouldn’t detract from your dedication to growing, come on down to First & Mane, and we’ll carve out your perfect shape. You’ll know what a real line up feels like. Experience the best in beard line up styles and walk out with your beard lined up to perfection!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.
Jan 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
It’s not uncommon to see a number of guys in the salon who are in the awkward phase of letting their hair grow out. It may be a long process, especially when it comes to the ears and shoulders, but the end result may be well worth the effort. Although textured and wavy hair may be the focus of many styling tutorials, there is something about straight hair that exudes a level of health and attractiveness when it reaches a long length.
If you’ve been sporting your locks long and are wondering how to manage them, then you’re in luck. We’re going to go through some of the hairstyles for guys with long straight hair and the best ways to handle your long locks. Be sure to speak to our friendly team at First & Mane for personalized advice!
Best Hairstyle Trends
Once you know how long you want your hair to be, you then have to focus on how to style it. For people who have straight hair, it may be slippery or heavy. If you’re looking for the best long hairstyles for men with straight hair, this guide will help you make the most of your texture.
Traditional Middle Part
One style that has made its way back to popularity because of the 90s revival is the middle part, and it is probably the easiest style for men with straight hair. It is literally the job of gravity to do all the heavy lifting for you. This style is symmetrical and has a laid-back quality that is easy to achieve. To prevent this style from looking too flat, we would advise that you use sea salt spray on your damp hair.
Smooth Low Ponytail
For a more refined or professional occasion, there is nothing to match the low ponytail. This style keeps hair out of your face and emphasizes your features. It is particularly good on straight hair because straight hair doesn’t have enough body to create a clean finish, and the lack of curl makes it easy to achieve a neat and clean finish. The trick is to hold the hair back at the base of the neck and not higher up on the head to keep it masculine-looking.
Man Bun Styles
The man bun has come a long way from being a quirky trend and is now a true mainstay of men’s grooming. For straight hair, we recommend that you place your bun a little lower on your head or even a little undone so that you’re not stretching your hairline. You can go for a full bun or a half-up and half-down look if you want to show some hair while controlling volume. This is ideal for when you’re hitting the gym or when it’s summer, and you want your hair out of your neck.
Braided Hair
Although braids can work well with textured hair, braids can also work wonders with straight hair by adding texture to your style. Viking braids or French braids can help you manage flyaways and give you a rugged look that works well with your straight hair. Since straight hair tends to be quite slippery, you may require a little styling clay or pomade to help the hair hold the braid pattern well.
Although braids may require a little expertise to master, they work wonders on days when you want to change your texture dramatically. For inspiration, check out the latest hairstyles for men with long, straight hair.
Taking Care of Your Length
Taking care of long, straight hair can be a challenge, but the versatility it provides can’t be beat. Whether it’s the elegance of a middle part or the ease of a bun, the trick is keeping the ends healthy. Split ends are much easier to see on straight hair than on curly hair. Come on down to First & Mane, and we can work together to come up with a plan for keeping your long locks looking their best. Ask us about the best haircut in Scottsdale to keep your style sharp!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.
Dec 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
We see it every day at our shop. A customer will sit in our chair, touch their hair, scratch at their beard, and then ask, “What can we do with this?” For a good deal of years, it seemed like it was either have very long hair and a short beard or be clean-shaven with a messy mop on your head. But lately, we have seen an enormous movement toward harmony. The look that might be considered most flexible and feasible on a man would be a short and edgy haircut with a well-kept beard. If you’re looking for styling tips, this classic combo remains as popular as ever.
Rationale for Short Hair and Beards
As soon as we start cutting hair, geometry becomes our prime concern. We always want to make our facial structure more oval or square, as these are considered more masculine shapes. A neat haircut on both sides and on top reduces unnecessary hair, and a beard contributes mass to our jaw line. All these features frame our face perfectly, making short hairstyles for guys with beards an excellent choice for men who want a balanced and modern look.
Practicality is also a massive consideration. It’s just easier with short hair. It dries faster and doesn’t require as much product. You can concentrate on your beard if you have your business together on top. It shows you put thought into your look without looking like you tried. A sloppy beard and hair just looks like you just rolled out of bed. It suggests you don’t put any effort into your life, and it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. For a polished appearance, short hairstyles for men with beards offer an effortless way to look sharp and put-together without a lot of fuss.
Looks We Recommend
If you would like to attempt this combination, you should start with some basics. The Crew Cut with a Full Beard is classic. We maintain a short haircut on top and a fade on the sides; it keeps your eyes drawn down to your beard. It works very well on guys with rounder faces, as it stretches your face out with thickness on top and length on bottom. For those considering short hairstyles for men with a short beard, this approach highlights your features while still offering a modern and refined appearance.
The next style we would personally love is the Buzz Cut with Stubble or Short Boxed Beard. It requires zero maintenance. It is very raw and very manly. The thing about this style is that it requires clean beard lines. Since your beard would be so short, anything sloppy about your beard cheek lines would show.
But for guys who want some more styling options, we recommend a Textured Crop with a Tapered Beard. We maintain some length on the top to make it textured and dynamic, and taper the beard so it blends seamlessly into the sideburns. We want these two clearly defined sections to be seen as a single cut. This is one of the most contemporary hairstyles for men with short hair and a beard, offering flexibility and a well-groomed edge.
Styles to Avoid
Although we’re big proponents of experimenting with styles, some combinations are just bound to fail. We would recommend against the ‘Top Heavy’ hairstyle. It occurs when your hair is much longer and broader compared to the thickness of your beard. Having a manly pompadour and a mere stubble beard would result in an imbalanced equation. Your chin might appear feeble.
On the flip side, don’t have what we call the ‘Neckbeard’ effect with short hair. When your haircut is sleek and fresh, but your beard line undermines it with a low or dull beard neckline, it could look terrible. It will mess up your clean-cut short hair. It’s essential to maintain your beard neckline at all times; it should be above your Adam’s apple.
Find Your Balance
The trick to finding the perfect combo is knowing your facial shape and hair type. The next time you’re in your chair at First & Mane, just ask us what beard length will complement your favorite short cut. It may take some adjusting of beard lengths before it feels perfect, but trust us, once you hit the sweet spot, you won’t want to ever change!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.
