Dec 23, 2025 | Uncategorized
A well-grown mustache will never go out of style. Whether it is a chic chevron, a dashing pencil, or a hearty handlebar, facial hair is making a huge revival in men’s grooming culture. At our grooming salon at First & Mane, men of all kinds come in with a newfound love for the ‘stache, and they see it not just as facial hair, but an expression of their personal style.
If you would like personalized advice on any aspect of mustache grooming, contact us for expert guidance. Of course, sometimes things go awfully wrong. Perhaps a haircut went sour, or perhaps you shaved yours off in a moment of madness, and an instant regret followed. Now, you are left staring into the mirror, wondering how soon your upper lip will recover.
Well, to cut a long story short, how long does it take to grow a mustache? Facial hair grows at an average speed of half an inch every month. However, to get back to your pre-shaving glory, you have to focus on more than just waiting for time to pass.
Factors Influencing Mustache Development
Every man does not have an equal rate of hair growth. The main influence on this is your genes. If your lineage can grow a thick beard over a weekend, you have every chance of getting a thick mustache. But if your lineage grows in a patchy manner, you will have to be very patient.
Age is another important consideration. A man will notice peak facial hair production during his 25th to 35th year because this is when levels of testosterone, a hormone which activates hair follicles, are at their peak. Your personal health is another thing to consider. When your body is well-rested and well-nourished, it will have extra energy to devote to non-essential functions such as hair production.
Growing a Mustache – Stages
The process of regrowing a mustache takes time and progresses in different mustache growth stages. The first stage is referred to as the “stubble stage” which takes place in the first few days of growing a mustache. During this stage, hair is at its shortest and can appear prickly or itchy.
Then comes the awkward stage, which will likely be at week two. Here, your hair will be a bit longer but may not be lying flat in one particular direction yet. In this stage, you might notice a bit of a messy look, and this is where most guys will be tempted to start shaving all over again.
Then, finally, after four to six weeks, you will reach the fill in stage. Your mustache will start to appear thick and purposeful. This is an important milestone in the mustache growth timeline, as it allows you to have sufficient length to style your mustache as you want.
Tips to Encourage Growth
Although you can’t do anything to your genes, we always advise our clients to make their environment conducive for growth. Let’s talk about diet. Foods high in protein, biotin, and vitamins A, C, and E promote keratin production, which is hair’s building blocks.
Grooming practices also matter. Taking good care of your skin underneath your mustache can help you avoid ingrown hairs, which can hinder your progress. Applying a good quality beard oil from your stage of stubble can help you keep your skin hydrated, and you will avoid the itchiness which can cause most men to stop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error people make is over-trimming in the early growing phases. To try to style a mustache before it gets a chance to fill in will just give you patchy lines or bald spots, and you’ll have to start all over. Just let it grow wild for a month before you do anything else.
The other mistake you can make is not taking your skin into consideration. Dry and scaly skin can impede your follicles from functioning properly. Refrain from using harsh soap on your facial skin since it will remove your natural oils.
Applying Lessons
To grow a mustache back takes patience, biology, and proper maintenance. Although a typical growth rate is rather standard, your individual time frame will greatly depend on how well you take care of your body and your facial hair. Perhaps you are dealing with the awkward stage, or perhaps you need tips on how to style it when it fills in. Either way, come visit 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.
Dec 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
We see it on a daily basis at First & Mane. A client will be seated and look at himself in the mirror and wonder if there would be anything we could do for a bit of gray emerging here at the side. Perhaps they are tired of the color they have and something bolder would be better. Hair coloring, once something that would be avoided by most males, is no more. Dyeing your hair will be just another weapon added to your arsenal, perhaps accompanying a fresh cut and shave.
It is no longer about covering something up or vanity. It is about taking control of your appearance. Whether it be about taking a few years off your appearance or a completely new look, understanding your alternatives is half the battle. As barbers, we are here to walk you through this decision so you can determine if coloring is right for you!
Why More Men Are Coloring Their Hair
The reason why more and more guys are looking for these kinds of our services has much to do with a number of factors. The main reason we have been hearing a lot about lately is because guys want to look young and vibrant. Having a touch of gray hair can be quite attractive, but for guys who are still relatively young and have graying hair, it can make them appear older than they are.
Aside from looking younger, some of our most common clients incorporate colors as an expression of themselves. We have guys who want to match the celebrity look, or guys who want something different just for summer. It is all about keeping things refreshed and exciting. You look good, and then you feel good, and sometimes all it takes is a hint of color change for you to upgrade your entire look without purchasing a whole wardrobe.
Common Types of Coloring Methods
When considering the types of hair coloring techniques available, it’s important to understand how each can transform your look and suit your individual style.
As you sit in a chair, you’ll find several hair coloring methods available based on your intended objectives regarding color.
Grey Blending and Camouflage
This is perhaps the most popular coloring service. Compared with traditional permanent dye, which lays a thick, uniform foundation on every single strand, gray blending is much more discreet. Professionals employ a demi-permanent technique that colors the gray, without camouflaging it completely. It creates an extremely natural, salt-and-pepper effect that’s more George Clooney and less shoe polish.
And here’s the best part: it fades gradually over a period of weeks, so there will be no unsightly roots. If you’re curious about coloring techniques for hair, gray blending is an excellent place to start for natural-looking results.
Highlights and Tips
Highlights aren’t just for 90s boy bands anymore. Adding lighter highlights to your hair can bring a thickness and texture to your locks that will make your hair appear thicker. Professionals like to put these on by hand to show where your hair would be highlighted by the sun. Adding highlights to your hair works great on guys who have messy cuts or curly hair because it accentuates your ‘do.
All-Over Color and Bleaching
But for those who are bolder, there is the option for a complete color change. This could include a transition from dark brown to platinum blonde or even beyond that, with bold colors that include blue and silver. Among the different ways to color hair, a complete color change will include a bleaching process that removes all natural colors before applying a new shade. It is quite a high maintenance look, but it is very striking.
Get Advice from Your Barber
We can’t stress this enough: please put down the box of hair dye. At-home kits are usually too intense for your short hair, and they will end up with a flat, unnatural color that resembles a helmet. The color and texture of your skin and eyes, as much as your own hair texture, have a gigantic amount of weight in determining your ideal shade.
When you seek services, they will make the formula specially for you. They can then regulate the processing period so that it will not be either too dark or too light. Experts also understand exactly how to apply it so that it will not stain your scalp and ears, which will be an indication that it was done yourself.
Upgrading Your Look Today
Hair color is perhaps among the easiest ways to revamp your look without making an effort. You may be looking for ways to hide a couple of grays before an interview, or want to color your hair platinum blonde for a music festival. Professionals have a method that will suit your life. Then, our brilliant team of barbers at First & Mane can maintain your look to ensure it looks great for weeks to come!
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 9, 2025 | Uncategorized
As our clients come to our First & Mane in search of a different look, one of the first things we examine is their face shape. Face shape is the basis for a perfect haircut. Have you observed that you have a face which is longer in proportions to your width, with a rounded lower jaw and a high forehead? Then you have an oblong-shaped face.
Such faces are very common, but they demand a special handling in order not to accentuate, but rather to highlight your facial beauty. If you’re looking for expert advice, be sure to consult our barber shop near Scottsdale, AZ, for personalized recommendations.
Our objective with an oblong face is all about balance. We do not want to make our face look longer. Rather, we want to widen it and make it fuller on both sides with a short top length. Thus, an oval face will be formed, and our most flattering feature will come into prominence. Here is how this can be achieved for an oblong face with short, medium, and long hair.
Short Haircuts for an Oblong-Shaped Face
If you’re searching for oblong face shape hairstyles for a male, understanding your unique features can help you choose a flattering cut.
Several of our clients think that short hair is the safest option, but you have to be very careful not to go too short on the sides. A high fade can make an oval face appear narrower than before. To avoid this, you can go for a hairstyle that retains some length on the sides.
The Caesar style is a great option for this face shape. The short, cut-horizontally hairstyle will help to soften a high forehead by creating an immediate shortening effect on the face. A textured crop is another great option for this face shape. Like a Caesar style, this haircut will bring hair forward to cover the forehead, but with a textured look. This will help to create the needed volume on the sides and top without lengthening the face.
Medium Hairstyles for Oblong Faces
If you’re researching medium hairstyles for an oblong face shape as a male, many options provide great versatility and style. Here are some tips you can follow when styling your hair if you have an elongated face. One of our favorite styling tips is a side part, so keep this in mind.
A slicked-back look can work well too, provided it is not styled up too high. Our advice would be to keep it flat or slightly angled to one side. The trick in this style is to make sure you are using a product with a matte finish to keep attention focused on the shape rather than on the product you are using. Try not to hide your natural wave if you have this in your hair. Wavy texture will give you volume on the sides, which is exactly what you need to balance out your face length.
Long Hairstyles for Oblong Faces
If you’re interested in exploring long men’s hairstyles for oblong face shape, letting your hair grow is a good idea, but this takes time and a good cut. With an oval face, a straight cut hair style is not a good idea because this will pull your face downward. A shoulder-length style with layers is good.
Layers bring movement and width to your face in the regions of your cheekbones and jawline. When you wear your hair up, do not pull it back into a high top knot. This will simply accentuate your stature. A low bun or ponytail can be worn at the base of your neck and will look far more flattering on you.
Hairstyles to Avoid
As far as styles go, there are a few that we always recommend our clients avoid with an oval face. The first, and most important, is height. A pompadour, a hawk, or any haircut that puts your hair up straight will make your face appear longer.
We recommend not using very short sides with a lot of length on top. Such a split highlights leanness with a vertical line. A middle part on very long hair will frame your face with a curtain-like effect, again calling attention to length rather than to width.
Selecting an Appropriate Cut for Yourself
When searching for the best haircuts for an oblong-faced male, consider both your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
A good haircut is a combination of your personal style and the skill of your barber. Although this advice serves you well, your personal style and hair type matter immensely. When you go to a barbershop in the future, come talk to First & Mane about your worries. We can modify these traditional haircuts to accommodate your facial structure. A good haircut not only alters your appearance but also boosts your confidence when you step out into the world!
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 2, 2025 | Blog
As it becomes colder, and the days get shorter, we begin to notice a transition taking place. There are fewer guys asking for ultra-short buzz cuts and high fades, making room for guys who want something a bit more substantial. It only makes sense. Just as you start wearing more heavy knits with your wardrobe, so too should your grooming.
If you’re searching for the right place for winter grooming, our Scottsdale, AZ, barber shop can help you find a look that suits the season. A new season calls for a new strategy, and winter presents its own set of problems for your hair – and it requires a strategy if you want it to look sharp.
We’ve watched men go through this transition during many a winter at First & Mane. We know that the men’s hairstyles for winter are very different to those in the heights of summer!
Climate
Prior to taking your seat and ordering your usual while waiting, there are some factors about your environment that you should be aware of. Dry air will be your greatest enemy in these months, especially when choosing men hairstyles for winter that keep your hair healthy and strong. The low temperatures outside, as well as the air conditioning on inside, are perfect for draining your hair and scalp of any amount of hydration.
Secondly, there is also an enormous consideration we encourage our clients to ponder as regards headwear. You will no doubt be wearing beanies, hats, and hoods to keep warm. Should your haircut feature perfectly proportionate volume and defy all odds with regards to gravity, then a wool hat could completely ruin it within seconds. The end result of hat hair is a nightmare, and it would be an intelligent haircut if it still looked good with your beanie removed.
If you’re aiming for winter hairstyles for men that survive hat season, a bit more length about your ears and neck will make a world of difference for insulation from a chilly wind.
Avoid These Styles
As a general rule, we would recommend not getting it too short during the depths of winter. That sharp skin fade that works so well with a summer tan can leave your scalp exposed to the elements, which not only feels uncomfortable but can start to make your skin look dry and flaky. If you find yourself getting a bit chilly, it’s a much better idea to leave a bit of length on the sides – making it easier to maintain a winter hairstyle for men that keeps you both stylish and warm.
We also recommend staying away from high maintenance hairstyles that call for heavy and stiff materials. Pompadours and slick-backs that employ strong gel and heavy pomade are not compatible with winter hats. Once it’s applied, it will be crushed once you put your hat on because it’s hard, and once it dries, you will be unable to restyle it without having to wash your hair.
Best Styles to Consider During Cold Weather
This is a great season to incorporate texture and more relaxed styling. We love seeing more texture with these winter cuts and lengths. To achieve a look that’s a bit more relaxed and meant to be piecey and messy, we recommend blow-drying it with a matte clay or a sea salt spray so that it stays a bit damp and then roughing it up with your hands.
If you’re searching for the best winter hairstyles for men, think effortless movement and flexibility. Just be warned that a gust of wind will mess it up and a hat will flatten it, but a quick ruffle with your hands, and it’s revived.
A classic side parting is also a great alternative for the businessman. It will be flexible enough for a neat and clean look at work, but tough enough to survive the daily commute. We will be happy to maintain a tapered look on the sides with scissors as opposed to clippers. A softer, more relaxed look will result that will grow out well. We recommend that you let your curly and wavy hair grow out a bit. It will weigh down your frizzy hair and look great beneath your winter hat.
Stay Sharp This Season
Winter doesn’t have to be a season during which you have to choose between staying warm and staying fashionable. It’s all about selecting a cut that goes with the season instead of fighting it. As winter draws near, all you have to do is learn about transitioning your current cut into a winter cut.
At First & Mane, we are always here to assist you with any information you may need. The next time you stop by, let’s discuss ways on how you can transition your current look into a winter look!
Read Our Other Blog: What is a Hot Towel Shave?
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.
Nov 29, 2025 | Uncategorized
At our barbershop in Scottsdale, we’ve been asked a lot of questions about trends and styles. As part of our comprehensive barbershop services, one of the most common queries we get is: what is a layered haircut for men? This is actually a very common type of haircutting technique that a lot of guys have heard of but don’t completely understand. This type of haircut is one of the most flexible that you will come across, as it is designed to offer a lot of texture and volume. Today, we offer a closer look at a layered haircut!
What is a Layered Haircut?
A layered haircut is a process of cutting hair at varying lengths to give an impression of volume and texture. Rather than a single length of hair, we cut shorter layers over longer layers. This immediately lightens longer hair by taking its weight off. For a guy with thin hair, layering brings volume and fullness to your hair, thus giving a much fuller look. This is a basic process we undertake to tailor a look that specifically suits your type of hair as well as your face shape.
Why Choose a Layered Haircut?
Layering offers several benefits. First, it offers texture and motion. This is because a layered hairstyle will not go flat. All layers will be moving separately so that it creates a well-styled look without necessarily spending a lot of time in front of the mirror. Layered haircuts for men are a good option because they offer a well-styled look without much effort.
Another major advantage of a layered haircut is its versatility. Layered haircuts are suitable for all types of hair – whether it is straight or curly. In particular, a layered haircut will control unmanageable hair or add texture to thick locks. Additionally, it will add volume to thin hair. This highly flexible style allows us to choose a layered haircut that fits your desired fashion, whether it is messy or elegant.
Types of Layered Hairstyles for Men
Layered haircuts designed for men have varied designs. One of our favorites is known as the Short Layered Cut. This is a great option if you’re after a clean, easy-to-manage haircut. We generally keep everything short, aside from a bit of length on top to add texture.
For those that prefer a slightly longer look, the Medium Layered Cut is a good option when it comes to stylistic versatility. This type of haircut allows for a greater degree of motion and can either be slicked back, side parted, or sport a quiff look. This is a nice compromise that is at once timeless and fresh.
Finally, the Long Layered Cut is best suited for men with long hair, as it will add shape to it while reducing bulk. We can make a flowing and textured hairstyle by layering it. This will prevent it from looking heavy because of its long length.
How to Ask for a Layered Cut
When you go to your barber, it’s crucial that you communicate well. Rather than saying you want ‘layers’, it’s helpful to be more descriptive. We ask that you bring a picture of a hair cut that you would like to see. Let us know how much of your hair you would like to keep, as well as your desired finish. You can use descriptions such as ‘textured’, ‘choppy’, or ‘soft layers to explain a hairstyle that you would like. Asking specifically for layers in a haircut for men ensures your barber understands the look you’re going for.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Style
Layered haircuts are an excellent means of adding texture and personality to your haircut. This is a timeless means of styling your hair that is limitless in its capabilities. Perhaps you have been thinking of making a positive change in your appearance, and you desire a fresh new haircut that is fashionable and easy to maintain. In that case, we have just the thing for you at our salon in Scottsdale!
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.
