Nov 9, 2023 | Blog
Prioritizing your personal grooming routine is essential. Is it better to shave before or after a shower? The order of showering or shaving isn’t a matter of life or death, as long as you’re clean and smooth. But let’s dive into the perplexing world of showering before shaving or vice versa. Should you shave before or after a shower? Brace yourself for the battle of personal preferences and unwavering opinions.
Shaving Before Showering:
Firstly, have you ever attempted to shave in the shower? It may not be the most ideal due to a foggy mirror and slippery conditions. Shaving before showering can help you avoid potential accidents. Also, some individuals prefer to shave first to experience a suave and smooth feeling right after stepping out of the shower. This sequence allows for a closer shave, while the subsequent shower effectively washes away any remaining hairs, leaving the skin exceptionally soft.
Showering Before Shaving:
On the flip side, some folks discover the secret to success in shaving lies in post-shower sessions. The warm water showers facial hair with tenderness, leaving it defenseless against the blade’s advances. Moreover, the shower helps open up pores, reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs or razor burns. However, the most compelling reason to shower before shaving is time. By showering first, you have more time to properly shave without rushing through your morning routine.
Shaving in the Shower:
Although shaving in the shower may sound appealing, it may not be practical for most individuals. While there are products available, such as fogless mirrors and anti-fog shaving cream, they are not commonly found in our showers. Shaving in the shower requires some adjustments and may not be suitable for everyone. If you have a brand-new razor and lack a fogless mirror, it may be better to shave outside the shower. However, if the risk of cuts is minimal and you’re willing to give it a try, shaving in the warm shower can save you time.
Tips for the Cleanest Shave:
Should I shave before or after a shower? Whether you shave before or after a shower, here are some priceless tips for achieving top-notch results. First off, make sure your razor is as sharp and clean as a surgeon’s scalpel to avoid any unwanted nicks or irritation. Choose a shaving cream or gel that’s like a personal butler for your skin, catering to its every need and gliding effortlessly. For a shave that’s smoother than a James Bond getaway, follow the hair’s lead and go with the flow. And if you’ve got some spare time, exfoliate beforehand to bid farewell to any pesky dead skin cells that might try to sabotage your shave. Oh, and let’s not forget the grand finale: moisturize like a hydration wizard to keep your skin silky smooth.
A common mistake people often make is opting for inexpensive razors or using worn-out, dull blades. Using a dull razor not only leads to disappointing shaving results but also plays a risky game of cuts and irritation. Level up your shaving game by investing in a top-notch razor and replacing the blades regularly for a cleaner and comfier experience. Or better yet, let the top-rated barber shop in Scottsdale, AZ handle the art of maintaining a well-groomed beard. Your face deserves nothing but the best.
In summary, the great debate about showering before or after shaving boils down to personal preference. Each approach has its perks and quirks, so it’s crucial to figure out what tickles your fancy. Feel free to play around with both methods and decide which one leaves you feeling like a smooth operator. And if all else fails, channel your inner wildling and embrace the glorious freedom of forgoing shaving altogether. Let your inner beard or leg hair run wild!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Sep 19, 2023 | Blog
You work out – it’s hard not to think of the LMFAO song with these three words. Also, it’s the perfect segue because another thing you think of with LMFAO is the hair – it’s probably not the best style for athletes. But what is? It might seem like a small detail, but your choice of haircut in Scottsdale can be the difference between winning events and feeling uncomfortable.
One of the most timeless and practical athletic hairstyles is the classic ponytail. This versatile style keeps your hair off your face and neck, preventing distractions and discomfort during intense physical activity. It doesn’t matter whether you’re running, playing tennis, or hitting the gym – the dangling ponytail will serve you well. You can even adjust the height and tightness of the ponytail to suit your preference and hair length.
Read More: Relaxed Hairstyles
If endurance is your specialism, braids can be a game-changer as an athletic sporty hairstyle. Braided hairstyles not only keep hair securely in place but also reduce friction and tangling. Popular options include French braids, Dutch braids, and boxer braids. These styles not only look trendy but also provide excellent hair management for athletes on the move.
They hit the headlines a few short years ago, and there’s a good reason why many athletes sport (see what we did there!) the top knot or bun. If you’ve been living under a rock, the idea is that you’ll gather every single hair into the crown of your head – far away from your neck and face. If hair control is the goal, as well as doing well in your sport of course, this is a wise move.
Short haircuts are gaining popularity among athletes for their simplicity and ease of maintenance. An athletic hairstyle for short hair reduces the risk of hair-related distractions during sports and allows for quick drying post-workout. Popular short styles for athletes include pixie cuts, buzz cuts, and crew cuts. Plus, short hair can give you a more aerodynamic edge in certain sports.
Read More: Best 5 Modern Haircuts for Men
Sometimes, all you need is a reliable headband or hair accessory to keep your hair in check during sports. Headbands are fantastic for controlling flyaways and preventing sweat from dripping into your eyes. You can also personalize your look with various headband styles, from wide and sporty to thin and fashionable.
For athletes with natural hair, protective styles like cornrows, twists, or locs can be a great choice. These hairstyles not only keep your hair protected from breakage but also reduce maintenance during workouts. Protective styles are especially valuable for athletes participating in water sports, as they minimize the impact of chlorine and saltwater on your hair.
There are others, we’ll admit. But, without patting ourselves on the back too much, we think this is a strong selection to get you started. The right hairstyle is functional for an athlete, but it also makes you feel good. When you feel and look good, you’re more likely to put on a show.
Read More: Should You Wash Your Hair After a Haircut?
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Sep 5, 2023 | Blog
Getting out of bed on work mornings is hard enough as it is, why should you then have to spend ages trying to get your hair looking ‘respectable’? Some people are just beyond the point of putting lots of time to achieve a certain look. The good news is that a low-maintenance hairstyle doesn’t need to look like you’ve given up (even if you have!).
Why Consider a Low-Maintenance Hairstyle?
The first reason we’ve already explained – you don’t want to spend a lot of time and effort getting ready in the morning. You want to wash, dry, and then not do too much more before leaving the house.
You also need fewer products, which saves money and keeps your hair healthy. Ok, you can’t exactly put this money towards a mortgage, but it’s still a nice saving. On the keeping hair healthy front, you will easily avoid styling damage with a low-maintenance look.
Finally, low-maintenance hairstyles can also look attractive for men, so don’t worry that you’ll look ‘different’ if you go with a low-maintenance look.
Read More: How to Shave with a Straight Razor
Examples of Low-Maintenance, Short, Relaxed Hairstyles for Men
The first example is affectionately referred to as ‘the Caesar’ – a look that is often seen on men like George Clooney. It’s fairly simple to maintain and involves getting the hair cut short at the back, allowing the front to be slightly longer while keeping it combed forward.
Another good example of a relaxed, low-maintenance style is the buzz-cut. This is a style that many men choose, giving them short hair all over the head with just enough length to comb it forward and add texture. If you want to take ‘short’ and run with it, you might even shave all over.
Read More: Athletic Hairstyles
Next, you can get a combination of style and texture from a short afro – think Donald Glover (Childish Gambino). This look can be as high-maintenance or low-maintenance as you want – of course, we’re pushing for low-maintenance in this guide, so this is where you will lean with your own style.
Finally, have you ever tried a quiff? This style requires you to have enough length on the top of your head to comb it back and up. Keep the sides short, however, and you’ll find that the look is easy to maintain.
Choosing a Short Hair Stylist
When it comes to finding a stylist for a short hairstyle, it always sounds boring but research is your friend – do the classic thing of ‘short hair stylist near me’ on Google. If you’re concerned you’ll get a hair stylist that will cut hair too short, the simple thing is to ask professionals of their experience levels. Have they ever worked with the style you’re requesting? Ask friends if they have anyone that they would recommend and speak to various Scottsdale barber shop candidates – you can hold your very own American Idol auditions to see who will cut your hair.
Once you’ve found someone whose style fits with what you want, make sure to let them know exactly how much maintenance you’re willing to do – it’s a lot easier for them to get the look right if they know what you want from it!
Read More: Why Should You Wash Your Hair Before Getting a Haircut?
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Sep 4, 2023 | Blog
Damaged Hair Care 101: How to Care and Prevent Damaged Hair in Men
Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder why your hair isn’t as healthy and vibrant as it once was? The truth is, environmental factors and everyday styling can cause damage to the hair, leading to dryness, split ends, and breakage. Luckily, caring for damaged hair doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can restore your hair to its former glory. Damaged hair in men doesn’t have to be the norm.
Here are a few tips to help you manage and prevent damaged hair:
Reduce Heat Styling – Heat styling can cause the cuticle layer of your strands to break down over time, leading to dryness and split ends. Reducing how often you use heated tools is one way to reduce damage. Be sure to use a heat protectant spray before styling and keep the temperature setting at a low to medium level.
Use Natural Products – Many commercial hair care products contain harsh chemicals that can strip away moisture, leaving your strands dry and brittle. To minimize damage, opt for natural or organic shampoos and conditioners formulated with botanical extracts to help nourish, hydrate, and strengthen hair. As time goes on, more manufacturers are keeping long-term health in mind, so you’ll have more choices than ever. Whether you have damaged curly hair for men or straight hair, you’ll find amazing products.
Read More : Modern Men’s Haircuts
Invest in Quality Hair Accessories – High-quality combs and brushes are essential for managing damaged hair. Look for tools with natural bristles that won’t snag or pull at your strands. If you’re using elastics to tie up your hair, opt for fabric-covered options to prevent breakage.
Clean Your Scalp – Keeping your scalp and hair clean helps reduce damage and keeps your strands looking healthy. Aim to wash your hair two or three times a week with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip away natural oils.
Stick to Regular Trims – To keep damaged tips from traveling up the shaft of the hair, make sure you get regular trims every four to six weeks; with a men’s haircut in Scottsdale, you can keep split ends at bay and can help reduce breakage. The longer you leave split ends, the more damage they will do to your hair.
Be Consistent with Your Hair Care Routine – One of the best ways to care for damaged hair is to be consistent. Stick with your routine and use products that work for you. Also, nourish your hair from within by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, proteins, essential fatty acids, and other nutrient-dense foods.
Don’t Give Up After Seeing Gray – If you start to notice gray hairs, don’t panic. Gray hair is caused by a natural decrease in the production of melanin and is nothing to be ashamed of. While there are products on the market that claim to reverse graying, it’s best to embrace your silver locks – they’re just as beautiful and unique as any other shade. Rather than thinking that gray is the beginning of the end, keep looking after your hair.
Read More: Shave with a Straight Razor
Learn How to Deal with Oily Hair – Finally, if you have oily hair that tends to get greasy quickly, you should avoid over-washing. Too much cleansing can strip away natural oils and leave your strands dry and brittle. Instead, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner designed for oily hair and try using a deep-cleansing mask once a week. This will help keep your scalp clean without compromising the health of your hair.
By following these tips, you can help restore the health and vibrancy of your hair and keep it looking its best for years to come. With a little bit of effort and consistency, you can maintain healthy locks even in the face of damage. If you have damaged men’s hair, take small steps to improve the situation today!
Read More: Why Should You Wash Your Hair Before Getting a Haircut?
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
