Calling last minute expecting you to take them in right away. We understand that hair emergencies do exist. However, if it’s an emergency every time you want to get in, it’s more from lack of planning on your part.

No showing their appointment. Just plain rude! If you know you can’t make it, call and let the salon/ stylist know. This way they can alter or move things to accommodate the newly formed gap you made in their schedule.

Being Late. Again, it’s understandable that you sometimes run late. But being consistently 15- 20 minutes late isn’t you being on time for you it’s being disrespectful of your stylist’s time. You being 15 minutes late can throw off their entire schedule, giving them several unhappy, or even lost, customers that day.

Having no idea what you want. If you don’t know, it’s hard to make you happy as a client. We can suggest what would look good – but if you have no clue or are picky it can be hard to please you. Make sure to come in with ideas and ask your stylist for their ideas as well. We, as stylists, want to make you happy when you leave.

Clients who don’t let you do your job. Nothing is more frustrating than the person in your chair telling you how to do your job. You need to place trust in your stylist, they know what they’re doing. If you don’t have confidence in the stylist you have chosen … it’s time to find a new one.

Touching your hair while we are styling/cutting it. In many ways, this can be highly bothersome. While we’re cutting, styling, etc. don’t feel the need to touch your hair every couple of minutes. Just be patient and considerate of your stylist doing their work. Play with it when we are done.

Bringing an audience. It’s hard to do your job as a stylist if your customer’s head is flopping around like a fish out of water because you are talking with your friends, blabbing on your phone, or reprimanding your child. Does any of this sound like it equates to an even cut to you? I think not.

Always looking for deals/handouts. Clients need to understand that though we would love to help everyone out, it’s our business and it’s how we make our living. We want to give deals to the ones who are really having a difficult time, not the ones just looking for a cheaper ticket.

Everyone wants to believe that their stylist loves them. If you actually want to keep in good standing with your stylist, ensuring they will be happy to see you when you come in, be respectful and pleasant. When you’re respectful of your stylist and their time they will be willing to go out of their way to make you happy and keep you coming back. If you have a good relationship, the stylist may even be willing to accommodate you if you need them to come in on their day off, squeeze you in for a real emergency, or work with you if you are struggling financially. Remember, it is still a business but once both people respect that part, both parties can experience a lasting relationship.

Is this hairstyle age appropriate for me?

Many men will choose a style that does not translate well for their age. Picking a young hairstyle does not make you look younger if anything it makes you look older and like you’re trying too hard.

Does the hairstyle fit your lifestyle?

If you’re a low maintenance type or an out door person, picking a hairstyle that requires a lot of up keep or tons of product probably isn’t your best choice. You should always ask yourself if you’re willing to put in the time to achieve the look. Similarly, if you’re a wake up and go person a high maintenance hairstyle isn’t for you. Choose one that you can get the look you want with the least amount of fuss.

Do you have the right texture or thickness of hair for this particular hairstyle?

This is very important. If you don’t have the right hair type to support the style it will never come out the way you expect. You will end up disappointed in your choice, and also in your stylist for not warning you that your hair can’t do what you want it to do.

Do you like using hair product?

If you don’t like using hair products, choosing a style that requires using them won’t be a great choice, as you’ll end up hating the way you look. Know what you want your hair to do and what it will take to keep it that way.

Is your hair thinning?

If so, choose a short style closer to the scalp. Trying to keep it longer and conceal the fact your losing it won’t fool anyone. Embrace what you have and your inability to change it, then, choose a style that doesn’t accentuate the fact it’s thinning. If chosen well, people will not notice what you lack; rather they will notice what you have.

Is the hairstyle dated or dead?

If the hairstyle you’re sporting topped the trend charts during the 80s or 90s and has yet to make its comeback, it’s better to leave that style in the past. Nobody will admire you’re nod to the mullet, flattop, or frat boy fade.

How does your man/woman like your hair?

If you’re someone who doesn’t care what anyone thinks, more power to you. However, if you are one to please, ask what style they would like to see on you. They might not be your ultimate solution, but if anything they will appreciate that you care enough to take their opinion into consideration.

Keep in mind that if you have any concerns with what you have chosen, ask your stylist any or all of these questions and get their input – it could mean the difference between a symphony and a train wreck.

The first step is the prep. Guys, take a relaxing hot shower before shaving. Let the hot water envelop your face and open your pores. This is a great way to have some “alone” time, when you can just think and unwind.

The second step is the pre-shave, use a pre-shave oil which will moisten the skin and loosen the beard before shaving. This also helps the razor glide better over the beard, thus reducing redness.

After letting the pre-shave oil soak into your beard for about 60 seconds, you’re now ready to get started shaving. Dip the badger hair shave brush into shave cream and begin to apply shave cream to your beard.  The badger brush will help reduce the amount of shave cream used and at same time, penetrate the beard much deeper. Let shave cream sit on face for 60 seconds and then you are ready to shave.

TIP: Always shave with the grain, which means, the way your beard hair grows naturally. If you are looking for a closer shave, you can go over the same areas again with the grain. If you shave against the grain, you run the risk of causing irritation or red bumps.  Once done, rinse off your face with luke warm water to help close any cuts. Pat your face dry with a clean towel and rinse off your razor.

For the post shave, using an alcohol-free, post shave solution will calm your beard and help minimize any cuts or redness. TIP: If you still have bleeding, use a styptic pencil on cut to close it up and begin healing process. TIP: If you have redness and have a hot date or somewhere to be, put some Visine eye drops on a cotton pad and apply to redness. The same properties in Visine that reduce redness in one’s eyes also reduce redness on skin.

Lastly, it’s important to apply an oil-free moisturizer to your entire face, to reduce any dryness and to moisten the skin. Some guys tend to have oily skin, or what girls refer to as the “shiny” face.  In order to avoid this, choose oil-free products that will eliminate the “shiny” appearance.

Check out Razor MD products for all your shaving needs, a cut above the rest!

As a woman, I understand the focus and following of why men shave with a straight razor. A man’s face is what a woman first notices. (Well, unless you’re at the beach or pool).

So let’s get down to the basics of shaving with a straight razor.

The essentials:

1. A straight razor that is shave ready
2. Shaving soap/cream (to a lather)
3. Shaving brush (the most recommended is a badger hair)
4. A leather strop.

It is important that you make sure your skin is shave ready. Yes, gentlemen there is a lot of prep when it comes to a straight razor shave!

Before you begin make sure that you have all the tools at your fingertips for easy use and better focus. Get a cup or a bowl ready with steaming hot water and allow your brush to soak in it.

While your brush is soaking you need to open up the pores of your skin on your face, thus allowing your facial hair to soften. (Facial hair is notoriously coarser than all other hair on your body). To do this run a towel under hot water and apply it to your face until the towel cools. This can be repeated if necessary, or desired.

Immediately after removing the towel apply the shaving soap/cream in a circular motion to your face. Make sure a thick layer of lather is applied.

While the shaving soap/cream is on your face, strop your razor one last time. You want to use a leather strop running the blade along it. I recommend that you do somewhere between 30 and 60 passes in a fast motion with light pressure for optimum results.

If your face is no longer moist make sure you reapply the shaving soap/cream (so blade is not getting caught or skipping due to the soap drying).

After you have re-lathered, if necessary, stretch the area of skin you are shaving so it is tight and then apply the straight razor at a 20-degree angle. For each pass you will start with short strokes moving on to long ones. For optimum results I recommend that you do three passes, but it is not necessary if time is a factor.

For the first pass you will always start with the growth direction of your facial hair.

For the second pass re-apply the shaving soap/cream and go sideways with the grain of your face. (Obviously there will be areas of your face and neck that this will not be possible, therefore skip this pass for these areas).

The third and final pass is the most dangerous and you should be very careful when completing it. For this final step you are going to go against the grain of your facial hair (yes, up). (Be especially careful around your nose, ears, etc.).

After you have completed all three passes you are done. Rinse your face off with cold water (versus the hot) to close up your pores.

These are the basics of a straight razor shave. Remember guys just like Julia Roberts said in Pretty Woman, “I don’t kiss on the mouth its too personal,” your face is the most personal part of your body to a woman. The more time and attention you give to your face, the more attractive and appealing you become. Trust me!

One final note, once you have mastered the straight razor shave. Teach the woman in your life. Because lets face it; there is nothing sexier than having your woman getting exactly what she wants.

Before looking for someone new ask yourself if you have really tried telling your stylist what you want? If the answer is yes, and your stylist just seems to do what they want instead of what you want, it may be time for you to move on. If the answer is no, I do recommend that you speak with them prior to moving on because if you have not told them specifically what you want chances are you are going to run into the same problem again and again.

Now if you do choose to move on and find someone new here are some tips and/or recommendations to aid you in finding a new stylist/ salon:

Ask your friends or family members about their stylist and why/what it is about that experience they enjoy.  It does not even need to be someone you know, it could be a stranger, someone with hair that catches your eye or is sporting the style that you have been trying to get. If you do decide to go to them make sure you get the customer’s name and advise the stylist of the referral. Anyone who loves their hair will be more than happy to give you that stylist’s name and tell you why they love them.  The people around you are walking billboards for their stylists so if you like what you see why not ask and get that information?

Go online.  There are many websites where people go and write about their experiences at that salon or a specific stylist so it is a great tool to use when looking.  Some to look at are yelp or city search they will list multiple salons where you can get instant feedback.

When you are out, look at the salons around you.  While looking check out the outside of the salons is it clean or dirty?  If it looks like a place you might like, go inside and talk to the receptionist about prices, and stylists. If it is a salon that books consultations for potential customers talk with one of their stylists and get a feel for if it is what you are looking for.  While you are there ask for a tour of the salon so you can check out the atmosphere, cleanliness of the salon, clientele, and the stylists themselves.  It is also a good way to get an idea of their customer service and how they treat their guests.

One thing to always keep in mind when talking to a stylist you have never been to before is to explain what you want the best way you know how to.  A good way to do that is to tell them what you like and more importantly what you do not like about your hair. As I have said in my other articles bring in pictures, examples of what you are looking for and then ask the stylist if that is possible with your hair.  Do not set yourself up for disappointment. Once again, if you do not know what you want how will the stylist?  The stylist will tell you what will or won’t look good on you so do not be afraid to say what you want.  It is your hair and you are the one who has to live with it and look at it everyday, not them.

The most important thing to keep in mind with this process is patience.  Your stylist should be someone you can talk to, sometimes even serving as a therapist for you, so it is important you feel comfortable with him or her.  When you find the stylist/ salon for you the time spent will be worthwhile and you will look forward to that experience instead of dreading it.

- Jenny Mastergeorge

Jenny Mastergeorge is an Orange County, CA native and graduate of the Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology. Growing up, Jenny was always passionate about hairdressing. She started her career working in an office environment, but quickly got bored with office life. Jenny then enrolled in the Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology and earned her cosmetology license. She then started working as an apprentice at Salon reBelle in Orange, CA.  Upon completing her training, Jenny was promoted to a stylist and has been working at Salon reBelle for over 2 years.  Jenny has contributed and participated in various outside projects that include: hair-shows, runway shows, television pilots, a Jennifer Lopez music video, photo shoots, as well as styling the hair and applying make up for brides modeling on a “wedding” website.  Jenny is also proud to be certified in Keratin Smoothing Treatments.

Most women would prefer a nicely trimmed mound and clean shaven balls. We have flossed before coming to bed or meeting you on the stairs, we don’t need to do it again while pleasuring you. Women that know what they are doing will be less put off by smooth balls. Not to mention some of us can get a little overly excited when playing with the boys. The pulling of a ball hair would be quite the mood killer, yes?

If you are the kind of guy that does like bushwhacking, I can get behind that too. However, cut it back enough to keep it from looking like some paleolithic plantation. Not to mention we can do a much better job when our noses aren’t being tickled by Elmo. I would still recommend keeping the boys cleanly shaven. I personally love to play with balls while I am working and I can assure you what I do feels much better on soft smooth clean shaven balls. Otherwise you get the brillo pad effect going with the friction of pubic hair in the way, and no one wants that!

Now I know a lot of you think that bigger is better and to some women I guess it is. Most of us however are very happy with you 6 – 8 ers, provided you know what you are doing. Thing is guys, going for the Mt. Baldy look thinking it will somehow enhance what we see, most of the time does not work. What we see is a little boy mound with a man’s business, a little weird if you ask me. I have had the opportunity to experience this very situation and lets just say I was not nearly as enthusiastic with my performance as I would have usually been. The trimmed look is very nice, still masculine and at the same time giving you that sense of being larger.

When it comes to shaving the pubic area, you want to use the right lubricant for your tool. I recommend you go to the nearest adult retailer and pick up some Coochy Shave, yes Coochy Shave. This product is a miracle for sensitive area shaving. I have tried others, they aren’t as good I promise. You take a nice warm shower or bath and then apply a generous amount to the area you plan to shave. Let it sit for about a minute to two minutes then take a fresh razor and get to work. Obviously taking your time, we need you in one piece. When you are nice and smooth rinse it off, and enjoy that wonderfully moisturized skin. My man borrows mine when he is shaving that beautiful head of his, (the one of his shoulders of course) and his boys. Me likey!!!!

Back to our first question, the bushwhacking thing. If your girl is not one that shaves and you would like her to, a few suggestions. Tell her you read an article about intimacy, and in this article it included shaving your girl. Obviously use some finesse in the telling of this story, if you don’t know what that means, I can’t help, only wish you luck. If she is totally freaked out and doesn’t take the hint, either embrace the bush or move on. If she isn’t freaked out about you being involved, draw her a bath, help her wash. Then put a towel on the bed and lay her down. It wouldn’t hurt to have some candles and music. Have a bowl of warm water, extra towels, the Coochy shave and a razor at the ready. Being ridiculously, intensely careful, repeat the above instructions. Feel free to add any of your own ideas to this scenario. When you are done cleaning her up, go in for a little piece of pie. I can assure you, the difference in her experience with you having full access, will blow her mind. Causing this to become either a regular event in your bedroom, or she will handle it on her own.

I hope you enjoyed my opinion on this wonderful topic. You guys are my favorite subject, every part of you! The better you look, the better we look. Chat with you soon.

Francesca

Imagine my surprise then when I got wind of the latest Spanx has to offer, Spanx for Men. I rubbed my eyes vigorously again and again thinking that they had betrayed me… Could such a thing exist, no it’s not possible. Men as worried about their lumps and bumps as women? Incomprehensible.

Ah, but alas, they were right, indeed Spanx has to a new undershirt line for men promising to change the way you men feel in an undershirt forever. Offering to firm your chest, flatten your stomach and even provide back support…. unbelievable but true.

So I considered it. Mulled over it and couldn’t quite decide if the genius that is Spanx had been betrayed by giving men a chance at women’s dirtiest little undergarment secret.

Which got me thinking… what is it like for you?

Hypothetically of course, you meet a chick in a bar and she wearing this hot mini dress that hugs her curves in a way that should be illegal. You spend the night fantasizing about how much better that dress is going to look on your floor and then bam the dream becomes a reality and you’ve managed to get her back to your place and low and behold the dress slips off and there she is in all her glory with underwear (by Spanx of course) up to her breasts neatly holding it all in place and as she peals it away the underwear vomit up what the Spanx has been so effortlessly hiding. What do you?  Run? Have another drink or chalk it up to the brilliance that is Sara Blakely?

While contemplating this exact situation at a wedding I was talking to a friend whose husband is heavier set. She was mentioning the wonderfulness of Spanx and how it had provided the containment that her dress so needed and so I brought up the new Spanx male line.

Her response I was not prepared for… She thought it was amazing and even said that she would buy it for her husband thinking that it would help. Help whom… help the unsuspecting single ladies to whom he was not available? Her? Him?

To say that it shocked the shit out of me would be an understatement but all I could mutter out was “really?”

“Yes,” she replied in the affirmative. Huh? Maybe it is as genius as the rest of it.

So, to Spanx or not to Spanx that is the question. A question that I can whole heartily admit I do not have the answer to. I think that it is a choice, a choice that you have be prepared to deal with if the chick, wife, girlfriend in your life looks at you horrified due to your before and after shot, or the look she gives praising you for having figured out what we women have been blessed to utilize for many years now…. Spanx.

Badger hair has been a major industry of China for many years. China exports badger hair to shaving brush manufacturers in other countries and sells badger meat in their markets. Therefore, the badger population is carefully watched. Badger hair is more expensive due to the higher cost of removing the hair from the badger. The different grades of badger hair are pure, best, super, and silver tip.

Pure badger hair is firmer and coarser than the other grades of badger hair. This grade works well to remove dead skin cells from the skin before shaving. Pure badger hair ranges in color from light tan to almost black with some silver. Best badger hair is finer and more flexible. This hair is slightly longer in length than pure badger hair and lighter in color. Super badger hair is softer on the skin. This grade has slightly grayish-white tips and is often mistaken for the silver tip grade. Shaving brushes made from this grade are more expensive. Silver tip badger hair is the most expensive and rarest of badger hair. This grade is extremely soft and has white tips.

Boar bristles are also used to make shaving brushes. Boar hair is stiffer and less expensive than badger hair. Synthetic materials such as nylon are also used for shaving brushes. This is also much less expensive than badger hair.

Depending on the grade of bristles and the material of the handle, shaving brushes range in price from $5 to over $1,000. Shaving brushes can be purchased in local department stores, drug stores, beauty supply stores, and barber shops. Better quality shaving brushes can be purchased online from manufacturers all across the world.

Utilizing a shaving brush is more beneficial and favorable than using a razor with shaving cream. The motion to use the shaving brush softens and lifts the facial hair. Applying shaving cream mats or unevenly raises facial hair. A multiple-blade razor is needed when using shaving cream whereas only a straight razor is needed when using a shaving brush.

Probably the most common to all is the shaver. Whether disposable, cartridge, or electric, shavers are the most essential male grooming tool in the working man’s grooming toolkit. A clean shave is appealing, and most women would agree is enjoyable to the touch.

Hairstyles are as particular to males as they are for women. And to achieve the right look, unless a man has a clean shaven head (more power to the shaver), the next most essential male grooming tips are hairstyling products. Some males rely on combs, others on hair gel, mousse or hairspray. But in the end, a man’s hair is his “presentation card”. Some women rely on the hairstyle to read a man’s personality and character even before they get close enough for conversation.

Once up close and personal though, more than a man’s looks, it’s the smell that counts. No woman or man can honestly say they do not mind if a man smells bad. That is why another essential male grooming tool is cologne. Whether it is a body spray or a more refined perfume, every respectable grooming kit has one. The key to a good impression is the sum of all parts, and smell may be one of the most influential.

Do not forget though the additional “detailing” items which could be considered more as hygiene than grooming. Toothbrush, nail clippers, nose hair clippers, nail files and cuticle trimmers are all essential to the complete male grooming kit. A healthy man that takes care of his personal hygiene definitely gets noticed and has doors opened for him. A man that just masks his hygiene with looks does not have a good future in relationships, especially when it comes to women. The key to a woman’s attention is based on looks, but the lasting impression has to satisfy all of her senses.

Shaving brushes are important to any male shaving set. A good shaving brush can dictate neatness and cleanliness, while at the same time be merciful to those men with sensitive facial skin. It’s size in comparison with the kit is also an important consideration. A few more qualities to be on the look out for are quality-made craftsmanship, allergen concerns, and size dimension.

When buying a shaving set price is almost always imperative. Most shaving sets men buy to do their mirror-trim ritual, include a mug, shaving soap, safety razor, and, of course the shaving brush-the pinnacle effect of an entire sets’ price tag. The value of the shave brush is dictated by it’s bristle type. Prices can range from a synthetic 5 dollar dabber to a costly 1,000 dollar Cadillac-parallel-handled shave brush. This, in turn, will decide the difference in how much you will decisively pay for the entire shaving set and additional accessories.

The shaving soap should adhere to the user’s skin needs. Different skin types for different men require a variety of shaving creams and razors. Sensitive skin requires more moisturizer containing lotions prior to shaving, and less of a bite when sterilizing skin due to the shave afterwards. The razor should be of multi-blade form, because the more each blade achieves in removing facial hair on the first stroke, leaves less chance in having to do the same areas again, which can undesirably cause common rashes and bumps.

Lastly, and a luxury more than anything, is the shaving mug. Unless it’s gold plated or made of gold itself, I wouldn’t worry you and state it will make your set pricey. It won’t, and it’s attributes excel in hard slog habits when traveling. This is the hard-working still anchor of the shaving set. Depending on how you shave, when traveling, it can be very worthy and a great shaving aid.

On a final note, easy storage and nifty traveling abilities of your shaving set are equally important as the price. You can buy a good, low-cost shaving set with a handy shave brush and store it most conveniently for years and years of business trips and never undergo any type of difficulty with your 20 dollar brush. On the other hand, if you’re fortunate enough to afford a pricy brush, you may find the most expensive bristles cost you the most time consuming grief.