Has anyone ever told you…o

If your answer to that question is yes… Stop!

The practice of shaving an area, any area, in hopes of speeding up the hair growth process is purely a myth. You see, genetics plays a major part in determining if you will “finally” be able to sport a full goatee, and even that can take several years to reveal itself.

Many physically mature guys don’t finish developing a full adult beard until their early 20′s or even later. If you’re still young, find comfort in knowing that your beard may continue to get thicker as you get older. Many guys notice their beards growing thicker, denser and faster when they enter their 30′s and 40′s. So, give it time!

*Got help from: The beard community

(1) Keep your neckline & sideburns neatly trimmed. This will allow your hairstyle to always look neat, making it less obvious that you are growing your hair out.

(2) Condition your hair at least twice a week, and follow with a moisturising grooming cream. This will keep your scalp and hair moist, allowing your hair to be more manageable for styling.

(3) Consider a styling wax, pomade or gel… These products will provide a stronger hold as it relates to controlling your hair. Also,for some hair-types, these products can shrink the hair, giving the impression of a fresh haircut.

Most Important!

(4) Know your style: It is very important to have an idea as to what style you are eventually wanting to wear. The sooner you know, the easier it will be for your barber or stylist to begin shaping your new haircut.

I was asked this question recently

Question?

Hey Craig, how much should a man pay for a haircut?

My answer…

Overall proper grooming is very important. Many men realize that, and in doing so take action by placing haircuts higher on their list of priorities. With that being said, the value of a haircut is more an individual’s personal choice than a set amount.

… So the next time you’re having a conversation with a friend and the question arises as to how much he pays for a haircut, no matter the price, consider his grooming priorities compared to yours!

But what about the guys that aren’t so lucky?

As I’ve stated in other posts, (see post: Going bald? Take it off!) you can embrace it by introducing your scalp to a new razor or the “zero” setting on a pair of clippers. If you aren’t ready for that, a different haircut may be in order. The medical route is also always an option, hair restoration surgery, Propecia, Minoxidil, Avacor… Rogaine.  All of these choices have happy customers, but they can also have uncomfortable side effects.

So, before you consider any of the above choices, why not ask your doctor about a new hair growth procedure that is gaining popularity - Low-level laser light therapy. It’s a non-surgical procedure designed to stimulate hair growth with multiple treatments. Patients report signs of hair growth after four to six months of treatments.

Hey what have you got to lose?  Ouch!…  Sorry!

After my last post (see post: The summertime haircut.), I received a few emails asking me the best way to sport the neckline with a buzz cut. So, I felt that it would be a great idea to explain the choices, and then tell you which style I feel works the best.

There are only three ways to sport the neckline no matter what the haircut: (1) Rounded (2) Squared (3) Tapered. Of course there are variations within these styles, for example, a “soft square” (squared w/ rounded edges).

Nevertheless, here’s my opinion on the different shapes!  (Pics above)

Squared - Pros: Preserves more of the natural hairline, and can also make a slimmer neck seem wider. Cons: Can make the hairline seem unkempt as the hair grows back and can also make a wide neck appear wider.

Rounded - Pros: Adds balance to a wider neck. Cons: Brings greater attention to a thinner neck and can “feminize” the neckline for some haircuts. It will also reveal an untidy neckline after a few days, similar to the squared style.

Tapered - Pros: a tapered hairline will grow out in a manner that keeps the style looking neater longer. It will also slim a wide neck and  take away attention from a slimmer neckline. Cons: None, it’s my favorite!

I get questions from readers all the time asking me “what haircut is best for each season?” So, since it is officially summer, it’s pretty safe to assume that I’ve received a few questions about “what summertime haircut is best?”

The truth is, there really isn’t “a best” haircut for the summer at all!  Simply because, not all haircuts are designed to work for every man.  But, I can tell you that the most popular haircut worn and requested during the summer, is the “Buzz Cut”, (a low haircut that is the same length all over).

You may have also heard it referred to as a… Buzz, Dark Ceasar, Shadow Ceasar, #2 all over… Regardless of the name, the only true differences are in the length, and the texture of the hair. And, at the end of the day it’s a low haircut that’s “low maintenance”.

So, since the weather is a bit warmer why not give it a try! It will certainly allow you to enjoy the warmer days and the upkeep?… There really is none!

Does that equation make any sense?

You see, during the summer months the human body has to work faster and harder to help the body cool down. This leads to faster cell division due to more efficient blood circulation throughout the body, which, among other things, causes hair to grow about 10% faster.

So if you’re starting to notice your barber smiling more, or your razor blades finishing faster… Now you know why!

*Source: eHow.com

However, while  there is nothing wrong with hurrying the process of getting out the door, you may be doing your body and hair an injustice!

Take for example your hair… We know that 2-in1 Shampoos & Conditioners  are pretty effective (See Post 2-in-1 Shampoos/Conditioners…do they work?), but, there are times that you have to slow down (just a bit) to help your hair look it’s best.

It’s recommended to condition your hair at least once a week.  So, for the day of your choosing, leave your hair conditioner in for the recommended time that is on the back of the bottle.  You will notice a significant difference in your hair and how it styles.  Trust me, not only will you like how it feels… but so will that special someone!

Have you ever

But as a barber, I want to tell you, the customer, that a little bit of  patience and understanding go a long way. You see, it’s not that your barber is forgetful; in fact, your barber will always go out of his/her way to make you feel important, because you are!  It’s just that sometimes seeing numerous clients over the course of several weeks causes the details of your haircut/skin to seem a little… blurry.

But don’t you fret, because ”your specifics” will be etched in stone after your 2nd or 3rd visit. That is the average time it takes for a barber to be able to automatically recall a clients preference and skin tendencies, especially a barber that services customers with many different hair-types.

But, I thought it would be a good idea to also mention a few items that hinder this process, so it could be easier to achieve the hair results you want.

Slash the consumption of these items in half!

• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Black Tea
• Sugar

Why you ask?

The vitamins B, Iron and Zinc are designed to improve the strength, shine and overall health of your hair.  The above items, unfortunately, prevent the body from absorbing these important ingredients.  So, the next time you’re craving a cup of coffee or a 3rd piece of chocolate… consider the consequences!