The Best Barbering and Male Grooming Advice
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Welcome to your go-to source for the best barbering and male grooming advice! Here, we are dedicated to providing you with expert tips and techniques to help you elevate your barbering skills and keep your hair, beard, scalp, and skin in top-notch condition. Whether you're a seasoned barber looking to refine your craft or someone just starting out in the world of male grooming, we've got you covered.
Our mission is simple - to address common problems, share valuable insights, and delve into relevant topics within the barbering and male grooming industry.
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“Knowledge makes you sharp on the inside. Applying it makes you sharp on the outside!”

Men Ask. Barbers Answer.

7/24/2023

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man talking with barber
The barbers at Razors Image answer a lot of questions, and they seem to have a common theme.  Here the run-down Q&As straight from the Barbers to You!
How can I redo my style at home?
​Once you and your barber have chosen a haircut that works with your lifestyle, it’s the barber’s job to teach you how to use the products that they are using and recommending.  Your barber should be able to show you exactly how to recreate the look you want at home.
My hair is thinning! What can I do?
man with thinning hair
There are several options to combat thinning hair.  Scalp stimulation, topical applications, or even hair tattoos are options!  There are two FDA-approved treatments on the market:  Minoxidil and Finasteride.  Essential oils are showing promise.  Rosemary and Peppermint in a carrier Almond Oil have a similar effect on hair as Minoxidil.  This article has some great information for further reading on essential oils. There are man-weaves!  A temporary alternative, however, the glue is an issue for heavy-sweating folks.  Scalp micro-pigmentation is like a hair tattoo!  The pigment doesn’t go as deep as traditional tattoos, and it lasts four years or longer before needing a touch-up.  The most expensive option is a hair transplant.  Real hair is transplanted, some follicles take, some don’t and it’s costly.  Your barber will be able to guide you in an option best suited for your needs.

What style works best for my hair type?
​Your barber can help you achieve perfect symmetry for your hair, by aligning the cut to complement your jawline and forehead.  When a client sits in the chair and says, “Do what you do” we must create a custom look based on the head shape.  But your lifestyle has a lot to do with the best choice of hairstyle. Don't shy away from having an open conversation about your daily hair care routine. Let your barber know how much time you're willing to spend on your hair every day, the amount of product you're comfortable using, and so on.
 
By the way, there are 3 hair types and 3 hair textures.  You can have straight, wavy, or curly hair. You can have fine, medium, or coarse hair.  Depending on where the hair falls in type and texture directly affects what and how the barber services your haircut.
My skin/scalp/beard is dry. What should I do?
​So many concerns I'm often approached about revolve around moisturizing!  Your skin is screaming for a refreshing facial moisturizer. Dry scalp is such a common problem. Your hair and scalp would also appreciate a dose of moisture, ideally from a good pH-balanced conditioner. And let's not forget your beard - keep it happy and healthy with some nourishing beard oil.  Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize!  Especially to combat environmental elements such as a dry summer, chlorine in water, etc. 
man looking at hair
Make sure you ask your barber any questions you have about your hair, scalp, and skin.  Your barber is there to help you, and would love to share their knowledge and expertise because Knowledge makes you Sharp on the Inside. Applying it makes you Sharp on the Outside!
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6 Most Common Hair and Skin Issues, and How to Fix Them

7/10/2023

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Man with shaving problem
Everyone has hair, scalp, or skin problems from time to time. It could be due to genetics, environmental conditions, the change in seasons, or even the hair and skin care products we use. We understand the struggle of dealing with dryness, excessive oil, itchiness, or bumps that may arise. Here are six of the most common issues that we hear about.
DRY SCALP
Picture of Dry Scalp
​Having a dry scalp means that your skin is lacking moisture.  Overly hot showers, hard water, and simply not moisturizing can cause dry scalp.  This looks like small, white flakes.  A dry scalp can feel tight and itchy.
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Using a moisturizing shampoo and a leave-in conditioner can make a big difference in relieving dry scalp. Look for products that are pH balanced. 

DANDRUFF
Picture of Dandruff
​Dandruff is a condition of the scalp with excess oil and Malassezia (yeast) overgrowth.  There is a difference between dandruff and dry scalp, even though symptoms are similar.  Dandruff feels a lot like a dry scalp with flakes and itching, however, dandruff flakes are larger and yellowish in color.
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Specialized shampoos will help to kill Malassezia and get the excess oil under control.  These shampoos will contain ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione as an active ingredient.  Tea tree oil is also effective.  Once dandruff has subsided, these shampoos are NOT preventative.  Just use a regular, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.  ​ Check out this shampoo by GKHair!

OILY SCALP
We’ve all had a greasy scalp when we’ve just needed to wash our hair. But when your sebaceous glands go into overdrive and produce too much oil you have a condition called seborrhea, better known as an oily scalp.  This is when your scalp is excessively oily and greasy consistently.
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So how do you fix an oily scalp? A dry shampoo can keep your scalp in check between washes. Using pH-balanced shampoos and hair products is a must!  Look for water-based shampoos and leave-in moisturizers.  Shampoos with sodium sulfacetamide can be used to help get rid of any bacteria on the scalp.  GKHair offers a great balancing shampoo.
RAZOR BUMPS
Razor bumps form when a hair you've shaved curls back into your skin, like an ingrown hair.  The medical term for it is pseudofolliculitis.  Razor bumps are inflamed, irritated bumps on the shaved skin.
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One of our most common questions is “How do I get rid of my razor bumps fast?”  Apply a cold compress to shrink the pore, then use an aftershave product.  Our favorite fix is Xotics Skin Rescue.  Finish with a facial moisturizer.  

Proper skin prep and shaving techniques can help to prevent razor bumps. Here is a guide to the 3 Essential Parts of a Great Shave.
DRY SKIN
Diagram of skin
Dry skin is dehydrated of moisture and will appear flakey. Dry skin feels rough and can be stiff or cracked.
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An obvious solution to dry skin is to moisturize with a quality facial moisturizer.  A humidifier can help the room’s moisture content.  Drinking plenty of water helps moisturize from the inside out.
OILY SKIN
We’ve all had times when our skin feels a bit oily. This is when the skin is producing too much sebum.  You will notice a shiny look or a greasy feel to oily skin. Clogged pores can lead to acne breakouts.
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If you have oily skin you should wash with a gentle cleanser 2-3 times a day, making sure to wash gently without scrubbing.  Follow up with moisturizer.  Even oily skin needs proper moisture balance!
Regardless of genetics or the season, the effects of products or shaving, we all experience hair and skin issues.  We are here to help you navigate those issues because Knowledge makes you Sharp on the Inside. Applying it makes you Sharp on the Outside!
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    Aaron & Kristi Brown, Authors

    Aaron Brown is a Master Barber, Cosmetologist, Educator, and Entrepreneur.  As a shop owner and product developer, he has a passion for promoting healthy hair and scalp.  He loves to connect with others and share knowledge on industry trends and products to solve common problems with the hair, scalp, and skin to help clients look and feel their best.

    Kristi Brown is a seasoned Entrepreneur who holds down the fort in an administrative role for the business.  When she's not working, you'll most likely find her spending quality time with her kids, dogs, or tending to her flower gardens. Kristi and Aaron have been married 13 years.

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