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!

​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.

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.

​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.

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!

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.

​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 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!

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 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.

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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