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!”

4 Things Your Barber Wants You to Communicate

8/26/2023

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Barber and Man talking
Customer service is a top priority to a great barber. We want to give you what you are looking for in a packaged experience.  We want you to leave our chair feeling like a million bucks!  Here are 4 things we want to hear from you regarding your look:​
FEEL and LOOK
Let your barber know how you want your hair to feel, or even better, bring a picture!  Sometimes, hairdressing jargon can be confusing - especially if you're not familiar with industry terms or what guard numbers really are. So, instead of using shop lingo, try describing how you want your hair to move or feel after the cut. Barbers are visual, so bring them a picture of what you’re thinking.   It will make things easier for your barber and you'll get the cut you've envisioned.

To better understand the basic terminology and a few popular styles, check out this article How to Communicate With Your Barber. 
LIFESTYLE
Barber and Client talking
An experienced barber values consultation.  Your barber is the first place to start to learn your individual hair type, and what styles would work best.  Be honest with your barber about your everyday routines. Think about how much time you're realistically going to put into hair styling, and which hair products you're likely to buy and use. Your barber won't judge you, promise! So, if you're not into high-maintenance hairstyles, there's no need to go for a fancy, daily upkeep cut.  If you wish to re-create the style at home, your barber is the perfect person to teach you the best techniques. 

​Check out some more common questions in this post, Men Ask. Barbers Answer.

CONCERNS
Are there any concerns about your hair, skin, or scalp that you'd like your barber to address? Your barber wants to give you the best care possible and product recommendations that'll work for you. Your barber will recommend products based on what they see during your visit and issues that you discuss.  A great barber will be well-versed in problem-solving products.
Man talking to barber
RELATIONSHIP
​Build a relationship with your barber.  It is a trial-and-error process to get the right formula down so you can have healthy hair and scalp, and a system that fits your lifestyle. 
barber consulting with client
Your barber wants you to leave the chair feeling confident, getting the look you desire, solutions to problems you may have, and a follow-up appointment.  Communication is key for this relationship, and any great barber will be able to welcome you to the chair and help facilitate this conversation.  Remember, knowledge makes you sharp on the inside. Applying it makes you sharp on the outside!
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Debunking 4 Common Myths at the Barbershop

8/9/2023

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two boys shaving face
​Let’s set the record straight! Here are some of the most common shaving, skin and haircut misconceptions we hear about. We understand the concerns but want to offer some truth!  
MYTH 1  Shaving makes your hair grow back thicker and darker!
​We have always heard people say that shaving will make your hair grow back faster, thicker, or darker.  This is simply not true.  A shaved or cut hair has a blunt tip, making it look or feel that way. But remember, that cut is above the surface. The root of the hair remains the same, and continues the same growth pattern as before the shave or cut.   Only hormones and genetics determines the true growth rate and how many follicles a person has.  This fantastic article in The Star Telegram talks specifically about this myth in detail.
MYTH 2  Dry scalp and dandruff are the same thing.
man with dandruff
Another myth we hear is that dandruff and dry scalp are the same.  They look similar, but dandruff is an imbalance of yeast on the scalp. A dry scalp is just skin that is simply dehydrated, lacking moisture.

Dandruff will need a special shampoo with antifungal ingredients to treat. The two most common active ingredients are zinc pyrithione and selinium sulfide. Natural ways to treat dandruff could include using tea tree oil or aloe vera.  After the dandruff is under control, just use regular moisturizing shampoo.  Check out this anti-dandruff shampoo by GKHair.
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A dry scalp can be caused by sebaceous glands producing less oil for the scalp.  Environmental elements, hot showers, or certain products can be the cause.  A moisturizing shampoo and leave-in conditioner can bring relief. 

Ask your barber about products they recommend for your scalp issues.  Dandruff and dry scalp will have different treatment plans and your barber can help find you a quick fix.

MYTH 3  You should use Vaseline to moisturize your scalp.
​Moisturizing with Vaseline is a myth we’ve heard for a long time!  There is no moisturizing benefit from the Vaseline itself to the scalp.  As a barrier, it is thought that Vaseline can trap moisture, retaining moisture on the scalp however it provides no long-term benefits. In fact, sometimes using Vaseline can smother the scalp and cause flaking.  It’s best to use a water-based moisturizer or oil for your scalp.
scooping vaseline
MYTH 4  Cutting a baby's hair will change the texture!
man holding curly haired boy
My favorite myth is that cutting a baby’s hair will change the texture.  A haircut will not, and cannot, alter hair texture.  Hair is dead, and a haircut doesn’t do anything to the scalp to change the pattern of the hair.
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The ends of a baby’s hair are very fine.  After the first cut, the ends will be blunt and look thicker.  As a baby grows, their hair changes naturally.  Whatever changes in texture will happen regardless of the haircut.

Check out this neat article from Little Martin's Drawer for all things related to your baby's haircare.  This article from SmootiePie gives a great explanation of how your baby's hair develops.
We understand it's hard to let go of long held beliefs. Knowing the truth can help you break old habits because Knowledge makes you Sharp on the Inside. Applying it makes you Sharp on the Outside!  
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Back-to-School Barbers

8/2/2023

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barbers cut kids hair at event
Aaron, Clay, and Angela giving back-to-school haircuts.
Barbers from Razors Image Barbershop and Angela’s Ebony Designs and Barbershop recently enjoyed being a part of a significant back-to-school event right here in Bloomington, Indiana. The event, beautifully organized by City Church, was aimed at preparing kids for their return to school. Besides giving away school supplies and clothing, among other things, 10 committed barbers from our hometown joined hands to provide free haircuts. A remarkable event indeed!
​The obvious benefits are for the kids.  Free school supplies, clothing, and shoes.  And the free haircuts!  Confidence and self-esteem are so important for children.  Aaron says, "The kids bring a picture and assume because it's a free haircut they can't get a cut or style they WANT.  Seeing their faces when they CAN is priceless."  The barbers know that sending the kids to school feeling good about themselves is a meaningful boost for their self-esteem.
overview picture of event
The barbers benefit from an event like this as well.  It's nice to have a change of scenery, away from the normal chair.  The energy at The Pavilion at Switchyard Park was alive with back-to-school excitement.   The barbers left the event with such a full heart because they truly enjoy their craft and loved giving back to our community, especially our youth. ​Building connections with kids and becoming their personal barber is a deeply rewarding experience. You're able to watch them grow up and develop a bond. Being a barber presents you with the opportunity to be someone that a child can confide in and trust.

We are so grateful to participate in such a wonderful experience.  Good luck to all the kids on their first day of school, and here's to a successful year ahead!
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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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