The Cool Fix by Shaveworks

Why I like it?…

1. It tackles four shaving woes – ingrown hairs, razor bumps, razor burn and redness
2. Filled with exfoliating agents that slough off dead skin, leaving the area clearer
3. Boerhavia Root Extract – what?!? no worries…ingredient that helps to calm and soothe redness on contact
4. Unisex- it’s formulated not only for you, but  for her as well.  Go ahead you can share!

Moderately priced @ $25 a bottle.  Don’t worry…unless she decides to use it as body lotion, it will last you at least 6 months!

Remember those old Lectric Shave commercials?  OK…maybe not! Well, here is a new and improved version!

Electric Pre-Shave Solution by Anthony Logistics

It helps with…

• Hair Raising – lifts the hair to allow for a smoother more comfortable shave
• Glide – creates a slick surface to insure a no-tug approach to electric shaving
• Veggies- packed with tons of vegetable emollients like kola nut extract and chamomile to soothe, heal and relieve inflammation

Priced just under $15, you can’t go wrong! Not to mention…a little goes a long way! So plan on buying another in about 4-6 months!

So here is my choice for 2009’s foil shaver….

Braun Series 7

For over 50 years this company has designed electric shavers.  Starting with the S50 in 1951 to the new 2009 – Braun Series 7.  What doesn’t this shaver do? Well, it can’t tie your shoelaces…yet!

1. The head – Pivots and flexes for maximum closeness
2. The Power Comb – as you shave it lifts missed hair that lies close to the skin
3. The blades – with the speed of 10,000 micro-vibrations per minute, these blades cut close, in one pass, without lifting or tugging.
4. Washable – when you are done, wash under water…it’s safe trust me!
5. Clean & Renew System – when charging, it also cleans, lubricates and dries your blades.  How’s that for service?

Priced just over $200, it’s an investment toward a better and more comfortable shave.  But, if you’re not looking to spend that much, consider the other Braun shavers – Series 5,3, or 1.

Do you remember my posts about what to do with your ear hair?  Yes, I said for you to wax ‘em!  And, many of you have…but, many of you are still a bit reluctant.  So here is another solution…

Groom Mate Platinum XL Nose & Ear Hair Trimmer

A few months ago I was given one to try out and was very impressed with how simple and easy it is to use, not to mention painless.  Who would have thought that this small item would produce such fantastic results?

 One of Amazon.com’s top three selling products last year is back for another round of grooming!

• Small (2.6″) & Light-weight
• Pure stainless steel
• Battery free (yeah…I know, pretty cool huh?)
• Noiseless
• Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee 

Just under $20, you simply cannot go wrong!  A painless, noiseless, tiny nose and hair trimmer that will last you forever!

I will be providing you with a full month of product reviews.  Hopefully, they will not only help you in the area of grooming, but maybe help you with a few gift ideas as well!

So since there are going to be a total of 12 posts, I am titling the month of November, “12 posts ’til Christmas!”…sounds cheesy, I know.  But, I bet that by the end of the month you’ll be singing a new tune!

Enjoy.

I know… I know

So here it is!

Recently, researchers have started to agree that the old 8×8 rule (8 bottles x 8 ounces), is truly overkill.  In fact, drinking 4 glasses a day, with a combination of eating water-rich fruits such as melons, and vegetables can supply the necessary amount needed each day.  But here is the bottom line, the average “healthy” person should be passing urine 3 -4 times a day. If this is the case, then your body is more than likely hydrated.

Benefits of hydration?

The benefits are endless…!

It improves muscle tone, increases energy level, lubricates joints, assists in the prevention/reduction of developing kidney stones….and then some!

I’m sure any man that has passed a kidney stone can vouch for all of these benefits and can probably add a few more!

Here is the BIG grooming advantage…

Prevention: drinking water in adequate amounts is necessary to flush toxins out of the body, thereby preventing skin conditions such as acne.

Treatment: water plays an important role in the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis by internally hydrating the body all the way down to the cellular level. 

Eliminate: dehydration is one cause for the dreaded raccoon eyes, so stay hydrated to help eliminate this and other signs of early aging that occur due to lack of skin’s elasticity and firmness.

Source: healthy-skincare.com

Here’s how you maintain them!

The easiest way to keep your ‘burns under control (no matter the shape or size), is with a pair of trimmers, nothing fancy, just something that can be plugged in (for more power), and comes with guards.   Because your sideburns can be a combination of beard hair and head hair, consider trimming them every 2-3 days.

To keep them close, start with the highest # guard and work your way down the #’s to get the desired length, trimming up (jaw to temple) to remove the most bulk.  To keep the bulk and remove the stray hairs, trim downward (temple to jawline), which also gives a smoother appearance.

Even them out!

Try the “pointer finger” test.  Take both index fingers and place them respectively at the bottom of your left and right sideburn.  Have a look in the mirror, and take notice of which finger is higher on the side of your face than the other.  If you like the length of the higher one, trim the longer one a little at a time (while continuing to use the “pointer finger” test) until it’s even with the other.

Hope this helps!

Do you feel that cold air?  So does your skin!

Picture this, you’re hopping out of a hot shower, get dressed and hit the town.  The weather is cool, and so is your body.  The best way to prep your skin to handle this colder weather (especially your scalp) is to finish your shower with a cold water rinse (see Cold Water).  Cold water brings your skin back into balance, allowing your scalp to produce the necessary oils (sebum) to naturally moisturize itself and thereby help prevent dry scalp.

Here are a few others…

Moisturize your “whole” body – come on guys, it not just for women.  Your body needs the added protection to prevent drying out, especially in colder weather  .  Ever have chapped lips?  Well, the same can happen to your body!

Shave and protect – by now, you know that a layer of skin is removed everytime  you shave.  So, after you shave, make sure you have an aftershave lotion and a moisturizer handy.  This combination is always important, and, even more so during the winter.

Save on your water bill – here’s one.  Change your long hot showers into short warm ones.  The longer and hotter the shower, the more natural oils are being stripped from your skin.  That squeaky clean feeling after a hot shower feels good.  But, it puts pressure on your body moisturizer to provide double protection, since those natural oils aren’t there to help.

Excerpt from my interview with Mens’ Health magazine…

Question: 

How do I get a great haircut?

Answer:

Communication, communication, communication, I cannot say it enough.  I know I may sound like a relationship counselor or your wife or girlfriend, but truthfully, the only way to get a great haircut is to explain what you want carefully.  I always appreciate when my clients have a picture of what they would like.  Also, make sure your barber or stylist listens and can confidently communicate back to you how they are going to achieve that look for you. Otherwise you might have another surprise waiting!

______________________

Earlier in my career, I found that I was not asking the right questions in order to get the right explanation from my clients.  Sometimes, my lack of probing resulted in a service that ”could have been better”.  Since then, I try the best I can to communicate to my clients the what, the why and the how before each service.  I hope the above Q&A, helps both barbers and clients out there have an even better experience!