We hear a lot of things at our barber shops…
“I have really sensitive skin”
“Why can’t I style my hair at home the way you guys do?”
The list goes on. Sometimes we challenge people on things like sensitive skin, educating them on what the right products and routines can do to solve the problem. We find that many of the challenges men face improving their look, or with anti-aging lie in the products they use (or don’t use). Simply put, this is a category where women have been way ahead of men for quite some time. I recently surveyed barbers across all of my stores to come up with the top 5 products every man should have. If you’re lacking any of these staples on your bathroom counter, it’s time for some self examination!
#1 – The Correct Styling Product
Different hair types require different products. If you have thin hair and it falls naturally you don’t want something with too much hold. If you have thick hair, you definitely need something with hold to get your hair where you want it. If you want a matte look, you need a matte product. Same applies for a slick or wet look. For example, our Clay Pomade has no water in it whatsoever. It’s great for extra hold and a matte finish.
#2 – Conditioner
At Starks we always cut clean hair which means we wash every client before their service. During the wash we always ask new clients about their routine at home and we continue to be astonished at how many men don’t use conditioner. Conditioner softens your hair but it also protects your hair shafts from being damaged, and unlike shampoo, you can and should use it every day.
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#3 – Pre-Shave Oil
If you’re a wet shaver this product is a game changer. It not only lubricates the skin allowing the blade to glide better, it also adds another layer of protection against friction along with shaving cream. The less friction, the less your skin will react. Pre-shave oil should be applied prior to applying shaving cream as a base layer.
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#4 – Beard Oil
If you don’t shave and you’re sporting a beard, take the consensus advice from all of our barbers and get yourself some beard oil. This product does more for the skin under your beard than the beard itself. It hydrates the skin and prevents beardruff, the buildup of dead skin cells under the beard. It also gives your beard a nice fragrance.
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#5 – Moisturizer
Moisturizers prevent dry skin and improve skin texture. This is a hallmark example of something women do for their skin that men typically don’t. Moisturizing daily will play a big role in anti-aging and the look of your skin as you get older. Not to mention, it will help in the winter time when your skin gets really dry and can start to crack.
The unique thing about Starks is that we do most of our R&D in store. Whether it’s from surveying clients and paying attention to their needs, or the actual testing of the products themselves – nothing hits the shelves until it has been approved by a wide range of men and the grooming professionals who care for them.
The biggest piece of advice I was able to get from my barbers was “it’s never too late!”
Steve Tallis is a thought leader in men’s grooming and franchising. He routinely contributes to style and business publications to promote wellness and the growing brand he co-founded almost ten years ago. For more information head to StarksBarberCompany.com.