metro FOR MEN Blog
Archive for the ‘Grooming Tips’ Category
Thursday, December 23rd, 2010
What does a well-groomed man look like? A well-groomed man: 
* Has the perfect hairstyle for the image he wants to portray and uses the right haircare product to achieve that look, including shampoo AND conditioner and a styling aid;
* Uses a face wash to wash his face with and follows it up with sunblock because he knows using sunscreen will keep his skin looking youthful. He is also not afraid to use a complete skin care regimen because he understands the why…the fountain of youth;
* Keeps his facial hair trimmed and neat. No ear and nose hair visible. No single, long, bushy distracting eye brows. No unruly mustaches, beards or goatees;
* Has a white smile and used whitening teeth products daily;
* Wears clothes that fit well and styled to project the image he wants others to perceive;
* Smells fantastic because he uses the right cologne and doesn’t use too much;
* Has well-MANicured hands because the right handshake says it all; and
* Keeps his shoes groomed because he realizes that “you can judge a book by its cover and a man by his shoes”.
At metro FOR MEN we can show men how to get the right haircut for him, which products are best suited for his needs, advise him on skin care, trim facial hair, wax unwanted nose and ear hair, retail at-home teeth whitening systems and cologne, and get his shoes shined. Do you have a man in your life that could use a new look for 2011? Call metro FOR MEN today and schedule a free consultation.
Does he need wardrobe styling and image consulting because he wants to take his career to the next level, get that promotion, or land the perfect job? Call my colleague Diana Jennings with Brand You Image or visit her at www.brandyouimage.com.
Tags: facial hair trimming for men, grooming tips for men, men's grooming, men's hair stylist, men's haircuts, men's personal grooming, men's skin care tips, metro FOR MEN, nail care for men, trendy men's haircuts
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Friday, December 3rd, 2010
OK now I’m a believer. I received a call a few months back from a vendor retailing disposable razor sharpeners. He claimed that this sharpener would keep a blade sharp for up to 6 months. I don’t know about you, but my razors may last a week before it gets corroded and rusty and I admit my razors are not the most expensive. Skeptical, but curious, I purchased 6 of these blade sharpeners and put them on our shelves at metro FOR MEN. I’m a huge gadget girl. When I got them in, I couldn’t figure out how these sharpeners work because all this thing was a copper strip and base. All I have to do is place my razor down and that’s it? This vendor called to check on our sales and I reported none  . The challenge that we are having is that no one believed the technology worked. When I expressed this to the vendor he said “no problem I’m sending you 2 to try and share your experience with your customers.” I LOVE that approach. I love it when vendors believe so much in their product that they are willing to share it for free! I follow that best business practice in the shop as well and believe in my product so much that I have in the past given services for free knowing that guest will be back because metro FOR MEN is the leader in our service offering.
I’ve been using this blade sharpener now for 3 weeks and my disposable razor is as sharp as the day I got it out of the package. There is no soap residue, no rust, and no visible grime. What is this product? It’s an EverBlade.
“The EverBlade creates an energy field to repel rust and corrosion from metal blades. This is the leading cause of blade failure. Reducing the build up of rust and corrosion on your blade will keep it sharp much longer than otherwise possible. This means the EverBlade will save you a lot of money and reduce tons of wasteful packaging.” http://www.greeneverblade.com
It’s all in the copper strip. The bonus of this product IT’S ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY…no waste. I encourage you to try it. The next time you come in to metro FOR MEN, ask us about the EverBlade and we will give you a demo
Tags: grooming tips for men, men's grooming, men's personal grooming, metro FOR MEN
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Thursday, November 18th, 2010
Part 4 – I hope all of you have enjoyed reading my 4 part consultation and will be concluding that experience with this post. The last item of my make-over consultation with my married guest was on his hands and feet. He is a nail bitter and cuts his toe nails way too short. I noticed this instantly when I shook his hand and he immediately explained he has been biting his nails for years. For nail bitters there are social effects that come from this habit and can inhibit social interaction from other people. Why? Because nail bitters hide their hands and try not to expose them. That type of interaction could send the wrong message and cause judgment.
According to Wikipedia…”Bitten fingertips can become very sensitive to pain, usually at the place the skin meets the edge of the nail…Saliva may then redden and infect the skin. Finally it may also result in the transportation of bacteria that are buried under the surface of the nail…Nail biting is also related to dental problems, such as gingival injury and malocclusion of the anterior teeth. When the bitten-off nails are swallowed stomach problems can develop.“
There are many cures for nail biting from topical nail treatments to behavioral therapy. My cure for nail biting is routine manicures. Routine manicures can stop nail biting because one may think about biting the nail that was recently manicured. It’s a psychological thing. Routine manicures and pedicures will keep hands and feet looking and feeling great. Not only are these services good for men, the women in their lives appreciate too. At metro FOR MEN we offer nail services for men to help maintain that perfect handshake. For the man on the run, we have an express hand detail fr only $16.00. Come in for a consultation with Claire or Erin to see how we can help you.
For my married guest, he now has had 2 manicures and 1 pedicure, his nails on his feet and hands are looking better, he is conscious of his nail biting habit, and is committed to continue to receive manicures and pedicures monthly. Not only has this process helped him from not hiding his hands from clients, but his wife is ecstatic for no more rough feet!
Tags: grooming tips for men, men's grooming, men's personal grooming, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, nail care for men, orange county
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Thursday, November 11th, 2010
Part 3 – On to my skin care consultation with my guest who no longer “really” takes care of himself because he’s married. I discussed with him his hair and beard changes and then we moved on to his skin. We discussed his skin care regimen because he spends a lot of time outdoors and his skin is paying the price. I hear men say all the time, “I won’t spend that much time washing my face”. A easy skin care treatment is quick. It takes only a minute to wash, tone and moisturize. Add a facial scrub twice a week to keep the skin looking vibrant and it takes a second. Men more than ever are concerned about looking older than they are and a using good skin care products are the key. Another key to remaining youthful is sunscreen and staying hydrated…yes I’m saying to drink plenty of water everyday.
Why a good face wash? Many men suffer from oily skin and facial skin becomes oily, dry or a combination of both because the skin is not in Ph balance. Using a a good face wash with quality ingredients will help maintain the facial skin in its normal Ph balance. metro FOR MEN uses Menscience Face Wash which is an androceutical. Andro meaning man and ceutical meaning pharmaceutical grade ingredients. A good face wash should never leave your skin feeling tight. A “tight” feeling means the skin is dry, needs moisture, and will not prevent oily skin as some men think.
Why a toner? There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of a toner. Some experts say that toner dries the skin others say it draws in a moisturizer creating more hydrated skin. I’ve used a toner for years and prefer it. I believe adding toner to a skin care regimen benefits oily, dry and combination skin types. Again, metro FOR MEN uses Menscience Toner.
Why face lotion or moitsurizing sunscreen? No matter the skin type, skin needs hydration and puts it in to a normal Ph. There are several lotions on the market that will not make the skin feel “greasy”. metro FOR MEN uses the Menscience Face Lotion and Menscience TiO Sunscreen-30 block. Both of these products have a powdery finish and does not feel greasy. Sunscreen keeps the skin from absorbing UV rays. Over exposure to the sun creates wrinkles. Use sunscreen and prevent wrinkles! Apply it to the neck area too.
Adding a facial exfoliator will smooth the complexion while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Face scrubs buff away dead skin cells and dull buildup revealing new even skin tone. Another added bonus, exfoliators will prepare the skin for a closer shave and combat ingrown hairs. A great looking face is always appreciated by the opposite sex and no matter married or not, youthful looking skin is in. Visit metro FOR MEN, request a 5 min Steam Towel Treatment for $12 and get revitalized skin. Next week I’ll tell you about the final part of our consultation—hands and feet.
Tags: Best Barber, grooming tips for men, Irvine, men's grooming, men's haircuts, men's personal grooming, men's salons, men's skin care tips, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Thursday, November 4th, 2010
Part 2 – Last week I mentioned a make over I did on a new guest to metro FOR MEN and that taking care of his appearance was not his top priority. This week I want to tell you about our facial hair consultation. During ourconsultation I discussed his goatee and the manner in which it was groomed. He stated that he just trims it–no fuss. I’m not advocating for fuss, only to provide the best information to achieve the desired look. I explained to him that goatee lines should not exceed his smile line and should not go past the furthest part of the chin bone. He looked as if he had a double shin because his goatee was too far down his neck casting a shadow. I also explained to his that the corners of his goatee were to sharp and should be appropriate to his face shape. The length of his goatee was perfect and advised that the length should be long enough to fill in areas of weak growth, but not so long that the first impression is the goatee. My grooming tips for your goatee:
1. Be in front of a mirror;
2. Smile at yourself;
3. Shave to your smile line;
4. Tilt your face to the ceiling, find the edge of your chin bone, and shave to that line (when goatees slide down the the neck, it can give the appearance of a double chin);
5. Check the corners and edit accordingly; and
6. Trim the length to enhance your look and not be over powering to the viewer.
Next week I’ll tell you about our skin care consultation and bring you skin care tips. See you next week!
Tags: facial hair trimming for men, grooming tips for men, men's grooming, men's personal grooming, metro FOR MEN, trendy men's haircuts
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Thursday, October 28th, 2010
I did a make-over for a new metro FOR MEN guest this week and had so much fun with it. Men’s grooming is my passion and love sharing my grooming tips. During our initial grooming consultation, my guest kept making the same comment over and over that his wife will be happy he is doing this and that since being married, grooming is his last priority. Guys, just because you are married doesn’t mean it’s okay to not take care of yourself. The married women I know love it when their man looks and smells GREAT. During a make-over consultation we discuss grooming from head to toe. My guest and I first discussed his hair and what will and won’t work for his hair type, texture, and head shape. Then we discussed the appropriate shape and length for his goatee. We also discussed his skin care and shaving regimen and how that relates to aging. Lastly, we discussed ear and nose hair. A definite sign of age!
I gave my guest the best haircut that works for him and fulfilled his desire to have a style that does not require styling product (this means the haircut has to be technically savvy). I reshaped his goatee and educated him on how to maintain it. I waxed his ear hair, as well as his nose hair. I don’t know a woman who won’t love looking up at her man and not seeing those ugly hairs protruding out his nostrils. My guest was so excited about this service and knew his wife was going to be very happy. The thought may be, waxing nose hair “has to hurt”. I can tell you it doesn’t. Tweezing nose hairs does, waxing does not. Getting rid of unwanted and unsightly ear and nose hair says “I take care of myself and I care about my grooming”. Guys don’t just do it for us girls, do it for your self as well.
At metro FOR MEN, we are the leaders in men’s grooming and offer full body waxing, including nose and ear waxing for $11 each. Ask our service providers about this service to keep you looking your best the next time you’re in. For those scaredy cats, metro FOR MEN hosts the No. 1 reviewed nose hair trimmer, The Platinum XL by Groommate. Pick it up at our front counter.
Next week I’ll blog about my consultation on men’s skin care, men’s shaving rituals, and men’s nail care needs.
Tags: Best Barber, grooming tips for men, men's grooming, men's personal grooming, men's salons, men's skin care tips, metro FOR MEN, nail care for men
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Thursday, October 21st, 2010
metro FOR MEN offers the lost art of shoe shining and it’s not just to give shoes a high shine anymore.  Shinning shoes started before the 1800s where “…a mixture of soda ash, tallow, wax and oil was used to soften and condition leather and to make it waterproof. Shine was first added to polish around the 1700s” stated by to http://www.ehow.com/about_6296706_shoe-shine-history.html. Today, the request for shoe shining has declined due to the increased wear of relaxed footwear according to Absolute Astronomy and most providers of shoe shine services are located in airports, car washes, and luxury locations.
You can judge a book by its cover and a man by his shoes and we want our guests to look their best from head to toe. metro FOR MEN offers shoe shine services because it has a purpose and provides a solution. Our shoe shines are far more than shinning shoes…it maintains the look of the shoe while protecting the shoes from the weather thereby increasing the length of wear of the shoe and keeping them looking brand new. The best tip I can give is clean, condition, and protect your shoes often with our shoe shine service, especially when its raining. Leather and suede expands and shrinks in hot and cold weather. If shoes are conditioned regularly, the leather and suede will not crack and will repel water.
On your next visit to metro FOR MEN, bring your shoes and Cesar will retore them to their original condition for only $6.00 (and $3.00 with a service for the first pair).
*picture provided by picture history online
Tags: Irvine, men's grooming, men's haircuts, men's personal grooming, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Friday, October 1st, 2010
I get confronted every day from men as to “why do I need use conditioner”? Men need to use conditioner to restore moisture and elasticity to the scalp skin. Men suffer from many scalp ailgments because men’s scalps are thick and produce more oil. This can cause the scalp skin to be more sensitive, dry, and irritated, which can lead to other embarrasing scalp conditions.
Conditioners for men can be specifically developed to combat these unique challenges. In all my research on this topic, there is only talk of what conditioners do for the hair not the scalp. I believe this is why men are confused about conditioners and think they do not need it. This is a problem. Men more than ever are losing their hair and at a younger age. Taking care of the scalp skin is crucial and conditioners targeted at maintaining the hair’s cuticle structure are not enough. Men need conditioners that feed and nourish the papilla, which contains tiny blood capillaries that feed the cells, as well as the hair bulb (the living part of the hair), which surrounds the papilla.
Maintaining healthy scalp skin can lead to better hair and scalp condition. No more scalp issues! Men need to use conditioner, but be sure to find a conditioner that is designed for the scalp. There are several on the market like Nioxin, Aveda Men, Min New York, and of course, m by metro FOR MEN. If you have any questions, ask your metro FOR MEN stylist. They will be able to help you find the best conditioner for your scalp needs. You can always call me, the Men’s Grooming Expert too at 949-450-0150. Just ask for Krista.
Tags: hair loss for men, Irvine, men's grooming, men's hair stylist, men's personal grooming, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010
I do believe Nioxin works to curb the number of hairs lost per day. I use it and saw a difference in how little hair was left in my brush every day. It took about 4 months when I noticed it because it took that long to clean all the debris on my scalp and strengthen my hair. metro FOR MEN has carried this product since its opening in 2004 and has continued to see strong sales even in this economy. Why? Because men are concerned about hair loss and feel very comfortable speaking with their stylist about such a sensitive issue. It’s up to us stylists to educate our guests about hair loss, what causes it, and how to slow it down or stop it. Nioxin is designed to clean the scalp skin, bring blood flow to the follicle, and keep each hair in the longest growth stage possible. This means that more hair will remain on the scalp than being lost. Nioxin is for everyone not just the person losing hair. At any age, any of us could experience hair loss and Nioxin can be used for preventative measures. Concerned about hair loss, speak to your stylist and ask how you can confront it head on.
At metro FOR MEN our technical staff is educated on hair loss for men, treatments for hair l and how to educate our male guests about it too. If you have a concern and have questions, please feel free to call us anytime.
Tags: hair loss for men, Irvine, men's grooming, men's hair stylist, men's personal grooming, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, orange county
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Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Do you remember your dad using a shaving brush with a cup and soap? I do and I was never quite sure why he used a shaving brush. I have devoted the past 12 years of my cosmetology career to men’s grooming and I continue to learn every day about this niche market. I have recently learned about the use and need for shaving brushes. I found a great explanation of the history, brush quality, and need for shave brushes on Wikipedia. here’s the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shave_brush
According to Wikipedia…”The greatest benefit from shave brush use is the tendency to soften and lift facial hair before a shave. Applying shaving cream by hand mats hair or raises it unevenly. Shave brush use, however, requires agitation of the soap or cream in a mug to form a lather suitable for a shave, before application of the lather to the face in a gentle circular motion. Therefore, a razor does not need to be pressed to the skin in order to provide a close shave…” Wikipedia also explains that the more bristles on the brush the more water the brush holds, which leads to a richer lather consistency. The thicker the lather will create less drag from the razor over the skin and this will lead to less irritation.
I’ve purchased many shaving brushes for our guests to buy over the years at metro FOR MEN. Having researched this topic, I now feel more equipped to explain the features and benefits to our guests, as well as make better purchases of badger brushes in the future.
Tags: Best Barber, Irvine, men's grooming, men's hair stylist, men's salons, metro FOR MEN, orange county, trendy men's haircuts
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