Leonardo Da Vinci Archives - GENTLEMEN'S AVENUE

Gents,

Being a modern renaissance man not only requires a great haircut but also grooming products to create the desired style. In the first article we discussed the manly institution known as barber shops and the next logical topic is grooming products. A few questions must be asked and answered to provide greater clarity on the multi-billion dollar industry. Yes, I said multi-billion.

The first myth or misconception is that all grooming products are the same and we declare that they are not. The working definition of “grooming products” for the focus of this article is, any and all products that are applied to men’s hair for styling purposes. The word hair is referring to facial hair also. The following distinctions can be applied to grooming products in general (minus the super rare exotic product).

One major point of contention in the men’s grooming world is oil vs water based debate. There is folklore about oil based products that it will cause baldness due to the “reason” that it will clog your hair follicles and essentially kill it. Likewise, water based products with all the “chemicals” are also believed by some to cause baldness.

As far as we know there is no scientific basis for either of these claims but they are founded upon isolated and anecdotal data. For instance, someone may claim “my friend used product X and now he is bald therefore product X caused the baldness”. DISCLAIMER: IF you are using any grooming product and experience any unusual hair loss or irritation we recommend you stop using it and contact a doctor.

The organic/vegan/all-natural product category creates a whole new set of concerns. Instead of worrying about chemical damage and hair loss the issues have to do with performance. Many companies use essential oils and are parfum free so the fragrances are mint, pine or other strong natural aromas. These products will not hold your hair in place like “gel” or most water based pomades.

The chosen grooming product speaks about style and we are not necessarily referring to grooming. Men can be diehard and ardent about their grooming products regardless of other offerings. Some men choose their grooming products based upon the reputation of the founders and they feel an association with them or possibly have met them. Coupled with the acceptable performance they will use the product the rest of their lives. The association with the companies that were first in the marketplace have a solid hold on the market.

Without a doubt as men continue to pay for a quality cut there will be a need for grooming products. Choosing them and finding what works best may be trial and error and you should speak with your barber about what he recommends. Being a modern renaissance man will require quality grooming products to achieve the desired style that compliment a great cut. Do not be fooled and believe that products create the hair style because your hair cut is the foundation.

Mr. M

Gents,

The modern renaissance man is multi-faceted and contains many key components that will be written about in subsequent articles. The first subject we will breach is men and barber shops.

If you really think about it mankind has needed to address grooming issues since the beginning of time. Whether it is shaving or getting a haircut men need to differentiate themselves from women. Grooming is interlocked with identity and self-expression.

While cultures may set the trends it is the barber that makes the grooming style possible. Not only is the barber shop a place were grooming needs are met but it is also a manly social club conducive to all things manly.

The barber and shop is a place of reverence and trust because men are transformed from a scroungy appearance to something they can take pride in. The fresh low taper or high and tight can give an extra boost of confidence.

The barber shop has always been a place were fish tales can be spun and lives can be shared. Until this point in history there wasn’t a threat of a Tweet or “post” going out that eluded to what was said. There should be no room for gossip or rumor mongers in a barber shop. The security and confidentiality of clients is paramount.

A barber’s job is not only to produce the best haircut possible but also be the best sounding board and interpreter of style. Although barbers may have “trophies” there is no perfect cut. I do not want the “fastest fade or taper” but instead prefer the best one possible.

The modern renaissance man must understand and appreciate the vital institution of the local barber shop. Not only is it a historical institution but also a manly tradition that must continue. After all, where else will you get a haircut? A salon?

Mr. M
Editor/Founder

GENTLEMEN'S AVENUE

Modern Men of Tradition and Distinction

Tag Archives: Leonardo Da Vinci

Modern Renaissance Man Part II: Grooming Products

The Modern Renaissance Man part I: The Barber Shop