FASHION TIP OF THE MONTH: JUNE

"MENS SUMMER HAIRSTYLE"



As of last week summer has officially started. Unfortunately almost always lost in the shuffle of planing vacations, camping trips, bbq’s, parties, etc., is mens hair. I think for the most part because fashion, style, and grooming aren’t at the top of most men’s priority list. It usually ends up falling completely by the wayside. For most all men, getting a haircut is more of an inconvenience and a burden than anything else. It costs money, it takes time, it just grows back, and you usually don’t care all that much how it looks anyway, as long as it is easy to style in a few seconds during your morning rush.
I think it is safe to say that most men wait way too long to get their hair cut. The truth is that men should be getting their hair cut once every three weeks; the best haircut is the haircut that goes unnoticed. If someone says “hey, I like your haircut” or “did you just cut your hair?” that’s a bad thing. Getting your haircut every three weeks will help you keep year round attractive hair without the hideous “grown out” phase.
Most guys procrastinate and allow their hair to grow out to the point that they, themselves, or their girlfriend/wife can’t stand it any longer. At this point they will then concede and finally give in to getting a haircut, but by then it’s been a month or two so the haircut is so drastically different that it would be impossible to not have people notice. Then this cycle continues and it’s rinse and repeat every few months.
Great news guys: It’s summertime and I have the perfect solution for you. It’s something I like to call the “Buzz & Scruff” hairstyle. What is it you ask? It is a haircut & facial hair combo that aside from being as low maintenance as it gets, it’s also the perfect haircut for the summer heat, very inexpensive, extremely high fashion. And the best part is it can be completed by a skilled technician, (yourself), in the courtesy of your own home, and is guaranteed to improve your look.

Throughout this post I will be interjecting a variety of celebrity photo testimonials of their before and after "Buzz & Scruff" hairstyle improvement.

- David Beckham







THINGS YOU’LL NEED
Electric hair clippers with attachment clip guards, one or two wall or handheld mirrors, scissors, a towel, and the hand-eye coordination of a child.

- Paul Walker





PREPPING
Choose an area inside or outside of your house that has access to an outlet and preferably a mirror. If you have an amazingly fit body (much like myself) take off your shirt and drape a towel around your neck, it is also fine to just leave your shirt on and drape the towel over it and around your neck.

- John Mayer













THE HAIRCUT
Based on the current length of your hair and how thick and corse it is you may need to start by using scissors to cut your hair to an inch or two in length so that it is easier for the clippers to cleanly run through and cut the hair.
Depending on the desired length, attach either the #3 clip or the #4 clip to the clippers. Any other size attachment clip can leave your hair looking either too short or too long. If you have a receding hairline I recommend using the #2 clip. Remember it’s a buzz haircut we are going for here. You will only be using one clip for the entire haircut. When you are finished it should all be one length.
Slowly run the clippers from the front of your head to the back of your head in even strokes repeating often and when necessary. It is important to use the extra mirror to check the sides and back of your head and to make sure that everything is evenly cut. Be sure to spend extra time on the harder to reach areas around your ears and the back of your neck. It is best If you have someone to remove the clip and help you tighten up around your ears and straiten your neckline. This is one of the few and only times that self administered haircuts from home are a good idea.

- Matthew Fox










FACIAL HAIR STUBBLE/SCRUFF
This is a key aspect and is almost as important as the haircut itself. The haircut and facial hair go hand-in-hand on this; one can’t go without the other. Much like a valued rug that “really ties the room together,” the facial hair is an essential piece of the puzzle that should tie “the look” together. Your face should never be clean shaven. Having a little facial hair will give your face more shape and character. The ultimate goal is to have the stubble/scruff give off the impression that maybe you care.. maybe you don’t. It should never look unkept or be mistaken for the beginning stages of a beard, opt for five o’clock shadow or just a little longer. For some, using the same clippers with no clip guard on your face once or twice a week will accomplish this look,. Others that have to shave daily and grow facial hair more rapidly, may need to purchase a beard trimmer and use one of the lower setting on your face once a day.
Last but not least, as you can see, this is the perfect style for anyone tired of constant razor burn.

- Robert Downey Jr.









LOW MAINTENANCE
Not only will this hairstyle quickly improve your current look, but it really is the lazy man’s hairstyle. There is no need to style or use any hair products. It is one of the only hairstyles that look great and only requires towel drying. It really is the best of both worlds. With this hairstyle you should be buzzing your hair once a week to keep it looking clean cut and well kept.

- Justin Timberlake





LOW COST
With this hairstyle you no longer have to take time out of your busy schedule to make an appointment, drive somewhere out of your way, spend twenty to thirty dollars you don’t have, all for a less-than-average haircut. For the same amount of money you spend for one or two haircuts, you can buy a new full set of hair clippers. This is a classic look that works for all ages and doesn’t only have to be seasonal if don’t want it to be. You could continue this hairstyle year round for as long as you want and still have the best look of everyone you know.

- Jack Johnson









NO EXCUSES
Old habits die hard, and If you’ve had the same type of “just add gel” hairstyle since you were a kid, it’s time to switch it up. Excuses like “my face is too fat,” “I have a weird shaped head,” “it wont work with my receding hairline,” “I’m too old,” or whatever other excuse you can think of is completely false and just an excuse. This hairstyle really has no flaws so get out of your comfort zone and try something new. When was the last time you remember getting a complement on your hairstyle from someone other than your mother? Like I’ve said before, this will only improve your look.

- George Clooney






EXTRAS
Having a tan with this hairstyle doesn’t hurt. If you are stuck inside all day and can’t get outside in the sun, feel free to spend the extra money you are now saving on a tanning pass. Salt & pepper is in. So if you have some grey hair and/or grey facial hair, this is the perfect hairstyle for you. Throw away all the hair dye and embrace your distinguished grey. (See George Clooney above).

And to prove I practice what I preach, I've included this photo of me from last summer.