Now I'm not talking about cosmetic surgery, fake tan, guy liner and man-scara. No I am talking about grass roots grooming just like Grandpa use to have.
This all came about by looking for a local barber, capable of keeping my quiff and mutton chops in check. Unfortunately for me both of them carry the rebellious gene and with out any effort can leave me looking like a electrocuted Amos Brierley...(not a good look.)
A quick surf on the internet and I found a place called Jacks of London. Original modern barbers, "chuffin ell, I, thought, that's right up street that!"
So I headed on down to there, as I walked through the door. I enquired about a haircut. The stylish looking dude informed me that it's no appointment and as soon as a stylist becomes available then he will give me a shout. Until then would I like a complimentary beer, tea, coffee or soft drink? Accepting a beer I walked over to the waiting area. Now if anyone ever watched Desmond's you couldn't be further from this place. Along with barber seats and hair products was a fridge full of beer, computers with free access, console games, magazines and a mp3 player.
After spending some time in the males Aladdin's cave, A young but interesting guy offered to take my coat and directed me to a barbers chair, before asking me what I wanted he complimented me on my style and said that his dad was a Teddy boy and his girlfriend runs a vintage fair. I instantly felt in safe hands.
We then got round to chatting about what I wanted. I explained that this was my first dabble in the world of modern male grooming. With that I had my barnet washed and massaged with Moroccan oil he then got to work on cutting my hair and advised me on how to stop certain bits looking like wild mint. A neck shave later and I, was looking good. I decided to have my first cut throat razor shave just like grandpa use to have at this moment. Wow what a experience, hot towels, face massage and shave so close I felt like I had the skin of a baby's arse.
Looking in the mirror i felt euphoric and can honestly say I felt like the man!
This all of a sudden dawned on me. with every little bit of grooming i had the more i felt better about myself. and so far i had only had my hair cut and a shave.
A few weeks later while shaving myself I decided to change my cartridge razor for a safety razor kit. again just like Grandpa's.... the following arrived.
Having thick hair and eyebrows, I normally shave between them to stop me looking like Ming the merciless. I herd about eyebrow threading, waxing etc and thought. what the hell, lets give it a bash, so I booked myself in to a salon for a wax (to shape and separate.)
I was advised that waxing wasn't as painful as threading, one step at a time I thought to myself. Slowly, slowy catch the monkey. Sitting there with a lady laughing and being jovial as she paints hot wax on to me, did make me question her reasons for employment.
A few silent screams and muscle tensions later, I saw no difference apart from heavy redness, I was informed no make up for 24 hours.... well it was the weekend I guess!
The next day, I got a few compliments on my eyes, so again a little confidence boost.
I really am enjoying my slow but interesting journey of male grooming. I'm learning that to put effort into looking good is a great way to boost your confidence.
Wonder what will be next on the list for this old school Teddy boy.....?
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