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Although I’ve gone all electric with my shaving gear at the moment, both because I have a beard that only needs modest trimming and because it makes travel easier, this “Roll Up” from John Allan is god damn appealing. It’s basically a strip of leather with interlocking pockets inside that hold various cremes and tinctures, not to mention a razor or two. Roll it up and tie it off with the leather straps for easy travel.

Yes, it’s $245 for what essentially amounts to a bunch of two-ounce bottles of shampoo, but look at the leather straps.

Product Page [John Allan's via Shaving Stuff]

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The Democrat’s campaign committee picked up the tab for two haircuts at $400 each by celebrity stylist Joseph Torrenueva of Beverly Hills, Calif., according to a financial report filed with the Federal Election Commission.

FEC records show Edwards also availed himself of $250 in services from a trendy salon and spa in Dubuque, Iowa…

First, what kind of a salon in Dubuque, Iowa can charge that much for a haircut? And secondly, this begs for me to ask, what is the most you have ever paid for a haircut? Also, what’s your thoughts on tips?

I once dropped $30 for a haircut at a Regis Salon in Dallas because the prices at the Regis Salons in Kansas are $17 and assumed it would be the same, not so much in Dallas. Normally I goto Sportsclips or a similar chain for my ho-hum doo.

Edwards’ haircuts cost a pretty penny [MSNBC]

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Cleave Shaves with New Steam Pad (Nov, 1931) [ModernMechanix]

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Impress your friends with this handy chart of beard names. Not everything is a goatee!

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Diane started on one side of my groin and worked her way across with intense attention to detail. Slowly and painfully, section by section, I went from the proverbial peaches to nectarines.

Patrick offers a few tips at the end of his brief but concise article, including what appears to be the must crucial advice on the matter for intrigued parties:

2: Be sure that you have at least ¼ inch of hair to work with. If you have less hair, the results won’t be as clean or smooth and the experience will be more painful.

Though I haven’t tried this particular treatment thus far myself, I might also add that a few cocktails prior to one’s appearance at the salon may well aid in overcoming the nerves; I would assume that, for most men, it’s not the pain that we fear so much as the humility of baring our boys to some stranger with hot wax and a tongue depressor.

So. Who’s down for some nut waxing?

Do I Dare to Go Bare? One Man’s Journey from Peaches to Nectarines [beautynewsnyc.com]

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Year: 1966
Song: “Christmas Time Down Under”
Hair: Shoulder-length flip.

Who knew that ON-J was such a teen sensation? She made her break trying to convince the world that Aussies don’t roast crocodiles over a pit for Christmas. (You’re thinking Easter.)

Year: 1972
Song: John Denver’s “Country Road”
Hair: Straight, slight wave.

ON-J Seemed to spend much of the early to mid ’70s singing pablum on television variety shows.

Year: 1978
Song: “A Little More Love”
Hair: Fully ’70s puffy with bangs.

It’s so strange to know that just a few years separate this ON-J from the short-haired, sexually assertive ON-J of the early ’80s. (See the same song re-recorded just a few years later for the difference.) Every Australian donated one sequin each to supply ON-J with enough for her and her back-up singers.

ON-J was also working the “Sandy” hair in ‘78 from time to time, as seen in this third version. As the astute YouTube commenter “cagwa” notes, “somewhere between gay and hot lies this video.”

Year: 1980
Song: “Xanadu”
Hair: Mullet.

Despite having worn her hair long and down for most of the movie Xanadu, ON-J has it cut short by the time she performs this live version. (The “video” version shows ON-J at her most Farrah, and it totally works.)

Year: 1982
Song: “Let’s Get Physical”
Hair: Short, with bangs.

The post Grease and Xanadu long hair is kaput, culminating in perhaps ON-J’s hottest look: the second-half tennis and headband getup. Too bad all that beefcake made me gay.

Year: 1984
Song: “Twist of Fate”
Hair: Aqua Net travesty.

In the “real life” sequences of this video, ON-J looks great, like a talented Markie Post. (So does John Travolta, in what was one of his last heartthrob roles. Looks like Markie Post, I mean.) But the teased, Debbie Harry look of the video just isn’t doing it for me.

Year: 1988
Song: “Tutta La Vita”
Hair: Straightened, with bangs.

Having pretty much done what she could with America, ON-J headed back to Australia to film the “Down Under” special, led off by this very Hall & Oates-sounding song. (Whoa-a-oh!) Amazingly looks younger than she did in the middle ’80s.

I could find more videos of ON-J through the ’90s, but let’s leave her at her best. Who wants to start my ELO cover band with me? I’ll play the triangle.

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I’ve never seen the commercials for the “Infinity Razor,” which purports to have a blade make of science stuff so everlasting that it won’t need to be replaced for a decade. A Times reporter bought one and tried it out; it shaves like shit, he (more or less) says. Noted!

I’ve always had decent luck with the Gilette Mach 3.

Shaving My Wallet a Lot Better Than My Face [NYTimes]

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Each product is available in a variety of scents, including a default minty variety, as well as cedarwood, tea tree, or fragrance-free. (If you wear cologne, the latter should be your choice.)

Expensive cremes and pomades are a rip-off, so it’ll be nice to be able to pick up a full line of grooming tinctures for under $30. We look forward to trying them out. (And if you get to them before we do, send in your impressions!)

Know Jack: Introducing the H&M of grooming products [Men.Style.com]

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Dethroner was recently invited to visit John Allan’s midtown club (The oldest of four in the NYC area), and indulge ourselves in “The Full Service”. This would entail a scalp massage during the shampoo and conditioning treatment, a hot steamy towel wrapped around our faces, a good haircut and a men’s manicure (simultaneous, mind you), followed by a shoeshine…all while sipping on the beverage of our choice. Of course Joel and I both chose their ice cold Sam Adam’s on tap. Knocked back five each over the course of the afternoon. Speaking for myself, it was an exquisite experience and one that must be repeated.

Taking note that “The Full Service” costs $65 before tipping, it seems a perfectly reasonable little luxury. Let’s add together the average costs of each individual service:

• men’s barbershop haircut: $12—18 (much more if you go to a salon)
• hot towel facial steam: $3—8
• shampoo/conditioner, scalp massage: $10—20
• men’s manicure: $8—12
• shoeshine: $6—10
• beverage: $3—25 (depending on what you drink and how many. I capped it at $25 due to the volume of beer we consumed)

Total: $42—93 (mean avg. around $61)

(This is before you throw in the value of a few rounds of pool and a cushy enclosed humidor with beautiful leather armchairs in which to smoke your cigar. John Allan’s provides these as well, but bring your own stogie.)

At John Allan’s you will get all of these services performed with expert civility and professionalism, by a staff who genuinely seems to care about the services they perform, in an environment that is designed to perfectly suit a gentleman’s sense of style and comfort. Every chair you’ll sit in feels designed for a man to be perfectly at ease within. The key is to relax and indulge, as men of refinement in an upscale joint utterly lacking in snootiness. The art is regularly rotated, and the blues and jazz and classic rock pumped in throughout the house is potent but not overwhelming. My South African hairdresser, Michelle, confided that several of her regular clients are so relaxed that they usually fall asleep in her chair while receiving their hand massage from the manicurist.

If you’re the kind of man who would like to make this treatment a regular habit (ie – if you already keep your hair trimmed twice a month), you would do well to become a member; this is more than a salon, this is a men’s grooming club.

At $720 per year, John Allan’s members are entitled to unlimited visits to the salon with the complete full service each time—if you visit only twice a month you’re already saving over half of what the total costs would be to a non-member. Plus, as a member, the bar will keep a bottle you may wish to provide of your private liquor, labeled for only your use but on display in full view of envious non-members.

You’ll also receive two gift certificates so you can share the experience with some friends—freebies perhaps being the best advertising. Throw in 10% off the additional services, such as facials, body massage, hair coloring, and pedicures, as well as the increasing familiarity with the exceptional staff, and the value of the membership becomes that much more worthwhile.

As part of our introduction to the total John Allan’s experience, the management provided us with a care package from their extensive product line. Nothing here, if viewed in your bathroom by overnight guests or visiting buds, will leave anybody questioning your manhood; it’ll just make you come off like you give a damn about your appearance and grooming, but not too much.

A. MINT Invigorating Hydrating Conditioner. It’s incredibly thick, very rich, and definitely permeated with peppermint essence, which tingles and cools the scalp. It rinses out easily and seems to be quite effective at softening hair even after a very quick cycle, even though it is supposed to be left in for 3 to 5 mins. I have a lot of color and heat damamge on the ends of my hair, and it treated them well.

B. OCEAN Daily Nourishing Shampoo. This one’s a cleanser, it very effectively rids the hair of any product buildup, dirt, or oils that the body produces every day. It contains aloe vera for moisture, so even without following up with a conditioner it still leaves your hair soft, but not dried out, like many similar purifying shampoos can.

C. THICK Deep Cleansing Volumizing Shampoo. Aptly named, this is perfect for men with thinning hair issues, providing richly enhanced natural wave and texture. It’s infused with botanical extracts and vitamins, such as B5, which penetrates the hair shaft and encourages supple body.

D. FACE Replenishing Moisturizer. If John Allan can help men with any single lesson, let it be that we learn the importance of taking proper care of our facial skin. It’s not just about preventing wrinkles and signs of age; it’s about keeping it soft and hydrated in spite of environmental stresses. This stuff is great for that, absorbing fast, and with a low viscosity, it leaves almost no greasy residue.

E. SPLASH Cooling After Shave With A Bite. Great old school aftershave! It has slight astringent properties, so any nicks or cuts will surely sting, but it’s a good sting. The light, masculine scent is nice and subtle, and the witch hazel is a perfect facial tonic. You’ll feel like your grandfather as a young man after using this. Not a bad way to feel.

F. GELLE X Weightless Volumizing Gel. Honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of this product, but being rather anti-gel, I’m a slightly biased consumer, so bear that in mind. I also have longer hair, and gel doesn’t suit my style. That said, it’s definitely light, only modestly sticky, the hold is gentle yet firm, and it does feel fairly weightless. A little will go a long way since it spreads very easily, and men with thinning or short hair will appreciate how it adds extra volume.

G. SHAVE As Close As You Want To Get. This conditioning cream is very nice on shorter, thinner beards, and it definitely locks in moisture, which is the whole point to shaving creams. On thicker coarser bears you may want to opt for something that holds the heat of hot water a bit better, or just use an electric razor instead.

H. LIP Spearmint Lime. What is it about lime-flavored products that denote a sense of manliness anyway? It’s irrefutable, as far as I’m concerned, and this is indeed as manly a lip balm as I’ve ever used. It’s far from mediciney, but it’s certainly not effeminate or sweet either. The mint tastes good, and the lime tastes…virile. Oh, and it works pretty well at keeping the lips from drying, too.

I. BLU Waterbased Pomade. (not pictured) The key here is that it’s water-based, which means that unlike waxy, oil-based pomades of bygone days, it rinses out easily and is less than greasy to the touch. Probably won’t cause as many zits either. It works great with a flat iron, I found, but a little dab on the fingers, emulsified with some friction and rubbed right into the hair will give great, forgiving hold, and is pliable all day long. Looks neato, smells nice.

A final note: Some men seem to feel that there isn’t a lot to personal grooming, keeping the process as simple as possible: Get your hair cut every couple of weeks by a $12 barber, keep the nails trimmed, shave and shower daily. Once a month or so, clip the toenails, end of story. A man should have a bar of soap, some shampoo and conditioner, something to shave with, and maybe some aftershave. Anything beyond that is prissy and not masculine, leading the way towards meterosexuality. Why has taking care of one’s appearance, style, and overall presentation become demonized?

Learn more about the John Allan’s salons and their products at johnallans.com.

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Upload pictures of your shave—presumably with some facial hair, although I suppose it’s not strictly necessary—and you’ll be automatically entered to win cash prizes, including a trip to big ol’ New York City to catch a Knicks game. (They’ll even pay for the cab ride from the airport. Swanky!)

Contest Page [PimpMyShave.com]

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It’s not that we’re necessarily fashion-backward in the States, it’s that we like to see the acid test fall on our European cousins first. We’re restrained, if anything. They originate, we innovate, and then next year Japan will elaborate upon the original model and take it to new heights (and lows, depending). Based on that maxim, Japanese men are going to be using a god awful amount of hairspray and gel and mousse soon, if Sandra Cantzler of the German Press Agency is to be believed.

Of this season’s male hairstyles, Cantzler reports that,

bangs…are an indispensable part of men’s current hairstyles. Men who want to be stylish are having their hair done like the musicians of the ’80s band Duran Duran. ‘Provocative and very masculine’ is how the central association of barbers characterizes the new looks.

Interesting. “Provocative” I can see, “masculine” must be German for “foofy.” I kind of don’t see it happening here, though it would be kind of cool if guys started having more fun with their hair, even just letting some grow for a change. I’m sick of the buzz cut—it was boring four years ago and it’s insufferable now. But that’s me, and I’m admittedly a straight fag.

What do you guys think? Are you prepared to work some New Waver hairdoo in a few months?

Clear lines dictate new hairstyles [rawstory.com]

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To make things fair, each competitor is shorn clean on January 1st, giving each just three-and-a-half months to fully sprout. This activity is apparently interesting enough to warrant a documentary. Entitled “Growin’ a Beard,” the documentary from “Beef and Pie Productions” follows the lives of men like Roy Wardlow and Bill Howe, grizzled Dongegal-growing veterans, as they face-off against the likes of Scotty McAfee, a “hairy outsider.” It is available for purchase in a special two-disc set from their fine-looking website (featuring a soundtrack by The Gourds.)

Documentary Page [GrowinABeard.com via MeFi]

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The former “Master Barber” for The Art of Shaving, Perry Gastis, has launched his own line of alcohol-free and (mostly) organic shaving items. Called “The Standard Shave System,” the first run of products includes pre-shave oil, shave cream, after shave balm, moisturizer, and an eye gel.

You’ll be paying dearly to access this collection of salves and creams—the complete set is $181 plus shipping. I think I’ll be waiting for The Gentlemen’s Refinery to come out with a value line.

Home Page [TheGR.com]

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Last night was the gala combing out party for the HairMax LaserComb, the recently FDA-approved device that is one of three medically-recognized hair loss treatments. (The other two being drugs—or at least that’s what someone told us over whisky and wine last night.)

As is typical for product launches, a PR firm threw a drinks-and-appetizers function last night, saucing us all up to mingle with celebrity impersonators who carried their own dummy models of the $550 LaserComb. (I swear I saw Fake Robert DeNiro stick his tongue in a woman’s mouth.) They gave out gift bags—except ours wasn’t a gift bag, unless they meant to give us a LaserComb and some clipboards.

We accidentally stole the LaserComb!

Well, since we’ve already got it…

The Laser Comb comes in a leather case and includes a second set of comb teeth, a power adapter, and some literature in print and on CD. I didn’t bother installing it or reading the instructions. This thing only has two buttons.

At first I thought it might be rechargeable, but it seems it needs mains power to function. It appears to only have a single laser inside, as well, which hits a graded reflector to emit a mess of light. Nothing at all, in fact, like the Laser Comb beams we saw in action on the wall last night, which seemed more like clear individual beams. Maybe this one is a prototype or just out of alignment. The web site claims “nine laser beams,” but that doesn’t mean there are actually nine emitters.

And, uh, that’s it! There’s really not much to say as far as its performance goes. It is indeed a comb with a laser inside. We were told results may take up to two months to be noticed, and since I’m sure the PR firm is eager to get back their missing Laser Comb, I won’t be keeping this one around long enough to do any tests.

For hackers and DIY folks, it appears the laser is a 4.5 mW cw max @ 655 nm +/- 5nm rated aperture made by Lexington International LLC and is a class 3R product, similar to those found in most American laser pointers.

Home Page [LaserComb.net]
Buy a Laser Comb Right Now [Amazon]

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