The goods on grooming for guys

The goods on grooming for guys

“I anticipate a serious demand for our hot-towel shaves once the playoff season ends,” says Clarence de Silva of Male Essentials Grooming Lounge. This new modern-day barbershop, where guys gather and groom, is the go-to spot in downtown Vancouver for men who appreciate a little sprucing up (see side story).

Time it
Shower first. The steam opens the pores, releases any dirt and softens stubble.

Prep work
Wash your face with a good cleanser to exfoliate and buff the skin for a smooth surface. Pat off excess water, leaving skin damp, and apply pre-shave oil to the face and neck to minimize razor clogging and skin scraping.

Lather up
Shaving gel or cream provides a protective barrier against nicks and scrapes and lets the razor glide. A dab will do; rub in your hands with a little warm water to lather up, then massage into damp skin in a circular motion to lift hairs.

Master technique
Get a decent razor. It matters. You get better handling with a quality razor. Start soft—with the supple stubble on your cheeks and neck—and tackle the tough, copper-wire stuff—around your lips and chin—last to give it more softening time. Hold skin taut in front of the razor and use short, swift strokes in the direction of hair growth.

Post pamper
Rinse your face with cool water to remove stray hairs and soap and close pores. Pat dry with a towel and finish off with a shaving balm to soothe the skin. Again, a dab will do, massaged into skin in circular motions. And you’re good to go.

Catch the game and grab a beer while being pampered. At Male Essentials Grooming Lounge, hockey’s playing on the big screen and a complimentary cold Heineken comes with your treatment.

Male Essentials; mymaleessentials.com;
1-877-9 SHOPME (1-877-974-6763) or 604-681-1911;
817 Granville Street, Vancouver

Words | Barb Sligl

Photos | Georgia Esporlas