"The Town" hits screens Friday....

And most people who know me know I love anything having to do with Boston, Irish Mob, etc. (The Departed best movie in years). But as a barber I am really stoked about the look that Ben Affleck has taken. The truth is I would never of expected to see Ben Affleck to take suck a short tapered cut....actually looks good. Can not wait to go see this movie.....Oh Slaine is in it!

So it is product review time - Hairgum USA has teamed up with Mister Ducktail to come out with a grease and a shampoo. The grease has what my kid said smelled like vanilla cherry coke and truth is she was not far off. It has a Cherry cola scent to it which I really like and the shampoo has the same scent.

The shampoo or as they like to call it a "Degreaser" is kind of cool cause it has these little micro-beads in it that kind of acts like and exfoliant to help get the grease out and truth is it kind of feels cool when you wash your hair. The question really is "Does it work?" and the answer is it does actually help.

I only have one complaint and I am starting to get over that and that is the size of the grease tin. The tin is only 1.3 fluid oz. which is pretty small but the longer I keep it around the more I like the idea of keeping it in my back pocket along with my comb.

It is definitely worth checking out...if your local barber does not have it let me know and I will have some available in a short while for resale ( hopefully sooner then later).

Been crazy....

So I have been a bad blogger. On the side I book shows for the kids in the town I live in and so that has been keeping my attention for the last few weeks and hopefully since the show is next week things will start to slow down.

Lately I have been on a mission of sorts trying to understand what it takes to open a business. What business you ask well a barbershop, silly!! As I e-mail people and talk to em I find the biggest expense is your property. If you open a business in a location with high rent that means you have to charge accordingly to make sure you are able to cover your costs. There are so many variables: location, services, target demographic....etc, etc.

For me I do not want some cut rate chop shop that you charge 7 dollars or less. I want something that barbers would be proud to work at and men would be happy to come to for a haircut and a shave.

Takes a lot of time to really figure out what you want and how to do it right...not something to rush into lightly that is for sure!!

Just a thought!! Have a great weekend

Barber Versus Stylist

So today Ivan Zoot posted a link to an article by a gentleman named Carlos Rogers from Philadelphia. (Barber v. Stylist article....please read) .

So as I sat and read the article I actually became kind of annoyed because many traditional barbers that are out there- there are just as many barbers that are changing things. Bringing traditional barbering in with new skills and new styles.

Even us simple minded slack jaw barbers know we need to know what is going on so we can make a living. (please note the sarcasm!!)

I am a barber...proud of my trade and we as barbers proudly embody. This gentleman say he started in the barbershop then why the cheap shot?

Thank you and good night!!

Soccer and Barbers...not a bad combo

Tonight is more video content then anything. Just some cool stuff to watch that I have found...especially since I am a soccer fan....so enjoy!!

Lets start with a shop called TURNSTYLES located in Oxted, Surrey. (www.turnstyles.co.uk/) This soccer themes barbershop is kinda dope really especially if you are a fan of football. It is kind of like Sports Clips here in the US except for it revolves around the sport of soccer and it seems like they people that work that actually cut hair. (just call it like I see it). Just watch it for yourself and enjoy.



World Cup has come to an end but if you missed the next couple of videos courtesy of Adidas All I am going to say is as a barber I really like these videos!!

How to start a barbershop...

This article is one reason why I love the internet. When you pay attention to other people who are leaders in your trade and see whats going on then you get to find things like this. I followed a link on twitter courtesy of Ivan Zoot (head educator for the Andis Company you can follow him @clipperguy).

Enjoy

• Overview

  If you are in the hair styling industry, one of the most frustrating aspects to being an independent contractor or employee is that your level of clientele may hinge on the professionalism of your barber shop owner. If you believe you can do a better job managing a barber shop and reel in more clients, perhaps it's time you put your theory to the test. Managing a shop requires dedication, time and energy, in addition to excellent people skills and a good business sense. Observe your employers before you jump in, detailing how you will improve your barber shop.
• • Determine what services you will offer based on services provided at previous employers or local competition. If you are already in the industry, one of your greatest sources of feedback is your current clientele. Ask them what changes or services they would like to see implemented. Determine if you will open a co-ed shop or offer additional services such as pedicures, manicures, waxing and shoe shining.

  • Step 2

    Contact your state's cosmetology board or licensing department to learn the requirements and fees for obtaining a barber shop permit. For example, in the state of Texas, a barber shop must have at least one sink, wash basin, or hand sanitizer for every three chairs or stations. Obtain your business license and sales tax permit.

  • Step 3

    Develop a business plan that details operating costs, start-up costs, advertising costs, staff requirements, anticipated clientele and how you intend to compete. Create a competitive pricing list to determine what type of profits you can expect and how much you can afford to spend on your rent. Generally, your rent should not exceed 10 percent of your projected gross revenues.

  • Step 4

    Scout out potential locations for your business. Moving into a location that has already been zoned for barbering will significantly reduce your workload and eliminate the need for building permits or zoning approval. Busy barber shops may have a waiting period between clients. Look for a location in a shopping center or near other businesses that your clientele frequent. Contact a commercial broker to show you vacancies. Be sure to thoroughly research your broker and ensure that he understands your business needs.

  • Step 5

    Hire an attorney to review the details of the lease agreement, such as the landlord's responsibility with repairs, expansion potential, early lease termination clauses and what happens if an adjacent business moves out. Hire an accountant to learn the tax requirements for hiring an independent contractor or an employee.

  • Step 6

    Get your shop inspection ready. Purchase salon insurance. Equip your facility with adequate equipment, supplies and cleaning products. Address all public safety, licensing and sanitation regulations. Then contact your health department to set up an inspection.

  • Step 7

    Hire well-groomed, licensed barbers. If hiring contractors, ensure that they have liability insurance coverage. Develop a dress code policy for your employees. Encourage employees to avoid gossip.

  • Step 8

    Offer discounts to your existing clientele for customer referrals. Host a grand opening. Submit press releases. Get your barbershop listed in local directories. Start a website for your shop.

I love razors.....

So last week I am hanging out at my buddy Luis's shop Covenant Barbershop here in Fresno and a rep from a company called MD Barber Supply out of Bakersfield shows up pimpin' his wares.

While he is chatting with Xavier it dawns on me that this company has a really solid razor I have been wanting to get my hands on. It is at this moment he whips out there newest toy.

MD BLACK DRAGON Razor

Black handle....Stainless steel, powder coated and well just damn cool in my opinion!! Crap man my favorite color is flat black! When you put your razor blade in you see the edge of the blade against the black.

Good balance and not a heavy weight razor at all.
for more info www.mdbarber.com

The Art of Shaving has teamed up with Gillette and has given us the new Gillette Fusion but please understand you can not buy this at wal-mart or any other discoutn retailer. It is chrome and really kind of cool.
"... perfectly balanced and weighted to feel like a natural extension of your hand, maximizing stability and control. Gentle micro-pulses help you reduce friction and increase razor glide*. The built-in spotlight, the first of its kind, reveals details normally in shadow - such as under the chin and jaw line - to help you avoid missed spots and make every stroke count. The sleek, contemporary handle is an ideal combination of ergonomics and innovative design, handcrafted in polished chrome and wrapped in a matte black, thermo-resin grip."

There are just fancy words for a good razor...I have had the opportunity to use this razor truth is it is a good razor. The gift sets make a great gift for your pops or someone cool.
more info www.artofshaving.com

Courtesy of Ivan Zoot....enjoy

Classic Barbering

Traditional, Familiar, Consistent...

What it is: The traditional barber shop hair cut. Performed on dry hair. Lightly misted with water for control during cutting.

Who it is for: Men and boys in search of classic looks with contemporary style.

Specialized tools: Classic barber tools are the only real way to go here. Electric clippers and trimmers and long bladed scissors and blending shears are the tools of barbering.

Ivan's unique approach: I have a cosmetology license and a barber license. This unique, combined educational background allows me to draw form the best of classic barbering, combined with the latest in contemporary cosmetology. The art and science of hair cutting is melded to create unique, classic but contemporary men's hair cutting looks. An Andis Master clipper and T-Outliner trimmer are my tools of choice for unparalleled barbering excellence. The 44/20 blending scissors is another legendary tool I choose to employ for creating finished looks that look great from day one until the return visit to the shop.