Gent Trends : Summer 2011
Temperatures are rising and just like women, men want and need to update your look with the change in seasons. What worked for you in January won’t necessarily work for you in June, whether that be the actual haircut or maybe products. If you’re looking to make small tweaks or a big change, dive into this summer’s inspiration.
Neat & Tidy.
Alexander Skarsgard - GQ June ‘11
Darren Criss - GQ June ‘11
Side parted crops are still hot for summer. Easily polished up for a more formal event (wedding anyone?) or roughed up for a more casual approach.
What to ask for : Keep the sides short, either a #2 or #3 guard or scissor over combed (my preferred approach) to the appropriate length. Keep the top long enough to lay down but not so long that it looks completely disproportionate with the sides.
Product to try : Redken Dishevel Fiber Cream. Love this product, specifically formulated for gents (but works great for ladies too!) which means a product that works without an overwhelming scent. Medium hold, with a natural finish - no high shine looks here.
Stubble. Always summer cool.
Ryan Gossling
Tired of everyday grooming? Take heart, stubble is in. The key to pulling off this look in a professional setting is keeping it groomed. That means you can’t look like you just went back woods camping for an entire week when you head into the office Monday morning.
How to groom : If you like Ryan Gossling’s look, try starting with a #3 guard over the entire beard area. From there, travel down to your neck with a #1 guard leaving out an approximately 2 inch section above the adams apple and under the chin. This 2 inch section gets a #2 guard and work to blend (carefully!) your #1 and #3 sections together. New gadget that I’m currently loving, pro vacuum trimmer, the only downside is it is not numbered by traditional barber guards but in millimeters.
Textured Fades.
Joe Jonas
Ryan Gossling : Photo Dave M Benett
Summer is a perfect time to test drive a more daring look. Do you always play it safe and just want a trim? Try asking for the top more textured, or taking your sides a guard (or gasp, even two!) shorter than normal.
What to ask for : For an extremely faded look like Joe Jonas, start with a #1 guard faded up to 2 inches scissor cut on top. This look is easily translated into a more extreme look (think pompadour) or tamed down to your needs (think Ryan Gossling).
Product to try : Always a hit is Redken Dishevel Fiber Cream but I also dig American Crew Fiber. Both give a natural look (low shine) but good all day hold.
Take it all off. (Again.)
Buzz cuts are always a must have for summer. The modern buzz cut is not the do it yourself at home with a pair of discount clippers from a mass retailer. The modern buzz cut pays attention to every detail to keep you looking sharp through the steamiest of days.
What to ask for : Always (even with a buzz cut) ask for the sides shorter than the top. One sure to please request is starting with a #1 guard in the nape with a #2 or #2 1/2 guard on top. The most important step to a successful buzz cut is blending. Make sure your hair professional takes a look at your cut from all angles, and always get the rinse after (it allows for longer hairs to pop up and be caught).
Product to try : Use products with sunscreen to protect that scalp that’s been hiding all winter. I’m loving Redken’s Sun Solar Screen with an easy spray on application or if a styling product is more your speed, try out Axe Styling Cream.
Pro tip : Wait to get your new buzz cut until a Friday, that way you can let your scalp get some sun over the weekend so you don’t blind coworkers. Make sure to use products with SPF!
Ready to up the ante and change your look? You can find me behind the chair at Eleven West Salon & Spa located in downtown Ypsilanti, I’d love to see you!
Questions, concerns or comments?
Email me marlo [at] marlodoeshair.com
Tweet me @marlo_does_hair / @ElevenWestSalon
I do not own or claim to own any of the above images. If these are yours and you would like credit, please do not hesitate to email me at marlo [at] marlodoeshair.com and I will immediately give credit.
