How to care for your Moustache

You might see more men than usual rocking moustaches during the month of November.

It’s not some cutting edge trend you’re not aware of, but most likely due to Movember, the annual event that takes place throughout the month. The idea is that you proudly grow a moustache and raise a bit of cash in aid of men’s health issues, including testicular cancer and suicide.

Thinking of joining them? There are few things you need to keep in mind. From growing it out from scratch to carving a new one out of an existing beard, here’s everything you need to know about caring for your new-found moustache.

Tips on growing a moustache from scratch.

If you’re planning to grow a moustache from scratch, you might have to think twice. 

A Movember moustache is not likely to grow very long in just one month. So try experimenting with the shape. Why not try a pencil style moustache, with a narrow line parallel to the top lip - think classic Clark Gable or John Walters. It’s easy to do and doesn’t require an awful lot of hair.

Another style you could experiment with is a chevron moustache, which has angled sides from the middle of the nose to corners of the mouth or just beyond (depending on your growth). 

The best thing to do, as always, is visit your barber and ask for guidance.

How to convert your beard into a moustache? 

If you already have a beard and fancy trimming everything but the moustache off, where do you begin?

The first tip is to be careful - place a finger on your precious moustache before you start trimming to avoid accidentally taking length away. Or use some of the goatee or cheek area to create an elaborate masterpiece - use an edging style trimmer to shape it.

Afterwards, you’ll want to wet shave your cheeks, neck and the areas around your moustache. Follow your trim with a luxurious shaving cream - and a good shave to create neat lines. Make sure you are symmetrical. Once you have the basic shape - look at how you can adapt the weight or length of what hair is there in order to optimise the look.

To book your next (or first) hair appointment at Barbers of Cheltenham get in touch with us on:

Cheltenham  07970195002

Or book online plus you can keep up to date with all our special offers and barbers of cheltenham news by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

How to get the closest shave at home.

Shaving is a lost art. Many brands today will try to sell you the most technologically advanced electric razors, which aim to get the job done as quickly as possible.

They may be an efficient, faff-free solution, but electric razors will never be able to give you a shave as close as the old fashioned, manual way.

If you want the closest shave possible, there’s really only one way to go. That is, with a brush and a safety or straight razor. One of life’s great modern luxuries is a wet shave, but for ultimate convenience, the same result can be had at home. You’ll need a bit of time, patience and the right technique, but once you master it, a wet shave every few days can be both a relaxing and rewarding way to look your best.

If you’re looking to get the closest shave in the comfort of your own home, follow these five simple steps. Put down the electric razor and go classic. You won’t regret it.

5 steps to a close shave at home:

• Have a hot shower first. This ensures your facial hair will soften and your follicles open up, giving you the best chance for a good shave.

• Give yourself a home-made hot towel treatment. Fill the sink with water as hot as you can stand. While you’re doing this, put your shaving brush in the sink to soak. Add Olbas oil to the water and mix it in if you want an enhanced steaming effect. Fold the towel in half longways and then roll up. Dip halfway in and then wring out before repeating on the other end. Hold against your face for as long as you can feel the heat. Breathe and relax!

• The next step is to lather your stubble using a shaving brush and DAVINES Shaving Cream - Gel-to-foam formula for a fast, close and gentle shave, enriched with Alkekengi extract for its soothing properties.

• . Put an olive size amount into a shaving bowl, then dab and swirl your shaving brush in it for a minute or so. Once the soap lathers up and melts down into the brush, start vigorously brushing your face in a circular motion. Use up as much of the cream as possible for a good, even coverage, (but remove lather from any skin tags or moles so you don't cut them). Bonus tip: to tell if the lather is ready, make sure it has a good slippery feel between thumb and index finger. Ensure it feels wet, not greasy and that the lather doesn’t run between your fingers.

• Shave with your razor of choice. How you shave depends on the razor type - eg if using a cut throat or safety razor, then shaving angle, blade approach and skin tension are crucial. It is not advised to go against the ‘grain’ or the growth pattern of your beard. So go with the grain in parallel strokes, and if you need to get closer try a diagonal stroke.

• Once you’ve finished shaving, hydrate and soothe your skin with a post shave balm. You ideally want one with soothing and hydrating properties. DAVINES Post Shave Double use: daily moisturiser and after-shave, Hydrating, protective and soothing action, light non-greasy texture with karité butter and babassu butter enriched with organic cutleaf groundcherry extract. Vibrant citrus fragrance. 93,3% from natural origin.

To book your next (or first) hair appointment at barbers of cheltenham get in touch with us on:

Cheltenham  07970195002

Or book online plus you can keep up to date with all our special offers and barbers of cheltenham news by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram