Monday 27 November 2017

Beard Maintenance by Pall Mall Barbers

November 30th marks an important date for many men with the decision having to be made on what to do with that Movember moustache. Does it stay, does it go, or is it time to add on the accompanying beard? A lot of “Natural”, “Imperial” and “Handlebar” moustaches will make a hasty departure on the 1st December but for those wanting to keep them, or increase them, there are a few tricks and tips to help maintain their healthy luster. Erin of Pall Mall Barbers talked me through the required maintenance as we set about taming my own unruly beard, and she also showed me a new way to use scent.

Movember began life in 2003 and was the brainchild of Travis Garone and Luke Slattery. Originally starting in Melbourne with thirty participants, it had grown to 5,232,625 members by 2016 and was celebrated in twenty-one countries. The funds raised from the facial topiary are all ploughed into Men’s health with an emphasis on Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer and, more recently, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention. The attention that they have drawn to the issues surrounding Men’s health has been phenomenal and it all started with the humble moustache.

This year I have grown and shaved off my beard numerous times and this was partly because I really didn’t know how to look after it. So I decided that it was time to seek expert help from the award-winning Pall Mall Barbers and Erin, who is the manager of their Westminster barbershop. It is literally right next to St James tube station so has become a popular fixture with the city-bearded workers. Erin is one of the top beard sculptors in London and, after being a barber for more than fifteen years, has a lot of tricks up her sleeve.

Whether you have a beard or a moustache one of the most important things is shampooing and conditioning, as you would with your hair. Erin reminded me that lots of things can end up in there, let’s not dwell on that for too long, and so cleanliness is key. You can also help this by shaping the moustache so that it is shorter at the cupids bow and becomes longer as it travels to the corner of your mouth. You also need to give yourself a good seven weeks before that stylish moustache-waxed twirl will really hold its own, so be patient.

For the full beard wearer the most important part is trimming. If you cut the side sections shorter then it emphasises the mouth and chin area and so gives you that fuller effect. Snip away any hairs that are growing at funky angles but remember that three small snips are better than one badly judged gouge. Erin also recommended a gentle hairline around the neck instead of a harsh sharp line. Firstly it’s easier to do and secondly it makes the whole beard flow more smoothly. Now, on to a new way to wear scent.

Scenting the beard or moustache isn’t as strange as it sounds. Hair pomade has been used for centuries and shaving cream comes in a multitude of scents. Pall Mall Barbers have created their own signature fragrance based around Sandalwood & Clove but it’s the beard oil that Erin strongly recommends. After showering, while the hair is still soft and slightly damp, apply a small amount of oil and work into the hair. It helps to condition, smooth and strengthen so that your beard or moustache can be a thing of beauty. Finish off with a spritz of their Sandalwood & Clove Cologne and you’re set for the day.

For more information about Pall Mall Barbers, to book an appointment, or to shop their full Sandalwood & Clove grooming range you can visit the website at PallMallBarbers.com or just pop into one their five London barbershops.


[Images © Pall Mall Barbers]

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