On the move again

Hi everyone.
I'm in the process of moving house so things are a little in the air. I hope no-one minds too much.
But I thought I'd keep everyone updated and at the very latest I'll have some new bloggings going up the very start of September (in time for my birthday too!). So what would everyone like as a special birthday present from me?

- BE

Room 104 (aka: how to make a great barbershop promo)

I've highlighted some barbershop videos on here before ( Inspiration Part 5 ) but I saw this promo from Room 104 posted on Facebook today and I just wanted to share it with you all.
I think it's fantastic. It conveys a strong brand identity, class, style, it's nicely shot and edited, and the atmosphere is kept light and real because of the 'out-take' style shots included (where the models 'break character' etc.).

Room 104 from Jeremy Toth on Vimeo.
Now maybe you don't like this style of barbershop, or the model's 'look' isn't your thing, but you can't deny that this video has great presence to it.
I love how they have those moving-stills shots like something out of an American Crew poster. 
And the little details - the stitching in the clothing, the book on cigars under the bottle of whiskey, the motorbike, and my favourite... a moment so 'blink-and-you'll-miss-it' that its barely noticeable, but if you look at the model's hands at 47seconds in you'll see a patch of dried skin peeled off the thumb-tip. For me that's brilliant. These hands not afraid of hard-work. These hands lift and push and carry and work. The model is somewhat stereotypical "handsome, not-young/not-old, just enough grey to look classy, gentleman" but these hands have seen life. I love it. Probably not intentional but that's even better. 
Videos like this just get my mind racing, planning the day when I'll have my own place and all the little details to go with it... someday...
-BE

As Seen On Tv! (Tomorrow)

Yes, Finally! Tomorrow morning at 9am I am going to legitimately going to be able to use the phrase:

I will be on IrelandAM morning television show, on TV3 channel, at 9am and again at 9.20am for a 5minute interview. I'll also be doing a make-over, and giving shaving tips (trying to promote traditional techniques of course!). I will try my best to record it somehow to upload on here so my readers from across the waters can view it also. Also, if you can't catch it when it's broadcast then you can watch it online here: http://www.tv3.ie/ireland_am.php after it's aired. Anyway I must dash as I have to be up around 5am and I still have lots of things to get together - I hope I don't yawn through the whole interview!
- BE

Articles and Interviews

Hello!
I was going to save posting an entry about these articles until I had my TV appearance on IrelandAM - it was meant to be this Monday but they have had to postpone it until June!
Regardless, I've been receiving quite a bit of media attention lately as a result of my medal-winning, which has been both an exciting and a very new experience for me. When I was at the awards ceremony in the Law Society there was a photographer from the Irish Hairdresser International Magazine: http://irishhairdressermagazine.ie/ and they did a really lovely two page spread in this month's issue about myself, and the winner the Medal Of Excellence in Hairdressing, Michelle Silke. I like how out of the 109 medalists, only 2 were Irish and we got the ones for hairdressing and barbering! If I get a chance to take a better picture of the article I'll put a link to it on here so you can read it but here's a snapshot I took on my phone:

Then I was asked to do a phone interview for the Education Section in The Sunday Times Paper as they were doing a piece on how City & Guilds have their European Headquarters in Ireland now. They sent a photographer around to my workplace to take a photo too! I was just about to start doing a hot towel shave on my friend Jim so the back of his head gets it's moment of fame too!:

And finally The Irish Times Newspaper interviewed me also. This one was an unusual as I met the reporter for a coffee and we just chatted for about half an hour with his dictaphone sitting on the table. Mainly the interview consisted of him asking a few things and me just waffling on about everything I could think of. You can read the interview online (the link is below). It's funny to see the bits he chose to print and how it was all edited together to sound a little more ... "juicy" I guess? For instance, the whole thing about me saying "Hitler Youth Haircut" was not phrased like that and some of the questions he asked were not said at all, rather written to match some of the things I mentioned - but I'm guessing that's how journalism works. Here's the article online: Irish Times Interview , it was also put in print in the magazine suppliment on Saturday, and here's a photo from it:

So there you go! Who knew that I would get this far when I started this blog huh? It all seems a bit unreal to be honest. I wonder if any of my readers out there have been following from the start and what do you all think? It's been quite a journey and it's really only beginning when I think about it. I hope to have exciting news in a couple of weeks!
- BE

View From Behind

Ah yes, you know that moment when your barber has finished up. When they ask you if you are happy with your haircut... you look on top, everything looks good and both ears are intact...
And then the mirror comes out. Yes, so you can see the back of your head. A place where you will never see again until your next haircut. 
Now I know this is so you can see that we haven't shaved our initials into your neckline or left you with a mullet, but every time I pick up my back mirror to show my client my handiwork (and sometimes my neck fade will be my proudest part of the cut for me! Unsurprisingly though I've yet to have a client go "oh lovely fade out on the neckline there... My word, my nape looks at least 200% sexier now, let me be sure to get your name so I can put you in my will"...) I can't help but think of this funny rant by the great English comedian David Mitchell where he approves of the mirror (but not much else!):

The bit at 1.35 in about the "plant squirter" is also hilarious as I'm sure some client's feel that way! I hope this gave you a giggle!

The Fame Update! (London, Awards, TV and Thank YOU!)

The Superstar has returned!

I'm back from my fantastic trip to London and, of course, the City and Guild's Medals For Excellence Awards Ceremony! It was truly fantastic and just like one of those gala awards dinners you see on TVand I really felt like a superstar. It was very surreal.
When myself and my boyfriend arrived at the hotel provided to us for the night I was greeted by the friendly hotel staff and presented with a small envelope containing a congratulations card and a small pin badge to be worn at the ceremony to show I am an award winner. The hotel was very close to the Roundhouse where it was all happening that night so, after getting all spruced up, we walked down to the venue to see they had a red carpet outside leading all the way in, past a whole group of photographers waiting to take everyone's photographs! It was like being snapped by paparazzi! Here's some shots of me on the red carpet (note the huge smile on my face and the white stripe in my red hair for the barber's pole!):

Once inside we were offered free champagne (though I opted for a soft drink) and shown to the balcony overlooking the main floor, where we were treated to a fantastic display of a man, dressed as James Bond, doing an acrobatic routine on silks high above where we would be seated! It was really incredible!

We were then brought to the tables on the main floor and the celebration began! I won't bore you with a minute by minute account but I will say there was great food, great company and great entertainment from an awesome choir who performed some traditional African welcoming songs! The host for the evening was Alex Jones ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/2011/images/dancers/alex_jones624x351.jpg ) who is a mini-celebrity over here! 
Now I know you all are dying to know how I got on in relation to The People's Choice Award which you were all so, so fantastic in voting for me in... Well, I didn't win but I did come 4th out of 109 entrants so that's pretty fantastic in and of itself. And honestly, seeing everyone I know, and some I don't (!) rallying around me and supporting me has really meant so much more to me than that trophy ever would. I know it sounds cheesy but you'd better break open the packet of cream crackers because that's just how I feel!
So what's next for this Diva of the Barbering World you ask? Well, quite exciting things actually! My appearance on IrelandAM has been confirmed for the 30th of April and it will available to view on-line after its airing so I will be sure to post a link. Also, I was contacted just this morning by another promotions agency who are looking to get me a further TV/radio spot so I'll keep you updated with any news I get about that too.
On top of all that I am planning something exciting to post on here just before I am on TV so you can get scootching towards the edge of your seats in anticipation of that too! Okay now that my exclamation point button on my keyboard is nearly falling off I'll sign out!
- BE

Short Update: London and TV Appearance!

Hello everyone,
I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who voted for me over the last few weeks! I'm off to London in two days time where the People's Choice winner will be announced. 
Win or lose, you will be the first to know how things went and I'll post up photos also.
It's all been such an amazing journey when I think back to the start, and ever reader and comment on here has meant so much - I genuinely can't find the words to express how much. I hope to keep doing this for a long, long time and get back on track to regular blogging once I return next week.

Oh and did I mention I'm going to be on TV? 

Yup! I was at the Dublin awards ceremony a week ago, receiving my Medal For Excellence (they had an Irish ceremony for the 3 Irish medalists, before the big London one) and the lady covering the PR for the event told me she had spoken to Ireland AM (a daytime chat-show style program on here in Ireland) about 'my story' and that they want to have me on to talk about receiving the medals, my training, and I even get a few minutes to chat about a topic of my choice. I'm thinking it'll have to be about traditional wet shaving but what do you all think? I've been given an amazing opportunity to tell the Irish public about something to do with barbering - what do you feel is the most important?
Once it's aired I'll have to see if I can get a copy of it recorded to upload to here and show those of you reading from across the water.
Anyway I must dash and start to get everything organised for Thursday. Lots of exciting news to come!
- BE

Tallow Chandlers Awards Luncheon

I feel an update is long overdue about my recent trip to London for the Tallow Chandlers Prize For Excellence that I received last month and previously blogged about.
I've been to London many times, and the visit itself was fleeting, but I have to say the whole event was truly one of a kind! The Tallow Chandlers' Halls are truly magnificent and we were given a tour of the building when we, and the other award winners, had arrived and checked in our coats. After the tour we were announced into a room for a champagne meet-and-greet reception. Yes, that's right... I was announced into a room! How fancy is that huh? I felt so special and like I had gone back in time! My name was called out by the Beadle of the Halls and I walked in, was offered a flute of champagne (but took some orange juice instead), shook hands with Sir Christopher Dudley Pryke Bt MRICS (what a mouthful!) and Dame Josephine Williams DBE, and then was swished into the room and approached by a lot of fancy people with medals around their necks (indicating they were the Masters of the Guild) and asked all about myself!
After a good mingle it was announced that we should proceed into the main hall for the luncheon. The hall is really stunning (you can see a photo of it in the blog entry I link to at the top) and this was my table setting:

Everything was branded with the Tallow Chandlers crest, even the water bottles! The people around me, though upper class and posh sounding, were lovely and down to earth and we had some nice chats during the meal - which was very tasty. Speeches were made and the medallists were introduced one by one. We each had a piece about us, and our achievements, read out and then we went up and received our medal, certificate and an envelope containing a cheque! (Perfect as I needed to buy a new set of clippers!).
After the meal a photographer took our photos and we got them e-mailed onto us just a week ago.
So... I know this is the first time I've ever shown my face on here, but I figure it's about time...
Here I am, proud as punch, holding my certificate and medal!

On Wednesday there is a presentation lunch here in Dublin where I will receive my City & Guilds' Medal and then on the 15th there will be the huge ceremony in London again. I feel like a bit of a celebrity, and to be honest I can't help but sometimes think that I don't really deserve these somehow! Anyway I will keep you all updated on how the other two events go, including the results of the People's Choice Award section - and thank you all again for voting!!!
- BE

People's Choice Award - Please Vote!

**Update: voting is now closed and thank you so much to everyone who voted! I will find out the results on the night of the 15th March at the awards ceremony**

MASSIVE NEWS!!!! And I need everyone's help please and thank you with a shaving brush on top!
As part of the City and Guilds Medal For Excellence, I have won I have a chance to win a People's Choice Award for my barbering and need as many votes as possible. Not only thank but you all get to know what I look like - eeep!
You can vote once a day up until March the 3rd and there's no need to register or anything. 
Just go here:http://www.lionawards2012.com/content/peoples-choice?f=K
Find my smiling mug (barber's pole on either side!) and click on it. "Danielle Keogh" and click vote. Please help me win! And vote daily if you can! Share with everyone you know and massive good karma to everyone!

The Lion Awards present Medals of Excellence which acknowledge the hard work students have put into achieving a City and Guilds qualification. People who have overcome difficult circumstances, have achieved outstanding grades and/or have notably positively contributed to their industry or community as a result of their qualification. I've mentioned all of my journey on here but you can read a summary of it on the website where you vote. 100 medals are given out across the many, many industry sectors (from dog grooming, to car repair, to butler training!). Then, out of these 100 medalists, one will win the People's Choice Award. It's a huge event in London in March and it's across the whole of the UK and Ireland. As previously mentioned, I won the Medal of Excellence for Hairdressing/Barbering. Which is a massive honour as is. But to win this too would be amazing and would mean so much to me as I'm proud of what I've done. 

Thanks everyone! Spread the word!

- BE

The Handmade Soap Company (Ireland)

A few of weeks ago I was in the other branch of the barbers I work in and my boss was showing me some new products from a company called The Handmade Soap Company (HSC for short on here!). I had a quick look but then didn't think too much about them as I was busy in work. However, a couple of days afterwards I got a private message on the Badger & Blade Shaving Forum from a member who recognised my username as he had been talking to my boss only a few days before, and low and behold it was a very nice gentleman from  the HSC called Dave! We had a few messages back and forth and, to cut a long story short, he was interested in my blog having had a look at it, and asked me if I would like to review some of their products on here!
Now, I clearly explained that all products I review get a fair, honest and unbiased review regardless of if I pay for them, get them as a sample or a gift etc. Dave was cool with all of that and asked me what I would like. What a question to present to a girl of limited means with a healthy (?!) addiction to shaving products and soaps!
A few days later this wonderful lot landed on my doorstep! Dave had sent me my entire wish list (despite me saying for him to just pick and choose a few from it that he'd like a review on).

Before I was sent these I had seen these products around Dublin in a few places and remarked on how pretty and professional I think the packaging is. It looks clean, unique, eye catching and has a real feel of an artisan product to it.

So here's a summary of what I got. I'll be giving each product a fair test-run before reviewing so expect to see some reviews over the next month or two. 

- Hand Cream (with aloe vera and jojoba)

- After Shave Soothing Cream (with essential oils of lime, basil and sweet orange)

- Body Butter (with aloe vera, sweet almond and shea butter)

- Grandma Quigley's Body Soap (with clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and pine!)

- Shaving Soap For Him (tallow based)

- Shaving Soap For Her (vegetable based)

Upon opening the box there was an immediate wonderful blend of smells. Each item was taken out in turn and given a sniff and look at by myself and my mum who was there at the time. I can't wait to dive into these further!

During our conversing I had asked Dave many questions about the company and products and he happily answered everything I wanted to know. Everything is made using natural ingredients (I can look at the list and know what everything is which is a huge plus in my book!) and you can read more about the makers and who is The Handmade Soap Company (a couple living in Co. Meath) here: The Maker's Story

I love getting gifts but I promise you my readers that I will not let generosity get in the way of honest reviewing. However I can tell you so far that my dealings with the company have been friendly, quick and personal. If all of their customer service is this good then they are off to a great start! Review-time soon!

- BE

Inspiration (Number 5!)

Well in my last post I asked you all to stay tuned for 'number 5' in my inspiration list. Hopefully you haven't wasted away in anticipation but here it is...


5. Old School Barbershop Nostalgia.
Sometimes my inspiration and drive will come from going back to the root of why I started doing this, not just the haircuts involved. For me it's the nostalia and the old-school feel. I have a great book simply called 'Barbershops' that I got as a gift a while back and I love looking through it at all of the gorgeous photos of barbershops. I also have a DVD called "Barbiers: une histoire d'homme" that is full of wonderful history and stories of barbering. Heck, even watching the modern "Barbershop" films makes me smile at the sense of community it shows going on in barbershops in black communities right up to this day.
I'm a member of the Old School Barbershop group on Facebook and love the photos everyone posts up but, by far, the one thing I like the most is the videos of other barbershops that their owners and staff post up. People who are truely proud of what they have created and the establishment they work in. People who love their craft and this love can be seen in the surroundings they create.
If ever I want to get back to the feel of why I began barbering I can just look at one of these and get a wave of pride in my craft. I can imagine what my own shop could/will look like. I can plan everything down to the detail of the upholstery of the waiting area. So here, to play me out, are a few glimpses into barbershops I hope to visit someday (And the first two I have been in many times!):

The Irish Barber from Tiago Gil Batista on Vimeo.

If you have any videos you'd like to share I'd love to see them!

- BE

Inspiration

Though it's true to say that the day-to-day is often a '3 back and sides',
Occasionally a spark comes out of the dark and inspires the passion inside.


We all have days where it seems like every customer in the chair wants the same haircut. It doesn't mean we don't enjoy the cut any less but personally I love to go and look at various sources every now and again to get some inspiration and to stoke my barbering flame. I wanted to share with you some of my favourite inspirational resources.


1. Hairdressers Journal (online and in print)
...specifically HJMen. http://www.hji.co.uk/blogs/mens-hairstyles/
This gets top of my list as I also subscribe to Matthew's blog feed and he posts some fantastic stuff at the cutting edge of men's hairdressing trends and fashions. Matthew has his eyes open and ears to the ground for new styles coming up and helpfully keeps Joe/Jill Soaps like you and me informed! Not only that but he is 100% top guy who is kind enough to send me on copies of the HJMen magazine (which is part of the standard HJ magazine but only gets published a couple of times a year which is a shame). His most recent post included a fantastic video of the awesome Chris Foster:

Hair By Chris Foster from Classique on Vimeo.


I love his use of concept and colour. It makes me want to go out and get a bunch of guys willing to let me do crazy things with their hair, hire a photography studio and snap away (I used to be a professional photographer so it's a double yearning for me!).


2. Jim Chapman on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/j1mmyb0bba
I've been watching this guy's videos on YouTube for a long time and what initially drew me was his reviews of products. He has now branched out into doing hairstyle reviews and a few other things too. Though the hair related videos have become somewhat diluted by clothing and other topics they are still in there and worth a look. But for genuine honest reviews on styling products check him out first. His bathroom cabinet must be overflowing!


3. Fashionising.com
http://www.fashionising.com/trends/b--mens-hairstyles-mens-haircuts-mens-hair-trends-1225.html
This website is a great resource of photos of current hair trends. They also include short articles and even a few 'how-to's which can be a rare find out there! It's also nice to see that they have a whole section dedicated to men's hairstyles. It seems most places will give a ton of womens and then you have to go searching to find the odd man in there. It's like Where's Wally!


4. BarberStyle.com
http://barberstyle.com/
This wonderful website/blog/general bag o' information posts some wonderful documentaries along with great interviews, competitions and pretty much just a mixed batch of barbering related snippets of interest. I subscribe to their feed so rarely look at the website but it's great whichever way you choose to view it.

5. Google!
Ah yes good old Google. Or to be more specific: Google Image Search. It's a fantastic way to find vintage styles, contemporary styles and everything in between. They won't tell you much about the cuts even if you go to the source page, but as eye candy for inspiration it's a virtually limitless resource. 


As for number 5? Well... that's another blog post altogether and I've gone on long enough already, so stay tuned for the grand finalé!
- BE

Vintage Style (for a good cause!)

Well last weekend I polished my shoes, curled my hair and put on my glad rags! Why? For a wonderful night of music and entertainment all in aid ALONE.
My friend Chris organised a fantastic charity night called The Good Old Times last Saturday night to help raise awareness of, and money for, the charity ALONE. ALONE helps elderly people who may have no close family and who live in isolation, to help support them and maximise their independence. ALONE relies purely on donations and volunteers to keep it running and to keep providing help. They are amazing cause and you can read more about them here: http://alone.ie/vision-values-history/


There were tons of acts involved on the night: singers, dancers, burlesque acts, magicians and escape artists. And yours truly? Well she was recruited to set up a table doing vintage hairstyling! Yup! I had to do a lot of learning in preparation for the night but I got some great compliments on the styles I created and everyone had a wonderful time. Would you like to see some photos of the night? Of course you would! My great friend Rosco was the photographer on the night. You'll have to 'like' his photography page on Facebook to see them but it's worth it: https://www.facebook.com/oyster.zepplin


Now, as it so happened I only had ladies in my chair on the night, but I was more than willing to dapper up any gents who might have requested it so in preparation I went looking online for some nice, smart, vintage hairstyles and I put together a collection of the classics:

Smooth, sharp and swoon-worthy gents indeed! What do you think? Gene Kelly sure was a handsome man! Have I missed anyone obvious? Look at those sculpted finger-waves on Donald O'Connor - he's one of my favourite actors for his wonderful performance in 'Singin' In The Rain'... he could dance almost as well as Kelly but was fair more skilled in my opinion in the fact that he could prat-fall and clown about without missing a beat - some serious talent to look so silly yet be physically pushing yourself to the limit. Honestly, check out the last 30 seconds of this clip for an iconic scene of running-up-walls dancing!

Do who would you have in your top list of vintage gents? You might have guessed by my selection that I like musicals - They sure don't make 'em like the used to! (Though I'm looking forward to checking out The Artist). Drop me a comment above and let me know!
- BE

City & Guilds Medal For Excellence!

HAPPY 2012!!!

Welcome to 2012 everyone! I have some more wonderful news that I received just a couple of days ago.

Remember how in this post just before Christmas  I mentioned that I had been lucky enough to win a Tallow Chandlers Prize? Well, what happened is that my tutor had actually nominated me for a City & Guilds Medal Of Excellence. The C&G people then forward a few candidates onto the Tallow Chandlers Committee for consideration for their award. The winners of the T.C. award are announced first, but, I just found out a couple of days ago that I have also won what I was originally nominated for:

A City & Guilds Medal Of Excellence!

(Photo From http://www.cityandguilds.com/43627.html)

The design of the medal is quite interesting. The image you see above is on one side of the medal and it shows the original City & Guilds Seal designed in 1880 and it bares the coat of arms of several of the founding guilds. You can read the list of then, and which seal is theirs, here: http://www.cityandguilds.com/43627.html .

So... another awards ceremony and another trip to London await me! The event is called the 'Lion Awards' and this time it's in March with a drinks reception, a 3 course meal, a stage show and the awards ceremony hosted by a celebrity guest! Also each winner is given a double/twin room for the night in a nearby hotel - so I can dance the night away afterwards! It's all held in the Roundhouse Venue in London:

(photos found on google image search)

The Lion Awards themselves are additional awards given out on the night for things such as 'Small Business Learner of the Year', 'Community Supporter of the Year', etc. and I don't qualify for any of those...

HOWEVER... there is also the main award of the night (which is being held this year for only the second year running) and that is the 'People's Choice' Award. This is an award given to the person who gets the most public votes so I'm going to be counting on all of my readers to vote for me. It'd make my whole year to win that and I'll post on here with information on how to vote as soon as I get it!

So gather up your troops ready for voting and keep your eyes peeled for an update. I hope your new year started as well as mine did!

- BE

The Tallow Chandlers Prize

'The tallow what?' you say? Is this something to do with the ingredients of shaving soap?
Alas no, but it is something MUCH more exciting...


Yesterday I came home to a letter lying on my bed. I opened it up to discover that I have won a prestigious 

Tallow Chandlers Prize for Excelling in Gaining my City & Guilds Barbering Diploma!!! 

At first I though it was some sort of joke or junk mail but it turns out all to be true! My tutor back in college nominated me and I won! It's a huge honour to receive this award and, from what I can tell, only somewhere between 4 to 6 prizes are given out in the hairdressing and beauty therapy sector each year from all of the nominees across both the UK and Ireland. The nominees are both tutors and students who excelling in gaining or teaching the City & Guilds qualifications.


So next February I get to go to London with two family members, and my tutor, to an awards luncheon in the magnificent Tallow Chandlers Hall (photo below). I'll get a medal, a framed certificate and a cheque!:

(Photo from www.tallowchandlers.org)

It looks like something out of Harry Potter! The whole building is gorgeous and has a deep history. The original building is believed to have been the Governor's Palace from which all of Britain was ruled. In 1476 the Tallow Chandlers bought the building. However when a fire broke out in 1666 the whole building burnt down (not surprising due to the high levels of tallow, candles, soap etc. in there!). The current hall dates back to 1672 and it's where 30+ of the 108 Worshipful Companies (which are kind of like Guilds) hold their Court Meetings.

So I'll have to get dolled up to the nines and my best smile in place for the countless photos I'm sure my dad will take. I'll no doubt have a blog post about it too once it's all done and dusted, but for now I'll be walking around with a big smile on my face. I feel really proud of myself and I'm not ashamed to admit it!

Happy Holidays Indeed!

- BE

Happy Holidays!

Well what a crazy year it's been. This'll be the last post until after Christmas so I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has read my blog this year. I know your numbers are few but each visit makes me smile so thank you all agus go raibh míle maith agat!
No matter where the holiday season takes you, or what you do, I hope you have a joyful and peaceful one.

- BE

Face Mapping For Shaving

My most frequently visited page here on my blog is this one: Razor Bumps and Ingrown Hairs
The sheer volume of traffic to it shows me that it seems to be a very common problem with little information on the internet about the difference, and how to treat them. So I wanted to make this short add-on entry about face mapping in the hopes that it will help some people.
Irritation and ingrown hairs can often be caused by cutting the hair too closely and/or in the wrong direction. Though it's often touted as being the only way to get a 'really' baby-butt smooth shave, shaving against the grain (A.T.G.)(ie. the direction the hair grows in) isn't suitable for everyone. Some people have strong skin and fine hair so they can take this shaving direction, but others will have coarse hair, or thin skin, and ATG is just too harsh.
Often young men learn to shave by going out, buying a razor, and just giving it a go. But really every man, whether he's new to shaving or doing it all his life, should take the time to map their face before next putting blade to skin.
A facial map takes the key areas of the skin and breaks them down into sections. Print one off, then go through each section and run your hand along the hair to find out which direction the hair grows in. There are so many ways! Some grow all left to right, some men grow hair down the cheeks but up the neck. Some even have swirls like you have at the crown of your hair on your head! Just because the left check grows straight down doesn't mean the right side will.
To help you do this, and get to know your face better (and to remember each time you shave!) there is a fantastic application online here: Interactive Facial Hair Mapping
For anyone having trouble loading the link above the map looks link this: 

So take the time and get to know your face. Find out what works... maybe you just need two with the grain passes' when shaving? Maybe one pass 'with' and one 'across'? Or maybe you can take the full 'with, across and against'? Some men, no matter how hard they try, will find that an electric shaver will be the only way to have a comfortable shave and that's fine too.
Either way your face is your own and only you can find out. Good preparation of the skin before you shave, finding products and a razor or blade that suits you, and providing good aftercare to your skin will have you looking your best. Remember that a day's worth of irritated skin is not worth suffering through for two hours of extra closeness! 
- BE

This Little Piggy

Aching shoulders, knees, feet and backs are a common complaint amongst barbers. 

We work in an industry in which we are on our feet all day and constantly raising our arms up to work.

During my first week in barber college our German teacher got us all to stand up. She taught us a series of exercises to help loosen our shoulder, arm and wrist muscles and taught us about correct posture while working. At the time most of us did the movements halfheartedly and, dispite her telling us it was one of the best lessons she could teach us, and that it would determine whether we'd be working for the next 10 years or the next 40, I'm sure that we all fell out of practice and rarely did them after that day.

Personally I can only speak for myself and now I'm back in Dublin I do try to do some stretches before and after work. In fact I've started doing Nia classes which has been great for my posture and will be beginning Bikram Yoga this month too. I've been beginning to feel the twinges and really I should have started before this point.

While it's easy enough to pick a class that'll help with our upper half, we often ignore our lower halves and in particular, our feet. I had been wearing these shoes for FAR too long:

When I bought them (many moons ago) they were the most comfortable thing I owned. But, much like growing a millimeter a day, without me noticing they slowly got tighter and tighter and more and more worn down. My pinky toe on my left foot began to get cramped in and turned slightly. It took month and months for this to occur, long after I should have gotten rid of the runners in the first place, and it was only once it began to hurt that I thought I really needed to take action. Being able to stand on my feet comfortably is crucial and yet I kept putting of getting new runners. So after 2 weeks of pain reminding me every day to save my poor soles, I just took the runners and threw them out. I went straight into the city and into a place that a nurse which foot problems had recommended to me. The lady in the shop looked at my feet, measured and pressure them, and explained that my right is a whole size bigger than my left! Not only that but my toes splay out when I walk so the toe-box on most shoes is too narrow for me and thus are cramping my wee little piggy. Then, like some sort of chiropidistic angel, she emerged from the stockroom with a box containing heaven for my feet. Okay, so they are pretty ugly lookin' heaven, but maaaaan, they are comfortable.

I've been wearing these for the last two weeks and already I think my pinky toe has forgiven me enough to be on speaking terms with me again. I no longer feel like I have to rest my feet after work and my posture is a little better too. These shoes came with a hefty price tag but I honestly can't put a price on having foot comfort in my work. I'm learning to listen to my body now so that I can have a long career ahead of me. So tell me; is there anything your body's telling you?

- BE

Move Over For Movember!

Remember, Remember, the Bro's of Movember!

Happy Movember everyone! For those of you who don't know what I'm going on about here's a little summary of what Movember is all about:

Each November men from all over the world begin the month with a smooth upper lip and then proceed to grow a stylish (and often hilarious) 'nose neighbour'. Call them what you will: 'crumb catcher', 'tea strainer', the risqué 'thigh tickler', or the simple 'mo', these facial fuzzies abound during November and it's all for a good cause.

People sponsor a 'tache wearer to grow his mighty lip warmer all month and the money raised goes to support research into, and awareness of, prostate cancer. Victims... emmm I mean Participants can set up a profile page on the Movember website and collect donations through that. In 2010 alone Ireland collected €1.6 million for the cause! Many barbershops get involved often holding events at the beginning or end of the month. One of my favourite barbershops of all time, The Waldorf, held quite the shindig and also made this simply wonderful video for Movember. It truly says so much about the art of shaving:

So find a bro' growing a mo' near you and donate! And if any of my readers are participating please send me and e-mail with your finished 'taches and if I get some photos I'll do a little feature at the end of the month. Until then – be it curly or long, grow it full, grow it strong!

- BE

Missing Person - Steven Trainor

*******UPDATE:*******

Steven's remains were found on the coast of Cumbria. Our friend Steven Trainor’s remains will be brought 
home to Limavady Co. Derry, on Wednesday 2nd of November where his wake will take place at his family
 home. The funeral will be held the next day Thursday 3rd of November at 12:00pm.
For all who can’t make the funeral in Limavady. There will be a Dublin ceremony held on Steven’s 29th 
birthday Tuesday 8th November at 7:00pm in St Mary's Pro Cathedral on Marlborough Street Dublin 1. 
Afterwards there will be a gathering in his honor in one of Steven’s locals The Dame Tavern pub, Dame 
Court Dublin 2.
~~~Hi everyone, I don't normally post anything overly personal on here but I figure the more people who know about this the better.
I went into work on Wednesday to find this poster in the shop window:

Steve is one of the barbers I work with, and on Sunday night he took a taxi to Howth and he hasn't been seen since. His phone has no signal, though the Gardaí were able to trace it's last activities to Howth. We are asking anyone who might have any information at all to please contact Bridewell garda station. Steve is about 5 foot 5 inches and has dirty blonde hair. He has a heavy Northern Irish accent. His family are extremely upset and increasingly worried as each day goes by. There is a facebook group here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=280896815271446 where you can download a poster to put up.

Thank you for your help.

- BE