Before Social Media There Was Barbering The Old-Fashion Way

Posted on May 8, 2015 by admin

Gents,

Recently Donnie Hawley traveled to Brazil for Fashion Week and to launch Layrite. Not only did he take his cowboy boots, luggage, product, promo materials but also The Avenue Men’s Magazine and not just one copy but a boat load (pictured right)! I began to wonder how a barber from Southern California could travel around the world and impact several industries and inspiring others along the way.

In a day and age where social media dominates and validates “popularity” it almost seems impossible to build a world-wide business the old-fashion way, one interaction at time. Keep in mind, when Donnie started there was no Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or any other social media. No one was able to “share” “like” or “tweet” about him but his name is known worldwide for a style of barbering that revolutionized the world of traditional barbering. Yes, other tattooed barbers existed but none would achieve the level of success and notoriety of Donnie.

Donnie’s travels began in 2004 and have taken him and his barbering tradition to Spain, Germany, Japan (pictured below with Mid-Century Barber Shop), Ireland, UK, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Holland to name a few. People the world over have welcomed him and the traditional barber style that is distinctly Hawlewoods.

Before barbering became popular, there was Donnie Hawley. Before there were more pomades than you can shake a stick to, there was Layrite. It may be hard to believe that barbers didn’t always have tattoos and not every shop looked like a 1940’s time capsule but barber history does in fact reflect that truth.

From all the interaction I have had with barbers and men from around the world it is obvious that men’s style and barbering has benefited tremendously from Donnie and Layrite. Every relationship was built the old-fashion way, one handshake and visit at a time.

Mr. M

A Natural Pomade Made From Berkely, CA

Posted on April 24, 2015 by admin

Gents,

We received a jar of pomade from the folks at Manshine Pomade and have been pleasantly surprised with the ingredients and fragrance. First of all, you need to understand that this pomade is 100% natural with outstanding ingredients. This stuff is “mixed and made in Berkeley, CA” and contains coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax to name a few.The pomade is water-based.

With the rise in natural products that promote hair health Manshine Pomade is a great alternative. The fragrance is pleasant with coconut and cucumber but the rosemary definitely cuts through.

Checkout out their website for more information:
www.man-shine.com

A Nostalgic Pomade That Your Grandad Would Use

Posted on March 19, 2015 by admin

Gents,

We are pleased to feature Grandad’s Heavyweight Hair Pomade that will remind you of a golden age of hair products and if your fortunate will remind you of your grandfather. The pomade is made in the U.S.A and contains petroleum, lanolin, beeswax, almond oil and fragrance in a amber glass jar with a black plastic lid. All Grandad’s products are made in small batches by hand in San Diego, CA.

The product has high quality performance that will appease any oil/grease based enthusiasts seeking another option to expand their pomade collection. The one thing that really stands out to me is the fragrance because they remained true to their name, Grandad’s! Here is my feeble attempt to explain it, smells like my grandfather just showered, shaved and combed his hair and splashed a lil something extra to get the ladies buzzing. It DOES NOT smell like some old crusty old man, just wanted to clear that up.

Don’t hesitate to check out Grandad’s and travel back in time to old school men’s grooming products and if your lucky it will remind you of a special elderly gent, possibly your Grandad. You can find them on Facebook and Etsy

Mr. M

Anchors Hair Co. Care Package!

Posted on November 3, 2014 by admin

Checkout this great care package we received from our friends at Anchors Hair Co.! Make sure to read about their products in our current issue of The Avenue Men’s Magazine. Thank you Benjamin!

anchors care package

No Chemicals In These Men’s Grooming Products!

Posted on October 16, 2014 by admin

Gents,

With so many grooming products coming on the market the all natural and health conscious products are taking a different road with natural ingredients and scents. We are excited to see products that are concerned with hair, skin and grooming craft culture article beard oil wellness. Another admirable feat is not found in a beaker or special machine because these products are “hand made”.

The beard oil came in a 1 ounce bottle with a cedar fern scent but is also available in sultans spice and pine forest. The oil contains no chemicals and is designed to “stimulate the skin’s natural oils to trap moisture, treat split ends, make beards shiny and soft, and reduce dandruff.” The beard oil contains many essential oils to maximize beard health; jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil.

The mustache wax came in a pine forest scent but is also available in sultans spice and cedar fern. The wax is the strongest we have craft culture article mustache wax encountered and the wax I use on a daily basis, “chemical-free, beeswax-based mustache pomade offers superior styling capability.Blended hair-nourishing oils prevent dry, brittle whiskers.Special ingredients like real pine sap and carnauba wax offer a stronger hold.” A few other ingredients are shea butter, beeswax, lanolin, and olive oil. Surprisingly the wax washes out and one major feature, besides the extra strong hold, if your stache happens to get in your drink it does not taste like chemicals!

If your hands take a beating from working on the chain gang the chap cream is the solution for dry and damaged craft culture article chap cream skin. The ingredients consist of “no scents, no petroleum, no chemicals, nothing to get in the way of this healing, skin protecting barrier. Just natural ingredients you can recognize and pronounce: beeswax, veggie glycerin, shea butter, vitamin E, coconut oil” plus lanolin and avocado oil. The cream also works well on lips.

Last but not least, the hair pomade. This product can revive a lost tradition among grooming craft culture article pomade products, “we love vintage barbershop recipes. Back in the day, when barbers used to give hot towel shaves using straight razors and shaving brushes, they’d make their own potions and pomades. We’ve bought up all the hundred-year-old barber manuals we could find in order to unearth those old secrets. What we came up with is a modernized version of an all-natural hair styling product (without the beef tallow, thank you very much), inspired by the old barber tradition. Instead of artificial fragrances, chemicals and petroleum, your hair will smell pleasantly of sweet beeswax, nut butters and natural oils.” The devotion and reverence to barbering past resulted in a modern formulation to meet all expectations for those who desire traditional hairstyles. The pomade does not wash out completely but it is a vast improvement to the dry brittle aftermath of most water-based pomades.

The combination of all these great products from Craft Culture Co. are testaments that chemicals in grooming products should not reign but health and quality should be the foundation. I had no problem styling an impressive Rollie Fingers-esque handlebar mustache and solid slick back. The products are not designed to replicate gel or hairspray but are traditional-modern improvements to maximize men’s grooming health. Great work Jon!

http://www.craftculture.co/

Mr. M
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Barber Paradise In A Small Farm Town

Posted on October 14, 2014 by admin

Gents,

On November 1, 2013 I met a gentleman at a Movember event in Visalia, CA that would wild bills article window spark a friendship that continues to this day. We hit it off so well the next day we traveled about 45 minutes east to visit his barber shop. The drive through Central California was enjoyable as we passed many farms that were a stark contrast to Southern California’s metropolis. It was a serene and tranquil drive with no traffic jams or crazy commuters. Farm land and groves dotted the landscape that extended to the horizon.

We traveled down a two lane highway on our way to Wild Bill’s Barber Shop &Shave Parlor in Lindsay, CA to meet owner Rick Loftin. The night before he told me about the towns economy and that he could not charge $20 for a haircut because many of the people either work on the farms or youngsters parents work in the fields. As we approached the community I pondered the packing houses that lined the street, a reminder of a time when agriculture ruled California’s economy.

After passing the packing houses we came to Honolulu street and the center of town. A community car show and BBQ was happening and my heart skipped a beat! The barber shop was packed with young and old alike. Rick greeted us with a huge smile and brotherly hug and quickly told us about his beloved shop. Everywhere we looked a story was quickly followed with, “that was my father’s…” “that came from my grandmas…” or my favorite, “we found that in a dumpster/barn”. The shop is named after Rick’s father who passed in 2006, who was known as Wild Bill.

One feature that really caught my attention was a wooden bar that measured about 12 feet in length. Rick explained that it was originally in the local watering hole and dated from the early 1900’s but was thrown away in a dumpster. Rick decided to rescue the historical gem, dug it out and cleaned it up. There were several school age boys sitting at the bar doing what appeared to be homework. The bar serves a dual purpose because the local kids hangout and use the shops Wifi as long as they are doing their homework!

Rick’s journey into barbering came to fruition by life’s circumstances steering him into his passion. According to Rick, “I started barbering in the late 1980’s in high school which were ‘back yard boogies.’ Football buddies and the homies would swing by for trims. I was not a licensed barber but that’s when I knew it was what I wanted to do.” Although Rick would eventually land a job with the city and started a family but it wasn’t until he was laid off that he was able to realize his dream of attending barber college.

The shop is a representation of everything that is important to Rick; family, vintage cars, community, history and a vintage lifestyle. Rick also owns a few sweet classic cars and a proud member of the Viejitos Car Club. Not only does he posses a pleasant demeanor but also an amazing shop in an unlikely place. Small farm towns are pillars of our society because they produce much of our food. In these communities people work the land with the anticipation of having enough water to produce bountiful crops. It is this community that Rick cherishes and is proud to call home.

While some people may find paradise in a tropical environment there is a small farm town known as Lindsay, CA with a population of only 11,768 that contains a barbers paradise that is impacting the community and young men one haircut and shave at a time.

Wild Bill’s Barber Shop & Shave Parlor

Mr. M
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The Oldest Straight Razor Strop Company In The U.S.A

Posted on September 5, 2014 by admin

Gents,

I set out to find the oldest straight razor strop maker in the U.S.A and I am honored to, in part, write about them. It was no easy feat because Google was short on leads so I employed my Grad school research determination to dig through forums and blogs to discover the Illinois Razor Strop Company founded in 1907. The goal was within reach but after more research I discovered there was no website or social media, I was frustrated. But I kept looking and found Fromm!

I contacted Fromm but wasn’t sure what the nature of their relationship was and Emmi Barrett was soon to provide me with all the missing links with extreme courtesy and professionalism that I discovered was a lasting trait of Illinois Razor Strop Co.

Here is the story told by Fromm:
In 1907, our founder James Simon started the Illinois Razor Strop Company. At that time, leather was crafted by hand in a Chicago warehouse to create razor stops that men depended upon to keep their straight razors sharp. After more than 100 years, we are the only razor strop manufacturer in the United States. 1907 offers a pristine straight razor to compliment these classic and quality razor strops.

In 1949, James Simon’s son, Edwin, joined the company and is soon dispatched to work in a tannery to learn about how leather strops are made. He returned to the Illinois Razor Strop Co. to continue to learn and grow the business. Once we expanded from barber supplies and added salon tools, the Illinois Razor Strop Co. was able to use Chicago’s rise as an industrial hub to connect nationally. As the company grew and added product categories, it began selling Fromm Shears-known for high quality German-made shears. Fromm quickly rose by offering bestselling products, and in 1984 the decision was made to rename the company to Fromm.

In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of appreciation and interest into the art of straight razor shaving and its health benefits. Razors with multiple blades directly contribute to razor burn and ingrown hairs. More blades mean more irritation. It’s time to abandon the cheap, fast dulling, mutli-blades and invest in a straight razor with unfaltering edge sharpness.

The 1907 Razor Strop is hand crafted with top grain cowhide and comes complete with sharpening canvas and swivel. Stropping should occur before every shave to align the edge of the blade for the straightest and sharpest clean edge. To strop, attach the 1907 Razor Strop against an anchored object (like a towel bar) and pull the other end with your hand. Make sure that the strop is tight.

We received the #206 model and right away you can feel and smell the crafted leather work. A firm leather side is complemented with the “Fine Weave Linen Finish” side. The swivel is solid and sturdy. One feature of the swivel that caught my attention is the “pin” used to swivel the strop looks like a nail that has been bent! This feature must be part of the original design in 1907 and a homage to tradition. The graphics on the strop are really exciting because not only is this strop made by the OLDEST straight razor strop company in the U.S.A but it is also made in the U.S.A! A reminder that you are not holding some low-grade start up product. The #206 straight razor strop is grade A++.

Men are in constant search for grooming products that are authentic and traditional, based upon the belief that quality and craftsmanship have transcended time and technology. The Illinois Razor Strop Co. fits the criteria and has not only existed for 107 years but is unwavering in their barber products and worthy of the finest barbershops or straight razor enthusiast. A statement that best encapsulates the Illinois Straight Razor Strop Co. is, “a heritage of authentic quality passed down by generations.”

Mr. M
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Checkout Who Is On Our Fall 2014 Magazine Cover!

Posted on August 8, 2014 by admin

Gents,

We are honored to have barber legend Donnie Hawley on our Fall 2014 cover. After an in-depth interview with Donnie we quickly realized there is, “A Thin Line Between Love And Hate” for the barbering legend. Read about Donnie’s life and impact on barbering and grooming products.

The House And Barber Shop That Nike Built: The University Of Oregon

Posted on June 4, 2014 by admin

The Football Performance Complex at The University of Oregon measures in at 6 stories and 145,000 square feet of modern amenities that is afforded to the most successful in professional sports. Including; weight room, media rooms, cafeteria, trophy room, locker room, marble showers imported from Italy, two auditoriums, coaches offices, the list is extensive but we are interested in the barber shop.

The building was donated by former track star and Nike co-founder Phil Knight (‘59). The design was carefully planned by ZGF and Firm 151, “during the design, the architects tried to be mindful of all the efficiencies that could be built into the building” says Craig Pintens University of Oregon Senior Associate Athletic Director Marketing & Public Relations.

The world of college football is extremely competitive and athletes are not only sought after for their physical ability but also for their aptitude to succeed off the field. The University of Oregon has numerous gridiron achievements and the Ducks can add a state of the art Football Performance Center to their arsenal.

It is a union of technology and functionality with the goal of building a top-notch athlete that can compete to the best of their abilities. Not only did the Ducks focus on health and fitness but also gave athletes a space where they can have their important needs met and that included Howard’s Barber Shop. According to Craig, “our student-athletes had previously spent a lot of time cutting each other’s hair inside and outside the locker room, so this provides a specific space to do so. We have a barber who comes in once a week and cuts hair at the student rate, per NCAA rules.”

Howard’s Barber Shop is a blend of style, class, and tradition, “the chair is new with vintage styling from Takara Belmont, Firm151 customized the chair with the UO logo on the headrest. For finishes, we used durable Corian casework + wall finishes, as well as a full mirror wall with an integrated wall mount TV. The flooring is solid walnut. The display case that is wall mounted in the Oregon Duck player barbershop was custom made + highlights barber tools hand selected [specifically for the project] from G. Lorenzi’s, a small museum-like shop in Milan, Italy” says Craig.

Countless studies have shown that well-groomed men are confident and successful. The Football Performance Center does an outstanding job equipping athletes as a whole, not only to make on field tackles but also tackle the daily grind and does not neglect the importance of grooming. GO DUCKS!

Thank you
Craig Pittens from University Of Oregon, ZGF Architect and Firm 151
Photos courtesy of: Jeremy Bitterman, Eckert & Eckert

Grooming Apps For The Modern Man

Posted on June 3, 2014 by admin

 This Article is a Guest post

Gents,

Male grooming is big business, and app developers are quickly realizing this. Today, many men don’t just carry a razor when they travel, but also a plethora of products that assist them in looking their best. If you’re someone who takes grooming seriously, here are three apps that you may want to consider checking out:

Dolce & Gabbana: Rules for the Modern Gentleman

At first, the app may look nothing more than Dolce & Gabbana’s attempt to reach out to smartphone users but it’s actually more than just branded pictures and products. Dolce Gabbana app

The app contains loads of information that can help anyone enhance their appearance.The articles are broken down to sections namely style, grooming categories, and etiquette. Some of the topics that can be found on the app include exfoliating properly, choosing the right clothes on your date, and how to set up dinner tables properly. The app’s contents are written by Dylan Jones, the editor of GQ Magazine UK.

The app can be downloaded for free on iTunes.

King of Shaves

King of Shaves may not teach users how to pull off the perfect goatee or handlebar moustache, but it does give them huge discounts when purchasing Azor System Razors. According to the app’s page, users can save up to $7 whenever they purchase 16 replacement 4-blade Endurium cartridges online. Getting that smooth, shaved look can now be attained for easier and for less.

The King of Shaves app can be downloaded for free.

David Gandy: Style Guide for Men

David Gandy is the face of Dolce & Gabbana UK. Anyone who wants to look as fashionable as the sexy, Essex-born model should look no further than this app.

David Gandy’s Style Guide for Men contains more than an hour and a half of exclusive videos that offer tips on grooming and interviews with leading fashion designers. Learn how to choose suits for different occasions, dress according to your age, and choose the right scent to go with your getup.The app can be downloaded for iOS-ran phones for $6.70.

The Huffington Post reported last year that the male grooming industry was worth around $574 million annually. This has in turn forced mainly leading brands to launch innovative apps to cater to the market and promote their products to a wider audience but more importantly via the mobile Internet landscape. Alchemy Bet, an associate of entertainment site Castle Jackpot, said that approximately half of UK and US mobile users use their smartphone as a primary platform of entertainment. As a device that’s heavily favored by billions of people, marketers from leading brands are seeing apps as the best way to reach consumers in mass. Hence, why we will continue to see brands trying to launch the most up-to-date and problem solving apps on the market, that will aim to better their competitors.

GENTLEMEN'S AVENUE

Modern Men of Tradition and Distinction

Category Archives: Grooming

A Natural Pomade Made From Berkely, CA

A Nostalgic Pomade That Your Grandad Would Use

Anchors Hair Co. Care Package!

No Chemicals In These Men’s Grooming Products!

Barber Paradise In A Small Farm Town

The Oldest Straight Razor Strop Company In The U.S.A

Checkout Who Is On Our Fall 2014 Magazine Cover!

The House And Barber Shop That Nike Built: The University Of Oregon

Grooming Apps For The Modern Man