The Grooming Guys Blog

Metrosexual Is A Bad Word?

This week's BusinessWeek has a great article about men's buying habits, specifically in the area of men's grooming and style.  It's an ultra-informative piece (did we mention that it features Grooming Lounge) that got us thinking how much we try to distance ourselves and our company from the unnecessary word "Metrosexual".

Now don't get us wrong, our business is built around men of style and substance who take great care of themselves.  We go to great lengths to provide men with the best in grooming products and services -- and to do so in an environment that makes a man feel secure, special and like a true "Master of the Universe."  That said, we find it silly that a guy who takes care of himself needs to be pigeon-holed as a "Metro."  Why not just a "well-groomed" or "well-dressed" gentleman?  That word is simply silly -- it puts an un-needed stigma on the modern gentleman.

So, I guess you'll never hear the "M" word again at the GL.  Pirooz and I consider ourselves modern gentlemen.  We like to dress well, take care of ourselves and make a great physical presentation. The vast majority of our valued guests and customers like to do the same.  We will continue to provide an outlet for these gentlemen to take great care of themselves and to keep on looking and feeling great. If we asked them, I'm sure they would request to not be be called the "M" word.

Men who take care of themselves are guys guys, gay guys, smart guys, athletic guys, loud guys, quiet guys, funny guys, rich guys, etc.  It's all about guys.

Thanks for listening and for your support of our company.

Monkey Mail & Grooming?

Our ultra-productive office has slowed down recently due to the second-greatest web site of all time, Monk-e-mail.  Sure this beyond-stupid site has set the grooming world back by a few days (our apologies), but we hope that by forwarding it onto you, we can slow down your respective industry's growth as well (unless you're in the medical, charitable or peace-keeping fields).  It's addictive.  Enjoy sending these e-mails to your friends and co-workers.

Yours in good grooming (and brainless e-mails),

Mike & P

Biotherm Is Coming

We're excited to announce that Grooming Lounge will soon be offering the Biotherm Homme lineup of men's grooming products.  It's quite an honor to be the first "boutique retailer" to carry the high-end line -- but the nice people over at L'Oreal thought enough of our stores, site and service to give us a shot. 

In case you're not aware, Biotherm Homme products are simply amazing.  They are backed by first-rate research and provide real results.  The products will add another upscale choice to our already extensive catalog of men's grooming items.  Look for the products in-store and online September 1st. 

Until then, go ahead and buy something else.  You could always be a little more handsome... right?

Just Two Tips

TIP #1: When you take a shower, leave cleansing your face until the very end (after you've washed your hair).  That way, you'll avoid having the shampoo and conditioner drip all over your freshly cleansed mug.

TIP #2: You can extend the life of your razor blades by dipping them in a little shave oil in-between uses.  This will tend to eat away at the "aloe strips" a little, but we're not sure those strips really do anything anyway.

Yours in good grooming,

Mike & Pirooz

Thanks Men's Health

A big thanks to Men's Health "Best Life" Magazine, which names Grooming Lounge one of the best places in the country to get a shave (we're featured in the September 2006 issue).

We've also been receiving a different kind of press as of late -- but aren't sure whether it's good or bad. We've been forwarded a bunch of links regarding articles that have been posted by one of our online men's grooming "competitors".  The owner of that site and some of his colleagues are constantly "picking" at our business for no apparent reason (we never bad mouth or attack them -- there's no reason to).  Anyway, I guess it's flattering that they take the time to talk about the Lounge.  As for us, we're really not worried about what anyone else does -- our only concern is to continue to provide the best in men's grooming products, services and customer service.

Enjoy the weekend.  Wear sunscreen.

Mike & Pirooz

Your Grooming Questions Answers

When I walk around the streets of D.C. (where the Grooming Lounge is based), I often get approached by random guys asking random grooming questions.  These interactions usually start off something like... "Hey... you're that grooming guy with that place over on 18th Street.  I saw you on XXX and always wanted to ask you about YYY."  Then... they launch into a question they've always wanted to ask, but never knew who exactly to pose such a query to.  I'm delighted to be that guy and to answer such grooming conundrums.  Here are just a few I've tried to solve lately:

Q: What can I do about my thinning hair?

A: If it's super-thinning and you're in a potential "comb-over situation", I say just embrace your  baldness and shave it all off.  If you're in the early stages and just starting to see thinning, I suggest using products that act as Scalp Cleansers and DHT Blockers. With little effort on your part, these products make your scalp a clean and comfortable place for new hair to grow – while also reversing the effects of DHT and other scalp conditions. Most of these products are topical treatments and can double as your daily shampoo and conditioner. Of course, we sell a few if you're interested. You can find those here.

Q: People say I always look tired.  Anything I can do to get rid of these dark spots and bags under my eyes?

A: How about not going out until 3 A.M. big shot?  But, if curbing back your nightlife just isn't in the cards, try a targeted eye cream .  These products reduce puffiness and can camouflage some of the discoloration under your peepers.  Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water.  Hydration is a key to great skin.

Q: Do guys really get back waxes?  How painful is it?

A: Tons of men get such a procedure in our Washington, D.C. and Tysons Corner stores.  It's a super-common service conducted in supreme privacy.  As for the pain... it's not that bad at all.  Let's say a little worse than a pinch, but significantly less painful than dental surgery.

Q: How do you get your hair to look like that?

A: A lot of time and a little help from a cocktail of men's hair goops.

Thanks for listening.

P