1. THE ULTIMATE BEARD MAINTENANCE KIT
2. BALLA POWDER – TINGLE
3. GROOMING LOUNGE THE GREATEST SHAVE EVER “TRY ME” KIT
4. NATURE’S CALL TOILET DEODORIZER SPRAY
5. AMENITY FOOT & SHOE SPRAY
6. ANYTHING FROM MANGROOMER
7. SIGMA SKIN ABDOMINAL TONING CREAM

Whatever the root cause, stress can be battled in many ways, one of which is from “grooming perspective.” And since that’s the only angle we’re remotely qualified to speak on, here goes…

DE-STRESSING BASICS
De-stressing through grooming starts with creating the right environs everywhere grooming plays a role. Working up some thick and sweet-smelling shave lather come shave time, slathering on a calming body wash in the shower or lighting a manly candle around the abode – it all helps. Whatever the choice of tools or settings, take slow and deliberate actions. Stress speeds up the heart-rate and quickens breathing, so as obvious as it sounds, breathing deeply and slowly and finding that “inner Zen” is a plus.

PERFECT IDEAS FOR STRESS-BUSTING
• The Traditional Wet Shave: While a bit slow and methodical wedged into a workday morning, a quality wet shave (using a shave brush and all) makes for a relaxing experience. Heat up the lather or pre-shave, whip up some cream or soap and spend an extra 10 getting smooth. It’s a mini-vacation and both face (and mind) will thank you.
• The Man-dle-Light Vigil: Candles aren’t just a romance enhancer. Reading or meditating by candle light will help slow thoughts and relax the heart rate. Wick it out.
• The M-ubble Bath: While most men have popped some bubbly, they’re less inclined to bathe in it. Lock the bathroom door after a long day and try a 15-minute suds bath. A high-quality cleansing gel can make it happen. Rubber ducky optional.
• Spa, Spa, Spa: Build in a trip to the spa once a month for a relaxing service(s). Facials, massages, treatments… they all help.

QUICK RELIEF
Stress reduction can happen in an instant. Give these subtle secrets a go:

• Heaven Scent: Try using a unique-smelling shave cream instead of the standby, unscented version. Besides the great shave, the new scent is a unique way to “snap out of it.”
• Get Moving: Even 20 minutes of exercise a day helps. Do some jumping jacks, Jazzercise, chop wood, whatever. You’ll feel better, have more energy and get better sleep. Make sure to shower post exercise though.
• Chug-A-Lug: Drinking ample amounts of water has been proven to keep one healthy and less stressed. So, drop the Dr. Pepper and grab some H20.
• Get Out: Whether at work or locked up in the house, a quick walk outside can do wonders to clear a gent’s mind. Don’t question it, you’ve got five minutes. Get struttin’.

Are you “The Donnie,” “The Ben” or “The Gordon?”

Barack Obama: The President needs to cut out some gray and minimize his eye-bags. One or two detoxifying masks should help reinvigorate the well-groomed, winning mug of ’08. Some grey blending will show he hasn’t succumb to the stress of the last four years.

HOW TO SHAVE THAT HEAD

Clean-shaven, thoroughly “scalped” heads have been around for centuries, but until Michael Jordan won championships and Bruce Willis began tracking bad guys, the look veered more taboo than “tough guy.” Fortunately, the clean-shaven look has conquered the comb-over as the style for gents with little coverage—and the look has now even extended to the follicly blessed. It feels great, is low maintenance and trims a few milliseconds from any 100 yard butterfly.

Whatever the reason for shaving it all off, here are some tips for getting a great head shave and maintaining a naked dome:

SCALPING 101

Shaving a head is very similar to shaving a face, with plenty of warm water and great shaving solutions required. A shower is the best place to start, but if one can’t be located, soak a small towel in hot water and apply to your head. The softer the hair, the less pressure need be applied and the less chance of nasty, noticeable cuts.
Always make sure hair on top is stubble at most, as any longer amounts could cause razor-clogging and pain. If longer hair is present, begin by “stubbling” it via a quality electric trimmer.

GIVING YOUR DOME “THE PERFECT HEAD SHAVE”

The Tools: While some are partial to a Mach3 blade, there are newer and sleeker tools specifically designed for head shaving.  From ergonomic handles to easier grips, these products allow deft maneuvering around all kinds of domes.  A targeted tool is worth the investment if head shaving is going to be a daily task.

The Products: Just like when shaving a beard, adding generous amounts of shave oil and shave cream are essential.  Use lightweight and fragrance-free products, as something with “heavier” filler can stick around and cause oiliness.

The Steps: Apply shave oil first, topping it off with a low-lather cream or gel.  Then, always begin by shaving in the direction of hair growth (not always straight back).  Try and save the thicker patches (such as the coarse hair on the back of the head) for later as this will provide more time for the skin and hair to soften up.  End it all with a soothing balm to prevent breakouts or noticeable redness.

MAINTAINING IT

Maintaining a neat and clean-shaven head isn’t hard – it just requires the proper balance.  Remember that shaving this area means intense exfoliation for skin that normally doesn’t get much, so take your time and use the right treatments afterward.  Follow these tips to show off that neat noggin:

• Moisturize immediately after shaving with something oil-free and lightweight. We said this above, but want to make sure all are listening.

• Wipe away excessive oil later on, preferably with something that is not your shirt sleeve.

• Protect that head from direct sun by applying a high-quality sunblock if outside for more than a few minutes.

1. 1. We come up with the overall concept for the month or period in time that will be canvassed over both our stores and web presence.
2. 2. We work with our designer to come up with a design that is in line with both our Grooming Lounge brand, what we want to communicate and also will get “curious people” to “peek in.”
3. 3. Once we have the overall design for store posters and web front pages nailed down, we decide what product areas we want to “call out” in the store.
4. 4. We brainstorm punny/quirky/straight-forward sayings to have on the talkers.
5. 5. Omar, the world’s greatest graphic artist designs them up for us.
6. 6. We take them to our printer, who cuts and laminates.
7. 7. They go on shelves in hopefully, the right spot.
8. 8. They get knocked over.

GROWING IT
Push Through The Crockett Phase: Obviously, the first step in growing any beard is to stop shaving. This can present an awkward few weeks (or months depending on your “sprouting level”) where co-workers and friends aren’t sure if you’re lazy, hung over or vying for a spot on Miami Vice III. Keep doubters on their toes by avoiding extreme cases of “neck beard” (hair between lines b. and c. on illustration). Remove these hairs with a quality trimmer or fresh blade.

Get Soft: The main reason men prematurely pull the plug on beard growth is adverseness to itching. There’s a degree of this that’ll always be there, but softening immature whiskers with a beard wash and conditioner can help a beard mature easier throughout its lifespan.

MAINTAINING IT
Pamper Those Whiskers: Just like the hair on a man’s head, facial hair needs to be cared for to ensure it doesn’t get wiry, dry and offensive looking (unless that’s the goal). Having handsome facial hair can be accomplished by regularly washing and conditioning with targeted beard products and working out kinks and curls via regular facial exfoliation and a beard comb.

Outline A Perimeter: Unless going for the 100% bohemian look, setting beard boundaries on your cheeks and neck is essential from the start. Make lines too tight and you look like a tight-wad or gang member, let them sprout too long and you’re in Haight-Ashbury territory. For the neck area, we recommend an inch or so below the actual jaw line (line b. on illustration) and for the cheeks, follow “smile lines” (line d. on illustration) up toward sideburns.

Hold The Line: Knowing where the beard ends is only half the battle. From there, one needs to effectively carve things out. Always use a mirror to ensure balance and symmetry.

On The Neck: Using a professional grade hair trimmer on the “0″ setting or a fresh blade and some shave oil (its see through nature helps keep things straight), start at the center of the neck/chin and toward the ear, following the natural curve of the jaw line. Then, do the same on the flip side to maintain symmetry. If using a trimmer, apply light pressure downward or in the direction of hair growth. For a blade, gently “dig in” and create your line, then shave gently in the direction of hair growth below that point. Apply a gentle post shave solution/balm to shaved areas when complete.

On The Cheeks: Using a professional grade hair trimmer on the “0″ setting or a fresh blade and some shave oil (it’s see through nature helps keep things straight), work down or up the natural smile line (line d. on illustration). Apply a gentle post shave solution/balm to shaved areas when complete.

Regular Upkeep: Regulating the density and general bushiness of a beard can be easily accomplished with a professional trimmer and guard system. Start with a larger guard (bigger #) and trim up the stragglers, moving down a size or so as you desire. Don’t push too hard and pesky or longer strands can always be terminated with a targeted facial scissor.

Well, what if we told you Grooming Lounge could do March Madness a hair better? No bracket nonsense, no up-front fees and the winner will smell like a million bucks. Get in on the action via our “Molton Madness” Sweepstakes going on over at the Facebook. Pick a winner and you could be showering in luxurious Molton Brown Shower Gels until the nets come down next year.