Razor sharp style

As we age, our facial shape and lifestyles change, so having the same hairstyle we had in school or in our first job probably isn’t doing us any favours. It’s tempting to stick with one style, but working with a stylist who can adapt a cut to suit your facial features and the shape of your head can leave you looking years younger. 

There are lots of factors to take into account when considering a new style. Hair often grows in irregular patterns or you may have a double crown so finding a hairdresser or barber who asks a lot of questions about your lifestyle and haircare routine is vital.  Showing them some photos of cuts you’re considering is useful as they can adapt a cut to suit. 

Daniel Cleavin of Cleavin Barbers explained, ‘We’re finding that as people return to work, or continue to work from home, that men’s styling has become more relaxed. It’s about manageability, confidence and practicality. Lockdown proved that most of us can’t style our own hair, so we’re finding that our clients really appreciate having a small amount of time in the day to find a relaxed comfortable environment to unwind, relax, and enjoy music and a chat while getting their hair cut or being barbered.  

Denise Fyvie of The Men’s Emporium says finding a style that works is a matter of working with what you have, not against it. ‘If your hairline is receding, a style that flows with the hair growth pattern and a short choppy textured can look great, as can a soft buzz cut, or a slicked back style.  Longer, unruly styles can shave years off your look, but not everyone suits them. A short, textured style offers the option of controlled length that appears a bit wild. 

‘The main trends at the moment are the Regulation Cut, which a longer version of the army cut, that requires precision cutting. It’s combed over with a defined parting and longer scissor-cut sides. 

‘A more striking style for a receding hairline is the high fade haircut. By clipping the sides and tapering the length from the bottom up you can control the way in which your hairline is perceived. A higher fade will draw attention away from a receding hairline and toward your longer hair on top. The style is best suited to men with a hairline in its early stages of receding.’ 

If the shaven-headed look is not for you, it’s worth considering a hair replacement system. Luisa Flores, of Florescence explained, ‘If you have male pattern baldness, thinning hair, or, in some cases, alopecia areata, we can offer custom-made replacements. The systems are on a thin skin like base. The area being treated is shaved off and a template is made. The colour-matched hair piece is then cut to size, secured in place and styled, with a maintenance visit every 4-6 weeks.  We have a private room in the salon, so it’s a very discrete service.

Bloom have just opened a new flagship salon in London which features heritage brand J.M. Keune’s range of men’s grooming products. ‘A new style can make you look fresher and younger,’ explained Sheona Forrest. ‘A well-trimmed tapered side might work for some, while a classic short back & side scissor cut might work for others. For those with curly hair on top we recommend a mid-skin fade or an undercut for a vintage look. 

‘Going grey is a common issue. Keune has a specific men’s colour range for grey blending which will soften the appearance of greys, this is a great option for you to look naturally younger.’