BUY THESE CLIPPERS IN 2024!

The barbering industry is stronger than ever, and the products and clippers available just keep coming! They’re also getting a lot more expensive than ever, so why not stock up on some tried-and-tried clippers while they’re on sale?

Babyliss is a brand that has grown a whole lot since I started barbering in 2013. Previously being known for their Conair brand, they were always looked at as cheap at-home-haircut sort of clippers — which they were. But they’re now a staple in every barbershop and salon in the world. You won’t come across a single station without a Babyliss clipper, trimmer, or shaver on top of the station or in a drawer.

Here’s some Babyliss products that are currently on sale for killer prices! If I didn’t just pay full price for some clippers a couple of weeks ago, I would absolutely hop on right now! Now that I think about it… I just might…

CLIPPERS



The Babyliss GoldFX clipper is a classic offering by Babyliss. It’s lightweight, powerful, and has plenty of uses for any barber or hairstylist. Personally: I love this clipper for clipper-over-comb work as it’s lightweight enough to not hurt your wrists while maneuvering different angles.

Many barbers I know love this as their blending clipper.

Babyliss GoldFX Clipper: https://a.co/d/5NVyeTE




The Babyliss SNAPFX clipper is similar to the GoldFX clipper, except is has a removable battery. If you plan on making this clipper be your main workhorse, having additional batteries to swap out is perfect for you. Especially if you like to have a more streamlined station with little to no “clutter,” having the option of maintaining power is absolutely necessary.

Note* I myself have not experienced this clipper. My assumption would be that it is slightly heavier than the GoldFX clipper due to having a removable battery system. So your miles may vary.

Babyliss SNAPFX: https://a.co/d/2dSbOr5



This clipper is hot! The Babyliss LoProFX is the go-to Babyliss clipper for those who love Wahl clippers! This thing is lightweight but powerful. Plus, it’s black on black! A lot more subtle than the metallic finished clippers that Babyliss is known for.

Everyone that rocks this clipper loves it. No on has had one bad thing to say about it. It’s been my “dream” clipper but the price always kept me away. But at this sale price??? You gotta buy this clipper now before it sells out at this price!

Babyliss LoProFX Clipper: https://a.co/d/0vfy8PF

TRIMMERS:


If you had to narrow down on all-around trimmer for your arsenal, THIS is that trimmer! The Babyliss GoldFX Trimmer is easily the best trimmer on the market. It’s sharp to get a crisp line up, it’s powerful to remove bulk while you’re balding out hair for a fade, all the while gentle enough for kids. This trimmer is a tank!

I’ve had the first version of this trimmer when it came out and it’s still running strong! It’s my hitter, but I can still use it on kids — which is something you can’t always say about your trimmers that are hitters.

Babyliss GoldFX Trimmers: https://a.co/d/6nuUlAc



FOLLOW THIS LINK!

Similar to the GoldFX trimmer, the SNAPFX version hits the same but has a removable battery to keep your hitters going all day long.

This trimmer sold out QUICK. It does come in and out of stock, so bookmark this link to get it when it comes back in stock, because the price for it is KILLER!

Babyliss SNAPFX Trimmer: https://a.co/d/2V48Xjm



The LoProFX Trimmer is the latest hitter from Babyliss. To be honest: Babyliss Trimmers are the best on the market currently. I’m running a Gamma trimmer and it just lacks something that Babyliss has. But I’m a sucker for black-on-black, so I had to try out Gamma. But for a timmer that’s literally half the price??? The LoPro Trimmer is a must have!

The LoPro series from Babyliss are powerhouses. Scoop up this trimmer now so you won’t have to restock later at a much higher price. I’m telling you: These are some of the best prices around for your money makers!

Babyliss LoProFX Trimmer: https://a.co/d/2frqQPJ

Conclusion:

When you find a haircutting system that works for you it’s easy to forget that your tools are what drives your haircutting system to work flawlessly. So we often forget to restock until it’s too late and our clipper or trimmer dies. Don’t wait! Because when you have to restock on your bread and butter clippers or trimmers you’re gonna be shocked at the price! TRUST ME!

I never realised how expensive barbering equipment has gotten over the years. I’ve been running the same machines for years, but they recently started to die on me so I had to reinvest in my equipment. WAS I SHOCKED AT HOW EXPENSIVE CLIPPERS AND TRIMMERS ARE!!! $200 was the baseline pricing for either or at my local beauty supply shop! So finding these tools for damn near half the price is mindblowing to me. If only I was able to hold out! But alas, I needed the clippers because mine started to die. So don’t make the same mistake I did!

These clippers and trimmers are truly the embodiment of “Buy nice or buy twice.” Babyliss makes high-quality clippers and design their own hardware, which can’t be said for some other clipper companies out there.

Let me know what clippers you’ve been rocking with in the comment section. I will do more in-depth clipper reviews as I’ve purchased some recently, and I’d love to hear everyone’s experience with all the new clippers coming out. I feel like a dinosaur buying gear nowadays! $200 trimmers??? Who would’ve thought…

PERSONALLY TAKE: If I were to hop on this sale, I would’ve bought the SNAPFX Trimmer or the LoPro Trimmer. As I mentioned before: Babyliss Trimmers are some of the best on the market. They’re truly hard to beat. I think they’re worth the regular retail price of damn near $200, so seeing them for anything under that makes me buy a couple of pairs! I mean, you see how the SNAPFX trimmer sold out? I think that’s indicative enough! So don’t make the same mistake I did and wait too long just to be disappointed that it sold out.

Until the next time,

Pomp Hard!

Disclaimer:

This post will include Affiliate Marketing links in which I may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases. Every link is linked to a product that I, myself, have purchased and used personally as well as professionally.

A Decade of Barbering

Do you remember when I became a barber?

Roughly 11 years ago I brought everyone in the world of Pomade and Pompadours on my journey of becoming a barber. I had made a small handful of videos on my YouTube channel showcasing my barber school. Back in 2012 a ton of you followed that journey intently! I also had a lot of followers come to my barber school, as well as the first shop I had worked at in San Francisco. Do you know how good it felt when the other barbers and stylists took notice that I had a “fan” base? I was one of the only people who had no background in cutting hair, so I didn’t even have a handful of friends to give me any social proof of my barbering skills. By then, I had met so many people in that first year who were willing to come to San Francisco to get a haircut from me, and it was amazing. The feeling of support and community, the fellowship, and an unwarranted adoration from so many people were like no other.

Some people continued to support me as I took my barbering out of San Francisco and to Redwood City then Belmont; only about 20-25 minutes outside of San Francisco respectively, but too far for everyone to carry on with their support.

This level of risk was absolutely terrifying. Even though it wasn’t my choice (I got fired, heh,) the reality of starting over in an up-and-coming shop, in an area where I didn’t know the lay of the land, was truly the test of my wanting to be a barber. Having started my barbering career in a shop that was already established and had some world-renowned barbers occupying that space meant that I didn’t have to ‘earn’ my clientele, I was just fed them. This time around? It was all on me, and I had no idea if my reputation built in San Francisco carried any weight outside the 7 by 7 city…

The shop was Captain’s Sk8 & Cuts, where I was the first and only barber there. The owner (while his wife is a hairstylist) was anything but a barber. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing! He had a vision that I wanted to be a part of, but ultimately that same vision was the reason why I would no longer be a part of that shop. I only knew the San Francisco level of service (which at that time, was considered “elevated,”) and I never knew how to operate a first-come-first-served style of shop. I never even went to that kind of barbershop as a kid! Eventually, I imposed my style of barbering, which was more by-appointment-only, and I had built a reputation. In a short amount of time, the reputation started to grow and people heard about the shop, Saturdays in the barbershop really felt like Saturdays in the barbershop! Working 9 to 9, kicking back with pizza and beer at the end of the day, it was fun! It was an amazing experience to have built out a barbershop reputation from soup to nuts. My reach had actually expanded, and I had clients from even further coming out to support me! They sacrificed their time and money to become my clients, and I really grew to appreciate that level of patronage. Ultimately, I had to part ways with the shop because money became an issue (business model,) and had me second-guessing my career as a barber.

Eventually, I found my way to Belmont, where I worked out of an old-timey shop called Bushwackers; which ended up buying and rebranding Captain’s Sk8 & Cuts some years later.

Bushwackers was fast-paced, reputation, and patrons stemming from the 1970s, and probably still had some hair on the floor from that era. What’s not to love? The money was constantly coming in, as it had been an established shop in the neighborhood for quite some time, but that also meant it carried the same price tag from back then. $20 for over 20 years! This level of work was hard on the body, because – by design – you’re supposed to optimize your work and do 3 cuts an hour. That’s some good money! But the end result was something I couldn’t say I was proud of because it lacked something important to me that I’d come to realize later in my career: connection. I, again, imposed my methodology and made less money, but had come to enjoy the overall work environment and quality of life it provided. Though I made less money than the other barbers, I still maintained a healthy connection with my clients, which will serve me well down the line.

While working there, Chris (whom I met working in San Francisco,) had reached out as he was finally opening up his shop and had wanted me to join the team. This was huge! The barbers that helped shape my career in 2013 finally reunited in 2014! One year apart doesn’t seem like a lot of time, but so much happened in that time frame. So being able to pick up where we left off was exciting! Everything felt like it did back then. Exciting, new, and hopeful for a long and fruitful future.

Being part of the Dogpatch journey, not just the barbershop, but the community, was everything I had wanted. It had the taste of a community barbershop in Redwood City, felt as if we were building a legacy barbershop like Bushwackers, but still had the contemporary vibe of being in San Francisco. Man… This was it for me! Or, so I thought…

Throughout the years I thought the place and environment were what I was after. I thought I wanted heavy old barber chairs, maybe some subway tile backsplash, or some obnoxiously loud music. All of these can be components of a barbershop, for sure. But after some time I came to realize that a barbershop without its patrons is just a room full of chairs…

One thing I took away from the various locations and shops I’ve worked at was that I liked the connectivity I had built not only with the barbers but also with the patrons and clients of the shops. I’ve met so many people in such a short amount of time! I mean, how often do you get to interact with dozens of people a day, with various backgrounds and upbringings, and get to know them in a very intimate way? And then rinse, cycle, repeat this process day in and day out for a decade? The way I got to connect with people in that time has made me more understanding and empathetic in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I first embarked on this journey. Barbering is typically looked at as a results-driven industry; very transactional. I cut your hair, you give me money — that’s it. This is a very linear business and has been that way since the beginning of time. But for someone like me who has grown and learned other aspects about what it means to be a barber, I’ve started to outgrow that old way of business…

My clients started off as just that: Clients. As time progressed and my ability to communicate improved, what was proposed as just a simple exchange in value became more than that. The value became more than a haircut or a service. It became a level of connectivity no one expected to make. Even clients that I’ve only worked with for 5-6 haircuts understood the value I brought to the table. It was far different than any barber they’ve encountered in their lives. We’ve developed a friendship from what started off as a business transaction.

Not friendly like you are with your local barista or bartender (unless you’re a hardcore regular!) But friendly to the point where even when my clients had moved across the other side of the Bay Area in 2020, they still came all the way across the bridge to support me. They’ve converted everything else to their locality. From bread makers, dentists, and restaurants, but the one thing they’ve maintained on this side of the Bay Area was me — their barber. Most people wouldn’t support their barber when they increase their price, but to invest their time and money into maintaining their relationship with their barber on a recurring schedule? I’ve even had clients move out of California make a point to make an appointment with me, or come by the shop to catch up! That amount of support is something I’ll always share my gratitude towards.

The amount of impact a lowly barber could provide is something else!

Ultimately, I’ve made the extremely difficult decision to transition away from barbering…

Why? Why would I build up this story to tell about the relations I’ve built with barbering? Why would I throw those connections away? Why would I invest the last decade into a trade and just give up on it?

The answer is simple: I have to.

As unfortunate as it is, I’m in the phase of life where I need to begin providing value away from barbering and into another field. It sounds ridiculous, but that’s where I’m at in life. I know the value I provide and tried and true in the barbershop setting. I need to know if it’s truly valuable outside of it.

Believe me, it is tough to walk away from an amazing clientele base that professed their unparalleled support for me with this career change. Many of them admit that I was the “best” barber they’ve ever had. While I will contest that they’ve had better haircuts out there, the type of connection and comfort a lot of my clients got from sitting in my chair will go unchallenged. To be able to converse with any and all walks of life without quantifying their value to a dollar amount is extremely rare in the barbering world. Every seminar or course out there for barbers and hairstylist overlook the value proposition and place it on a simple metric of dollar and time. While that isn’t objectively wrong, I’ve learned to appreciate barbering outside of that, and that’s why I need to step away from it.

Being in this place of growth means I can’t be doing the same thing I’ve done for the last 10 years and expect a different outcome. If any of the changes I’ve experienced over the last decade has taught me anything, is that I can adapt and rise to the occasion. And seeing the value outside of the surface level is a valuable skill set in and of itself. But allowing others to also see that same value is unique.

What does the next step bring? I don’t know. All I know is I hope to utilize everything I’ve learned through this blog and becoming a barber, in whatever the next adventure brings.

Until the next time,

Pomp Hard

Continue the journey with me on TikTok!

November 2021 Life Updates & Vlogs

What’s going on everyone!

I hope everyone has been having a more fulfilling 2021 than what we’ve all endured over this past year! If I can tell you anything, I’ll say that we’re still doing our best to move forward! And hey, that’s all one can really ask for at this point, right?

ANYWAYS!

As much as I want to continue focus on this blog, it’s a little difficult as my personal interests and focus has changed dramatically. I mean, the humor and the person are still one and the same, but not EVERYONE gives a shit about my nerdy hobbies! Granted, there are a decent amount of you that have maintained support regardless of the muse, and that is greatly appreciated! I hope we can maintain that level of support as I integrate some of those types of posts on here.

I will stop spamming this page with my nerd content -however- I will be adding my VLOGS on here. While the VLOGS won’t be hair oriented nor rockabilly leaning, I am still that person, and I feel that they do have a place on this platform.

For now, I will leave a number of my most recent VLOGS on here, but will continually add them as I progress. I do want to maintain hair on this platform, even though I’ve said otherwise previously. So stay tuned for more!

Click the images below to watch these VLOGS!







Until the next time,

POMP HARD!

OUR BOOKEND TO 2020!

As unfortunate as it is, we’ve not quite gotten ourselves out of the shitty hand we were all dealt back in 2020. Yes, progress has been made – leaps and bounds – but for the most part… life hasn’t gotten back to “normal.” And by normal I mean the feeling of life we once knew, where we’ve all had the want and ability to do more and not just settle for what’s available. It’s unfortunate, but I know a lot of us aren’t trying to make life decisions that we once would on a whim. Whether it’s traveling, making a big purchase, or something minute as dating around. We’re all in this flow state (not that that’s bad) but at this point, where can we find that line of demarcation so we can take the risk?

Well, for myself, I knew I had to do something for my family. We’ve been in this flow state for way too long. And for someone with a developing teenager that’s still feeling many emotions for the first time, but is trapped in this current state of the world? Change was absolutely necessary.

Click the video to see what I mean!

https://youtu.be/ZItl_uGBwNI

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  https://youtu.be/ZItl_uGBwNI

https://youtu.be/ZItl_uGBwNI

New Post: Hobby Posts.

I know a lot of readers don’t want to read any of my posts about my hobbies that I am now showcasing via YouTube, BUT… it is still my blog and I will still post my own personal content on here. With that said…

I will be adding a break to the posts so that if you decide that you do not want to view those posts, you can simply scroll past, or click to view.

So, click to continue reading:

As many of you may have read, I’ve decided to take some of my hobbies and showcase them on my YouTube channel. In case you aren’t subscribed to it, I’ll link below a few of my most recent videos. They stray far away from the subject matter on this blog, but hey… it’s still me, my content, my humor, etc.

Haircut Transformation: Father Cuts Off 12 Year Old Daughters Hair!

Man…

Not exactly sure how I should start off this post, but… here we go!

As some of you may know, I have a little girl known on here as The Mini Rebel Rouser. During the early years of this blog she would be featured sporadically throughout my postings on various social media platforms. As she grew up, she didn’t just grow up in front of me, but in front of the readers as well! It has been extremely appreciated whenever a reader would comment on how much she’s grown. I mean, I did have a pretty decent hiatus from blogging, so it only makes sense! But still, I appreciate how invested some people have been not only in terms of reading about pomade, but also my personal life.

Here’s another aspect of that journey I would like to share with you all!

Throughout this quarantine year, she’s had some time to self-reflect and start developing her own level of critical thinking. Whether right or wrong, it’s up to her to make those decisions, and it’s up to me to guide her to understand the rationale behind it. She’s developed her own style and aesthetic when it comes to the material garments such as clothing, and sure enough, hair would soon follow suit…

She brought about the concept of wanting shorter hair. So we’ve weighed out the options in regards to how short. As time has gone, her mind was set on short. And for having worn long hair throughout her life, it was a big change that I wasn’t ready for!

Think about it… As parents, we’ve witnessed their growth from the start. We’ve all envisioned how they will look when they grow up, who they will become, and everything in between. No matter how old they get, they’ll still be that innocent child with wonder and happiness in their eyes, and we’ll never see it any other way. But, there’s a point where they grow out of that. It’s not when boys become a factor or they hit 18. It happens much sooner and it hits like a truck!

The reality is here that she’s her own individual, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m just thankful that’s she’s letting me be apart of it! And with that, I’d like you all to be apart of it as well!

I know there aren’t a lot of similar situations out there where parents are as equally understanding about their kids decision making. I mean, trust me, I’ve made lesser decisions that’s garnered far worse reactions! So, hopefully this sort of video reaches someone who may benefit from it, or knows someone that does.

Pomade For Beginners: Layrite

Years ago on this blog. I had written an article about Pomade For Beginners. In that post, I had talked about some of the things to expect while entering the world of pomade (and hair product in general.) Click the link to read that post.

Since then, I’ve gotten familiar with a fair share of hair products both good and bad. Being a barber has given me better insight as to what various hair textures out there require when it comes to products achieving certain hair styles. It’s one hell of a learning curve learning how different products work for different hair textures and hair styles, and I’d like to think that this blog has helped with that understanding.

I will be starting a series of recommendations of products that I’ve not only used on myself, or clients, but have also recommended to various individuals throughout the years. The products in this series will be products that I stand by and have no worry about when it comes to quality. There are products that I do love that come from smaller brands, but my worry is the consistency of those products may have changed since I’ve personally handled them, so I can’t say I feel all too comfortable including them in this series, but they will receive honorable mentions.

Well, that’s that. Let’s get to it!

Disclaimer: This post will contain affiliate links, in which I may earn a small commission with qualified purchases. Each affiliate link will contain a product that I’ve purchased and used both personally and professionally. I wouldn’t suggest something that I haven’t tried on my person first.

To kick off this series, I will be introducing a company that has been around for a long time. And with good reason! They’ve been a mainstay within not only just the rockabilly community, but the barbering and hair communities as well. Layrite is a staple in many barbershops and salons, and can now be found in various retailers. If you’ve heard of it or have seen it, but have yet to experience it, you’re missing out!

Layrite Classic:

Starting with Layrite, is their classic Original Pomade. This has been a staple for both myself, as well as the various barbershops I’ve worked at. It’s just… great…

Layrite Original Pomade

Base Properties:

This product has since been deemed a “ringing gel” by various hair product communities, due to it’s gel-like properties and not being petrolatum based (traditional pomade base.) Like a gel, Layrite will wash out with just water. For many this is an absolute necessity. Whether it be due to sensitive skin, or not wanting any bits and bobs coming home with you after work, water will work just fine getting this out of your hair. But, using a shampoo wouldn’t hurt.

Application:

This stuff is a transparent orange and goes on without having to worry about any color streaks in your hair. Unless the product is a bit older or has oxidized, you won’t have to worry about any white streaks while applying or combing it through your hair. Depending on whether or not your hair is damp or dry, the application is easy. If you’re wanting more hold, I’d suggest applying it to your hair dry. If you’re looking for a little bit less hold but more malleability, then apply it to your hair while it is damp. Without fail, you can always emulsify the product in your hands first, quickly run your hands under the faucet for a quick splash of water, and go straight to it. You won’t have to worry about getting too much sheen from Layrite Original Pomade if you loosely rake it through your hair. If you comb your hair into a slick style, it’ll have a slight sheen finish. But if you comb through it after it settles, you’ll get more of a matte finish.

Hair Textures and Hair Styles:

The most important part!

Now, more often than not you’ll see this product being used for contours and pompadours. I mean, that’s expected! But, this stuff works surprisingly well for other hair styles. Granted, there may be a bit of extra work involved…

If you are indeed going for either classic hairstyle mentioned above, regardless of texture Layrite will work for you. Finer hair textures will require less product and water, while thicker hair textures may require more product. Your mileage may vary depending on weather and climate.

Now, if you have finer hair and are going for some more textured hairstyles, it will work. However, I would highly recommend using a tool like a blow dryer or hair straightener to lift the hair up. After that, you’ll only need about a pinch of product to help bring out some of the separation and assist in holding the hair up. In general, finer hair textures inherently have issue with certain hairstyles, but with using tools such as a blow dryer and hair straightener becoming more normalized over the last few years, it definitely makes it a lot easier to achieve certain styles, allowing those with fine hair textures to explore new styles!

Click here to purchase Layrite Original Pomade.

Layrite Matte Paste:

One of the newer products offered by Layrite, the Matte Paste has found it’s place in many homes and barbershops alike.

Layrite Matte Paste

Base Properties:

Unlike any of Layrite’s original pomade offerings, the Matte Paste has lived up to many people’s expectations and then some! It has a light creamy texture that reminds me of whipped cream cheese.. Yeah… But seriously, run your fingers through a can and you’ll pick up what I’m putting down! Being a considerably lighter product, you won’t need to use too much of this, but it is a little bit too easy to scoop out too much. It also washes out as easily as it is to scoop out!

Application:

As I mentioned, this stuff is liked whipped cream cheese. As weird as that sounds, it spreads in your hair just as easily! Due to it’s creamy white texture, you may find it a bit streaky when you make your initial application. But a quick comb through will break it up giving you a clean and even application throughout your hair. Since this is a very light product, there is very little variation when it comes to applying it to fine hair and thick hair. The main difference being using too much if you’re trying to find firm hold with this product…

Hair Textures and Hair Styles:

Being such a light product, you aren’t going to get too much hold from it. But hey, that’s fine. There’s plenty of other products that offer you hold! The Layrite Matte Paste does have it’s place in your hair product arsenal, regardless of hair type.

For lower profile hairstyles, you can’t go wrong with this. It has just enough hold to keep your hair in place, without worrying about it becoming untidy throughout the day. It’s that product that gives you a natural look without making you feel as if you have any product in your hair, while still offering “enough hold.” And for those that have grown their hair out throughout this year and are entertaining longer hairstyles, this is perfect for you. You can keep those little hairs neatly tucked behind your ear without worry of it flying around looking like Farrah Fawcett. I mean, unless that’s the look you’re going for.

Going for something that’s a bit more bouffant like a pompadour is a bit difficult with this. As I mentioned, this has very light hold. BUT… It’s not impossible… Just like the Layrite Original, achieving certain looks with this stuff is achievable… with the aid of a hair straightener or a blow dryer… If you have thicker hair, blow drying your hair into a pompadour then raking your fingers through your hair will give you a loose pompadour that won’t break up in the wind. I also know of individuals that will use this as a topper with a thicker pomade as a base, giving you firm hold while slightly breaking it up with the Matte Paste so you can shape your hairstyle a bit easier.

Click here to purchase Layrite Matte Cream.

Layrite Cement:

The real nitty gritty one of the bunch. This stuff is thick, holds like a beast, and still washes out with ease! If you want a matte finish and strong hold, you should definitely look into Layrite Cement!

Layrite Cement

Base Properties:

The closet hair product on the market I can compare this stuff to would be a clay. But, unlike some clays out there, this stuff won’t give you skid marks on your finger as you scoop it out. Sounds weird! If you’ve ever tried to use a clay that is hard like a brick, you don’t get a finger tip worth of clay, but just skid marks on your finger tip. Yeah, that was a weird way to describe it, but you know exactly what I’m talking about! But like other clay hair products, this stuff gives you a solid hold for any hairstyle, but less hassle getting it out to use!

Application:

In comparison to the rest, this is the “hardest” to apply. While you might not get any skid marks on your fingertips, you may see some streaks of Cement through your hair if your hair is a bit more than damp. Like the rest, simply combing through will quickly fix that. The best way I’ve found to apply this is to really emulsify it in your hands and get a quick splash of water in. Take your time to rake your fingers through your hair to ensure even application. You can always add more as you go along, but getting the excess out is a bit more difficult! But if you absolutely need some crazy hold, then hamfist away!

Hair textures and Hair Styles:

Similar to the Layrite Original Pomade, this stuff is great for every hair texture and style. But, just like the Original, you’ll have to go about it in certain ways…

For finer textures, a little will truly go a long way! While it’s not as easy to scoop out as the Matte Paste, you can equally get carried away with applying too much, which will cause your hair to fall flat and lifeless. So, take your time to gently add it to your hair by running your fingers through, versus slamming it on and letting your hair lay flat. I mean, if that’s your thing…

Thicker hair won’t have to worry about that too much. If you’ve got thick hair and are going for a pompadour, this stuff will easily do the trick. While you won’t have to hamfist it, taking your time to apply a decent amount in your hair will be more than enough to give you a pompadour or any bouffant hair styles with ease. The hold is more than enough to achieve such looks with minimal effort, especially for thicker haired folks.

Click here to purchase Layrite Cement.

Commonality:

For the most part, all of these products are water-soluble. Which means they will wash out well with just water. However, I would still suggest using a shampoo while washing your hair, just so you can get that little bit extra clean feel and don’t have to worry about any form of excess. Between the three the Cement will be the hardest one to wash out. And by hardest, I mean I would absolutely suggest using a shampoo when washing it out.

Another trait they all share is the scent. While not all of them are identical from what I can tell, they are all relatively sweet. So if you’re not into that, this might be a hard one to accept. I mean, if my lady could smell my hair from 3 aisles away in a store, you can only imagine how indistinguishable the scent is! That’s not a bad thing! Personally, the scent doesn’t bother me none. But if you’re all about the musk, earthy, more “classic” scents, then you might have a hard time with this. If you’re able to look past that factor, then you’ve got yourself one hell of a product line to work with!

There you have it!

These three are what I believe to be an absolute staple when it comes to Layrite products. From the various shops I’ve been a part of, to recommending them to other shops as to what product line they should carry, and to my personal usage, time and time again Layrite has been a part of it all. And no, I do not have any affiliation with Layrite (but that would be neat.) They’re just a fantastic company with a fantastic product line! There’s no doubt about it. To top off their product line, here are some honorable mentions.

Honorable Mentions:

Layrite Superhold is an all time favorite, so why not mention it? Well, simply put, it’s very similar to the Original hold, but considerably thicker. This isn’t something I would recommend right off the bat, as many of my clients have been turned off by such a product, when it’s their first venture outside of hair gel. You can only imagine how intimidating it is to go from a liquid gel to a gel pomade!

Layrite Supershine is a personal favorite, but it’s not for everyone. It has a lot of shine, and can transfer onto your hands as well as pillowcases. Some traits that beginners do not want! However, if you want to start getting into the more traditional petrolatum based products, I’d suggest starting with this one and work your way up. You’ll still get a lot of the similar traits, but without the hassle of washing it out with cola! Click here to read all about that!

Other items such as their beard oil, Grooming Spray, and their Styling Comb (my personal favorite) will be linked below if you would like to check them out.

I hope you find yourself using Layrite if you have yet to experience this product line. It was one of my first pomades years ago, and I know that I’ll always have a can on me. Layrite has been a brand I’ve wanted to work with for a very long time, but unfortunately there hasn’t been any collaboration. Hopefully the revival of this blog can make that happen? Who knows. I hope that your support can make something come to fruition!

Until the next time.

Pomp Hard.

Affiliate Links:

Layrite Original Pomade

Layrite Matte Cream

Layrite Cement

Honorable Mentions:

Layrite Superhold

Layrite Supershine

Layrite Grooming Spray

Layrite Beard Oil

Layrite Styling Comb

How To Get A Post-Quarantine Haircut.

Heading into quarantine most people were left off with one haircut after their usual holiday or New Years haircut. For some, that’s not all too bad, at least it was one! As for myself, I entered quarantine with hair grown out since October! As you can imagine, I had a mop on my head! And since I didn’t have the initial intention of growing it out, it wasn’t well kept whatsoever. So going through quarantine would’ve been extremely rough! Of course, I wasn’t the only one!

I might be a little bit late to the party, but you’d all be surprised how many other people have yet to get their post-quarantine cut since shops have started to reopen!

Now that barbershops are slowly getting back to business, there are a fair-share of fellas coming out of their 2020 hibernation with pounds of hair on their head. Might be a bit of an exaggeration, but you should see our hair bin! Even so… getting back to business doesn’t mean people are going straight back to their usual go-to haircuts. And rightfully so! I mean, if this is your first time growing your hair out (unintentionally or otherwise,) why not? Rock it! Play with it! There’s no better time than now to try something new and get out of your comfort zone. Needless to say, we’ve all been put in that position, but for the sake of this post, let’s just keep it relative to hair styles!

My buddy Nick hasn’t had a haircut since earlier in the year, February at best. So he’s definitely had plenty of hair to work with, to showcase some various hairstyle options before jumping straight back into his usual. But, why showcase it with photos, lets do a video!

Attached below is the YouTube video of us demonstrating a few post-quarantine hair style options. Whether your hair has grown out since March or July, you have options!

Disclaimer:

This project is not complete. About 80% through, my files and back up files become corrupted and it shows. I didn’t get a chance to finalize the edit, music, background noise, a better outtro. But, this was my third time attempting this video, and it was already painful enough having gone through so many edits. As well as the pain of trying to upload it on YouTube. I believe it took… 2-3 hours? Yeah… I’m not too juiced on it… BUT… It’s here now! It’s what I’ve got left and now it’s what y’all get! So, since there’s clearly plenty of room for edits, it also means there is room for improvement! Let me know what you guys did or didn’t like about it, and we’ll make it happen! But, if it’s my person that you didn’t like… Oh well! That’s what you get!

The Barbershop: Is it an Essential Business?

First and foremost, I want it to be known that I am not a political individual and don’t claim any particular leanings. Because, in short: I don’t give a damn. But this year has been one hell of a trying year and has put everyone to the test, which has caused me to pay attention more than usual. Still loosely, but more-so… Regardless of your situation, we were all put to the test and it sure as hell sucked. For some it was worse than others. Myself as a barber was out of work for six months. SIX MONTHS. As someone who is all about earning every single penny with the work they put in, this was hard. I can’t lie, it was extremely difficult on various levels. But with the community and foundation I had built with clients, there was an immeasurable amount of support and I can’t help but thank each and every one of them every time I see them. Without that foundation, I don’t know if I could’ve had an “easier” time getting into a good headspace, as many of them described. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for many…

Even so, not every barber, let alone every barbershop has that. So that raises the question: Are barbershops essential?

Early on during the initial Shelter In Place, a lot of people had deemed the barbershop (as well as salons. For the sake of my profession and not having to type it out ever single time, the industry will simply be referred to as barbershops) as non-essential. To a certain degree, I get it… It can be considered a luxury expense. The hollow argument of ‘you can do it at home’ will always be there, and should that be applied to everything else in life? I mean, do you have to eat out? Not at all. Yes, while to some it’s a luxury to eat out all the time, but it’s also healthy to change things up every once in a while. It brings back that mystique of a home cooked meal and the appreciation for the effort took. While many of us are creatures of habit – myself included – it doesn’t mean we should be put in the position to make such drastic changes and accept it.

Change is healthy. Change is necessary. So changing your surroundings and interactions on a day to day basis has really shown its importance. It was little variables throughout the day that many of us took for granted, and spent the last half year missing out on it. Understanding and appreciating these day to day variables is becoming more and more evident each day, especially as we stay at a distance from getting any closer to them. We’re dealing with a constantly moving target, and it’s wearing people down.

Since the vast majority have been ‘given’ the ability to work from home, it means that everything else they did on a day-to-day basis followed suit. Cooking, working out, maintaining “social interactions” with their work peers. Some like that, and some like to be a homebody and not interact with people on a day-to-day basis. As a professional homebody myself, I get it! This is change. A dramatic one at that. But once this level of change becomes normal (and it does became normal real quick,) is it good change? How sustainable is it for a healthy headspace?

Coming back to the barbershop and having began interacting with people again was great. It was exciting and to a certain degree, emotional. Why? Because having kept our interactions to a bare minimum, you lose that sense of community; Of primal human interaction. As much as no one would dare admit: We’ve all developed a bit of prejudice when you’re around people. You don’t know who they are, what they’ve done, if they’re sick, etc etc. (This is not to be misconstrued as an “is it real” argument. Save that for your own social media accounts!) Common courtesy was thrown out the window. Common decency was met with distasteful looks. Far and few were acting as —simply put— a good person. Something as simple as passing an acquaintance on the street and greeting them is met with short, uninterested notions of existence. The weird times we’re in has made people even weirder, and not in a good way. This isn’t the part of the emotional spectrum I’d want to sustain on a day to day basis. Due to the circumstances we’re in, it’s an unfortunate constant. Working ourselves out of such levels of negativity is difficult on our own.

“Faster alone, further together.”

I started to notice how important it was to maintain interaction with people. I mean, previously I was working six days a week. I’ve had PLENTY of human interaction on a day to day basis. While it was draining, I enjoyed it. It’s a part of my job to enjoy interacting with people. As introverted as I inherently am, I realized how much I enjoy interaction. I mean, having gone to VLV at the peak of my blogging “career,” all I cared about was meeting people, developing rapport and relationships with them, and having a great time. Granted… those interactions were fueled by PBR and whiskey… BUT STILL… Those interactions were very important for me getting comfortable enough to consider barbering. And eight or so years later, I’d say it was impactful.

As the days I go by and I start interacting with more and more people, I couldn’t help but notice that some maintained a bit of normalcy by hanging out with friends (whether it be socially distanced or not.) But for the rest, I couldn’t help but see something… How draining it has been for them to maintain social interactions through a screen, and not have any real interaction with a person IN PERSON… There was definitely some social ineptitude developed over the lack of exposure to other human interactions. Granted, I don’t know how they are outside of the shop, but I can’t imagine the interactions being all too different outside of it. Overtime these socially inept individuals become more comfortable in the barbershop. Passing by they point out to whomever it is they’re accompanied by that this is their barbershop. They’re proud to point it out and start to build their own community by referring coworkers and friends to the shop. They unknowingly encompass a part of their lives around it. Whether it’s parting ways with someone before their haircut, or meeting someone after their haircut to get dinner and drinks, the barbershop became a pivoting point in their day. For something to be a pivoting point in my day, it has to be important.

But, does that answer the question: Are Barbershops Essential?

A bit more time goes by and people start coming to get back to the shop to regain some level of normalcy, I realized how much the barbershop is an essential business to the community it services. Not because of my own bias of wanting to work throughout this entire time, but for other people in my chair. For the community we service, to the individuals that heard about us on social media and wanted the experience while they were in town, or the individuals that travel from all over to be a part of our shop. We are absolutely an essential business. But why? Is it because of the way we cut hair? The adornments on the wall? The prices charged or the products sold? What is it? What makes the barbershop essential?

What I’ve deemed the barbershop’s most qualifying trait of being considered an “essential business” is what we offer to the individuals that sit in our chair. Haircut and product aside, we offer whatever it is they need. They need someone to confide in? Someone to shoot-the-shit with? Some time to decompress from work for however long, in order to reset their mindset and get back to it? Whatever it is they need, we offer it. We offer escapism. And escapism from all the non-sense going on all around us is definitely essential to the well being of the people coming to the barbershop.

What was just a simple T.V. trope has gotten it’s own show on HBO by Lebron James. Showcasing one aspect the barbershop has to offer besides haircuts: dialogue. I mean, if a barbershop was solely about getting a haircut, would there have been a show made about it? Absolutely not.

With us finally being able to open up our doors, patrons are now able to get that bit of time away from the confine of the walls of their homes that now has become work. To get a bit of quiet away from their families. To see someone that’s not on a screen but physically in front of them and have an actual conversation filled with agreements and disagreements. In one place we can offer so much that was lost throughout this year. After interacting with so many people, they too come to realize how important the visit to the barbershop really was to them. Whether it’s every week, or every five. They’ve realized how important it is to them to decompress from home/work. Not just decompress during their commute, but how important it was for them to decompress in the barbershop. The patron knows that whatever it is they have to say stays in the confines of the chair. To get away from the same conversation at home/work and actually create dialogue with someone? Does anyone know how much emotional relief that is? It’s incomparable to any other business out there.

Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of shops that have built their business around rapport and community. And unfortunately, I get it. Certain business models are impossible to get out of. (This is a topic for another day!) But this shouldn’t deem the industry as a whole as “non-essential.” If people can now have alcohol delivered and get alcoholic drinks to go and drink them in public, they should be able to go to the barbershop for that small portion of the day to get a more viable and sustainable source of escapism. Even if the shop may not as invested in the patrons as ours is, it doesn’t mean the patrons don’t rely on them for a quick conversation to clear their headspace.

The true testament to my sentiment —that barbershops should be looked at as essential businesses— is the fact that barbershops have been the epicenter of the communities they service since the very beginning. It is one of the oldest trades around the world, and there’s more than enough reasons why. Regardless of style of shop it is, barbershops will always be around and the community it’s propagated will stand by and proclaim how their local barbershop is essential to them.

Product Review: Wahl Clipper Guards. Which are the best?

Hey everyone!

Glad to get back to reviewing some products! While I primarily reviewed hair styling products for the general consumer, I’ve since become a barber and have developed an understanding for such products from not just a consumer point of view, but also as a professional that needs to utilize various tools and implements. So from this point on, my reviews will be intended for not just for the general consumer or fellow barbers and hairstylists, but also for the individuals that have taken to cutting their own hair (or their friends) during these weird times. Hey, maybe it’s time for a career change? I won’t lie… After having shown a couple of my personal clients a few tutorial vids as to how to cut hair, they’ve been doing one hell of a job!

Full Disclosure: In this post are various Affiliate Marketing links that will allow me to earn a small compensation for qualified purchases. This does not only benefit me with a bit of added monetary security, but will also allow me to gauge my content for readers new and old. I thank you all for the support.

Starting off my new series of reviews will be a review for a product that a many people take for granted. After having bought several variations throughout the years, I’ve come to a conclusion as to what I look for with this type of product. What product am I referring to? In this post, I will be going over a few different types of clipper guards designed to work with Wahl Clippers!

The primary focus of this blog was Rockabilly leaning. With that comes the aspect of “traditional barbering” where you would typically see detachable blade clippers being utilized more than adjustable lever clippers with plastic guards. While that’s a perfectly fine way to cut hair, not everyone is accustomed to that methodology of hair cutting, nor should it be thought as being the only way to barber.

Plastic guards have been a staple for Wahl adjustable clippers. In fact, the majority of their clipper models already come with the Wahl Clipper Guard system. This review will not go in depth as to how to use the system, but more-so showing what I look for when it comes to these specific guards and why some are more favored than the other. If you would like an in-depth post about clipper guard systems, make sure to leave a comment so that I can make a post about it to help you out!

The standard clipper guards provided by Wahl for the clipper kits are a good starting point. Whether you’re cutting hair professionally or on the side, they work perfectly fine for getting your foot in the door. They provide sizes from 1/16th of an inch ( #0 typically the smallest guard produced by a majority of the clipper companies) all the way up to 1 inch (#8.) Having purchased several Wahl Clippers over the years, I keep these packs as back ups just in case I lose them or break them. I haven’t broken too many of these, but I sure as hell lost a bunch!

Standard Wahl 1/16th, 1/8th, and 3/16th clipper guards.

My main reason for not using these guards as my primary guard for barbering is because I’m (personally) not a fan of the way they clip onto the clipper. As I’ve said, they’re fine. But after extended use throughout the long days and submerging them in a quarts container. Too many times have I noticed stress marks on the clip that holds the guard against the heel of the clipper blade that has caused me to worry about breakage while cutting hair.

The 3/16th guard is notorious for becoming loose over time and slipping off while cutting. Most people have become used to holding onto the clip with their pointer finger resting on the clip. It’s a habit that I’ve since added to my array of barbering habits (both good and bad!) but I still wouldn’t rely on it. All it takes is one slip up and you’re done!

This level of flex in the plastic isn’t as pronounced in the heel clip, but it isn’t too far off!

This is especially important for those that have decided to cut their own hair at home that don’t have anyone to give them a helping hand. Since they are cutting their own hair, the angles are not the same as a barber, and the pressure applied from clipper to head is noticeably different. I mean, we do have the vantage point of being above or besides the patrons head while cutting. But applying the clipper at the wrong angle can result in added stress to the clip and cause it to slip off or break. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve jammed the clipper guard on the back of my head and had to pull my hand back to make sure the guard didn’t slip off and turn 5/8ths of an inch to mere millimeters! Don’t lie, you know the feeling!

For a set of standard Wahl Clipper guards, click here.

Foruntately for professionals and consumers, Wahl has listened and solved the issue and introduced a new version of their clipper guards. This time, with metal clips!

Wahl Premium 1/16th, 1/8th, and 3/16th clipper guard.

These are easily my favorite style of Wahl Clipper Guards. Why? Because they are secure as hell! I’ve personally never had a guard accidentally slip off on me during a haircut or intermittently. This added feature has given barbers and consumers alike the confidence to go through the haircut without the feeling of “what if.”

The nice thing about the metal clip at the end of the clipper guard is that it maintains tension against the heel of the clipper blade. Putting it on the clipper gives you an ever-so satisfying “click” that in itself should be an ASMR sound bit. Since it is a separate piece from the plastic clipper guard, you can bend the clip in to give it added tension to ensure security, without worrying about stress on the clip itself. I have yet to see any sign of wear of bending the clips, and don’t have any worry that it would even be a factor to consider. Of course, if you hamfist it into position, that’s on you!

Click here to get a set for yourself.

But is there any other ways to improve this clipper guard system? Well, some others have thought of doing so. But this time, with magnets! Other clipper companies have utilized magnetic clipper guards for a long while now. This is the first time we’ve got to experience them with Wahl clippers. But the question is… is it better?

If I had it my way, I would love to have nothing but magnets used to secure clipper guards to the clippers. I always felt that magnets felt the most secure method of securing a clipper guard to a clipper and have only had once individual guard have a magnet fall out (which was easy to pop back in and hasn’t fallen out since.) While this is a step in the right direction for this type of clipper, I can’t say it’s perfect and without it’s flaws. And unfortunately, the flaws right now are pretty noticeable.

Once thing I’ve noticed right off the bat is the plastic. The plastic used on these magnetic guards are extremely stiff and feel very brittle. Unlike the Wahl guards that come with the clippers, these are very stiff and hold shape well. I’ve opened up plenty of guards that came with Wahl Clippers and had many of them warped and bent out of shape due to being compressed in the box (not the worst thing to happen but noticeable.) These guards don’t feel like there would be any flex to them, which isn’t exactly bad! But I can’t help but feel that as soon as I see that one stress mark, it’s only a matter of time until the teeth shear right off.

Third Party magnetic 1/16th, 1/8th, and 3/16th clipper guard

Very subtle flex in the teeth. This can be both very good and very bad!

Another issue I have with them is that they don’t retain proper tension against the heel of the blade. This means that there is wiggle room pushing the guard back and forth against the cutting blade of the clipper. This is huge! Because there’s a big difference between 1mm and 5mm! As always, you can put your finger against the heel of the guard to add some pressure to it, but why should you?

Single magnet isn’t the most secure.

If you’d like to check out these third party magnetic clipper guards, click the link here to check them out.

The application of magnets is great. But these use some extremely strong magnets (which you would think is ideal) but pulling one guard out of the rack often means you’re pulling out an additional guard or two! At the very least this means that it won’t be sliding off of the clipper blade any time soon. Sliding from front to back? Yes. But sliding right off? I think not! While I like the innovation of these guards, I wouldn’t rush out to get them right away. Until the design is a bit more refined and they is no more wiggle room, then I would suggest sticking with the regular guards that typically come with the clippers or the refined design with the added metal clip for that added security!

When it comes down to it, I feel that the refined design of the Wahl Clipper Guards with the added clip are the way to go. Not only do they stay secure on the clipper, they also run true. Meaning, a 1/8th guard that is 3mm will stay 3mm and not 3mm +/-! So if I were to suggest which is the best well rounded clipper guard for the Wahl clipper, whether you’re cutting professionally or on the side, (or simply on yourself!) I’d go with the newer guards. They’re great and I haven’t had to replace my first set over the last two or so years. But if you’re comfortable with using your finger to add pressure for the magnetic guards to ensure no wiggle, they’re worth checking out. Because lets be real: barbers love getting new things to cut with!

All clipper guards mentioned above will fit not only just Wahl Cordless Seniors (pictured) but other Wahl Clippers for both professional and personal use. I will inlclude links to help you pick which clippers may suit your needs.

Wahl Corded Clipper with hair cutting kit.

Wahl Cordless Senior.

Wahl Cordless Magic Clip.

Wahl Corded 5 Star Legend and Hero Trimmer set.

Until the next time,

Pomp Hard!