The SharpThreads Guy on: Business Cas, Shaving and Cowlicks
Submitted by SharpMan Editorial Team on Thursday 14th October 2010- "Safe" business casual colors for a new job.
- Shaving "with the grain" when your hair grows in several directions.
- SharpCuts when you have "cowlicks."
Got a wardrobe question? The SharpThreads Guy can answer it. This week, the SharpThreads Guy tackles your questions business safe casual colors, shaving in different directions and licking a cowlick.
Business Safe Casual
I am starting a new job at a company with a business casual dress code. I want to make sure I get off on the right foot. What colors go with what color slacks? The main colors I will wear are: gray, black, white or light khaki and blue.
C.C.
Parkville, MO
The SharpThreads Guy: Your best bet is to pair khaki slacks with white and blue shirts for the first month. Steer clear of black shirts or very brightly-colored shirts. Think: Brookes Brothers Catalogue Model. To make an extra-formal "business casual" statement, throw a tie (no jacket) into the mix every few days. Just to psych ‘em out.
Three-Way Shaving
Question: Your articles are great: they're straightforward, they're easy to read and they provide sound advice.
In a few of your articles about shaving, you recommend shaving:
- Only until the shaving cream is gone and…
- ONLY in the direction of hair growth.
For me my facial hair isn't gone when the shaving cream is. Additionally, my neck hair grows in 3 different directions--what's the best direction to shave in? I feel my face looks sloppy if I only shave in one direction, because lots of hair is left.
If I shave in more than one direction ("against the grain"), I get a WAY closer shave, but my face gets torn apart.
I use either a Schick Quattro or a Gillette Mach 3. I've started using blades twice and then throwing them away (ouch $$). I used shaving cream (Noxzema) until it was too painful, tried Gillette's Gel (awful for me), and finally switched to King of Shaves (kind of works if I don't shave every day).
I'm only 19, and I want to shave everyday, but I am not looking forward to having my face torn apart for the rest of my life. Any suggestions?
S.F.
Moorestown, NJ
The SharpThreads Guy: Shaving is a tricky business. On the one hand, you want to get a close shave because it looks so cool. On the other hand, there is nothing cool about showing up to work with a close shave and a bloodied complexion. In other words, it’s a fine balance. The reason we suggest shaving only until your shaving cream is gone, is too avoid "over-shaving" and irritating your skin — especially if you plan to shave every day. Of course, if you happen to have so much stubble that additional strokes are required, go for it. Additionally, when we advise that you shave in the direction of your hair growth, that’s in any direction — including the three directions your hair happens to grown in. And, if your face gets "torn up," we’d definitely advise against shaving against the grain. Blood looks bad.
It sounds like your skin would really benefit from shaving in or after the shower, when the steam has opened your pores. Additionally, consider a moisturizing-cream-based shaving cream and perhaps, an after-shave balm to close your pores and condition your blade-ravaged epidermal layer. But above all, take it easy, or you’ll end up with shaving battle scars.
Licking Cowlicks
Like many other troubled men, I have straight, extra-thick, dry hair. To make things a bit worse I have a few strategically placed cowlicks that make styling pretty difficult, if not impossible. I've tried many of the products out there, but no matter what I put in my hair, it seems to just absorb it within minutes and goes out of whack. I condition every day (in the shower and then use a leave-in) and even palmade isn't enough to tame it sometimes. Any suggestions? Thanks!
B.B.
No Address Given
The SharpThreads Guy: Ever seen a SharpWoman with a pretty good body try to squeeze herself into an of-the-minute new outfit that just doesn’t work for her otherwise attractive figure? Haircuts are the same way. Not every look is going to work for every SharpMan. With this in mind, my first suggestion to you is look around — is there a guy in your office with thick hair who seems to have a good haircut? How about a woman with curly hair? Without going into details, ask him or her for a referral. Visit the stylist and point out your hair type and cowlicks. That’s really the first step in beating the battle of hair types. Your stylist will recommend a hairstyle that works with, not against, your hair type and the natural direction of your cowlicks. That way, you’re not fighting your hair every morning. The second step is to ask for product recommendations, specifically a conditioner and styling aid suited to your new cut. If your new stylist got it right, you’ll notice a big difference. If not, keep searching until you find the hair care pro who will make your morning routine a breeze.
This article last updated on Thursday 14th October 2010