Barber shops closed: top DIY tips for men

POLOKWANE – Professional barber and owner of Botsotso Barber Shop, Ramadi Ndwamato, says because salons are closed and people aren’t able to cut or trim their hair, men can perform basic-trims or shave if they desperately need to.

Trimming your hair:

“If you’ve never done this, it requires a certain level of professionalism. If you make a mistake, practice makes perfect and remember that your hair will eventually grow back as the days go by,” he said.

Tools you’ll need for a trim:

• Your hair should be clean and dry (rem­ember that only the professionals should cut hair when wet as it can get tricky at times).
• A comb (thin and portable comb).
• A pair of sharp scissors.

“You need to separate (part) your hair down the middle, and bring each side forward as if you’re making ‘ponytails’ to trim dead ends or overall length. Then brush one side evenly and thoroughly with a comb, and stretch it until it’s tightly pulled. Slide your middle and index fingers to where you wish to cut the hair, keeping all the hair from the back between your fingers, and cut straight across, just underneath your fingers. Then repeat the same procedure on the other side,” he advised.

Shaving your hair or beard:

Make sure you moisturise every single time you shave to keep your scalp soft, hydrated and smooth.

“It’s quite a bold move to shave your head, but this is the move that works for most men, especially now that barbershops and salons remain closed,” he said. He adds that a clean-shaven head is a classic look that can sharpen one’s overall appearance but it can require some upkeep to make sure you’re looking your best. He adds that if the hairline’s receding or if the hair is turning grey and is affecting your confidence, it may be that time to take the step of shaving it all off.

“When you shave, make sure that you use a new, multi-blade razor. This will give you a closer shave and require fewer passes over sensitive scalp skin,” he said. He adds that one can use the same kind of shaving cream or gel that they use to shave their faces with. “When you shave, remember to always work with a mirror, especially if you’re not a professional barber. And most importantly, don’t rush.

Step 1:

• Before you start shaving, check your scalp for any pimples, bumps or moles that you’ll need to be careful to avoid with your razor.
• Wet or wash your hair before shaving your head (The best way to shave your hair is in the shower or straight after you get out. The heat from the water will make bristly hairs easier to cut through, giving you a quicker, easier, and more comfortable haircut).

Step 2:

• Apply shaving gel. This helps soften the hair even further. Using a gel that’s specially designed for sensitive skin can also help to protect your skin against irritation. The skin on your scalp can easily become irritated, and you don’t want to be left with unsightly razor burn.
• Using shave-gel can also help to improve razor glide, the gels are designed to bring you a smooth shave from start to finish.

Step 3:

• Try to avoid blades that are not razor-sharp because if your razor blades look faded out or dull, it’s probably time to change them. Replace them before you start shaving your head.

Step 4:

• Shave with gentle strokes. For a cleaner and smooth-shaven finish on your head, make sure that you’re working in a pattern that’s comfortable and feels good on your skin.
• When shaving your head, make sure that you apply even pressure, making light strokes with your razor. Remember that going against the grain can help you to get an even closer shave. Being too rough or shaving in the same direction that your hair grows could leave you with razor bumps, the last thing you want on your head.

Step 5:

• For a total smooth finish, you need to check for ‘hidden spots’ to make sure that you’ve shaved off everything you needed to shave. For better results, use an electric razor to shave your head.

Step 6:

• Rinse your blades as often as possible. Run the front and back of your blades under the tap after every few strokes, making sure you gently shake off excess water before starting to shave again. This helps to remove any build-up of shaving gel, hair and dead skin, so you can carry on achieving a smooth, clean shave for your head.

Step 7:

It’s important to re-apply extra shaving gel regularly to keep any remaining hairs soft and easy to work with. This can also help to prevent getting shaving rash and irritation because your scalp is one of the most sensitive parts of your body to shave.

Step 8:

• When you’re satisfied with a specific ‘look’ you wanted and you’re happy with, rinse your head with cool water (not too hot and not too cold) to remove any excess shaving gel, as well as any shaven hairs that might still be stuck to your scalp.
• Gently ‘pat’ your head dry with a towel, as being too rough could irritate your skin, which might stop you from achieving that ‘smooth-finish’ you’ve worked so hard on.

Step 9: 

Immediately after shaving your head, moisturise your head with an aftershave lotion to soothe the skin on your scalp.

anne@nmgroup.co.za