Category: Stav’s Style Tips

Let’s start with a quote from Frank Sinatra (a barber shop legend) to get us in the Christmas party spirit – ‘Alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but the Bible says love your enemy!’

Over the festive period there will be family get-togethers, New Year’s Eve spectaculars and the notorious office Christmas (party) to deal with.

Chaps will make several pit stops at the barber shop in the coming weeks.
The old cutthroat razors are out ready for the traditional Hot Towel Shave.

And, like ‘Ol Blue Eyes himself, clean shaven is the look to go for over the Christmas period (Santa is the only dude who should be sporting a beard come Christmas Eve).

With the whiskers gone you’ll be looking and feeling younger plus we reckon it will put a big smile on Mum’s face over Christmas dinner (I hope you are reading this Jono Openshaw, the bearded manager at Fitness First).

Remember the good old razor can have a real positive impact on your day.

For you guys shaving at home, here are a few tips to make your shave a treat and not a chore.

1. Make the experience more fun and soften your beard with a home-made hot towel.
(I’m going to post a video on our website – look right – to show you just how to do this).

2. Treat yourself (it’s Christmas after all) to a Badger Hair Shaving Brush, great for creating a rich creamy lather.

3. Use short strokes only, about an inch at a time. Also allow the blade to do the work, no need to apply too much pressure.

To all the ladies reading this column, here at Alexander Barbers Headquarters we are very proud of the gentleman of Hammersmith, we hope you are too. We have put together a little list of manly gift ideas to help you put a grin on your bloke’s face this Christmas (he deserves it).

1. Kent Military Hairbrush
2. Shoe Shine Kit
3. You can’t go wrong with the John Wayne ceramic mug

The team, Big Reggie (the dog), and I would like to take this chance to thank all the Hammersmith Locals and our customers for supporting us. You make the shop special and are the reason our barber shop buzzes. You make it a wonderful place to come into work each day. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Big Reggie, and Stavros Christoudolakis – Barber

‘Unlike Big Reggie, my French Bulldog (above left!)and the beautiful official mascot for Alexander Barbers HQ, us chaps should not be keeping it short and sharp over the autumn season.

‘While the hot summer months ensure we keep our hair clipped close and tidy, the beginning of the winter months gives us a chance to, well, be downright messy on top.

‘Why?’ I hear you ask. Simple. The autumn is going to throw everything it has got at your hair. Think wind, rain, hail and even sleet. It’s going to be messy, come what may. So embrace it. If you do, your hair will be easy to maintain.

‘At our barbers we often see a rush in the days running up to Halloween, particularly now that the October 31st has become hipper than ever with pub parties and dinners at friends’ homes.

‘Here are a few hints about getting it right for what Keats described as a ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness!’

Go for short to mid length on the sides, get the top chopped into so that it is texturised. Remember the more weight you remove from your hair the more movement you will get, particularly when the wind blows. Here is a list of some of our favourite hair products if you want to take on the elements and keep your hairstyle in place.

1 – Forming Cream – by American Crew. A medium hold with medium shine that works well with side parts and slicked back styles.

2 – Defining Paste – by American Crew. A medium hold with low shine. A great product for the chap who is slightly thinning on top.

3 – Reformer – from the MITCH range by Paul Mitchell. A strong hold with a matt finish texturiser. Works well with your new messy Autumn style.

Stavros Christoudolakis – Barber

Stav’s Style Tips for Summer

‘Summer is here and the world’s trendiest fashion show featuring YOU is about to begin. We are going to see the latest hairstyle, clothing, and accessory trends being strutted up and down London’s high streets.

‘During Summer traditionally most men cut their hair a little shorter and more frequently thanks to the great British sunshine. Here is a list of my top 3 coolest summer haircuts:

1 – The Textured Quiff
2 – Short Sides with Choppy Top
3 – Textured Cop

‘Gentlemen, less in most cases equals more, especially when applying gels and waxes to your hair. Remember you are styling your hair and not cementing together a three-storey house.

‘You will find creating a style easier if you first wash your hair which will help to relax it making it more manoeuvrable.

1 – A good tip if you have lots of product buildup slapped on your head is to apply shampoo straight onto your hair before wetting it so the shampoo gets straight to work on the product buildup. Now rinse out, then shampoo and rinse again as normal.

2 – A common mistake is applying hair product straight onto wet hair. Once washed you should lightly towel dry then use your hands to gently ruffle your hair into shape as close to the style you are looking to create.

‘A few Derek Zoolander Blue Steel looks into the mirror and you are ready to apply your hair product and hit the glamour that is Hammersmith’s King Street. It is well worth investing in a good shampoo to throw in your gym bag alongside your favourite wax.’