A Better Haircut Isn't Always More Expensive
I work in Atlanta in a nice (but not stuffy) upscale barbershop. A haircut with me is around $30 -- expensive, according to the more traditional barbershop folks, but cheap to the high-end salon crowd. That said, nearly every day for the past twenty or so odd years, a new client leaves my chair amazed that he's gotten the best short haircut he's ever had when he'd been going to a salon and paying twice as much.
Here's the deal. I'm a firm believer that price, or years of experience, are never good criteria for selecting a haircutter -- especially if your haircut is a short, clippered cut. Most salons see short men's haircuts as something they can "fit in" while somebody's color is processing. Conversely, a lot of old barbers have lost their creativity and are just buzzing off hair.
How do you decide where to go? Browse my articles on how to choose either a barber or stylist and how to find a new barber or stylist for some great tips on locating the right person for the job of making you look great.
Men's Hair Problem of the Week: Dry Hair
Dry hair can be caused by a lot of things such as shampooing too often in hot water, alcohol-based styling products, excessive blow drying, pool water, too much sun exposure, and extreme heat. Often, the fix can be something as simple as changing your routine. Got a dry hair dilemma? My article on treatments for dry hair can help.
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Men's Hair Problem of the Week: Styling Fine Hair
Making fine hair look thick, full, and healthy can seem impossible. Many guys with fine hair mistakenly apply tons of product or buzz their hair off thinking this will compensate for their fine locks.
Fortunately, there are options for styling fine hair that can make it appear thicker and fuller. Check out my new article on how to make fine hair appear thicker for the solutions.
Photo © Ctacik | Dreamstime.com
Men's Hair Problem of the Week: Controlling Your Cowlicks
A cowlick, that annoying little tuft of hair that grows in the wrong direction and often sticks straight up, can be an annoying thing to deal with. Today, I had a guy in my chair who had so many cowlicks it appeared as if the cow put on a long Barry White CD and spent the evening licking. His best option? A short buzzcut!
Fortunately, there are options for taming your troublesome tufts. Check out my new article on how to control a cowlick for the solutions.
Photo © Tatjana Strelkova | Dreamstime.com
Sunburned Scalp! Ouch!
I recently shaved my head for our local St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser, so there's not much hair protecting my head these days. Of course, here in Atlanta, the weather is warming up so I've been spending some time outside lately. Yesterday in the park, I did it -- forgot the sunscreen and burned my head. Ouch. Don't follow my example and follow the tips in my article on how to protect your scalp from the sun!
2011 Readers' Choice Awards Winners
The 2011 Readers' Choice for men's hair features the best men's grooming products and services as selected by readers of About.com. The votes are in! And the winners are...
Justin Bieber Gets a Haircut
In my Atlanta shops, when a shaggy guy gets a short haircut, we've now come to refer to the process as a De-Biebering. As indicated by the shrieks of horror from pre-teen girls (and a little celebrating in the streets by those in the barbering biz) a few days ago, Justin got his own De-Biebering. Yes, Justin Bieber got a haircut. He didn't do something insane and get a buzzcut or anything, but he did get more than a trim. The new haircut will certainly be less of a pain in the neck -- no more snapping the head to the side to get those bangs to do that swooshie thing is required with the new cut.
This is great news for the barbering business -- millions of teenage guys will now have to go get fresh haircuts. Let the mass De-Biebering begin!
I like the new cut, although I would have liked to see him in something a bit more groomed and a little less disheveled. The shape of the cut still has a bit of a feminine feel to it. 
A nice tapered neckline and leaner styling would work better. That said, I think it's still a step in the right direction. What do you think? Give us a little vote below and then check out our gallery of before and after haircuts to see what a difference a haircut can make.
Photos © Craig Barritt | Getty Images
I'm Going Bald!
The temperatures are warming up and spring is just around the corner. Many of us will get shorter haircuts to keep us cool in the warmer months. Last year, I started a tradition for myself -- going bald! This March, I will once again participate in a local St. Baldrick's event and have my head shaved in solidarity with kids who have cancer and to raise funds for critical research. 
Sitting on stage and feeling those cold Andis clipper blades on my scalp is quite an interesting sensation -- and quite liberating. Of course, I'll be shaving some heads myself at the event too.
If you've ever thought about shaving your head (and I think every guy should do it at least once in his life), I can't think of a better reason than to shave it for St. Baldrick's -- around this time of year, there are hundreds of head-shaving events across the country. There's bound to be one near you -- if not, you could even consider starting up an event in your area. Get bald and help conquer kids' cancer? Sounds like a good idea to me.
Unique Gift Idea for Men
Looking for a unique gift for a guy? Drop a few hints that you'd like a professional barbershop shave. Many of today's nicer barbershops offer professional shaving services that last thirty minutes to an hour (with prices ranging from about $50 and up) and it's quite relaxing. Beats a tie and a cheesy card any day!