5 Tips For a Really Great Shave

IMG_0265Getting Straight Razor Shave

Shaving is simple.

Buy cheap $2 foam, lather up your face, hurriedly take that dull BIC razor out and scratch the stubble off slowly so that you don’t accidentally cut yourself, then stick tissue to your face in multiple spots to stop the bleeding in the car while driving to work looking like you’ve got pimple cream dotted everywhere.

Shaving is not that simple.
There’s a technique – an art if you will – to get the best shave possible. It takes time that you don’t think you have, but must invest in so you don’t abuse your face.

Here are some tips for a really great shave:

1. First you must wash your face. Wash it good too. Softening the protein in the hair is important.

2. Lather up. There’s no right or wrong here. You can use gel or cream, whichever you prefer but make sure to let it sit for roughly 3 minutes before you put the razor to it. Once again, you’re looking to soften the hair for a better shave.

PS – You’re going to want to use a brush to lather the cream. Don’t use your fingers. A brush will push the cream into the hair really coating each individual one.

3. No need to get picky and fancy with your razor choice. Single blade works just fine. If you prefer a double blade, feel free to use it, but it’s not a necessity to get a great shave. You’re going to change your razor every 2-3 weeks, so depending on far you want to dig in your pockets depends on which razor you prefer.

4. Keep your skin hot & wet. Shaving in the shower or immediately after is the best option. A suggestion worth the investment would be a shaving lather warmer. This will continuously keep your face hot without having to constantly put warm towels to it.

Immediately following the shave, rinse with cold water. This will reduce inflammation.

5. Shave with the direction your hair is growing in. Even though you’ll get a closer shave by going against, it will cause burn or ingrown hairs. Don’t continue to go over an area either. This can cause irritation.

A professional job is always worth the time. Taking 15-30 minutes out of your day to have someone do the work for you is relaxing and mindless. LaBarberia Institute offers an awesome hot shave for $7. That’s as much as your razor will cost, so it’s definitely worth the $$ & time. We accept walk-ins during any of our open business hours: https://labarberiainstitute.com/

Barbershop: The Next Cut

Barbershop-The-Next-Cut Due in theatres on April 16, 2016, Calvin (Ice Cube) & crew are back for another round of the hit movie, “Barbershop,” only this time, the shop has undergone some major renovations, adding females like Nicki Minaj to the mix. By doing this, another level of humor is added and the ladies spice up the screen with their constant (funny) drama while keeping the guys on their toes.

In the original movie, although the story was focused around Calvin selling the family shop due to financial reasons, the theme that continued throughout was that of “community.” The barber shop, as always, plays a large role in town where people gather to exchange gossip, camaraderie and enjoy each other’s company.

In “The Next Cut”, the neighborhood surrounding the shop has taken a turn for the worse. The new generation (Regina Hall) and old (Cedric the Entertainer is back), must come together to not only save the shop, but their community.

Like most shops, the feeling of family and comfort, good friends and conversation, are what makes someone keep coming back to their barber. This is another feel-good movie about the gathering of a community working toward a common goal and genuinely enjoying each other, all while making us laugh throughout.

To be a part of the LaBarberia community, contact us by calling (440) 565-7525 or visit our website at https://labarberiainstitute.com/

The Benefits of Becoming a Barber

There’s something to be said about making someone’s day, or, even, changing someone’s life. That feeling that takes over you when you know you’ve done something that the other person feels great about – that’s something unexplainable. This isn’t something that only celebrities can feel, or the wealthy, this is something everyone can feel based on the paths they choose in life.
The benefits of becoming a barber are far more than taking a razor to someone’s scalp and carving designs into it. That’s not what this career encompasses. Every time someone sits in the chair, hair overgrown, misshapen, too flat, too big or too messy – it’s really a blank canvas waiting to have new life breathed back into it. You see, being a barber means there is an element of control to the situation – A fresh start occurs after the snipping and shavings hit the floor because of YOU and what you’ve created.
Being a barber means being an artist – a creative soul who seeks out change and design and is deeply passionate about their craft. Choosing to be a barber allows for those who aren’t feeling fun, fresh and edgy to reinvent themselves. It means someone trusts you enough to say “Change it up” and then wear their hair confidently down the street afterwards. This forces you to keep an open mind that is constantly thinking of innovative ideas.
Being a barber is fun and exciting. When people sit down for a cut, once they see your work and start to trust you, a bond and friendship forms. The role of barber is now that of a confidant, listener and friend. It’s far more than just a title.
On top of all of that, independence is another awesome benefit. Working in a shop can be exciting for most, while others want the feeling of control and eventually open their own business. The possibilities are endless as all shops are different and have their own unique vibe, while opening your own shop can allow for more creative freedom. If a portfolio is created, your work can also be used in magazines or for fashions shows, which shows off what a rockstar you really are. Career growth can go in many directions depending on the choices you make. The sky is the limit and you get to figure out where you’re headed.
The benefits of being a barber boil down to fun, creativity and satisfaction. Finding a career that you truly love is one of the most difficult things that we are challenged with as we “grow up,” because, let’s be serious, who really knows? But, given you have the passion and characteristics of an artist, you can challenge that in an outlet that allows you to be social and inspired.
More so, nowadays, people crave the freedom of a flexible work schedule, hours & knowing that their income is solely based on what they put into it. The reward of exerting your effort into your business, making each person look the best they can when they leave your chair and then telling 10 of their friends about you, is one of the best compliments you can receive.

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The Man In The Mirror… A Look at Today’s Man

Guy looking at himself in the mirror.

News Flash: Men want their hair to look good, and they don’t want to have to achieve that in a salon for women. They realize, more than anybody else that “hair frames a man’s face and accents his features, and it can’t be disguised by the cut of a suit.”

As American Crew so adeptly summed up today’s man, times have changed, and men are back to getting great new experiences and learning ways to incorporate style into their everyday lives.

A British study has concluded that, within a year, men spend five months at a salon “quaffing their do, and almost a month cutting and taking care of their nails.”

Many studies have concluded that as men become more concerned about their hair they are taking better care of it, and believe that their hair is related to their self-image and their masculinity. With that new attitude, comes the self-confidence to be able to discuss their concerns with a professional.  Men are becoming fussy about their hair, and want to make themselves look more attractive and comfortable at the same time. Their mirror is the big test.  Men want to look good when they are looking in the mirror. They want to look younger than their peers by getting different types of hairstyles. And, these days, men are able to express their intentions to their barber.

Since all of this is occurring in the masculine world, the need for outstanding professionals is going to keep increasing. At LaBarberia, we are turning out savvy, hip barbers who are on the cutting edge (pardon the pun) of men’s hair styling. Contact us for details https://labarberiainstitute.com

Grand Opening at Golden Gate Plaza

Well, today is the big day! Don’t forget to come out to our open house from 2-4pm and our grand opening from 5-7pm — all happening today! See you there!

We’re so happy to finally cut the ribbon of our new location at Golden Gate Plaza. We are your local discounted American Crew supplier, stop by and check out our brand new space today! Walk In’s welcome.

Huge thanks to everyone who has been a part of the whole process of our relocation and grand opening! We feel the love and it’s overwhelming. Check our Facebook page of more images from the Open House and ribbon cutting ceremony.