You could say I'm a typical bloke when it comes to looking after my appearance and pampering myself. I've been known to slap some product in my hair and occasionally scrape a razor across my face. And that's about it, to be honest. So when I got the opportunity to have a 'beauty' treatment at The Gentry Grooming Co in Glasgow's House of Fraser I was more than a little apprehensive...There's a wide range of treatments available; from a simple beard trim to more elaborate procedures involving razors and wax. But since I generally only prune my beard when my girlfriend complains I look like a tramp, I felt somewhat daunted about it all. I've never had an open razor shave but I have seen the films where it all goes wrong!
Grooming tips for men
But I bravely chose to sample The Gentry Grooming Co's Gentrification Package, which consists of a manicure, facial, cutthroat shave and beard trim. When I arrived I was greeted by Karen, who runs the Glasgow outlet. She was warm and friendly and I immediately began to feel more relaxed. She chatted away to me during the manicure which, due to my ever-faithful male misgivings, I had initially planned on asking to skip. Despite this I was actually really pleased with the results.
Next, the open razor shave. In a separate shaving room with an authentic barber's chair Karen set about preparing my skin for the razor. She massaged my face, which was really relaxing, before covering it in hot towels. It felt a little claustrophobic to have my face wrapped up like an Egyptian mummy. But she was there to talk me through each step, which was very reassuring.
Skincare advice
Now I'm not going to lie; the shaving hurt. Karen said this was because it was my first time and because my stubble had been growing in random directions due to years of shaving from all angles without much care. Golden rules gents: shave straight down, not at an angle and NEVER against the grain. The shave was finished with a soothing Aloe vera massage and a gloriously cold towel, before my overgrown allotment of fuzz was trimmed into a neat and tidy shape. Karen also gave me some valuable tips about looking after my slightly raw neck for the next day and general tips on facial skincare, which I have since adopted and definitely feel the benefits of.
I left feeling pleasantly surprised and invigorated by the experience and, in a strange way, liberated by the revelation that it's OK for me to look after my skin and my appearance. I'd recommend The Gentry Grooming Co and their treatments to every guy and I'd go as far to say that I'm a changed man (even if I do still have a slightly trampy beard sometimes).
Give your groom some pampering ahead of your Scottish wedding by contacting Karen at The Gentry Grooming Co, House of Fraser, Glasgow.
Tel: 0141 221 3880 EXT 2727
Email: karen@gentrygrooming.com
www.gentrygrooming.com
