Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by David Thomas
Table of Contents
Year 1 & 2 – In The Chair
When I first created this oil, I was at Grey Matter, and we had a lot of good “styling” products like ADH and Daniel Winters Midnight oil. This was great for men who liked styling their hair, but what about the guys who don’t want to style their hair necessarily but want to have “something? ” Since they’re already low maintenance, they need something that would be easy to wash out but also wouldn’t hurt if they didn’t.
I’ve used oils over the years in my services, and as I began my plant-based journey, I discovered the true power of nature’s gifts. I found that organic cold-pressed oils aligned well with my interests, so I decided to experiment.
This all started in 2018, which just happened to be my “10th” year in the industry. The first recipe started with “10” oils. (Hence the name 😄) I tried to create a multi-use oil that had tons of benefits for scalp health but later realized that “too many cooks spoil the broth. “
After two years of experimenting, these are the most common ways I’ve come to use both oils in my services.
Finishing The Service
Some clients prefer not to use any products after a wash and blow dry, usually because they don’t want to have to wash their hair out later. But if you’re a barber, you know how some hair can sit with “Nothing” in it.
So I usually add 1-2 pumps to my hands, rub my hands, then run it through their hair.
This leaves the hair with a slight shine, removing dullness from freshly shampooed hair.
Of course, this depends on their hair type & condition. If you want to know whose hair is suitable for oils, check out the last blog on YEAR 1 & 2
Scalp Massage
My services now include an excellent shampoo and condition with products used specifically for their hair type and condition. No more using products just because it’s what the shop wants you to sell.
Unless that brand has multiple products, it’s almost impossible to meet everyone’s needs. People can not use the same products, and that’s a recipe for disaster.
To follow, I use Year 1 or 2 to give the client an optional 1-minute scalp massage. I was using conditioner to do this but found out that conditioner is supposed to be strictly for hair. Not the scalp. Have you ever experienced itching a day or two after washing your hair? It’s possible that leftover conditioner was rubbed into your scalp.
So now I only lightly add conditioner to the hair. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry and Add a few pumps directly to the scalp, then proceed with the scalp massage.
Pre-Shave
I love doing full-head shaves. This is one of my favorite ways to use the elixirs.
Depending on the length of the hair. I give the scalp a quick wash.
Then, massage a generous amount of elixir into the scalp. I follow the massage with a hot towel to sit for a few seconds. [I feel the combination of oil and the heat really softens the skin to prep for the blade]
I then use the shaving cream with a nice lather on the head. Then start shaving.
Once the head shave is complete, I follow with my famous aftershave and a cool towel.
Beard Care
Beard shaves are very similar to head shaves.
The key distinction lies in my use of beard wash instead of shampoo. This product typically contains milder ingredients as the facial skin is more delicate than the scalp.
I give a nice scrub to the beard. Because I know most people aren’t going to do this on their own. So when they come to me, I like to give them a good scrub. Same as a scalp shampoo.
After the cleanse, we apply a few pumps of elixir on damp hair and use a blow dryer to dry and seal the elixir.
** 🔑 Oil doesn’t moisturize. It helps seal moisture into the hair shaft.
Here are some reviews from a few clients…
