Razor Sharp: Grooming & Style Tips via Danny Baptista
Any grown, self-respecting man knows that finding an excellent barbershop is an essential factor for looking your best. One of the most respected places in NYC to get an impeccable haircut is a low-key spot in Bushwick, Brooklyn called The Stepping Razor. The shop is run by an unassuming, tatted-up gent named Danny Baptista. It’s the kind of place where you’d get a haircut and wouldn’t mind hanging out for a couple of hours afterwards because the vibe is so chilled-out and stress-free. There are no gimmicks, no pretentions – just a great place to get a righteous haircut and shave. Oh, and if you happen to need some precise alteration work done after getting your phenomenal cut, Mr. Baptista can help you out with that too. He runs a five-star tailoring agency called Bushwood Tailors that has catered to established fashion brands like Alexander Wang, Ralph Lauren & Club Monaco.
With the coming fall season, we reached out to Danny Baptista and asked him to share his 10 grooming and style commandments to have you looking even more handsome for the colder months ahead.
1. Get your haircut every 2-4 weeks. The goal is to consistently get a haircut so it looks like you never get your hair cut. No one should notice that you got a cut. They should just automatically expect you to look clean because that is how you do it!
2. Communicate with your barber. We love photos and visual references! Take some time to explain your desired cut. When we ask how you would like your haircut, there is no answer we hate more than “shorter.” I think we understand that is a given. That is why you’re here, right? We don’t need an essay on your haircut but a quick description. For example: “I like it like this, but I got my haircut 4 weeks ago.” Boom! Now I know how short to go because I can tell by how much it grew.
3. Scrub them ears! Barbers are up close and personal inspecting your head while cutting your hair. I can’t tell you how many dudes walk around with waxy stinky ears. Yes, there is such a thing as ear stink. Believe me, it’s gross – so scrub them ears!
4. Trim your eyebrows every few months. Don’t O.D. on them. Just an easy light trim with a #3 guard will suffice. Ask your barber to hit them up 2-3 times a year for you.
5. Shave your hairy ears! If you have hairy ears which many guys do, ask your barber to please shave them for you. Make sure you tip nicely. This isn’t part of the haircut, and they don’t have to do it for you.
6. If you are wearing a short hairstyle, always have a clean neck. Nobody wants a furry neck. If you visit the barbershop regularly, you should not have this problem.
7. Use quality hair products. Cheap stuff usually doesn’t work very well and most likely isn’t good for your hair. It’s like having the proper tools. Use the right products to achieve your desired look – and NO GEL. Use a quality pomade too. There are water-based pomades for those who don’t want greasy pillow cases!
8. Use a cleansing conditioner rather than a regular shampoo. Regular shampoo dries your hair by stripping the oils you need leaving you prone to breakage. That’s why you try to replace the oils with conditioner after stripping them. Cleansing conditioner is much more gentle on your hair.
9. If you wear a beard, be aware of the neckbeard. A neckbeard isn’t good in most cases. Unless you are rocking the mountain man beard. Otherwise, just shave it off. You can wear a beard and groom it so it doesn’t look too manicured. And use some beard balm as well to tame it. You don’t have to spend crazy money on beard balm. A small dollop of hair conditioner will work just fine. If you are shaving, then use quality razors and shaving cream. Also mind your mustache – nobody wants to see you eating your ‘stache. Trim it off your lip and you’ll be a happy man.
10. Lastly, wear clothing that fits you. Almost every dry cleaning shop has a tailor on premise. Have them pin your newly purchased shirt, pants or suit and have them tailor it for you. You’ll feel great when your clothing feels like it was made for you specifically.
For more information, visit www.thesteppingrazor.com. Remember to call first; slots are filled by appointment only. The address is: 952 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn.
