Carl ThompsonNovember 27, 2014Movember, Pin Collar Shirts, Collar Bar, Collar Pin, Dinner Jacket, Black Tie, Thomas Clipper, Grooming, BarbersComment

Movember

Carl ThompsonNovember 27, 2014Movember, Pin Collar Shirts, Collar Bar, Collar Pin, Dinner Jacket, Black Tie, Thomas Clipper, Grooming, BarbersComment

November, sorry Movember; is the month where your mailbox fills up with JustGiving emails, as it seems every man and his dog grows the most epic 'mo' genetically possible.

I'm not going to sit here and write paragraph after paragraph about what Movember stands for; why it is so important to donate and to raise awareness as I'm sure my little blog isn't going to suddenly pull on those heart-strings and get you to donate more than what you most likely already have.

However for those of you who wish to donate you can do so here.

After the month ends, you have a decision to make. Do you keep the mo, maybe merge it into a well groomed beard or remove it completely. In my case I'm going to have to invest in some industrial wire cutters; imagine trying to tame a curly Brillo Pad which has a mind of its own, welcome to my world.

As it happens, I have done a lot of research in men's grooming recently and at the end of the month it is going to be the first time in around 5 years that I'll have a wet shave. Opening up my grooming cupboard which consists of a toothbrush, various waxes, some teeth whitening gels and an old rusting disposable razor (single blade and no soothing strip); I have just purchased what looks and feels like the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT 500 of razors. Impeccable in design and a true performer.

Above: I purchased the Mark One Razor bundle from Thomas Clipper, which includes organic oil and flannel not to mention a years supply of razor blades all for only £65.

For those who have decided to keep their 'mo' have probably got so attached to it over the past 4 weeks that it has its own middle name and being Christmas soon you are ready to treat it to a little make-over and here are a few tips.

GROOMING

Shampoo regularly. Dipping your head under the shower to allow the beads of water to slowly make its way through the mo maze doesn't count.
Condition. Its softer, nicer to stroke, twist and admire.
Wash your face thoroughly. Seems obvious but that tiny piece of cheddar from wine & cheese Friday is now kicking up a little.

Before you read on you'll need to decide on what style you are going for, so thanks to the lovely guys at Movember.com here is their guide, I would say mine is somewhere between the Regent and the Box Car:

STYLING

Invest in the right tools for the job. A man committed to serious moustachery should have the following: a pair of barber scissors for precise trimming, a set of clippers for uniformity, a fine-toothed comb for guidance, a large mirror for a good view, a trusty razor, a steady hand and a determined mind.
Dampen the moustache hair to trim - wet hair is easier to cut, but dry hair easier to trim. It is important to note that wet hair does bounce up when dry. You’ve been warned.
Using a fine-toothed comb, gently rake your moustache so the hairs all run in one direction. Rein in any strays that walk to the beat of their own drum.
Using the barber scissors, trim the long or stray hairs on the outer edge and bottom line of your moustache. You may wish to use your comb to restrain your Mo while you snip away. Remember to trim conservatively - you can always go over it again.
Run the clippers over the body of the Mo to get a consistent and even level of bush and bounce.
Foam up, then run a sharp razor along the outer edge and make that Mo stand out.
For more outlandish styles, use a fine and appropriate moustache wax to shape the remaining hair into place.

All that said and done, why not treat yourself and leave it to the professionals? Here are Timeouts list of London's Best Barbers.