Barber Myths and Facts

If you're like most people, you probably have a lot of preconceptions about what it means to go to a barbershop and get a haircut. But how many of those ideas are actually based on fact? In this blog post, we're going to take a closer look at some common barbering myths and separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: You should wash your hair every day.

Many people believe that washing your hair every day is necessary for good hygiene, but the truth is that over-washing can actually be harmful to your hair. Daily washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, breakage, and an itchy scalp. Depending on your hair type, you may only need to wash it once or twice a week. In between washes, try using a dry shampoo or simply rinse your hair with water to refresh it.

Myth #2: More product equals better results.

While it's true that using hair products can help you achieve your desired style, using too much can actually weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. It's important to use the right amount of product for your hair type and style. As a general rule, start with a small amount (about the size of a dime) and work it evenly through your hair. You can always add more if needed.

Myth #3: Blow-drying damages your hair.

Blow-drying your hair can be a great way to style it, but many people believe that it's harmful to their hair. While excessive heat can damage your hair, using a blow dryer can actually be a gentle and effective way to dry and style your hair. To minimize damage, use a heat protectant spray and hold the dryer at least 6 inches away from your hair. And don't forget to use a cool blast of air at the end to help set your style.

Myth #4: Barbering is only for men.

While barbershops have traditionally catered to men, there's no reason why women can't enjoy a great haircut and grooming experience too. Many barbershops now offer services for everyone, including long and short haircuts and beard grooming. So don't be afraid to step into your local barbershop and see what they have to offer!

Myth #6: Shaving makes hair grow back thicker.

This is one of the most persistent barbering myths out there, but it's simply not true. Shaving hair does not change its texture or thickness. Instead, it may appear thicker as the hair grows back and regains its natural shape. So if you prefer a clean-shaven look, don't let the fear of "thicker" hair stop you!

In conclusion, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about barbering and what it means to get a great haircut. By debunking these common myths, we hope that you feel more informed and empowered to take control of your hair and grooming routine. Whether you're a man or a woman, young or old, there's no reason why you can't enjoy a great barbershop experience and look your best every day.

The Dos and Don'ts of Grooming for Job Interviews

First impressions count, and how you present yourself during a job interview can make all the difference. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind when it comes to grooming for job interviews:

Dos:

• Dress for success: Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and appropriate for the job you're applying for.

• Keep your hair neat and tidy: Whether you have short or long hair, make sure it's well-groomed and styled in a way that suits you.

• Trim your facial hair: If you have a beard or mustache, make sure it's trimmed and tidy.

• Keep your nails clean and trimmed: This is often overlooked, but it's important to show that you take care of yourself and pay attention to details.

• Wear a subtle cologne or fragrance: A light fragrance can leave a positive impression, but be sure not to overdo it.

Don'ts:

• Show up with bedhead: Make sure your hair is well-groomed and styled before the interview.

• Have chipped nail polish: Make sure your nails are clean and free of polish if you're unsure of the company's policy on nail polish.

• Overdo it on cologne or fragrance: A strong fragrance can be off-putting, so stick to a subtle scent.

• Wear too much jewelry: Keep it simple and professional with a watch and a wedding ring if applicable.

• Forget to iron your clothes: Make sure your clothes are free of wrinkles and stains.

By following these simple grooming tips, you can make a great first impression during your job interview and increase your chances of landing the job. At Ritual Grooming, we offer a variety of grooming services to help you look and feel your best. Contact us today to book an appointment.

Grooming for Men with Sensitive Skin: How to Avoid Irritation and Razor Burn

For men with sensitive skin, shaving can be a painful and frustrating experience. Razor burn, ingrown hairs, and irritation are all common problems that can arise from using the wrong products or techniques. But with a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your skin smooth and irritation-free.

1. Use a pre-shave oil: Applying a pre-shave oil before you shave can help to lubricate your skin and prevent irritation. Look for oils that contain natural ingredients like jojoba or almond oil. We love the JS Sloane shave line which includes a pre-shave oil.

2. Use a sharp razor: A dull razor can pull on your hair and cause irritation. Make sure to replace your blades regularly, and use a high-quality razor that's designed for sensitive skin.

3. Shave with the grain: Shaving against the grain can cause irritation and ingrown hairs. Instead, shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce friction.

4. Avoid certain ingredients: Some ingredients commonly found in grooming products can irritate sensitive skin. Look for products that are free from fragrances, alcohol, and menthol.

5. Moisturize regularly: Keeping your skin moisturized is key to preventing irritation and razor burn. Use a gentle moisturizer after shaving to soothe your skin and keep it hydrated.

By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of irritation and razor burn, and enjoy a smooth and comfortable shave. Remember to be patient and gentle with your skin, and listen to what it's telling you. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your sensitive skin looking and feeling its best.

Spring Cleaning: The Importance of Deep Cleaning Your Home Grooming Tools

As the seasons change, it's important to give your grooming tools a deep clean. Not only does this keep them working at their best, but it also helps prevent the spread of bacteria and infections. Here are some tips for deep cleaning your grooming tools:

1. Disinfect your tools with rubbing alcohol or a cleaning solution specifically designed for grooming tools. Our go to is Andis Cool Care as it’s a coolant, disinfectant, lubricant, cleaner and rust preventative.

2. Remove hair and debris with a soft-bristled brush, a great and simple tool to use is a smaller boar hair bristle brush or a nail cleaning brush.

3. Sharpen your scissors and blades to ensure a clean cut.

4. Store your tools in a clean, dry place.

By following these tips, you can keep your grooming tools in top condition and ensure that you're protecting yourself and giving yourself the best possible home groom.

The Importance of Self-Care and Grooming

As a man, taking care of yourself should be a top priority. Proper self-care and grooming can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health, as well as your confidence and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of self-care and grooming for men, and provide some tips to help you take care of yourself.

Why is self-care important?

Self-care is all about taking care of your physical and mental health. It’s about recognizing the importance of your well-being and making it a priority. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to handle stress, maintain a positive outlook, and live a happier and healthier life.

Self-care can take many forms, from exercise and healthy eating to getting enough sleep and taking time for yourself. It’s important to find the activities that work best for you and make them a regular part of your routine.

Why is grooming important?

Grooming is an essential part of self-care, especially for men. Good grooming habits can help you look and feel your best, and can also have a positive impact on your confidence and self-esteem.

Proper grooming can also help prevent common health issues like acne, skin infections, and ingrown hairs. By taking care of your skin and hair, you can maintain a healthy and clean appearance.

Tips for self-care and grooming

Here are some tips to help you take care of yourself and maintain good grooming habits:

Establish a daily routine: Set aside time each day to take care of yourself. This could include showering, shaving, and applying skincare products.

Use the right products: Make sure you’re using the right products for your skin and hair type. Consult with a professional or do some research to find the products that work best for you.

Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential for good health and can also help improve the appearance of your skin and hair.

Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help your body recharge and reduce stress.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve your physical and mental health, and can also help you maintain a healthy weight and appearance.

In conclusion, self-care and grooming are essential for men who want to look and feel their best. By establishing good habits and making self-care a priority, you can improve your overall well-being and live a happier and healthier life. So take some time for yourself, and make self-care and grooming a regular part of your routine.

Barbershop Etiquette 101: How to Be a Good Client

Going to the barbershop is about more than just getting a haircut – it's also about building relationships and fostering a sense of community. To make sure you're being a good client and contributing to a positive atmosphere, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Arrive on Time: Your barber's time is valuable, so make sure you show up for your appointment on time. If you're running late, call ahead and let them know.

2. Communicate Clearly: Make sure you communicate clearly with your barber about what you want. Bring in pictures if you're not sure how to describe the style you're looking for.

3. Be Patient: Good haircuts take time, so be patient and let your barber work their magic. Don't rush them or try to dictate every little detail of the cut.

4. Show Respect: Remember that you're sharing the barbershop with other clients and barbers. Be respectful of their space and their time, avoid using your phone or being loud and disruptive, lastly be aware of your surroundings when using adult language in case there are children around.

5. Tip Appropriately: Tipping is an important part of barbershop culture. Make sure you tip your barber appropriately based on the quality of the service you received.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help create a positive and welcoming atmosphere at your local barbershop

From the Brink of Extinction: The Story of How Barbershops Survived

Barbershops have a long and storied history, dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome. Over the centuries, barbershops have served as not only places to get a haircut or shave, but also as community gathering places where people could socialize and exchange news and ideas.

However, in the mid-20th century, barbershops in many countries began to decline in popularity. There were several factors that contributed to this decline.

Firstly, the rise of beauty salons and unisex hairdressing shops in the 1960s and 1970s meant that people had more options when it came to getting their haircut. Women began to go to salons for haircuts and men started going to unisex shops where they could get a more fashionable haircut than they could at a traditional barbershop.

Another factor was the increased availability of electric hair clippers, which made it easier for people to cut their own hair at home. This made it less necessary for people to go to a barbershop.

Finally, changing cultural attitudes also played a role in the decline of barbershops. As society became more informal and less focused on traditional gender roles, the idea of going to a men-only barbershop for a haircut or shave began to seem outdated to some people.

However, in recent years, barbershops have made a comeback. Many people have realized that the experience of going to a traditional barbershop is something that cannot be replicated by a salon or unisex hairdressing shop. The social aspect of going to a barbershop, where people can catch up with friends and chat with their barber, has become a selling point for many barbershops.

Additionally, there has been a renewed interest in classic men's grooming and style, which has helped to fuel the resurgence of barbershops. More and more people are looking to get a traditional, well-executed haircut or shave, and barbershops are the best places to get these services.

So while barbershops did face a decline in popularity in the mid-20th century, they have made a strong comeback in recent years. The traditional barbershop experience, with its focus on community, conversation, and quality grooming services, is something that cannot be replicated by other types of establishments. We are proud to be part of this resurgence, and to provide our clients with the finest grooming experience possible.

5 Tips for a Stress Free Kid’s Haircut

For many children, getting their first haircut can be an intimidating and scary experience. As a parent, you want to make sure that your child feels comfortable and safe during the process. At our barbershop, we understand the importance of a positive first haircut experience, and we’ve compiled some tips to help you prepare your child for their first haircut.

Talk to your child about the process

Before heading to the barbershop, talk to your child about what they can expect during their haircut. Explain to them that the barber will use scissors and clippers to cut their hair, and that it might feel a little strange at first. You can also show your child pictures or videos of other children getting haircuts to help them understand the process.

Choose the right time

It’s important to choose the right time for your child’s first haircut. Try to avoid scheduling the appointment when your child is tired or hungry, as this can make them more irritable and fidgety. A good time might be after a nap or meal, when your child is well-rested and calm.

Bring distractions

Bringing along distractions can be a great way to keep your child occupied during the haircut. Bring along a favorite toy or book, or even a tablet with their favorite show or movie. This will help keep your child entertained and distracted while the barber works.

Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping your child feel comfortable during their first haircut. Praise your child for being brave and sitting still during the haircut, and offer small rewards such as stickers or a small treat afterwards. This will help reinforce positive behavior and make the experience more enjoyable for your child.

Choose the right barber

Choosing the right barber is crucial when it comes to your child’s first haircut. Look for a barber who is experienced with children and has a friendly and patient demeanor. Our barbers are specially trained to work with children, and we do our best to make sure that every child feels comfortable and safe during their visit.

At our barbershop, we understand that a child’s first haircut can be a memorable experience for both parents and children. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your child has a positive first haircut experience and sets the foundation for a lifetime of great haircuts.

History of the Straight Razor

The straight razor, also known as a cut-throat razor or open razor, has been a staple tool in the barbershop for centuries. Its precise and efficient design has made it a favorite among barbers for years. Let's take a look at the history of the straight razor and how it has evolved over time.

The first evidence of razors can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where copper razors were used as early as 3000 BCE. These early razors were shaped like a curved spoon and were used to shave the head and face. As metallurgy advanced, razor designs improved, and by the 6th century BCE, razors made of iron were being used.

During the Middle Ages, barbers performed more than just haircuts. They were also responsible for beard and mustache grooming, as well as providing medical services like bloodletting and tooth extraction. Barbers used straight razors to provide these services, and they were considered a prized possession. Many barbers even decorated their razors with intricate designs to showcase their skill.

In the 18th century, Sheffield, England became the center of the razor-making industry. Sheffield was known for producing high-quality steel, which was perfect for creating sharp, durable razors. The invention of the "hollow ground" blade, where a concave groove is ground into the blade, made it possible to create a razor that was both sharp and lightweight.

By the 19th century, straight razors were the preferred tool for men's grooming, and barbershops could be found in nearly every town. The introduction of disposable safety razors in the early 20th century led to a decline in the use of straight razors. However, straight razors remained popular among professional barbers due to their precision and control.

Today, straight razors are experiencing a resurgence in popularity among men who appreciate the traditional art of shaving. Straight razors are eco-friendly and cost-effective, as they can last a lifetime with proper care. They also offer a close shave that can't be matched by disposable razors.

In conclusion, the history of the straight razor is a long and storied one. From its humble beginnings in ancient Egypt to its current resurgence in popularity, the straight razor has remained a trusted tool in the barbershop. Its precision and efficiency have made it a favorite among barbers for centuries, and it is sure to remain a beloved tool for many years to come.

The Importance of Finding the Right Barber

Finding the right barber can be a game-changer. Not only can a good barber give you a great haircut, but they can also become a trusted confidant and friend. In this post, we'll discuss why it's important to find the right barber and how to do it.

Consistency is Key

One of the main benefits of finding the right barber is consistency. When you find a barber who understands your hair and style, you can be confident that you'll always leave the chair looking and feeling your best. Whether you're going for a classic look or something more trendy, a good barber can help you achieve it every time.

Personalized Attention

Another benefit of finding the right barber is personalized attention. A good barber takes the time to get to know you and your preferences, whether it's the type of haircut you like or the products you use. This attention to detail can make all the difference in the final result, and it can also make you feel more comfortable and relaxed during your appointment.

Trust and Confidence

When you find the right barber, you can trust them with your hair and your confidence. A good barber knows how to make you feel comfortable and relaxed, and they can also provide guidance and advice on how to maintain your look between appointments. This level of trust and confidence can boost your self-esteem and make you feel more confident in all aspects of your life.

So how do you find the right barber? Here are a few tips:

Ask for Recommendations

Start by asking friends and family for recommendations. If someone you know has a great haircut, ask them where they go and who their barber is. This can be a great way to find a barber who has a good reputation and a loyal customer base.

Do Your Research!

Once you have a few recommendations, do your research. Check out the barber's website or social media pages to get a sense of their style and expertise. Look for reviews and testimonials from other customers to see what they have to say about the experience.

Finding the right barber can make a big difference in the quality of your haircut and your overall confidence. By following these tips, you can find a barber who understands your style and helps you look and feel your best every time.

Choosing the Right Hairstyle for your Face

Choosing the right hairstyle can make all the difference in your appearance. The shape of your face is an important factor to consider when choosing a hairstyle, as it can help you highlight your best features and balance out any asymmetry. Here's a guide to choosing the right hairstyle for your face shape.

Oval face shape:

An oval face shape is considered the ideal face shape, with balanced proportions and a gently rounded hairline. Almost any hairstyle can work for an oval face shape, so consider what features you want to highlight. Short styles like a buzz cut or crew cut can showcase your bone structure, while longer styles like a textured crop or slicked-back undercut can add volume to your hair.

Round face shape:

A round face shape has soft, curved edges and is wider at the cheeks than at the forehead and jawline. To elongate your face, choose a style with volume on top and shorter sides, such as a pompadour or a textured quiff. Avoid blunt bangs or styles that add width to your face.

Square face shape:

A square face shape has a strong, angular jawline and a straight hairline. Styles that soften the corners of your face, such as a side-parted comb-over or a textured fringe, work well with this face shape. Avoid styles that make your face appear more boxy, like a flat top or buzz cut.

Heart face shape:

A heart face shape has a wider forehead and a narrower chin. A textured fringe or side-swept bangs can balance out your forehead, while a style with volume on the sides can add width to your jawline. Avoid styles that add volume at the top of your head, such as a pompadour, as they can make your forehead appear even wider.

Diamond face shape:

A diamond face shape is widest at the cheekbones and has a narrower forehead and jawline. A textured crop or messy fringe can add width to your forehead, while a style with volume on top can balance out your cheekbones. Avoid styles that accentuate your cheekbones.

When choosing a hairstyle, don't forget to consider your hair type and texture as well. Your barber can help you find a style that works best for your face shape and hair type. Experiment with different styles to find the perfect look for you!

The 4 BEST ways to support local business, for free.

We hear a lot of chat about supporting local business from NH folks, which is great. But it does go beyond eating out and shopping local instead of at a chain. Lot’s of businesses depend on the local economy to survive! 

Now some of you may be thinking that it should be enough that you're spending your hard earned money at these establishments, and I wish you were right. The problem with that mindset is that if nobody knows about the business that you like, they won’t go. Small businesses don’t have the huge advertising budget that big businesses do so it’s always very appreciated when we can get some help from our customers and clients.

Here are a few key ways you can support local FOR FREE

Refer, Refer, REFER

Telling your friends about us is one of the best ways to help support us! Most of us have some sort of social media at this point, being more mindful of tagging whatever local business you're visiting on your day to day is one of the biggest ways to show your support. In a lot of cases you’re probably already posting to your Instagram story, just throw in a quick tag. We’ll thank you for it.

Review

We all know that reviews are a great indication of how a business operates and treats its customers so those are always amazing to get in and of themselves. But did you know that much like Instagram and Facebook, Search engines such as Google have an algorithm too? If you perform well in the algorithms eyes you’ll get put at the top of the search therefore getting almost, if not more, business than referrals. One way to do that is to receive regular positive reviews. So if you love us, let us know!

Gift Cards

Online shopping can be unpredictable and online inventory may be low but gift cards are always a great option in supporting local and checking names off your gift list.

Vote for us!

Most local communities or states have publications that offer surveys once a year and give awards to the businesses that poll the best. Being able to hang these awards on the wall of the business not only offers new customers a sense of comfort but also gives brand exposure to the business when the results are announced. Most of the time it takes 5-10 minutes to fill out the entire survey and you can support a plethora of your favorites all in one go!

Our local awards we are hoping to win are:

Hippos Press - Best of 2023

New Hampshire Magazine - Best of 2023

Those links are posted on our website, Instagram and Facebook!

Coconut oil: Is it really good for your hair?

It’s no secret that for years coconut oil has been somewhat of a buzzword for skin and hair care. Many huge companies and celebrity lines have added it to their products. But should you be using it?

Why coconut oil?

Many have taken to using coconut oil in their hair and skin care regime for moisture, fighting frizz and even on their hands during the dry winter season. When news broke a few years ago that coconut oil may not be good for every skin type, lots of people started to put this self care product into investigation.

What it actually do to your hair
Coconut is loaded with lauric acid, a fatty acid, which is great at coating your hair strand and making it feel silky, but it also creates a water repellent barrier over the entire strand as well. Which means your hair can become dry and brittle. Dry and brittle hair is a recipe for breakage, add in regular heat usage and you have a recipe for unhealthy hair.

Our recommendations

If your hair is damaged from chemicals or heat, or you’re just looking for a little added softness, a great first step is to add amino acids back into your hair shaft. A great way to do so is through hair masks, whether they are strengthening or hydrating is a question for whoever does your hair or beard work.

All in all, we recommend leaving the coconut oil in the kitchen.

Owner Spotlight: Hannah

Hannah is celebrating 4 years of shop ownership this year. 

I can tell you she does not take the role of being the head of Ritual Grooming lightly. 

It’s clear to anyone that comes into the shop how proud & passionate Hannah is of her career & rightfully so. She keeps up to date on the latest trends & technologies to make sure we’re offering the best services possible.

You’ll question her sanity when she asks you “would you rather” questions, but not without laughing & genuinely contemplating them first. My personal fav is when she asks people how they would dance to songs playing on our radio. (Pro tip: She participates if you return the question)

Hannah will bless you with a sick fade or sweet mullet, if you have the privilege of sitting in her chair. 

Sneak onto her books when you can, they’re packed for a reason

Is the customer always right?

We’ve all heard the age old saying “The customer is always right” but I think it’s obvious these days that slogan doesn’t fit most small business practices anymore.

The problem with the original saying (if not obvious) is that it has created a generation of people who think they are entitled to reimbursement or services that aren’t reasonable.

Ex. Karen asked for her chicken to be cooked medium well even after the server advised against ordering that item undercooked. Karen insisted on it and got sick. Karen would like a refund and her hospital fees covered.

For me it’s not about the customer being right but if they are REASONABLE. In the situation of a Master Barber, it doesn't matter who’s at fault if my client’s hair isn’t as they had hoped. Everyone gets a 7 day grace period to call me and come back for an adjustment, no questions asked. Majority of the time it is a 15 minute interaction and I would rather you come back for a quick adjustment that will take a fraction of my day and make you love your haircut until I see you again.

The old saying only drives disconnection in people thinking they need to defend why they aren’t wrong when this is how it should be:

• It’s ok to not nail the haircut 100% of the time.

• It’s ok to not to misunderstand what your client was saying.

• It’s ok to not have accurately conveyed what you were looking for to your barber.

We’re human and it’s impossible to be perfect.

That being said, as professionals we need boundaries or we are walked all over. If this is a recurring thing, we’d have a discussion about you finding a new barber/stylist because clearly I’m just the one for you!

Happy Saturday!

4 tips to get a haircut you actually like

Thinking of changing your hairstyle or finding a new barber or stylist? Here’s some insight from the industry side to take some of the stress out of the process.

A solid consultation requires a few things from both parties. Here are a few key things to bring to the table for a successful consultation with your barber or stylist.

1. Have an idea of what you’re looking for or at least what you’re looking to change. We are happy to give recommendations but it’s helpful to have a starting point even if it’s a part of your hair that you don’t love.

2. Be willing to communicate if you don’t understand what we’re talking about. While we are used to putting technical terms simply, we are only human and saying yes to something that you’re not quite sure of is only going to get you a hairstyle that you’re not quite sure of.

3. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. We are all well aware that you don’t know how to cut hair, after all, that’s why you’re sitting in our chair! A true prefession won’t think you’re dumb or annoying for not knowing exactly what you want. My favorite thing is when someone just throws their hands up and says “I don’t know what I want” and then is willing to have an open and honest conversation about their hair.

4. When in doubt, bring a few photos. I’m not quite sure how the rumor spread that we don’t like reference photos but I haven’t met a single person in this industry that doesn’t love them. Photos are great because it is an objective view of what you’re looking for. Best things to keep in mind: Be as realistic as possible, make sure you actually like the hair and not the person’s face (my suggestion is always block out the model/celebrities face with your finger and envision your own in its place), lastly, grab a few slightly different photos in case one of them isn’t realistic with your type of hair.

Happy hair cutting and hope this helps take some of the anxiety out of a new style/professional!

The difference between a lineup and a haircut.

We see the confusion on a regular basis at the barbershop. Folks don’t want a full haircut so they book a line-up thinking that will be sufficient. We’re going to break down the difference.

A line-up is a great option in-between haircuts if you don’t want to shorten the overall appearance of the hair but still want to look clean. A line-up consists of cutting along the natural hairline to straighten and sharpen the lines. This service does not incorporate any tapering, fading or shortening to the actual haircut itself.

A haircut, I would think, needs far less explanation but we’ll do one anyway. Through clippers, shears, and razors the hair is shortened all over to the desired length and style.

Basically, a haircut can include a line-up but a line-up cannot include a haircut, and yes, even if you think your haircut will take the same amount of time as a line-up you still need to book accordingly!

Have a great weekend!

What REALLY happens when you no-show your appointment?

Ever wonder why your local barbershop or salon has such a strict cancellation policy? I’m here to break that down for you!

As an industry made up of mainly independent contractors, booth renters and self employed folks. There isn’t somebody cutting us a check for cleaning our station or putzing around the shop. We rely on our service income to get paid. Therefore if there is nobody in the chair, there is no money being made. That goes for last minute cancellations or reschedules as well. If someone cancels their appointment and it doesn’t get filled, that's more income lost.

Although many hair professionals do try our best to be understanding regardless of us making a choice to lose income when we are empathetic to an unfortunate event preventing you from making your appointment. We regularly have to deal with folks who don’t understand when it comes to this more sensitive matter and take it very personally and I'm here to tell you it’s almost never a personal decision. We just want to get paid for showing up to work!

If you still have questions I made an example below of just how much 1 no-show appointment a day adds up for us financially.

1 Day: $45 (My rate for a haircut)

1 Week: $225

1 Month: $900

1 Year: $10,800

That adds up QUICKLY!

Team member spotlight: Kain

Kain is our newest member of the team but it feels like he’s been with us for years!

Kain is always first in the shop and is very much a team player when it comes to opening and closing the barbershop. 

On top of being a team player, Kain is always down to do any sort of self growth or team building that the barbershop offers or plans. Kain is very focused on growing himself as an individual and driving himself towards being the best version of himself, both personally and professionally.

The comedic level Kain brings to the barbershop is unmatched. His dry humor works so well in the culture of Ritual Grooming and he is always cracking us up. 

Beyond his personal traits Kain is also a very dedicated and talented barber. It’s been amazing having him cutting alongside us at Ritual Grooming and we are all very stoked to see what he accomplishes in 2023.

Heat protectant and hair

Whenever we mention heat protectant at the shop there tends to be an assumption that it’s for long hair and curling irons but I’m here to tell you that isn’t the truth.

Although the benefits are more apparent with long hair than short hair, there are still many benefits with shorter hair or beards as well.

First let’s break down what is in a hair strand. The hair shaft consists of 3 main components; The medulla, the cortex and the cuticle. Without getting too into the boring stuff we’ll focus mainly on the cuticle.

The cuticle is the easiest part of the hair shaft to damage or repair, it protects the inner parts of the hair and prevents or allows things in or out of the hair. Think of the cuticle like shingles on a roof if the shingles could open or close on a house. The cuticle of the hair can open or close depending on things like heat, cold and chemicals. For the most part you want your cuticle to be closed and sealed as that’s what is going to give you healthy, shiny hair.

That’s where heat protectant comes into play. If you regularly use any type of heat on your hair or beard it is key to use a heat protectant do that you can place a barrier in between the damaging heat and your hair shaft