Male Clients 101 By Will Fennell

Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by industry icon and one of my mentors, Gay Wardle. During the interview she brought up the topic of male clients, their needs and how they differ to our female clients.

In all honesty after 25 years owning a salon that was basically 75% male clientele, I hardly think about it anymore, but it did get me thinking about some of the basics a female therapist might need to know when dealing with male clients.

These are the questions you will get asked. Some may seem silly, but let’s face it, men can be rather silly at times......

Do men need a stronger or different deodorant than women?

Men do tend to sweat more as we don’t regulate our body temperature as efficiently as women do. But this doesn’t necessarily mean a stronger deodorant is the answer. I am a strong believer in using an antibacterial body wash on your underarms in the shower in the morning before you even use your deodorant. This will control the bacteria that cause the odor.

How does men’s skin differ to ours?

The structure of men’s skin is very similar to women, but the slight differences are that our skin is a littler thicker, we generally have more oil glands and we have much more facial hair; that needs special attention, whether it is post shaving consideration, or beard care.

What do I find men’s most common skin concerns?

Shaving rash and ingrown hairs are still the number one concern for most men. Breakouts and wrinkles would come a close second.

Do men suffer dark circles? Are the eyes the first to show the signs of aging like women?

The area around the eye is extremely delicate and is always the first region to show the signs of fatigue and age in men. The eye skin is thin and has a lesser amount of oil gland’s than the rest of the face, so it’s normally very dehydrated from being under protected and over worked from blinking and squinting.

Dark circles however have little to do with aging. Surface veins under the skin being more visible and eyes that are deeply set into the face usually cause the appearance of dark circles. Darkness under the eyes is very hard to treat and has nothing to do with sleep and more to do with poor circulation and shading under the eye.

I would always explain using eye care that contains caffeine (men love this idea, you know - “a cuppa a day and all that”!!!), light reflecting particles and vitamin K may help with dark circles, but always explain, don’t expect miracles

What about choosing a new cologne – any tips?

You might think this is a strange one, but I do get asked all the time. I suggest when choosing a new fragrance think outside the box and stay away from perfumes from the big fragrance houses. Do you really want to smell like everyone else? Try some niche fragrances instead, so that you stand out from the crowd.

When it comes to choosing cologne, tell them to request samples so that they can try it on the skin over a few days. Remember a fragrance changes aroma from the moment you put it on, changes from season to season and from night to day. Experiment over a few days so they can make an informed choice. Most importantly is to trust their instincts, close their eyes and go with the one the senses tell you; they are never wrong

What about thinning hair? Is it common? What is the first step?

Thinning hair is very common amongst men of all ages but if you are going to go bald, losing your hair usually starts in your 30’s. The very first step is for them to talk to their hairdresser about a style to not “hide” the reduction that is happening but make the hair they still have appear thicker.

Thickening shampoos and styling products can also assist. Tell them to steer clear from greasy products like waxes and anything that will weigh the hair down. Matte clays make an ideal styling product for thinning hair

What are the key type of products a man needs on his shelf in 2022?

For your face keep it simple guys, two steps in the morning, two in the evening

AM; Gentle foaming or fluid cleanser SPF 30 Daily Mosturiser (non negotiable) Repairing Fluid or Moisturizer (containing any of these ingredients – lactic acid, vitamin A,C,E, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid. All these ingredients help rebuild the skin).

WILL’S TIPS FOR THE PERFECT SHAVE.

1. Always exfoliate your face initially before shaving to lift the hair up away from the skin.

This will make it easier for the razor to get underneath the hair, cutting it closer to the skin.

2. It’s vital to use good tools when you are shaving. You will need; · A sharp razor - you can try 3 or 4 or 5 blades, it’s up to you, but remember the more blades the razor has, the easier it will be to cut through the hair. · Shaving oil - to lubricate and protect the skin · Shaving Foam - to soften the hair and provide slip · Time – this is your most valuable tool, so don’t rush.

3. After you have exfoliated, put 2/3 drops of the shaving oil onto the face and then apply a generous amount of shaving foam. Allow a minute for the foam to soften the bristles and then start shaving at the sides of your face below your sideburns, then slowly moving in towards the mouth. Rinse the blade regularly with hot water. Finish the shave on the tougher beard hair around your mouth and chin.

4. Never shave against the grain, as this will without doubt give you shaving rash. If you want a closer shave, re-lather, use more water, and shave across the face diagonally.

5. When you are done, check in a good light to see that you have a clean shave. Rinse your face with cool water and conclude with an alcohol-free moisturiser, to calm and soothe the skin.

Some men can be clueless, but I promise you they are the most loyal clients. Once you have them, you have them for life.

Best of luck with the boys’ ladies. Go get em!!!!!!!! willfennell.com.au @leskinbar_bywillfennell