Article by Tim & Justin D. Follow us on twitter.

Many men love the feel of going to the barbershop to get a fresh haircut and a hot towel shave. Hot towel shaves are often associated with an old fashioned barbershop, but more and more barbershops are offering this service today, and it is popular as ever.

If you want to stay competitive and offer a hot towel shave, but don’t own your own towel warmer, don’t worry. It is still possible. Just don’t let your client in on our little secret! Here are…

7 steps to a better shave using a microwave!


Step 1

Recline your client back in the barber chair
.

Step 2

Fold a clean, dry towel either in fours or roll it up, whichever you prefer.

Step 3

Run the towel under any temperature water and then squeeze the towel out so it’s damp.


Step 4

Place the towel in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds depending upon how strong your microwave is.

Step 5

On the way to your chair, air out the towel so it is steaming, but make sure it’s not too hot that it could burn your client. Then, apply it to the persons face or head.


Step 6

Repeat every step and reapply the towel one more time. This helps to soften the skin and hair to make it easier to shave.

Step 7

If you want to make the shave an even nicer experience, add hot shaving cream. This will make the shave easier for you and allow you to increase the price.

Article by Tim & Justin D. Follow us on twitter.

We wanted to highlight Bamboo Salon in Staten Island, New York for a while, and since they are having a charitable event soon, we decided the time was right.

Bamboo Salon offers a full range of hair services and is committed to delivering quality professional products and services in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

A few of the ways that Bamboo stands out in their area is by offering a 25% discount to firefighters and policemen, as well as there awesome ‘Bring a Friend’ reward promotion.

If you are an existing client and you would like to bring a friend who has never before been to the salon, you and a friend will receive two cuts and/or colors for the price of one. A new client may also bring a friend and take advantage of the same offer. Offer available with select stylists only.

That’s a great way to get people to try out the salon. Bamboo is a great example of savvy business, and excellent service, a potent combination. They will be hosting a charitable event if you are in the New York area on March 19th.

New York Event for Charity!

Charity Event to be held at Bamboo Salon, located at 3487 Richmond Road Staten Island, NY, 10306. AIDS BLOWS! Beauty Fights The Beast!!! Charity Event to be held at Bamboo Salon on March 19, 2010.

For more information on the event, check out Bamboo’s Facebook Page.

Article by Tim & Justin D. Follow us on twitter.

Stress is a predominant part of almost everyone’s day to day life, especially in today’s economy. It is safe to say that there are different stressors that affect each person in different ways. Stress can cause anything from headaches to heart disease, but did you know it can also affect your hair?

The Stress Factor

Losing your hair may not seem as bad as having heart disease, but the loss of hair can cause a drop in self confidence, depression, and it can increase your stress even more. It has been researched and proven that stress does play a factor in hair growth and there are many different diseases caused by stress that affect your hair.

Common Stress Related Hair Diseases

The most common type of stress-induced hair loss is Telogen Effluvium. In this condition, emotional or physical stress-related to a death in the family, pregnancy, severe weight loss or surgery, for example-pushes large numbers of growing hair into a resting phase.

Within a few months, the affected hairs may fall out suddenly when simply combing or washing your hair. The hair typically grows back when the emotional or physical stress is resolved, although this can take a few months.

For some people, intense stress may trigger a type of hair loss called Alopecia Areata. In this condition, white blood cells attack the hair follicle, which stops hair growth.

Within weeks, the affected hair falls out. The hair loss usually starts as a small round patch, but may eventually spread to the whole scalp, and sometimes to body hair as well. The hair generally grows back, but the cycle can always repeat itself.

What to do

Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss or more then usual hair loss when combing or washing your hair. Sudden hair loss can signal an underlying medical condition that may require treatment. If needed, your doctor can suggest treatment options for the hair loss as well.

Resources

For more information on the relationship between stress and hair loss please visit here.

Article by Tim & Justin D. Follow us on twitter.

We recently were emailed by Lauren Archer about a great contest going on in the hair industry. It is sponsored by John Frieda UK and promoted on theirfacebook page.

The contest is offering any fans living in the United Kingdom the chance to win some great prizes including a luxury trip to Morocco, John Frieda® haircuts and products. We thought any of our UK members might have a go at entering, and for our other members, this is a great example of how contest promotions on social networks can help build brand recognition.

Here are the details for the contest:

GO BLONDER & WIN! WITH JOHN FRIEDA

Everyone loves that post-holiday look we show off when returning from the sun.

Now the professionals at John Frieda® take your summer glow one step further and, bring it to your life this winter too. We’re giving one lucky winner the chance to soak up the sun in Morocco. Head to our new official Facebook fan page, become a fan and enter our amazing prize draw on the Go Blonder & WIN tab, for the chance to win an all expenses paid winter holiday to Morrocco for you and a friend. Plus we’ve got John Frieda® haircuts and sets of The John Frieda® go blonder shampoos and conditioners to give away too!.

Plus you will see how you can win even more fab prizes with our partners at Cosmopolitan, Handbag.com and Marie Claire.

So what are you waiting for?!

Click here to enter now.

You can also find out more and discover the many benefits of The John Frieda® go blonder range here.

Please note: Competition open to UK residents only and ends Feb 25th 2010.

Article by Tim & Justin D. Follow us on twitter.

Of all the barber chairs, we chose to highlight the the Belmont for its fierce reputation as the most well built chair in the industry.

Only one company makes these chairs and they’re built to last. Besides their incredible durability, they also have a vintage design with a classy look. The chair reclines all the way back making it easy to do full face shaves.

They’re a little pricey between $1500 and $3000 a chair, but if you have the budget, they certainly are well worth the investment.

Article by Nick Raneiri. Check out his member page.

One of the most important aspects of the barber trade is maintaining sanitary standards in order to prevent problems such as diseases and rashes.

It is not only beneficial to your client, but it is also a state law requirement that all barbers must disinfect their scissors, combs, and clippers after cutting each client’s hair. A small risk of infection is possible if the equipment is not cleaned properly, but don’t worry this is preventable!

Disinfect with Ease

The easiest way to disinfect clippers is by spraying them before and after every single haircut with a 5 in 1 spray. Andis Cool Care, Oster 5 in 1 spray, and Clippercide are all great products available at your local beauty supply store.

Eliminate Viruses!

Not only do these sprays disinfect, clean, and lubricate your clippers, they also eliminate viruses, funguses, and germs. An added benefit, and my favorite feature, is that they also help to prevent rusting, therefore prolonging your clipper’s life without being too hard on your pockets. It’s a win-win situation any way you look at it.

Blue Liquid Magic

No barber or stylist’s arsenal would be complete without a jar of Barbicide on their station. This blue liquid serves as one of the most important functions in the whole shop; it disinfects your scissors and combs. It helps to remove funguses, viruses, and germs while eliminating the HIV and Hepatitis diseases. Barbicide has been around since 1947, and there is a very distinct reason for that; it’s the best there is!

For clipper disinfectant visit your local beauty shop or shop online for barber supply websites.

For more information on Barbicide please visit the Wikipedia page.

Article by Tim & Justin D. Follow us on twitter.

Xie Qiuping of China started growing her hair when she was 13 (1973). She has not cut her hair since.

She keeps her long hair clean and looking beautiful. Her hair is so long, she has an assistant to help carry it when she walks.

Do you have the patience to grow your hair out for over 30 years? If so, you could be the next record holder for the world’s longest hair.

Article by Tim & Justin D. Follow us on twitter.

The Andis Stlyliner M3 is a newer version of the Styliner 2.

It is as effective as the Styliner 2 in the fact that it cuts very sharp, precise, and doesn’t get hot when used for a long period of time. It also has a new look which conveys more style than the styliner 2.

As of yet, it’s impossible to know if it’s more durable, or if it has a better lifespan. Only time will truly tell. If you want a new updated look to your Styliner 2, definitely try the Styliner M3.

Article by Tim & Justin D. Follow us on twitter.

No matter how well you follow codes, it is always nerve racking when the state board comes in to your shop for an inspection. Nobody wants to fork up any of their profits to pay a fine that could have been avoided. So here is a list of the top ten most common violations in barbershop. It is taken from Texas, but it still may help you no matter what state you are in, to help better prepare for that scary day when it is your turn to be inspected!

Ten Most Common Code Violations in Barber Shops

1. Failure to Display License/No Photo on License – Make sure all stylists have their license with their photograph attached displayed in a place that is clearly visible adjacent to or near the work chair.

2. Postings – Sanitary rules must be posted up in your shop in a spot that is viewable by the public.


3. No or Contaminated Wet Sanitizer – Always prepare your disinfection solution daily or more often if the solution becomes diluted or soiled.

4. Unlicensed or Expired Individual – Make sure each of your employees has the proper licensing when you employee them and that their license gets renewed before it expires.

5. Employing Expired or Unlicensed Individual – This code insures the state that the owner or manager of a barbershop shall insure that all persons who work in a barbershop are properly licensed at all times.

6. Expired or Unlicensed Shop – Make sure the license for your shop is always up to date, if your shop is not licensed, you should apply for the shop permit as soon as possible. Make sure to keep your address on file current also.

7. No Booth Rental License – You may only rent out booths if you apply and are approved for the Booth Rental license.

8. Clean Implements Not Stored Properly or Stored with Dirty Implements – Keep your clean implements stored away from your dirty implements, and always store your clean implements properly.

9. Failure to Disinfect Electric Clippers – Electrical equipment must be wiped clean and disinfected prior to each use on a client. If not done, you make receive a fine for this.

10. Individual Practicing in an Unlicensed Facility – A licensed individual must be employed only at a licensed facility.

Article by Tim & Justin D. Follow us on twitter.

Grammy night was filled with all kinds of Gaga outfits, sexy dresses, and dapper suits. In honor of everyone getting so decked out for the show, we have chosen 6 of the best hairstyles from the night.

These six hairstyles include a Modified Faux Hawk, Mid fade, and a classic men’s cut. For the ladies, I’m not even going to try to describe them with any other word then ‘Wow’. Overall, the hairstyles were very in trend, or possibly even ahead of their time.

However, we are out to see what everyone on Hair Unity thinks is the best hairstyle for the night. So check them out, and leave your vote in the comments. Looking forward to see which of these fabulous styles wins out!

Choose One & Vote!!!!

Which star has your favorite do?

1. Adam Lambert

2. Lady Gaga

3. George Clooney

4. Taylor Swift

5. Mike ‘the Situation’ Sorrentino

6. Rihanna

Vote in the comments below.