The art of grooming

There’s nothing quite like going in for that freshly shaved kiss, and, really, the smoother the better. The only problem is that Denver’s dry winter weather is hard enough on the skin without the added irritation that shaving can cause. Plus, having a beard in the winter also can be very sexy. Either way, the important thing is to take the time for grooming. And by this, we mean from head-to-toe. Stephanie Hildreth, manager at GQ Barber Lounge in Lodo,1605 17th St., gave OFC the scoop on men’s grooming. “No one is going to take you seriously in the boardroom or the bedroom if your hair is a mess, your hands and feet are gnarly, you have hairs hanging out of your nose, and if, frankly, you smell bad,” she said.

GQ Barber Lounge is a male-specific salon and upscale sanctuary that specializes in men’s grooming, including haircuts, coloring, thinning-hair solutions, facials, manicures and pedicures, massages and waxing.

The salon consists of nearly 2,300 square feet of space with an elegant ambiance that’s reminiscent of a country club or cigar lounge. To sweeten the deal even more, GQ Barber Lounge offers a wide variety of men’s magazines, such as Cigar Aficionado, The Robb Report and Gentleman’s Quarterly, plus complimentary beverages, including premium beers. Some of the regulars even keep their own spirits onsite so they can enjoy their favorite libation while being pampered.

The one thing that remains the same is the rigor with which the haircuts are achieved. Every haircut is designed to produce a tall, lean and masculine look using the American Crew Menswork haircutting method. “This is a haircutting method specifically developed to produce masculine cuts based on head shape,” Hildreth said. “Every haircut meets six criteria: They must be fashion-forward, wearable, versatile, detailed, finished and have longevity. That means we don’t cut your hair the way your mom did, or the way they do at the mall or in a quick-cut chain. We bring your style forward with subtle changes that make a difference without going too far.”

Hildreth recommends the Performance Haircut ($38) because it will likely be the best haircut and grooming experience you’ve ever had. “It starts with a relaxing neck and shoulder massage, continues with a hot towel, and a thorough shampoo and scalp treatment in the lather lounge, followed by a cut, second rinse and a hot-lather neck shave,” she said.

The shave itself, is an entirely otherworldly experience as it includes a hot later, essential oils, hot and cold towels and aftershave balms.
Facials, meanwhile, consist of a cleansing and nourishing Jack Black Signature skin fitness treatment to cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize the skin. Hildreth also suggests that every professional man get a manicure and pedicure on a regular basis. “It simply says that you’re detailed and that you pay attention to the fine points,” she said. “If you make certain that your hands are detailed, you probably take care of the other details in your personal and professional life.”

Besides showing that you care about your self-image, taking the time for grooming also makes you look and feel better. And, as you’re snuggling up with your partner during these cold winter nights, you’ll both be so happy that you remembered to shave and moisturize.

On the Web at http://gqbarberlounge.com

Products to combat Denver’s dry winter weather:

Jack Black attack
Hildreth recommends a daily skin fitness regimen that includes the Jack Black Double Duty Moisturizer ($27), the Jack Black Energizing Facial Scrub ($18) and the Jack Black Facial Cleanser ($18).

Maintain all-American charm
“American Crew is the standard for men’s hair care, period,” Hildreth said. Try American Crew Daily Moisturizer Shampoo ($14), the American Crew Tea Tree Calming Conditioner ($11) and the American Crew Forming Cream ($17).

The Art of Shaving
Try a shaving regimen that includes the Art of Shaving products. Available in lavender, sandalwood, lemon or unscented ($14-$16).