You may have the best, most stylish clobber in the world but unless you’re well groomed you’ll be letting yourself down.
So, just in time for Valentine’s Day, I am delighted to present an interview with the charming Carmelo Guastella, a male grooming expert who has worked with numerous celebrities including Sacha Baron Cohen and Rio Ferdinand. He has been profiled by Arena and GQ magazines amongst others. Carmelo recently took the time to share his experience and expertise with Davicore fans.
Carmelo, how did you find your vocation of male grooming expert?
When I was 9, in Sicily, my father told me it would be a good idea for me to acquire a skill that would allow me to earn a living. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do until I started visiting a friend’s father’s barber shop after school My friend taught me how to hold a brush and by the age of 11 I could shave and cut hair. I was financially independent. Things developed from there. I cut hair in the army, spent two summers working on The Emerald Coast and cut hair at top hairdressing salons in Turn. I wanted to work in the UK as I was born in Surrey so in 1999 I started working at The Refinery, in London. I now work independently in a more private atmosphere, just me and my clients. I also have an accountancy degree.
What are the essentials of male grooming?
Pay attention to the things people will see first. You will be judged by the quality of your hair and skin. Dry skin and shaving irritation will create a bad impression, as will a poor haircut. Make sure you are well shaved. As the beard and stubble are in at the moment, if you wear either, make sure that they are well groomed with a natural look rather than with strong, harsh lines. Stubble is up to a week’s growth of hair, a beard anything longer.
What in your opinion is great style?
Wearing clothes with confidence, knowing what suits you and staying up to date with current trends without being defined by them.
Can you suggest a simple 20 minute grooming routine for someone who doesn’t have much time?
Wash and condition your hair. Shave. Apply moisturiser. Trim excess hair from your nose, eyebrows and ears with scissors, clippers and safety scissors.
It’s coming up to Valentine’s Day. What would you suggest as a good grooming routine for a man who wants to impress his partner or date?
Start with a great haircut and a clean shave, or well groomed stubble. Smell nice, apply deodorant, exfoliate and use a self-tanning product without going orange.
What’s the secret to applying aftershave perfume? Do you just splash it on?
Don’t put it directly on your face. Spray it all over your body from a fair distance and dab on the neck area and pulse points.
How do you avoid ingrown hairs when shaving?
Shave with the grain, in the direction of hair growth. Do not shave every day; let stubble grow for three days. Make sure you use a soothing gel or moisturiser afterwards to repair any damage. Proper shaving technique is the key to avoiding ingrown hairs. Most men don’t know how to shave.
What are your most popular treatments at present?
My haircut and shave, which is almost half a facial. Also, my hair and scalp treatment, which addresses the condition of hair and scalp separate from the cut.
What are the essential products every man should have in his bathroom cabinet?
Shaving oil, to prepare the skin before shaving. As in all ventures in life, preparation is essential to a good shave. Also moisturiser, an exfoliator, eye gel and face wash.
To find out more about Carmelo or to book an appointment visit his web site
