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Fros Fashions and Finds:
Men's Edition
By Megan Davis
Soulcial Scene Contributor
Listening
to the news this month: it was reported that Mother’s Day is
the second most celebrated commercial holiday next to
Christmas. When you go into the stores, there are flowers
everywhere, jewelry displays, beauty kits, and cute mommy
t-shirts for sale right in front of the store.
Let’s not
forget how the beauty shops are full of giggling women
getting pretty for the whole weekend, because they are going
to celebrate more than just the one day. Yet, when Father’s
Day rolls around, you will see Fourth of July decor,
graduation cakes, grills and camping gear. No “I Love Dad”
parade of gifts on display.
This year
can be different, it can be the year, we decide to give our
men some love. We can at least start with pampering them.
It’s practical, but it is a gift that can be overlooked. So
this edition of Fros, Fashions and Finds is dedicated to our
Black Men.
Men are
often viewed as hard-working, rugged people who wear work
gear most of the time. Their hands, which they work with;
their feet, which they stand on and their muscles which work
overtime to carry the family’s burdens-they all get tired
and worn and need TLC just as women do.
So why not
consider gifting them a massage, manicure and pedicure?
Locally,
try Rey of Sunshine Massage. Owner, Joy Reyes will come to
your location to provide a relaxing massage for your dad,
husband, brother, uncle or friend. You can learn more about
this woman-owned local, small business by visiting
www.romassage.com or
by calling 419-377-9066.
For
manicures and pedicures, book a service with Amaris Johnson
of Platinum Sky Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge located at 4050
Airport Highway. This small business, owned by Kenneth
Johnson, is another great way to keep black dollars
circulating in our community. Booking is available at
419-509-8847 and they are open on Sundays too!
Natural
hair is often associated with black women. When we talk
about it, read about it or see advertisements, it’s most of
the time, going to feature a female model, subject or
spokesperson. But black men are natural too! In fact, they
have been natural much longer than black women, but are
rarely included in discussions. We see our entertainers on
stages and athletes on the court and fields sporting amazing
cuts, locs and braids as well as gorgeous beards. They get
these great looks from salons and barbers.
The Toledo
Barber Brothers is a local business that has an amazing team
of barbers who cater to men and young men of all
ethnicities. When you enter the shop, the men are at their
chairs putting in good work, getting their clients handsome
for the week.
James
McGinnis is the first barber you see. He was asked about
trending styles for men and his response was that young men
prefer longer hair with fades (when the sides and back are
gradually lowered) or tapers; but older, working class men
prefer shorter haircuts. Men with straighter hair are
wearing the comb over look, a modern take on an old school
style. He specializes in these styles, especially beard
grooming and color enhancements, which can last anywhere
from 24 hours to seven days.
Markest
Barry, Sr. is stationed next and wears a full beard. When
asked about beard care, he suggested that beards should be
cleansed with shampoo and conditioned too, to keep them
soft. Beards should also be combed out (detangled) and
brushed to prevent ingrown hairs. Follow up with a beard
balm or oil to keep the beard soft and add shine. Markest
also is great with designer hair cuts for all textures.
Stationed
third at Barber Brothers is Corry Myers. While he cuts all
ages of hair, he also cuts children’s hair. His best tips
for parents bringing their kids to get a haircut are to wash
their hair the night before and to remove all oils and
products from their hair. Next, he suggests that their hair
be combed out – using a metal pick is best – as this will
minimize their discomfort once they arrive for their
haircut.
Andre
Johnson who rocks locs, is often doing multiracial haircuts
where frizz is a major issue. He recommends having edges
sheared to prevent frizz and also using leave in
conditioner, moisturizers and pomades to shape the hair.
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