Groomed

Heads up

TIM MILLER, GUN SHEARER AT TOUGH GRIND BARBERS IN LITHGOW, IS DEDICATED TO HELPING GUYS LOOK THEIR FINEST AT ALL TIMES. HERE HE DISCUSSES GROOMING TRENDS AND GETTING PREPPED FOR YOUR BIG DAY.

When is the best time to get a haircut before your wedding – the day before or one or two weeks out?

This hangs entirely on what style of cut you are wanting to sport on the day. Short and tight fades or tapers need to be fresh, on the day or the week of. Natural, longer cuts can be done a week to three weeks before, as long as your edges and neckline can be clean and tidy on the day. I personally believe the phrase ‘a haircut looks better after two weeks’ to be somewhat of an old wives’ tale. If you have a good barber, it can be done on the day. I had a faded slick-back on my wedding day and had it done on the morning.

Bro flow, buzz cut, extreme side part or classic fade – what’s hot right now?

While fades and tapers, some right down to the skin, have come back in a big way over the last three to five years, I’m starting to see and have had requests for a lot of longer and more natural traditional men’s cuts. There’s an increase in the request for scissor cuts, which require a length longer than you can obtain with clippers. I think we’ll soon start to see a lot more of the ’80s bro flow, ’90s undercuts and centre parts making their way back in. As we all know, fashion is cyclical.

I believe beards are beginning to get shorter, and may well be on their way out. Short beards, stubble and clean shaves are coming back in. Having said this, there is still a huge cult following for tamed and untamed beards, and some will sport a beard regardless of changing trends. I read a statistic released last year that said Sydney is having its largest saturation of beards since the 1970s… I think our fastmoving, fashion-conscious society hears that and decides to go against the grain, straying away from what may be deemed to be ‘mainstream’.

What services do you off er at Tough Grind, in general and for wedding parties?

We off er the full range of traditional barbering services – from buzz cuts, style cuts and beard grooming right through to full-face shaves. We fi nish all men’s cuts with a hot lather and razor shave around the perimeters of the haircut. Wedding parties can book in advance, so we can ensure that we reserve enough time and space to get everyone seen to on the day. We also have quality coff ee onsite and, depending on a party’s needs and wants, can arrange catering. BML

TIM’S TOP TIPS FOR GROOMS

• Knowing how to style your own hair and beard on the day is essential. This is certainly something we are passionate about educating men on.

• Having the right product that is suited to your hair type and styling requirements is also a must.

• Don’t over-do it or over-think it! In the lead up to your big day, experiment with what you are comfortable with rather than showing up to the barbers on the day and asking for a drastic change in style that you may need to take time developing.

• Take a leaf out of the bridal book – go to your barber for a trial a couple of months out from the day.

facebook.com/toughgrindbarbers

WELLSuited

AS A CO-OWNER AND HOST OF OSCAR HUNT TAILORS, JULIAN LICHTENSTEIN ASSISTS GROOMS IN WALKING THE AISLE IN STYLE. WE ASKED HIM TO REVEAL WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT RIGHT NOW.

What are the most popular looks for grooms at the moment? Describe the services you offer in-store.

Dinner suits and three-piece suits are currently being favoured, as they both achieve the same desired effect: reaching a higher level of formality.

What about accessories – what’s in and what’s definitely out?

Suspenders (or braces) have definitely been popular – they practically break up the material of a white shirt and are also a unique way to accessorise a look. They look great on trousers that have side adjusters instead of belt loops.

Coloured laces are definitely out and socks are something I feel people have taken a half a step back from. A few years ago the trend in socks was to have the wildest patterns and vivid colours to pop at any periphery. Today, people are still emphasising sock selection, however it’s demure colours coupled with a few other elements, such as cuffed trousers and a tasselled loafer or a pair of double monk shoes. We are a made-to-measure men’s tailoring house and have showrooms in both Sydney and Melbourne. We offer a high level of service and custom-make garments for any and every occasion – our clients have access to over 3500 luxurious fabrics from the world’s finest fabric mills and a premium range of men’s accessories. Our fitters work closely with clients to determine the type of suit they’re after and will then suggest appropriate cloths, designs and tailoring techniques based on complexion, silhouette and reason the suit is required.

Tell us your top tips for choosing a wedding suit.

It depends on the venue and the type of vibe and atmosphere you’re trying to create. Ultimately, though, you should choose the fabric and look you’ve always envisaged getting married in. You’ll feel special in it and will, in turn, present at your best – and you’ll have fun wearing it. As a safeguard, our fitters help to ensure our clients won’t regret any decisions they end up making.