SPARGO, A Place For Men » Ask Sparga

I love my Spargo HairCut but about two weeks later, the hair starts growing back on my neck and bothers me. What can you do to help me?

Sparga — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:05:25 +0000

Thanks for the compliment on the haircut. We hire hairstylists rather than barbers because of a difference in training. Stylists are trained to use multiple ”tools” and a wide range of techniques. When our stylists trim your neck, they use a trimmer but hair grows at about 1/2 inch a month which means the hair on your neck will be visible before you need a full haircut. At Spargo, we encourage neck waxing. Neck waxing is done with a soft wax that is applied warm. A thin strip of guaze-like paper is then pressed and pulled to remove the hair on the neck. This hair takes a full month to regrow. We suggest either getting this service done with your haircut or about two weeks later to maintain your haircut for up to 6-8 weeks. The neck is as smooth as a baby’s butt.

We offer this service FREE the first time you receive it. Subsequently, if purchased with the haircut, it is only $10 instead of the regular $20 price. Please ask your stylist for more information.

Thanks,

Sparga

I am experiencing pain in my wrist and shoulder. I feel guilty about getting a massage but I must admit I always feel better. How can I justify getting a massage and how often should I come in?

Sparga — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:47:55 +0000

Our massage therapist has noticed an increase in clients' complaints about their wrists and shoulders and has identified these pains coming from repetitive motions of text mailing and working and playing on a computer. Pain in the wrist is really a referred pain in the shoulders from holding the body in a stationary position. The muscles in the body produce calcium to stabilize the body while doing the repetitive exercise such as sitting in a office chair in front of a computer screen for hours everyday. However, the downside is that the calcium remains in the muscle tissue creating the knots you feel which pinch the nerves causing pain and reducing mobility. Massage works to lubricate the body by increasing blood flow to these areas. In addition, the massaging of the muscle tissue actually breaks up the calcium deposits which are responsible for the tendonitis, sciatica (back pain) and carpal tunnel allowing muscles to breathe again. A massage here and there simply puts a band aid on the problem. Regular massages, recommended once a month, will work the muscles to dissolve the calcium deposits and prevent future build up.

Men are traditionally horrible about justifying the preventive measures for maintaining good health. They never go to the doctor until it’s often too late. If you are working in an office and sitting for long hours or exercising regularly, massage should be part of your regular maintenance routine to provide you with maximum health benefits. Maintaining your body is not unlike maintaining your car. You would not think of not changing the oil or getting regular tune ups for your car. You know that if you don’t, you will not get great gasoline mileage or you won’t be able to count on your brakes when you need them. The same is true for your body. With proper maintenance, runners will experience increased mobility and be able to stretch more effectively. Computer game players will be able to win because of increased flexibility. The benefits of massage are not limited to a relaxing moment but a contribution to increase physical abilities. If you listen to the airline attendants saying, “Put your mask on first before helping anyone,” you start to realize that proper maintenance is a requirement and not a luxury. (Note: save your receipts, massage if prescribed by a doctor is tax deductible.)

Summer is here and my girl friend is asking me to get my back waxed. What can I expect?

Sparga — Fri, 02 May 2008 22:20:48 +0000

Back waxing is one of our most popular services. I think that most of our clients come from girl friends insisting that they give it a try. Afterall, women have been shaving their legs and underarms for decades, I really don't understand why men won't consider waxing it off their backs and at least, trimming it on their chests.

The whole process is so easy. Mandy, our esthetician, gently powders with a brush the area to be waxed. She then dips what looks like a popsicle stick into melted wax. The wax feels warm and is actually quite pleasant. She next takes a piece of guaze and presses it on the area and pulls it off quickly. She repeats this process until its done. Mandy is exceptionally good at this and our clients are raving about her speed and the absence of any discomfort with waxing. Once removed, the back or chest is as smooth as a baby's butt. Mandy then has a secret cleansing potion which I will not divulge which helps calm the area down. Waxing is done against the grain of the hair shaft and if the hair is long, it is first trimmed with scissors or clippers. The scene from the 40 Year Old Virgin is NOT ACCURATE. Wax is never put on nipples.

There are a few tips to remember so that you do not have any problems. Do not sweat for 24 hours or sit in the sun. The pores of your skin have been opened and need to tighten up again. Sweating will increase the possibility of infection because of dirt and other impurities entering the pores. So don't do it! Baking in the sun right after could cause a rash. And if you are the ultra sensitive type which I am sure none of you are…take Tylenol. The results last for almost a month.

The results are stunning! Everyone is getting into it. I just saw on television Harrison Ford waxing his back and chest for his new Indiana Jones movie. The days of hair sticking out from unbuttoned shirts are over. What's in is a smooth groomed look. We are very discrete in the salon. No one will know what you are doing. You know the saying, "Only your hairdresser knows for sure!"

Do I have to shave before a facial and if not, how soon afterwards can I shave?

Sparga — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:26:24 +0000

First, how smart of you to take care of yourself. Men needs facials even more than women, so congratulations on wanting to incorporate facials into your health routine. Generally speaking, few men even put sun block on to protect against skin cancer. Your lives are constantly exposed to the sun and wind which are the culprits in aging and damaged skin. A monthly facial can reduce the effects of sun and wind exposure.

Second, you can shave before a facial if you like but if your skin is sensitive, I would postpone it until after the facial. An hour long facial has a series of steps that include a cleanse, an exfoliating mask (which removes dead skin cells), extractions (if necessary and requested), an unbelievable head, neck and shoulder massage, a mask in accordance to skin type and finishing with a deep moisturizing series. Men are getting facials during the summer months but need it just as much during the winter. Nothing is worse on the face than the cold wind followed by over heated offices and public areas.

Finally, we strongly recommend getting a facial at least every season (there are four), followed by a mini-facial in between if you are a super athletic guy…riding bikes, skiing and sailing. The sun exposure from these sports will age you beyond your years if you do not take care of your skin. And seriously, if you are out there keeping your body in great shape working out…why wouldn't you take care of your skin as well?

How can I tell if I got a good haircut? My stylist uses clippers and I thought clippers were bad.

Sparga — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:00:32 +0000

The definition of a great haircut cannot be defined by what equipment was used. At Spargo, we insist that all of our stylists know how to use all the professional "tools" available and that includes clippers. A great stlist will use a variety of "tools" during your haircut. If your stylist uses just clippers or scissors, they are probably not comfortable with using all the "tools" available to them.

Right now, the trend in male haircuts is "scissor-over-comb" which simply means the stylist pulls the hair through a comb and then cuts with scissors instead of clippers. It tales longer but it is not necessarily better and definitely depends on the look your are trying to achieve.

What gives a haircut style and individuality is the ability of the stylist to use other cutting techniques to "finish" your hair. Such techniques could be using a "razor" to add texture or using scissors to "point cut" your hair for a well blended finish.

Hair grows back unevenly whether you use scissors or a clipper. Some of you will need a haircut every three weeks and others can go every other month. If you are concerned about stretching the time between haircuts, I would suggest waxing your neck. Hair growth on the neck is visible first.

So, in answer to your question: Don't fire your stylist because they use clippers. The real question is: How you like your haircut? How do you feel in it? Does it look the same the day after you got it cut? Can you style it easily? Did you stylist listen to your concerns? It really is all about you!!!

I am getting married. I know I need a haircut but when?

Sparga — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:13:05 +0000

1. Haircut…five days in advance. You don't want white walls (you know…the area between your suntan and the last haircut).

2. Manicure…YES…wedding pictures always include a photo of the rings on your hands and hers. Hers will be perfectly manicured and yours…hopefully…will not look like you just spent the entire day cleaning the garage.

3. Pedicure…OKAY…honeymoon on the beach…clean those dogs just this once for her. She'll love it and you will love how great it feels!

4. Facial…I know this is really a stretch for some of you…but really, all those photos and a face that looks like you just got off the fishing boat??? Please…you want to look like a million dollars and feel like it, too.

5. Hopefully, this is the one and only time you walk down the aisle which means you will be looking at those photos for a long time. Take the time and PROPERLY GROOM YOURSELF…you are worth it and won't regret it. All of these services are very relaxing and will help you feel comfortable and confident on YOUR BIG DAY!

I have a big job interview lined up. What can I do to make a great first impression?

Sparga — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 23:36:00 +0000

Haircut three days in advance. Have your stylist teach you how to put some product “lightly” in your hair so it looks polished.
Manicure three days in advance. No kidding…nothing is a bigger turn off than torn finger nails with rough scaly skin. Chances are you will be talking to a woman or two and nowadays, even guys check this out. Clean hands are symbolic of success.
Check out the dress code before your interview. Send in a spy (your girl friend or best friend for a made up errand.) While I would not always suggest a suit (that’s pants and jacket that match fabric not just color)…you should be dressed one step up from the interviewer…shows respect.
Make sure your shoes are polished, the laces are new and not frayed and for goodness sake…make sure your collar is not dirty or frayed either. The bottomline is to look the part…understated but like you thought about your appearance and didn’t just roll out of bed. And check out your breath before you walk in. Lose the gum …. get some altoids.
And sweaty palms…it happens. Just a hint… keep your hands on your lap face down to absorb the sweat. When standing, hand in pocket with a cloth handerchief to wipe just before the shake.
One last thing…a handwritten thank you note…yeah…sounds old fashioned but it's all about differentiating you from the competition…do it and see if it doesn’t at least get you a return interview!!!!
And afterwards, a massage to chill!

My girlfriend and I are celebrating our six month anniversary. I want to do something different. Any ideas?

Sparga — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 23:31:46 +0000

OK…limited budget. Killer date is when a guy cooks for the girl friend. No roses…over done. Get freesias any flower that REALLY smells. And lots of white candles. If you can’t cook…buy the dinner already made, but put it on the plates like you did it. For dessert…ice cream with sauce over it. Something to SHARE. Or chocolate covered strawberries…dark chocolate. OK…a little more money. Killer date pick her up in a town car and take her to Napa Valley for dinner anywhere. Hard to pick a bad one there!!! OK… a lot of money. Fly her to Paris for pomme fritas and champagne on the Champs-Elysees. Go Bohemian and buy her a handmade fan or crystal perfume bottle.