Washington D.C is home to some of the most powerful people in the world, and as a result, independent businesses promoting wellness and creating near flawless professional appearances are a cache in the District.

One such location is the grooming powerhouse known as the Grooming Lounge, “the country’s premiere destination for fine men’s grooming services and products.” Founder and CEO Michael Gilman launched the Grooming Lounge in 1999 as a modern establishment that combines the best of a barbershop experience with the amenities of a health spa.

Gilman also reaches the globe by providing expert grooming, business, and marketing commentary on a range of topics with additional contributions made by his Washington D.C. and Virginia staff. In a December entry regarding their use of Lounge, Gilman explains why he avoids the ‘S-Word.’

“…We didn’t want Grooming Lounge to function anything like a typical ‘Salon.’  Now, that’s no jab at these establishments, as there are so many who do things the right way and have paved the route for our business.  Instead… we just wanted to do things differently… create a new genre of grooming destinations for men that had no relationship to anything that had come before.” (GroomingGuys.com)

Their flagship in Washington D.C. and location at Tyson’s Corner in Virginia offer a wide array of grooming options with an eye-popping menu serving professional attention in the following areas: Hair & Shave, Hands & Feet, Face, Massage, and Hair Removal.

RECOMMENDED SERVICES

Hair & Shave: HAIRCUT – Scalp massage, hot towel for the face and a precision haircut and style.  $50-60 / HOT LATHER SHAVE – Signature service features steaming towels, foaming lather, a shave with a triple-blade razor and a soothing face massage. $50

Hands & Feet: BUSINESS MANICURE – Nails trimmed, cuticles pushed back and a refreshing hand and forearm massage. $30 / FOOT TREATMENT – A foot massage, removal of dead skin and a nail trim.  Promotes good circulation.  $55

Face: CLEANSING FACE TREATMENT – Cleanses and tones the face, leaving skin refreshed, revitalized and looking healthy. $80

Massage: MASSAGE THERAPY – Deep Tissue, Sports or Swedish. You make the call. (60 Minutes) $100

For more information regarding the Grooming Lounge and their services, please visit www.GroomingLounge.com.

(Pictured products: You Need Conditioner, The Best Shampoo, Beard Destroyer Shave Cream, Best For Last Aftershave)

Simple razor sharp decisions in your blade choices.

When choosing a razor for everyday use, go for the blade with a pristine finish. But how do you determine whether or not your pick will lead to the best possible result?

There are several things to consider in discovering the perfect shave.

Identify and tackle your personal hygiene.

Target your greatest area of need. This will likely change based on your routine throughout the day and where on the body you plan to shave. Shave only when the surface of the body is clean and remember to moisturize and prepare the face with shaving gel prior to blade contact…

Choosing a razor blade: Safety, Electric, or Disposable

Disposable razors are great for minimal hair growth and minimal shaving. They’re known for being inexpensive with little to no commitment to its use. Toss them after seven uses, once the blade dulls, or at the first sign of rusting. Safety razors have the advantage of disposable blades and a great option for men with sensitive skin. Electric razors are also recommended for shavers with sensitive skin, but much like disposable razors, there’s a chance of leaving behind stubble.

One Blade versus Multiple.

While a single blade may leave behind stubble, unnecessary multiples of blades can lead to skin irritation. A sharp blade is a sharp blade and all razors dull over time.  There typically is no reason to shave with more than two or three blades. Keep the razor clean and pat dry to prolong use.

Above:

Tiffany & Co.

ELSA PERETTI®RAZOR:$495

For maximum efficiency, a close and clean shave, the OBVIOUS Magazine Men’s Aesthetics pick is, THE SAFETY.

Edwin Jagger Chatsworth Classic Double-Edge Razor

Ebony:$80

Muhle Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor

Black Resin:$60

Joris

Palladium Plated Classic Double-Edge Razor:$166