Ask a barber: grooming tips & mistakes!

Gents, is your grooming routine just a slap of gel and a rushed shave in the morning? To help you up your game, we checked in with ADONIS, Head Barber and General Manager at high-end barbershop Jermyn Street on Amoy Street. Here, this Singapore barber shares his top grooming tips and tricks.

As a Singapore barber, what are your best styling tips for keeping hair looking sharp and well-groomed?

#1 Style with the grain, not against it. When styling, I always work with the hair’s natural crown direction. Start applying your product from the back and move forward. This helps you avoid over-applying at the front and ensures a more balanced look.

#2 Apply product directly to the roots and work it thoroughly through. Focus on the back of your head first, and then work the product down to the front, ensuring it’s evenly distributed, then style. This prevents your hair from getting weighed down at the front.

#3 Don’t over-wash your hair! Over-washing strips your scalp of its natural oils. So aim for two to three washes a week. Follow up with a good conditioner to keep your hair healthy and hydrated.

#4 Always make sure your hair is completely dry before applying any product. Wet hair won’t hold the product as well, and you risk it looking greasy or weighed down. Dry hair absorbs product better and gives you a more defined style.

#5 Regular maintenance is key. For shorter cuts like fades, I recommend visiting your Singapore barber every two to three weeks to maintain that fresh, clean look. If you’re rocking a longer style, aim for a trim every four to five weeks to preserve the shape and prevent excess growth on the sides.

What are the biggest grooming mistakes you see guys making?

As a Singapore barber, I’ve seen it all – great cuts, bad trims and everything in between. Here are some of the top grooming missteps I see in the shop, especially when it comes to hair and beard care.

#1 Skipping regular haircuts. One of the most common mistakes I see at Jermyn Street is neglecting regular trims. Hair grows at different rates for everyone, but skipping cuts can lead to split ends and an unkempt appearance. Aim for a trim every four to six weeks to keep your style fresh and prevent damage. Even if you’re growing out your hair, trims help maintain shape.

#2 Over-using hair products. Men often think more product equals better results. However, over-applying products like pomades, gels or wax can weigh hair down, make it greasy or cause build-up on the scalp. Use a small amount and work it evenly through your hair. A good rule of thumb: start with less, and you can always add more.

#3 Neglecting the beard. A beard requires maintenance, too. Don’t just let it grow wild! Regular trimming, shaping and proper care with beard oils or balms can keep your beard soft and healthy. Avoid the “I’ll just let it grow” approach without attention – it can look patchy or uneven.

#4 Ignoring scalp health. A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Many men forget that proper scalp care – like using the right shampoo and conditioner – can make a world of difference. One of my best grooming tips is to nourish the scalp with regular exfoliation and the right products for your hair type.

#5 Using the wrong tools. Invest in the right grooming tools. Low-quality razors or clippers can cause irritation, nicks and uneven cuts. A good-quality razor and trimmer can make a huge difference in achieving that sharp, clean look.

On the topic of tools – what should every guy have in his grooming kit?

First, styling products that suit your hair type are a must. As a Singapore barber, I recommend a high-quality wax like Purple Muk. It provides a strong hold and natural finish, making it easier to achieve your desired look without stiffness or residue. For those who want extra texture and volume, a salt spray as a pre-styler is a game-changer. It adds grip and movement, making styling effortless while maintaining a natural, effortless look.

If you have a longer beard, beard oil is non-negotiable. It keeps facial hair soft, tames frizz and hydrates the skin underneath to prevent dryness and itchiness. A few drops each day help maintain a well-groomed, healthy beard.

For shorter beards, beard balm is key to styling and control. It provides light hold to keep stray, wiry hairs in place while also conditioning and nourishing the beard. Unlike oil, beard balm adds a slight shaping effect, making it perfect for those who want a more defined, polished look.

By including these essentials in your grooming routine, you’ll not only look your best but also maintain healthier hair and skin with minimal effort. You can purchase all these items at the Jermyn Street shop. Not sure what product suits you? Book in for a Signature Haircut at Jermyn Street and get some grooming tips from myself or one of our Singapore barbers today.

As a Singapore barber, do you have any tips on achieving a well-groomed beard?

A well-groomed beard adds instant polish and personality to your look, but achieving and maintaining that stylish finish takes more than just letting it grow.

#1 Start with a solid foundation: A regular trim is essential to keep your beard tidy and flattering to your face shape. Our barbers offer full consultations to help define the best beard style for you.

#2 Hydration is key: Dry, coarse beards are never in style. To keep yours soft and healthy, apply a high-quality beard oil daily. We recommend Uppercut Deluxe Beard Oil, which nourishes the hair while soothing the skin underneath.

#3 Style with purpose: For shape and control, especially if your beard tends to get unruly, a beard balm is your best friend. Uppercut Beard Balm adds hold and a subtle shine, perfect for daily grooming.

#4 Don’t forget the moustache: Keep things sharp with Dear Barber Moustache Wax, great for adding definition and hold without stiffness.

#5 Finish with a brush: Using a boar bristle brush distributes oils evenly and keeps your beard looking smooth and intentional. All products are available at Jermyn Street Barbers where our team is happy to guide you through the best routine and product match. Walk in scruffy, walk out sharp!

Not every beard suits every face shape. How do I know which style works for me?

Finding the right beard style is all about enhancing your natural features and working with your lifestyle, not against it. At Jermyn Street Barbers, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Instead, we tailor each beard to complement your face shape, hair growth and how much time you want to spend on upkeep.

For example, a round face benefits from a beard that adds length – such as a tapered or boxed style. If your face is square, softening the angles with a beard that has rounded edges can create balance. Oval faces are the most versatile, working well with everything from stubble to a fuller beard. And for heart-shaped faces, growing a beard that fills out the jawline adds definition and structure.

But face shape is only part of the picture. We also consider your lifestyle. If you’re a busy professional or travel frequently, a lower maintenance style – like a short beard or clean stubble – may suit you better. If you enjoy grooming or want a signature look, a fuller style can be shaped regularly to stay sharp.

As a rule of thumb, we recommend visiting the barber every two to three weeks for shaping and upkeep. This keeps your beard looking intentional – not overgrown. Our expert barbers at Jermyn Street will guide you on products, trimming tips and help you find a look that fits both your face and your routine.

Jermyn Street is at 43 Amoy Street.
6220 4010 | jermynstreet.com.sg | adonis.bibaoui@jermynstreet.com.sg | book an appointment

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