Prepare Hair + Skin for Fall with American Crew

Perhaps it may not feel like fall just quite yet where you are- I know temperatures are going to be over 70 all week here; however, it is important to prepare you hair and skin for the dryness that comes with the fall and winter seasons.

 I am excited to share some great men's grooming tips provided by Patti Davenport, Shave Director at American Crew, that use a few key products from the American Crew line. I know my skin dries out from the hot air heat at home and at the office as well as the brutal temperatures that creep in during January and February.

Below are Patti's tips for getting your hair and skin ready for the dry season featuring three American Crew products that I use frequently, namely daily moisturizing shampoo, moisturizing shave cream, and molding clay.

Daily Moisturizing Shampoo:

"Start off with American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo, which contains botanical ingredients that are suitable for all skin and scalp types to nourish, calm and prevent the skin from over drying. Additionally, this product is a great cleanser for the face/beard as well as the scalp/hair. Helping to cleanse dead skin cells, debris, oil and environmental pollution from the surface of the skin and beard without over drying."

I use this shampoo on a daily basis, starting in the fall and it leaves my hair soft and refreshed. The product has a nice, light scent featuring key ingredients such as Rosemary and Thyme extracts as well as Chamomile extract.

Moisturizing Shave Cream:

I switched to this shave cream about a year ago, and have been very pleased with it. A good shave cream is essential. American Crew's cream features powerful antioxidants that protect and moisturize the skin. I found the cream to be pleasant against my skin and allowed the razor to slide smoothly over the skin. I love the scent of the eucalyptus oil...it is very refreshing!

For added protection, Patti recommends using Post-Shave cooling lotion, saying "Once you jump out of the shower, apply American Crew Post-Shave Cooling Lotion to the face, beard and any skin that is regularly exposed... nape, ears, etc. The ingredients of this lightweight moisturizer help to nourish, prevent and treat any minor skin inflammations, as well as maintain the correct PH on the surface of the skin.”

Molding Clay:

Do you have a hairstyle that requires you to using styling clay daily or often? This may be the product you have been looking for. I found it to have a great hold and to not be too heavy like some other products I have used in the past.

White clay from the Paris Basin naturally heals and stimulates the scalp, making it good for men with sensitive skin and scalp. Other key ingredients include all-natural essential oils such as orange, peppermint, and spearmint.




All products available via American Crew

Men's Spring Hairstyles from American Crew Expert

Everyone is refreshing everything with the spring season. From fresh wardrobes to new decor in the home, it is the new of year for new. I asked Patti Davenport, an American Crew All-Star Educator, what the top spring hairstyles are for men. In addition to her role as an educator for the go-to for men's grooming, Patti serves as the director of shaving and skincare at Groom for Men in Milwaukee, WI. Below are her picks for the top looks for short, medium, and long hair this season as well as tips on how to achieve them.


"Right now the classics are king, regardless of length. We are seeing men from all walks of life parting, combing and taking the utmost care in grooming today. The shapes and styles of our grandfathers’ era are definitely trending right now." 

For your shorter lengths think 'high and tight with a Don Draper twist,' meaning we are seeing fully exposed sides with either comparable length on top or extremely long pomps on top. Style with our medium to high shine puck products to achieve a variety of sheen options. My personal favorite on blondes and dark hair colors is American Crew Grooming Cream. This product will ensure the look lasts all day, reflects tons of light and holds regardless of humidity! For the guys with that longer disconnected pomp, a favorite is American Crew Alternator. It can be used as a finisher to hold it all together while keeping hair touchable.

Medium lengths are definitely still 'Don Draper-esqe.' This shape is the classic contour, a taper hugging the lower neckline and then “comb-able” lengths throughout. The key with this style is showing the comb lines, so keeping it very clean and academic and styled just right with the use of a pocket comb and NEW American Crew Liquid Wax. The best part about Liquid Wax is the ability to style with your comb right out of the shower, then let it air dry and it is complete! Holds all day, and if your client wants to take it from classic to more casual, he just needs to run his fingers through his hair to get a more lived-in texture.

For longer lengths.... shall I dare say man buns?! This is a definite phenomenon we are seeing especially when the 'undercuts' are growing into longer lengths on the top of the head. If this is your style, American Crew Alternator is king here! It holds all the hairs in place but also gives some texture to the surface of the hair so it is not so slippery when putting into a top knot. If your client is going for the Jared Leto look, spray in American Crew Alternator when damp, rake fingers through and let air dry.”

Holiday Gift Selections for Men

With the biggest shopping weekend of the year behind us and in the middle of Cyber Monday, many have started their holiday shopping for the season. If you are like me, you find yourself scrambling at the last minute to check everyone off of your list. This year, I made a vow to get my shopping done a little bit ahead of schedule (hopefully).

To get a jump start on holiday shopping, I have curated a list of a few of my personal favorite items of the year spanning many price points and ranging from a classic wool sweater to modern timepieces and fragrance. Whether you are shopping for a boyfriend, brother, dad, or friend there is sure to be something for every man on your list.

Hover over the image below to shop my holiday selections for 2014:


Post-Shave Lotion- In an effort to elevate my shaving routine, I tried some new products from American Crew, one being this post-shave soothing lotion. I instantly fell in love with the product which has now become a staple in my routine. This would be a great stocking stuffer for that college student that is always running late and in rush, sometimes neglecting their shaving routine.

Personalized Toasting Box- This toasting set from Orvis is the perfect match for that true gentleman on your list. Crafted from wood, this toasting set which has room for 10 shot glasses and your favorite liquor makes a handsome addition to any celebratory event. I personally own the set and have thoroughly enjoyed, opting for the available personalization option. This set is sure to make a memorable gift!

Miansai Cuff- I have enjoyed the bracelet trend which has gained popularity in men's fashion and accessories. My go-to brand for modern, well made pieces has been Miansai. The screw bracelet has become their iconic piece, and my new favorite is the addition of the "Noir" collection to the lineup. These cuffs are a great pick for the guy who loves fashion and is on top of trends.

Diptyque Fragrance- Fragrance always makes a great gift, and the selections from Diptyque are simply amazing. This Paris based perfumer makes unique scents which are not available from other houses. I was exposed to their scent, Tam Dao, and have fallen in love with it. It is a mix of sandalwood, rosewood, cypress, and ambergris. It is sure to become his new favorite!

Breil Timepieces-  A timepiece always makes a memorable gift for any man. Breil offers modern, sophisticated timepieces at a reasonable price. This season, the Dome collection is very popular. The Dome collection for men is also exquisitely designed in Italy and is inspired by the city of Milan, celebrating the history and architecture of the Milan Dome — one of the city's main attractions. With its sapphire crystal dome shape, this collection offers a unique structural design for men this holiday season. Italian craftsmanship is honored with a patented new crown as well.

Irish Wool Sweater- You can never go wrong with something as classic as shawl collar sweater. This season, Orvis is offering an option crafted in Ireland from pure wool. This piece is part of my collection, and I personally love how classic the design and silhouette are. The quality shines throw in this genuine piece which is quite warm!

Grooming with American Crew

Grooming for men is always a relevant topic, especially with the myriad of products on the market. I admit, that sometimes I may not care as much as I should regarding products and procedures for grooming, however, with the impending cold winter weather, it is an important time of the year to incorporate good skincare into your daily routine. 

I am excited to be incorporating new products from American Crew into my grooming regiment. American Crew is known for its commitment to men's grooming and is founded upon the desire to meet the needs of men who care about their appearance and style, especially in salons which have replaced the traditional men's barber shop. From shaving supplies to hair styling products, American Crew has a great selection of grooming products. 

I wanted to focus on improving my shaving regimen. This is where a selection of American Crew products came into play. Three products have elevated my routine for a better experience and are leaving my skin ready to head into the cold winter ahead:

Ultra Gliding Shave Oil- This non-greasy solution acts as a cushion for the skin for a close, effortless shave. This is perfect for those of us who find ourselves in a hurry more often than not as it acts as shield against nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs. I use the product as prep under my moisturizing shave cream.

Moisturizing Shave Cream- A good shave cream is essential. American Crew's cream features powerful antioxidants that protect and moisturize the skin. I found the cream to be pleasant against my skin and allowed the razor to slide smoothly over the skin.

Post-Shave Cooling Lotion- This is the step that I have always highly neglected, however, I have come to realize the importance of post-shave treatment. This step is crucial in reducing any irritation that may have been caused by soothing the skin and replacing moisture. The post-shave cooling lotion is refreshing on the skin from the mixture of key ingredients such as tea tree oil, pumpkin seed extract, and elder flower extracts. 

What is your normal shaving routine? Do you have any tips? If you are looking to elevate your shaving routine I highly recommend the line offered by American Crew. 

All opinions expressed are my own