Top Picks for the Holidays

What an incredible year it has been! In our efforts to find the highest quality products that hit you the least in your pocket book we have uncovered some very remarkable brands. In this short article we want to share with you some of the most impressive products we have introduced this year that we think would make very thoughtful holiday gifts.

Prospectors Pomade

With all natural hemp oil and other healthful ingredients to promote healthy hair and scalp Prospectors has quickly earned a large following at our store. Choose your level of hold and shine and enjoy a fragrance unique to each blend. We have never before experienced a matte clay so smooth and creamy with the perfect amount of hold as is found in Prospectors Coal Mine. At the opposite end of shine is Prospectors Crude Oil delivering a firm hold and high shine to really pull off that slick back. Cruide Oil is petroleum based while all others are water based. Every Prospectors hair product comes in an attractive tin that immediately signals a quality product.

Suavecito Pomade

We were thrilled to finally be able to say, “yes, we carry Suavecito” to walk in customers. These water based products give the amount of hold and shine you are looking for and yet rinse out incredibly easy with just running water. Just in time for Christmas we have stocked up on Suavecito Original Hold and Suavecito Firme Hold pomades in a collectible tin containing 8 pouches of pomade. The pouches are perfect for travel and for making sure you have your favourite pomade on hand at the gym, at work, in your carry-on luggage, at home and anywhere else you need to stash a backup.

6IXMAN

Most recently added to our inventory and just in time to declare it the most remarkable brand of 2019, 6IXMAN delivers powerful products that are gentle on the skin and hair. From the cleaning power of their wash to the softening ability of their beard oil and armour you have to wonder how you ever managed your beard with anything else. Equally impressive and carrying the same signature fragrance are fine styling products from firm hold clay to medium hold pomade. If he has a beard or has been unimpressed with the fragrance of his usual go-to products it’s time to treat him to 6IXMAN.

Introducing 6IXMAN

Gone are the days of fearing to appear feminine for being concerned about your appearance. Back are the days when a man does not leave his abode without being properly groomed and neatly attired. To this end we have helped to provide means for the past six years. That might not seem a long time considering that some of the brands we carry have been in business for a very long time – one for over 240 years! The collective experience of long-lived brands and a vast market of consumers eager to benefit from more competent, safe and environmentally friendly products has erupted into an array of startups seeking to fill the need for quality grooming products for men.

Today we would like to introduce you to another Canadian brand that we simply couldn’t ignore. This company has a clear focus and simple mandate to back up its line of incredible grooming products. They have taken the GTA by storm and now the word is out and men from all over are anxious to find out for themselves what makes these products so remarkable. For starters, their aim is to make products that they will use themselves, which means products that are safe, natural, biodegradable, as well as high performance. It is our hope they will forgive a slight plagiarism so that we can provide insight into what they define as their target consumer. Here is an excerpt from their philosophy:

The 6IXMAN is a classically modern man. Regardless of what he is doing, he always looks good. In a world of social media where you are under constant scrutiny, the pressure is on to look your best even when you are not at your best. The 6IXMAN tackles the challenges of a modern lifestyle with the knowledge that even when he is pushed to the limit, he will make it look easy. A well-groomed man creates a lasting impression of control, strength, and poise. The 6IXMAN marries old world charm with new world pragmatism to become a tour de force. Each 6IXMAN defines our brand and his uniqueness adds to our own.

We sincerely hope nothing was lost in providing a quote out of context. To get straight to the point, 6IXMAN doesn’t define a character or stereotype as their market. It doesn’t matter how you might be classified, what you do for a living – or for fun. What matters is that you are a man who wants to look his best at all times. This is the point they, we and you all agree upon. This is our common goal and how they, we and you come together to help you achieve the look you seek using the kind of products that respect your body and our environment.

Bring out the 6IXMAN in you, or introduce a friend or loved one over the holidays to this incredible brand. The gift of good grooming belongs to all of us.

See what’s in store

Movember Savings

We expect many of our customers will again grow out their facial hair to help raise awareness to support fundraising goals aimed at preventing male deaths due to prostate and testicular cancer and male suicide. It can be uncomfortable growing out your stubble until it reaches a certain length. At that point it can begin to get unruly and maybe even a little unbecoming. To help you through these awkward stages we will automatically apply a 10% discount to all beard care product purchases for the month of November. The Movember discount will apply to all regular and sale price products. Cancer and depression don’t discriminate so neither will we.

Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s suicide. There is a lot of motion to this campaign that includes Move for November (get some exercise, have some fun, and raise money for health services). Founded in Australia in 2012, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global motorcycle fund-raising event to raise awareness of prostate cancer and male suicide prevention. This year, Niagara Falls hosted its first ride and raised $13,777 and was supported by sponsors and 34 riders dressed to the nines on their classic and vintage motorcycles.

The goal of No–Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow wild and free. Donate the money you typically spend on shaving and grooming to educate about cancer prevention, save lives, and aid those fighting the battle.

Raising awareness about men’s health is a good reason to grow a moustache and even to sport a beard but remember that a beard is something that is groomed and maintained, otherwise it’s just a hiatus from shaving. Don’t let November be your excuse to stop taking care of your appearance. Trim and line your facial growth. If you can’t do it yourself make an appointment with your local barber. We can help you ditch the itch of a growing beard as well as provide products to improve hair health and shine to keep you looking your best. Have a look at our beard products. Shop online and choose to pick up your order at Fate Salon or enjoy free delivery within Greater Fort Erie.  You can also stop in and visit the barber at Fate Salon and get a recommendation for your lifestyle. Appreciate 10% off all regular and sale price beard care products for the month of November. No coupon required. The Movember discount will be automatically applied.

Chasing the Carrot

Trying to achieve a comfortable shave has many consumers spending countless dollars on more and more blades, new and improved lathers, and a host of other personal care products. So many promises yet so little delivery. A comfortable shave is like the proverbial carrot in front of the cart and marketing gimmicks often leave us feeling like the proverbial beast towing that cart. Who would have thought carrot oil itself was part of the solution?

Baume.be is a remarkable line developed by Karl Indigne who suffers from seborrhoeic dermatitis. Karl’s struggle to find shaving products that were truly suitable to those with the most sensitive skin lead him on the path to create a line of shaving products that are as unique as they are competent. The subtle scent and unique combination of the natural ingredients ensures a calming effect against razor burn.

Karl created his aftershave balm first. A global demand was almost immediate. Building on his success with the balm he used a collaborative approach to achieve production of a superior shaving cream. Mission accomplished! Many fans were more enthusiastic about the cream than the balm. There’s little doubt the quality of the aftershave balm set the stage for high expectations for the coming shaving cream, and the cream delivered.

Karl finally created a superior pre-shave product in gel format. Once again Karl successfully introduced a calming and nourishing product that made shaving pleasant. Continuing to build on his successes he applied himself to become the second shaving soap supplier in Belgium. Now the Baume.be line is complete.

You don’t need to have any particular form of dermatitis to appreciate Karl’s work. You just need to have some stubble and a desire for a comfortable shave. Drop in at Fate Salon or visit our online store to check out Baume.be today

Great Gift Ideas

Holiday Season is Upon Us

With the holidays fast approaching we often find ourselves scrambling to take care of everyone on our list. It’s difficult to find that special something that is both unique and thoughtful. You want your gift to be useful, not hidden away or re-gifted. This is where our store really shines.

You can create a custom shaving set or select a packaged shaving set that he’ll proudly display versus hiding away in a cupboard. You can help improve his shaving comfort by selecting a fine pre-shave and after-shave. No matter the type of razor he uses he will always get a better shave from the luxurious lather the products we offer can deliver. If he’s not ready to man up and build his own lather we carry shaving creams that can be used without a shaving brush. One of our favourites produced right here in Ontario is even formulated for use without a shaving brush. Thank you Elvado for Men, a division of BioPlanet. To cover all the bases we just stocked up on a very affordable brush and cream set to get him introduced to the wonderful world of wet shaving. We know he’ll get a kick out of building his own lather and we understand he might not want to tell you how much he enjoys the mild massage and exfoliation from his new shaving brush. His improved complexion and the smile on his face after a shave should say it all.

As North American consumers grow tired of insane replacement blade costs we see the migration away from commercialism to the practicality and comfort of the double edge safety razor is trending. To meet those ends we carry a variety of fixed and adjustable safety razors as well as a wide assortment of inexpensive replacement blades.  We also offer traditional Fusion and Mach3 compatible razors individually and included in full shaving sets.

Beards and Body, Too

We are not just about shaving. We offer some wonderful products to support magnificent beards. We’ve got you covered from brushes and combs to oils, balms and conditioners. Yes, we do carry those novel and stylish mugs that protect his moustache from his beverage. We also carry vegetable soap bars that won’t strip his beard of those much needed natural oils to keep it soft. They’re for the whole body so his skin will get pampered, too. We expect you’ll get a giggle hearing that huge bar slip from his hands but he’ll eventually tame it with use. We support great hair, too, so you’ll find we offer only the finest brushes and combs as well as some very competent clays, pastes and pomades.

Gift Cards Always in Season

If you have discovered that we offer some great products that would make great gifts but you are not sure which products would be best for him you can purchase a durable gift card that he can use in store to make a purchase on the spot or to pay for his online purchase that’s ready for pick up. We also offer electronic gift cards that can be used for online purchases only. We are very easy going so we have no reservation about helping you convert one gift card type to another should the need arise. If you have any questions please drop in at Fate Salon, 31 Jarvis Street. Wednesday through Saturday is a great time to catch Mike the barber who has a very good knowledge of the products. Check his hours or give the salon a ring if you would like to plan ahead.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

 

Reduce or Eliminate Shaving Irritation

The problem of shaving irritation can often be solved once you have identified what is causing the irritation. Below we outline some common problems and solutions.

Improper Technique

The art of shaving is rarely passed down from father to son these days. Instead, young men find themselves in a department store picking up a disposable or re-loadable razor and a can of lather then go home and do the best they can to remove the unwanted stubble. It doesn’t always work out so well. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when shaving.

After a shower is the best time to shave because the hot water will help to soften and swell the stubble. The increased circulation in the skin will also help the stubble to stand a little more upright giving a better chance that you will cut straight through rather than snag and tear the hair. You can also encourage the stubble to stand more vertically by pulling the skin in the opposite direction than the stubble appears to grow toward. If your shower time doesn’t conveniently fall right before your shave you can always prepare your skin and stubble with a warm face cloth. A pre-shave regimen might also include treating dry and chapped skin with a special tonic. Consider applying a pre-shave oil to improve glide and enhance comfort.

Now that your face is prepped it is time to apply some lather. Never shave without lather. A shaving lather is intended to provide glide for the razor to pass over the skin thus reducing irritation as well as reducing the risk of “skipping” where the blade is likely to cut when it lands back on the skin. A lather also provides buffer to keep the stubble raised as you shave as well as carry the cut stubble away from the face so it doesn’t block the razor’s edge as you continue to shave. An effective shave consists of short overlapping strokes made in the direction of hair growth (“with the grain”). Generally speaking, facial growth tends to grow downward and inward toward the Adam’s apple, and upward and inward from the lower neck to the Adam’s apple. Whorls are common, and the direction of hair growth may not be symmetrical from one side of the face and neck to the other. Observe and take note of the direction your stubble grows. Shave only in the direction of growth. Rinse well and check your results. If you need or desire another pass to further reduce the stubble, don’t forget to apply lather first. It’s worth repeating – never shave without lather. The less sensitive your skin is to shaving, the more closely you will be able reduce your stubble. To achieve that “baby’s bottom smooth” result you might shave your second pass in the opposite direction as the first pass. This is called shaving “against the grain”. If this is too aggressive for your sensitive skin you might try adjusting your angle of attack to somewhere in the middle, which means directing your strokes at about 90 degrees from the direction of growth, or “across the grain”. If sensitivity is a big issue for you, simply conduct your second pass the same as the first. You will still cut that little bit more stubble for a closer shave. Rinse well and check your results. Apply lather to and shave the areas you wish to touch up then rinse well. Finally, rinse with some cold water to close the pores, dry the skin with a towel (avoid rubbing), then apply after-shave to calm and soothe the skin. After-shave balms are recommended for winter and dry skin while tonics are appropriate for oily skin and summer. Chose a tonic with low or no alcohol content if you are extremely sensitive. While alum (potassium aluminium) is great for treating minor nicks and cuts it can also substitute as an after-shave since it is both an astringent and antiseptic.

Incompetent Lather

Canned lather is convenient but not very good for your skin. Some lathers, especially gels often contain numbing agents to counter their shortcomings. Unfortunately, the numbing fades away and you’re left with irritation. These kinds of products are often referred to as “dry shaving” products since they don’t require water. The product reacts with the atmosphere as it leaves the can and quickly turns into a lather like substance. Wet shaving, on the other hand requires water. Wet shaving creams produce lather when you infuse water into the concentrated product. A shaving brush is the tool of choice for generating a profuse, luxurious lather but many wet shaving creams can be applied by hand as well. It is very much worth the 20 seconds or so to work up an awesome lather using a shaving brush. The gentle massage and mild exfoliation of the shaving brush action on the skin is a wonderful side effect that may leave your skin looking and feeling more youthful and invigorated. Once you own a shaving brush you are free to go beyond shaving cream and try a shaving soap. Shaving soaps typically provide even better glide than shaving creams.

Incorrect Tool

A multi-blade razor can protect you similarly to how a bed of nails works. By aligning multiple blades close together the manufacturer can help reduce the likeliness of nicks and cuts. The encasement of the blades also provides support to this end. In terms of friction, though, many blades means much friction and that friction is the source of irritation for many men. Some cartridge designs include a strip on the leading edge that is impregnated with shaving oil to help reduce that friction. By design, multi-blade razors lift the hair with each blade as the blade behind it is expected to cut and further lift and cut the stubble. This design can result in torn rather than neatly cut stubble resulting in a less than even shave. If the stubble is lifted too much it could end up trapped under the skin and reveal what are referred to as “shaving bumps”. If the hair is unable to break through the skin it can become “ingrown” which can lead to infection. If this is your typical shave then you might consider reducing the number of blades in your razor. A quality safety razor uses a single blade to slice away unwanted hair. No gimmicks. No lifting. No pulling. They are a simple tool that gets the job done and when used properly gets the job done quite comfortably indeed. If the switch to a wet shaving cream doesn’t solve your irritation problem, a switch to a safety razor just might do the trick. For the price of a package of premium razor cartridges you could own a quality safety razor that can last a lifetime. Replacement blades for safety razors are quite inexpensive. You can shave with less irritation for less money for the rest of your life. In terms of comfort and cash savings, it’s a win-win.

Drop in at Fate Salon and talk with Mike the barber to learn about options that are likely to improve your shave. The barbering section displays many popular products for you to chose from. You can even order online and pick up at the salon.

Father’s Day Special Pricing

We would like to help you celebrate Father’s Day by giving you an edge to giving him a great gift. View our catalog of premium men’s grooming essentials to find the perfect items to step up his beard game, bring comfort to his shaving routine, and help put the perfect finish on his hair and nails.

Online Orders

Enter coupon 4DAD18 at checkout and get 15% OFF* your purchase. Pay online (delivery) or in store (pick up). Offer expires June 18, 2018.

In Store Purchase

Display the barcode below during checkout of our products at Fate Salon and get 15% OFF your purchase. Offer expires June 18, 2018.

Coupon Code

*Offer excludes items currently on sale. Remove sale items from shopping cart to apply coupon (add sale items to a separate order).

Introducing Brush/Brushless Shaving Cream

The only reason we can imagine so many men continue to assault their face with harsh, drying foam in a can and not exploring the vast sea of choices among wet shaving soaps and creams is because they are not aware the option exists. Could it instead be a reluctance to spend 30 seconds infusing a comfortably hydrating and wonderfully luxurious lather using a shaving brush? We’re really not sure but we want you to know that we remain committed to making shaving more comfortable and even enjoyable. We will be here when you are ready to try a more healthful and natural alternative .

Elvado understands that harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances have no place near a man’s face. Their Bio-Pure formulations are loaded with African Shea Butter and Avocado Oil that is especially healing and hydrating for skin. Their Classic Shaving Creams provide a rich, creamy lather that lubricates your beard and leaves your skin feeling ultra-smooth. They offer product combinations of natural fragrance and moisturizers that are blended with Healing Herbal Extracts and Pure Essential Oils.

Elvado has also innovated a brush/brushless shaving cream that you can use without a shaving brush. This welcome addition to our shelves comes in an airless pump giving you a familiar but aerosol-free dispenser delivering a formulation guided by nature and its healing simplicity. Are you ready to discover a wonderfully hydrating, slick and skin-friendly alternative to foam in a can?

Order yours online or drop in and visit the barber’s station at Fate Salon to pick some up today. These products have been tested in the chair by Mike the barber at Fate Salon and they easily made the cut and the claim to fame as exclusive back-bar shaving products. Experience the awesome glide and skin nourishing goodness with your next beard line-up or removal service.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2018

We just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support in 2017. We wouldn’t be here in 2018 without you!  We have been leading the escape from shaving irritation, saving customers money on their shaving expense, and helping tame the gnarliest of beards. From our annual team sponsorship with the Greater Fort Erie Minor Baseball Association to our selection of premium grooming products we are committed to Fort Erie’s men of all ages. We look forward to serving you in 2018!

Small Business Saturday

This November 25, we want to share Small Business Saturday® with you! It’s a holiday shopping tradition that celebrates small businesses like ours. And it wouldn’t be a celebration without customers like you joining us.

We would love to see you drop in and view products on display at the barbering station inside Fate Salon and hope you take advantage of the special pricing event we have planned for this exciting day!