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Dean Holcombe is a popular celebrity stylist from Cutler Salons in New York City. In this interview, Holcombe talked with MetroStyleMen about several grooming related subjects. Also in the interview, Dean gives a more in depth view of the Philips Norelco Stubble Trimmer.
Celebrity Stylist Dean Holcombe
Metrotstylemen: I first want to know, how did you get your start as a stylist?
Dean: As a child I was always interested in fashion; a lot of it came from my mother. Looking back at early photos from the late 60s/early 70s, she had me dressed in some pretty fashion-forward outfits for a child! In my last few years at school, I realized my strengths were going to be best suited working in a creative field. It was the early 80s, a crazy time for hairdressing and I wanted to be part of it.
Philips Norelco Stubble Trimmer
Metrotstylemen: What’s the hottest grooming trend at the moment for guys?
Dean: There has definitely been a lean towards wearing growth on your face to various degrees especially in NY. Combined with some quite tailored haircuts with a side part, there has even been a hint of the mustache incorporated into this look, especially around the lower east side of Manhattan. It’s all tied in with skinny hipster jeans/trousers, check shirts and often a trilby style hat — this is a very downtown look. On a more commercial tip, I think men are wearing a slightly more casual, less groomed look with hair and facial hair. This is not to say that they are spending less time maintaining it. This started as a high fashion look, but as a consequence of the recession, guys are taking the opportunity to go for a more casual look.
Metrotstylemen: You’re a well known stylist to the stars. Who has been your favorite client to work with thus far?
Dean: Having worked in all corners of the globe from London to Melbourne and New York, I have worked with a slew of international stars such as Kylie Minogue, Stevie Nicks and Claudia Schiffer. In New York, I have worked on reality TV shows such as Make Me a Super Model, She’s Got the Look, Project Runway and I Want to be P Diddy’s PA as well as doing makeovers on the Rachael Ray Show. The stars are all great to work with, but at the end of the day it’s all about my regular clients.
Philips Norelco 180 Clippers
Metrotstylemen: How does the Philips Norelco Stubble Trimmer differ from the norm?
Dean: With its precision at varying lengths you can have your desired look everyday, whether it’s a one day or two day growth, all the way through to a full beard. The wave shaped inox blades stop hair from pulling, giving a great clean cut, and keep themselves sharp. It offers a lightweight, stylish look and feels great in the hand.
All-in-One Grooming Kit
Metrotstylemen:What products do you use on yourself to stay groomed?
Dean: Well I am fortunate enough to have the whole new range from Phillips Norelco products. My favorite piece would have to be the Turbo Vacuum Beard & Mustache Trimmer. It’s similar to the Stubble Trimmer in that it is designed to trim your facial hair at various lengths but it has a vacuum that sucks the cut hair into a transparent chamber that you can easily empty after each grooming session, making it my girlfriend’s favorite product too!
Also the 2030 Bodygroom+ is pretty amazing; I have used it to trim my chest hair. Personally I don’t go for a clean body shave, but it would be excellent for cyclists or swimmers who want a completely hairless finish. Then there’s the Nose, Ear & Eyebrow Trimmer. Now that I’ve hit my 40s, hair is starting to grow either in the wrong places or growing let’s say strangely long in places. So this tool helps to keep me looking in my 30s!
I am also using the Power Hair Clipper as my neck trimmer at work; it’s great!
Metrotstylemen: What benefits can guys get out of using the Phillips Norelco stubble Trimmer?
Dean: The main benefit would have to be that once you have found the perfect length stubble, you can maintain a consistent look everyday. And as we head into winter just add a notch on your settings for a longer look. It’s convenient and easy to travel with and no extra gels or liquids are required.
Metrotstylemen: What are some the best tips and tricks for the busy guy on the go?
Dean: If you’re reducing the length of your beard, make sure you comb it first to have a tangle free experience. Moving your shaver against the growth will give you a closer and smoother finish. When using the eyebrow trimmer, comb against the growth of your eyebrows to get rid of those unruly hairs. The Phillips Norelco All-in-one Groomer is a great way for the ‘on the go man’ to keep everything in order and its value for money.
Philips Norelco Turbo Beard Trimmer
Metrotstylemen: Fashion Week is one of the busiest events. What products do you always keep with you?
Dean: We do over 30 shows a season and the models are constantly running between shows and are on very tight schedules. The products need to get them runway ready in the quickest possible time. We need fast efficient tools, whether taking off beards or creating a 5 o’clock shadow, we have to be ready for all situations. As tough as our job is, the models are running from show to show and we need to be ready to deliver the designers desired look. The Norelco Power Clipper is great because it has a long battery life that goes the distance and is a good hard working tool that can cut through the heavy workload.
The great thing about Phillips Norelco is that they have devised a different tool for every possible male groomed look. Today, fashion is all about individuality. That’s why Phillips Norelco is the perfect choice for any guy because they are producing high quality products that deliver any desired look.
Images: Philips