Mohammed Alshoaiby Saudi Gazette Perhaps the most glaring sign of masculinity in this region, the beard plays by different standards among Khaleeji men. Grooming tips in men's magazines are often buried between sprawling features of automotive and fashion lore, only for most men to shy away from asking each other simple questions, like: Straight razor or multi-blade? Does alcohol-based aftershave cause irritation? Machine trim or scissors? Amir has been a barber in one of Riyadh's busiest salons for over a decade. According to him, Saudi men tend to stick to a couple of classic styles, but the younger generation is daring enough to switch it up with new looks. Talking with Amir during a shave, he shared some of the most popular styles with Saudi Gazette. But before getting into that, let's take a look at the tools of the trade. Tools of the trade The Razor Barbers like Amir prefer straight razors, but straight razors aren't necessarily the best option for those at home looking to experiment. “They [straight razors] can cause nasty cuts if you aren't careful,” but you don't need Amir to tell you that – every man's had to dab a piece of tissue in water to cover up that tiny cut that won't stop bleeding, and naturally multi-razors were built as a security against the slippage-prone straight razors. Nowadays, top manufacturers like Gillette have really pushed the envelop. Models like the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power razor tote five microscopically thin blades on one side, a fine precision blade on the other, and battery-powered vibration for a very close shave. When it comes to home grooming, it doesn't get much better than that. (The precision blade will spoil you rotten). You could go the disposable razor route if you aren't going for a complex style. Both Bic and Gillette offer a couple of different disposable models that are definitely an economic alternative. However, if you are the kind to experiment, you'll find these razors' lack of features very limiting. Scissors, electric shavers, clippers and trimmers Scissors are the most underappreciated gems in a man's shaving kit, and can mean the difference between an unkempt mess and a princely trim. There is no right or wrong way to start a shave, but for the most precise look, it's an unspoken rule to start with an electric clipper or trimmer to even out hair lengths, then take time to lather with a good shaving gel or cream and style with a razor, clip the excess with scissors and use an electric shaver to smooth out shaved areas like the neck. On this note, Amir shares a tip you've probably picked up on at your own barber shop: Use talcum powder with an electric shaver to mitigate irritation and razor rash, then follow up with an alcohol-free aftershave to keep the skin moisturised, especially in Riyadh's dry weather. Before applying the finishing touches, though, it's a good idea to use your scissors to even out the moustache, since electric trimmers might not get the job done on their own. If you've made it this far, then you're ready to save on barbershop expenses and get more personal with some self-grooming. Amir shares Four most common styles for twenty-somethings in Riyadh 1. The Saksuka The English-speaking world calls this one a goatee. Comprised of a moustache, a clean-shaven beard save for the chin, and optional handlebars connecting them, the goatee is a classic in this part of the world. Whether it's a light, trimmed down goatee – a good look for summer – or a thicker more striking version, with electric trimmers set to five or six degrees, the results are a strong, masculine look. Keep in mind though, the lighter the beard, the younger you look. A recent survey published in the UK-based Daily Mail finds thick beards can make you look up to eight years older, so keep those electric trimmers handy. 2. The Five O'clock Shadow This one is the easiest to pull off: Just use an electric trimmer and even out all your facial hair to about two or three degrees and you're done. Amir says this style is becoming more common in his barbershop, but is often accompanied with a haircut and almost never requested on its own. Be warned, though, some might see this as a sloppy style. The fix, however, is simple: use a razor and shave the neck area, lining up the edges of your beard with your jawline, et voila! A young, trendy style that's fit for both the office and the coffee shop. 3. The Stache A clean shave all around with a fine-tuned moustache – here's where that precision razor comes in handy – is another timeless classic, but until recently it was almost exclusively reserved for an older generation. Amir is finding it more and more popular these days with the youth, and he thinks the reason goes back to easy grooming and a cool look with the right hairstyle and a pair of sunglasses. However, this style strongly relies on the face's shape. Completely shaving the beard can make small jaw lines look even smaller. The fun in this one comes in the moustache length: thicker and longer moustaches give off a more masculine look, while thinner, trimmed moustaches give a more elegant look. 4. The Patch This is essentially two styles in one: the goat patch and the soul patch. As the name implies, the patch is a small, groomed area with everything shaved around it. The soul patch saves the lower-lip, while the goat patch extends the unshaven area to include the chin. Either style is a youthful alternative to the goatee. The challenge comes in shaving the moustache. Traditionally, the moustache is a no-shave zone in the Arab world, but with a thick, dominating patch, you'll be too enamoured to miss that upper-lip veteran.
