NECKLINES:THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLYBrought to You by Fleischman- A Men’s Salon

A GOOD NECKLINE = THE NEW YOU

Erica Fleischman runs a Men’s Salon in New York.

She knows men’s style.

When she declares a good neckline the next best thing since sliced bread, men listen.

Here’s a guide to the do’s an don’ts of a proper neckline.

WHAT’S A “NECKLINE?” Most men have no idea what the back of their neck looks like. I can't blame them, it's the "well I can't see it so I don't care what’s

happening back there" type of mentality. Actually, the only time a client ever looks at the back of their head is if

by chance they are in an elevator and catch their reflection in the overhead mirrors or maybe in a fitting room while trying on clothes.

I’m going to start from the beginning and assume most men don't know what I am even referring to when I say the word neckline.

I don't blame you for not knowing, it's an education thing and most men simply haven't been educated about this topic. Until now.

THE OBJECTIVES My goal today is that I need to make you understand:

1) What can go wrong with a neckline*2) What I believe is the perfect neckline3) Why the proper neckline is so important to a haircut and 4) How the right hairline can change your life

*As you are reading #1 you may stop and think, “Oh fuck, I have this shitty neckline she’s describing here.” Don’t worry. I got your back, man (or more like your neck lol). I’m going to teach you what you need to know to never have that shitty neckline again.

#1: WHAT CAN GO WRONG WITH A NECKLINE

My biggest nightmare is when the neckline is brought up too high.

Not only is the neckline probably being unnaturally shaped into a round or square shape, but it is also being raised above it's natural growth.

I can't begin to comprehend why a barber would do this to someone.

Sometimes a new client will request that I raise the hairline so it doesn't hit their collar or they will ask me to get rid of a little piece of the hairline, the hair at lowest point of the neck that they refer to as their "tail" ARG!

It is my duty to explain natural necklines and get them to understand why I cannot in good faith raise their natural neckline to go above their shirt collar.

#1: WHAT CAN GO WRONG WITH A NECKLINE

There are always ways (our tricks of the trade) we can make the neckline cleaner and less obtrusive against the collar, but raising it unnaturally or getting rid of the natural growth pattern- that's not happening in our chairs.

Trust me, in a week's time, that raised hairline will only grow in awkwardly and bother you- this time even more so because the natural line will be so obvious underneath your carved out, raised hairline and the natural hair will grow back to hit your collar. Always. That shit grows back. Every time.

My clients always joke with me...they say "E, how come I've got more hair growing where I don't want it and not enough hair where I do." I say, part of life, man. I remind them that at least they've got us and our magic skills keeping them looking as sharp as possible.

#2: THE PERFECT NECKLINE The perfect neckline is a NATURAL neckline. 

Side note: You may get sick of me using the word "natural" to describe most things associated with our haircuts. The thing is, a natural approach to all things associated with our haircuts is what makes them the most successful haircuts out there.

And by successful, I mean our haircuts get you the most desired results, grow in beautifully and look modern and sexy.

You need to get on board with our natural approach.

Ok, back to the idea that the perfect neckline is a natural neckline. Right about now you are thinking "What do you mean by a natural neckline

Erica?"

Fair question. It’s a neckline where the hair is left in the shape of its growth pattern.

#2: THE PERFECT NECKLINE The hair at a neckline grows in in various patterns and shapes. We say, let those shapes and patterns live, thrive, prosper!!!!!

They’re what make you you. They’re sexy and show individuality and personality! Stop allowing barbers to cut them out. Stop getting rid of what nature intended.

A natural neckline can of course be tapered in close to the neck, if desired, but never is the individual pattern or shape there squared off or rounded.

Our neckline is blended and tapered into the neck. The Fleischman, A Men’s Salon neckline is kept natural, soft, subtle.

#3: WHY THE PROPER NECKLINE IS SO IMPORTANT TO A HAIRCUT

The proper neckline gives the haircut longevity.

If the neckline is cleaned up following the natural growth pattern of the hair, the new growth after the haircut will not be nearly as obvious. Because of that, you get more overall time out of your haircut.

As opposed to guys who get cleanups every two weeks because their barbers are carving out their necklines so they have lines of demarcation, my clients can go haircut to haircut without feeling the need for cleanups in between. Their hairlines are growing in still looking blended.

Saves them time and money.

4) LET'S RECAP HOW THE RIGHT NECKLINE CAN

CHANGE YOUR LIFE I know I need to educate you first before I berate you for making bad hair decisions or allowing a

stylist or barber to do bad things to you without your knowledge.

Now that I've given you the knowledge of necklines, it's your responsibility to carry it through.

Not all of you reading this are able to sit in a chair of Fleischman, A Men's Salon. Your stylist may not have the same approach when it comes to necklines. But, now you have the tools to know what to ask and look for when you go in to get your next haircut.

Ask for a natural neckline. Insist on it. And if you get the feeling the stylist doesn't know what you mean by natural, explain it to them.

A natural neckline will change your life, or at the very least, the life of your haircut. Who doesn't want or deserve that?!?

THAT POOR CHUMP… I have gotten my husband obsessed with natural necklines, as well. There isn't a day that goes

by that he doesn't stop me and say "E, can you believe that guy's butchered neckline?!?"

You laugh, but now you'll now be noticing them too. Everywhere you look you'll be seeing the carved out necklines of guys who just simply don't know better.

Next time, take a picture if you can (it's hard to be discreet) and tweet @fleischmansalon using #necklinefail or send it to fleischmansalon@gmail.com. I'll post it in my blog.

The worst neckline wins a complimentary haircut at Fleischman, A Men’s Salon!

142 East 49th Street, Suite 1ANew York, New York 10017

http://fleischmansalon.com/212.750.5666

FLEISCHMAN- A MEN’S SALON