Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Clipper Vocabulary - I

Clipper Vocabulary
I is for Induction Cut
An all over 000 clipper cut. Gets it's name from the haircuts received on induction day in the U.S. military.

This is a term you will not hear too often, but a great element of barbering history and truly a word of the clipper world.

Here is a great web page of military haircuts:
http://www.gunnysquarters.org/varieties_of_military_haircuts.htm

A site with info on military haircutting:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/military-haircuts.html

These are the actual military haircutting standards:
http://military-haircut.com/

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Clipper Tip #11

Clipper Tip #11
Clean Sweep
Sweep frequently. It keep the shop looking professional. A clean floor is a safe floor, too, prevents slips and falls.

You need to sweep after every client. No one wants to sit in the middle of the last guys pile. This is just professionalism. In some places it is also the law.

As an owner and manager some of my best spent time was behind the broom. This put me all over the floor, between the chairs and listening to and interacting with all my employees and all of their customers. Amazing what you will learn, hear and know about. Kinda like barber ship CIA operations. A finger on the pulse of the business.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Wood glue

Wood Glue
Lately this is my favorite hairstyling product. My friends at Woody’s men’s grooming gave me a few samples and I fell in love with the stuff. Just goes to show. Sampling works. This is firmer than gel. But not quite the same crispyness. I like the mild fragrance and I just love the packaging. I do not use too much. It looks like plain old glue. Smells a bit like glue too. It rinses/washes out easily and gives the hold I prefer. Not sticky at all. Not snap-off crispy. Just right. Perfect for styling short to medium length hair. I am even growing my hair out just a bit specifically to see how it will feel and style with this stuff when a bit longer. Stay tuned for an update. Woody’s was a sponsor of my world record events as well. Thank you Woody’s.

Here is woody's:
http://www.woodysgrooming.com/

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Awards of Coincidence

Awards of coincidence

I spend the morning with the students at Atlanta area tech. The barber program there, under the direction of Mr. Jim Harris, has just recognized by Barbershop Digest as the best barber school in Atlanta. I can see why. This is a very strong program. The students are respectful, energized and ready to learn. It is refreshing to get up in front of a group of students for a presentation and look out over a room filled with crisp white jackets, white shirts and neckties. It is a bit of a throwback to the good old days of classic barbering and that is not a bad thing.

The coincidence comes in the fact that just this week as well Andis was awarded the recognition by that same group as having created the “barber tool of the year” in the NEW Andis Phat Master. It is nice for us to get that recognition…. And to know that we are in some good company.

I am looking forward to my return trip to Atlanta Technical College on my next trip through town.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Tuesday Special - DVD review

DVD Review
I attended the Western Buying Conference in Las Vegas last week. Don Wyland from Purtle Barber Supply in St. Louis, MO gifted me a copy of his new dvd "Getting it Straight". This is a comprehensive instructional in straight razor shaving. This dvd teaches a fundamantal skill of the barber and one that, sadly, is being lost to the ages. Don will see to it that you do not let this happen. Don's is the best instruction in this service and skilll that I have seen. His skillfull hands and well laid out script take you through the entire process from honing and stropping to skin prep and proper shaving strokes. The dvd touches on customer service, sanatation and even equipment and supplies.

I learned to do this in barber school but never became a master at it. Watching Don made me want to go find a guy and practice.

This is a must-watch for all barbering professionals and students. Every school should own a copy of this dvd and include it in their corriculum. We, as an industry, must re-examine this service, its revenue potential and the importance of it as tradition. We cannot lose this skill and reputation.

The dvd is on sale right now. Click the link below to buy a copy for yourself. By a second copy and donate it to a barber school in your area.

http://purtlesupply.com/

Monday, January 19, 2009

The Obama look gets more press

Andis interview in the blog in Beauty Store Business Mag on line.

Have a look...

http://www.beautystorebusiness.com/blog/

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Item of the week

Thursday is the day we feature an Andis item you should know more about.

This week is the MI-5 series professional dryer(s). We offer this dryer in both the inferno red color in the Elevate line as well as in our colorwave blue/green vario chromatic color in the Andis regular line.

This is an ultra light, DC motor dryer. With 1875 watts of power and 2 speeds it can deliver high heat and high air flow. It has a cool shot button to quickly lock in style and the tourmaline ionic technology delivers smooth, shiny hair and helps to lock in moisture. The MI-5 series dryers are also dual voltage with just a flip of a switch.

The suggester detail price of the dryer is $29.95. This is a great value for a feature packed dryer. You get a lot for your money, including the Andis 1 year warranty.

Here is a link to the dryers info on our web site:

http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPopUp.asp?SP=Y&Product=Hair Dryer&Div=Professional&ID=80415

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Yakking with Yafchak

Yacking with Yafchak is back! hope all of you start the new year with the long beach show and get to the Andis booth to see Ivan and the gang. You wont believe what you will seeand learn at the show. I am so excited about this upcoming year and getting back on stageand cut miles of hair and share all the great things you can do with andis clippers.I will talk you next month and hope to see you soon . lets make this year GREAT !

HAPPY CLIPPERING Lynn Yafchak

Vocabulary day - H

Today we are up to H in the Andis clipper vocabulary day tour of the alphabet.

Hands-On Workshop -- A clipper cutting class in which participants watch a demonstrated technique and then attempt to replicate it on a model or mannequin on the spot.

There is no better way to learn clipper cutting than in a hands-on workshop. I just do not teach enough of them. Problem is... in order to get the attention that a participant needs and deserves the class size must be smaller... fewer paid heads and the ticket must be more costly. Many people inquire about hands-on but the price scares them off. For a clipper cutter really interested in improving their skills rapidly and for the most bang for your buck... there is no better way than a hands-on workshop.

As hair shows continue to diminish in value and relevance in our industry, smaller, higher value experiences, like hands-on workshops will become more important. As I do fewer shows I will have time for more of these better events and classes... so... bottom line... do you want to participate in a Ivan Zoot led hands-on clipper cutting workshop? Get 12 ppl together in your area. Get in touch with me through my email below. If you can get 12 licensed hair cutters interested in a hands-on class and willing to put down U.S.$300 each we can make it happen.
I hope to hear from you.
TY
expert@andisco.com

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Clipper Tip #10

Tuesday is Andis Clipper Tip day here in the blog.

Clipper Tip #10 -- Don’t Go For a Swing
Use mid-length extension cords so that you are not supporting the entire length of the cord swinging between you and the outlet. Let the cord run along the floor. You only have to hold up the weight of the clipper and enough cord to get from your feet to your hand.

Be aware that the other end of the cord length spectrum is a problem too… unnecessarily long cords are searching for brooms to catch them and for feet to tangle up. I have seen many shop visitor have a very close call and a near miss fall from getting a foot hooked into a too long cord. Andis offers dog and horse clippers, some of which are very similar to human models. One of the good reasons NOT to use a comparable model in a people cutting environment is the excess cord length.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Monday, Question fo the week

Monday is question of the week day in the Andis blog. I take a question from ask the expert form last week and share it here with our readers.

This week is not so much a question as an unsolicited comment from a web visitor. For those of you that do not know a model M is the predecessor of our modern Improved Master, model ML clipper.

ivan,i still use my andis m i got from modern barber college on madison st. around laflin ave in 1962,frank

What more can I say? Not much. This guy has said it all. Everything you need to know about Andis tools and Andis quality and performance.
Thank you Frank.

This week on YouTube

The Andis Company and I continue to post great stuff on YouTube.
This week we have posted a quick little advertisement to promote our presence at the International Salon and Spa Expo in Long beach, California January 31 and february 1 and 2, 2009.
Please have a click and a look at the video below and come see me and us there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHMpV89MnpU&feature=channel_page

Friday, January 9, 2009

Clipper Business Tip - Week #6

Every Wednesday in the Andis blog I share another weeks business tip. There are 52 weeks of tips to apply to your business. I call it Ivan Zoot's 52 week road map to barbering greatness. We are on week six. Go back to week one if you wish to start your year off at the beginning.

Week #6
Mind the Messages

Be aware of the radio station and the television channel that you broadcast in the shop. Are the messages and images you are exposing your clients to in keeping with the mood and feel of the business you are trying to build? Is the radio playing ads for other haircutting businesses? Is the television program in conflict with the values and temperaments of the clients you wish to retain? Is that magazine cover displaying an image that is appropriate for ALL of your traffic? Be sure that the messages that you support are supporting the growth of your business.

I do not know if there is much more to say on this one. They are decisions that you must make. You must make them. Do not be swayed by the opinions of your staff. The radio is not for them. I have heard all too many times a hair cutter claim that they spend 8 hours in the shop and the radio is for them. NOT! The radio is for clients. You WORK here.

In a 2 team town you need to be very careful about team alliances. I am a north sider and a Cubs fan. We do have Sox fans in our area and clients can be pretty passionate about this stuff. If I were to hang a Cubs banner in my shop... I would be sure to have a Sox one somewhere too. The Sox one would be much smaller and on the back of the bathroom door, but it would be there. ;)

Not every one appreciates country music to the extent that I do. I just might have to pass on some of the twang I love in the interest of crowd building. You might as well.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Item of the week - Pro Foil Shaver

The featured Andis item of the week for this week is the NEW Andis Pro Foil shaver (17010).

This is a new item category for Andis. We spent a lot of time learning about this category and what users like and prefer in foil shaver tools. Then we went out and built a really good one. Early word from users, tryers and buyers has bee very positive.

The Pro Foil features gold titanium foils... stronger than the foils on other tools for long life and peak performance. The holes in our Pro Foil foil are NOT round. Take a good look at the shape. the holes have corners... like a hexagon. This traps passing hairs and provides smoother, one pass cutting and a comfortable bump-free result. Bump free was a major concern for foil shaver users with textured (curly) hair so we tool extra care to deliver in this area.

The Pro Foil is light weight. it has good balance and a nice ergonomic feel. The motor is strong and the run time and recharge time are surprisingly long and short.

Here is the item on our web site:
http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPopUp.asp?SP=Y&Product=Shaver&Div=Professional&ID=17010

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Barber Stop

Barber Stop
Have you seen one of these? You are looking at my retirement plans. I am going to get me one of these. I am planning to spend the second 50 years of my career just cutting hair. This would be a great place to do it. There are fully self contained, operational one chair barber shops… in the shape of a traditional barber pole. All you need is electrical hook-up and you are good to go. Hot running water is there for cleaning tools and sanitation purposes. You just need to find a place to put it. In a high traffic location you can easily build business. Plus your traffic can build business for your host venue. Everyone wins. Check them out.

I shot a video last time I crossed paths with these guys. have a look...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJCI6wTNBVA&feature=channel_page

Have a look at their web site:
http://www.barberstop.com/

Clipper Vocabulary - G

Clipper vocab day is Wednesday in the andis clipper blog.

G is for Geometric Style - The squareness strived for when creating flat top styles and many masculine silhouettes.

This can come in many shapes. Even though round is a shape... stronger, more angular forms are usually referenced when this subject comes up. Men's styles will reflect a more masculine shape and feel when corners are left in and lines are harder, stronger and more right angles are apparent.

Have a look at a few of the pics below.
Strong, straight sides...
http://haircutsformen.org/buzz/haircuts/buzz13.htm
Squareness...
http://haircutsformen.org/buzz/haircuts/buzz44.htm
Verticalness...
http://haircutsformen.org/buzz/haircuts/buzz47.htm
Yup...
http://haircutsformen.org/buzz/haircuts/buzz23.htm

Take your own tour through the gallery here at www.haircutsformen.org

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Tuesday - Clipper Tip #9

Tuesday in the andis blog is clipper tip day. Here is another from my collection

Clipper Tip #9
Eye Teeth - Throughout all cutting, keep your clipper or trimmer positioned so that you can keep your eye on the cutter blade teeth. If you cannot see the cutter blade teeth, you cannot see what you are cutting.

So simple, but so important, like your little league coach had reminded you, keep your eye on the ball.

Links:
Here is a site for an eye chart. Make sure you can see.
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/eye-chart.shtml

Monday, January 5, 2009

Monday - Q of the week

Monday is question of the week day in the Andis blog. Featured questions are ones that I think have broad appeal/interest from the prior week from ask the expert on the andis.com web site.

How do you use the adjustable lever thingie on the side of an adjustable blade clipper?

This is the tapering adjustment. Look at the blade from the side. Notice the angle of the non-moving blade. Notice how as you move the lever the position of the cutter blade changes relative to the leading edge of the non-moving blade. Notice that when the blade is closed (lever up) the cutting action takes place at the tip of the blade where the non-moving blade is thinner... leaves less hair on the head. Open the lever up all the way (down). Notice that the cutter is now positioned back at a much (relatively) thicker portion of the non-moving blade... leaves more hair on the head. You can position the blade at any point from the extremes open and closed to in between. This adjustment feature lets you taper and blend with extreme precision and control. It is that simple.

Be on the lookout for a YouTube video explaining this info. I am shooting it tonight and will post it next week.

Thank you for another great question.

Links:
Go to the andis site to ask your questions
http://www.andis.com/
The Andis Improved Master is the number 1 adjustable blade clipper on earth.
http://www.andis.com/USA/productsPopUp.asp?SP=Y&Product=Clipper&Div=Professional&ID=01557

This week on YouTube

The link below is to this weeks posting on YouTube. Have a lookie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r040HaxXkY&feature=channel_page
From requests and the interest seen thus far we appear to have a hot one here with this "how to fade" video.
I look forward to learning of your thoughts on this one.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Clipper Business Tip - Week 5

We have missed a few Fridays through the holiday break. We are up to week number 5.

Week 5 -Rebook

Rebooking, the art of booking a clients next appointment before they leave the shop, is the single most important non-technical skill that a clipper cutter can develop. Filling spots for the future insures your chair is occupied. Locking in clients for the next cut provides a buffer against competing shops and hungry cutters. Setting the interval between cuts discourages appointment stretching. You will see the same client more times in every year, thereby increasing your income even before new clients are recruited.

Do this. This is one of the easy keys to real success. No one becomes a top level cutter without doing this. In tougher economic times this powerful business tactic becomes even more vital to your growth and continued success. It is easy. What I love about this tip is that while it costs you absolutely, totally ZERO $ it can pay you back in real hard cash very quickly. This is the ultimate clipper tip... easily in my top 10 favorites.

Buy an appointment book:
http://www.ataglance.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category3_10052_10002_46706_-1_Y_46701_10052_Y
Buy my ClipperGuy Says... Get Busy book:
www.blurb.com search clipperguy