American Dream
In a historical building in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia sits Styles Inspired by Marc, a full-service barbershop with a vintage Americana feel and modern detail. Its owner, Marcus Williams, dreamt of styling hair at an early age, and as a teenager he paid his peers to cut their hair. In 2013, after training at Redken, American Crew, Paul Mitchell and Wella, Williams opened his own shop, where he and a staff of five provide modern styles for men who are interested in styling their hair beyond the basics, he says. Also on the menu are hot lather and towel shaves, color and Re-Style, a touch-up service for clients who have a same-day event. What makes the shop unique is the overall balance, Williams says. “Our trademark American flag complements the decor that also features 10-foot mirrors that I designed, Singer sewing machines and trunks for stations, barber chairs from the 1940s and ’50s that I restored myself, and antique lather machines that work like new,” Williams says. “I consider myself a complete artist—photography, interior design and hairstyles—and I’ve designed my place top to bottom.” —K.H
Model Figures
With rich roots in men’s hairdressing, International Creative and Artistic Director Jason Miller at Charlie Miller salons in Scotland released The Heritage Collection, a group of seven commercial, high-textured looks designed to influence the most discerning of male clients. 
“There’s a constant barrage of consumer and advertising images out there for men and they’re becoming much more particular about their looks than ever, so I wanted to create images to which our clients could relate,” Miller says about the growing competitive edge for men in the industry. He ensured each of the collection’s looks is comfortable to wear, sophisticated and easy to achieve. “Similar to the fashion industry’s campaigns, I want the man looking at the image to desire to be part of it and to be that person,” Miller adds. The result is a series of styles that are masculine yet sophisticated, polished and understated. —D.C.
Versatile Style
Mustache wax can be used for more than simply keeping facial hair in place—it can also help create new styles, tame eyebrows and moisturize skin. Beardbrand founder Eric Bandholz offers his best tips for getting the most out of this popular men’s product and retailing it to customers.
1. Wax can be used to style hair and brows, as well as beards. Mix a pinch of mustache wax with beard oil and apply to hair to keep styles in place. To tame eyebrows, simply dab mustache wax across them, smoothing unruly areas.
2. For a natural look, use a lighter-hold wax on handlebar mustaches and the tips of smaller styles; high-hold wax can make mustache hairs look piecey.
3. For dry skin and lips, wax like Beardbrand’s—formulated with lanolin, beeswax and jojoba oil—can be used as a moisturizer. The soothing ingredients keep skin conditioned and protected from the elements. —C.H.