Brittany Block (pictured) is the owner of House of Handsome, which serves boys and men of all ages as well as anyone who desires a shorter style. Photos: Chris Emeott
From the looks of the ’90s to short and simple, House of Handsome helps clients look their best.
Ready to feel nostalgic? A popular hairstyle trend from the 1990s is making a stylish comeback.
Brittany Block, co-owner of House of Handsome in Woodbury, says the hairstyle that once graced teen heartthrobs like Johnathan Taylor Thomas, Leonardo DiCaprio and Nick Carter is once again rocking in style. You know the look—long bangs parted down the middle, tousled in a relaxed-looking heap of hair. “It’s definitely back in style,” Block says of the requests made by the shop’s adolescent clients. “It’s fun to revive a style I remember from junior high and high school.”
Serving boys and men of all ages (and anyone who enjoys a shorter style), House of Handsome is operated by Block and six other women. With a long history of cutting hair alongside each other, the stylists at House of Handsome are committed to serving their clients and their locks.
In addition to the return of the looks of the ’90s, Block says buzz cuts and modern mullets are in style and will likely be around for a while. Using a number 2 or 3 clipper—which refers to the guard sizes used to determine length when cutting—the buzz cut is a short look all around, but it can also have faded, clean sides. The higher the guard number, the longer the hair. “The modern mullet features faded, tapered sides with longer length in the back,” Block says. “Guys like the look it creates when it flips out from under their hats.”
While the styles of the ’90s are popular in younger clients, House of Handsome owner Brittany Block says shorter cuts, including the buzz cut, is making it’s way back to the scene.
One thing Block enjoys about cutting men’s hair is that it’s typically less of a commitment than women’s hair. Men might get more adventurous, too, she says. “While some will have the same look for years, others change it up often, depending on the style at the time,” she says.
So, what about clients who are unsure of what look they’d like? Block says the first thing the stylists at House of Handsome ask is how much time they want to spend on their hair. Some want to wash and
go, and others use products and some need direction.
Sensory issues also come into play. “Texture and smell deter a lot of people from trying something,” Block says. “But again, hair is low risk. If you hate the product, you wash it out. If you hate the cut, you grow it out or we take more off … Everyone is so different on what they can tolerate, and we’re happy to sort that out.”
To help achieve great hair, Block says House of Handsome recommends the product line GIBS. Batched out of Colorado, its 3-in-1—hair, beard and body—Original Man Wash is especially designed for men. Block says it’s preferred because of the convenience and scent.
“While I don’t always encourage a 3-in-1, this brand is designed for a professional setting,” she says. “The surfactants in them aren’t as harsh.”
No matter the look—whether reviving a ’90s heartthrob style or a more modern cut—clients of House of Handsome can trust they’ll walk out looking their best, no matter what look they choose.
Face First
With No-Shave November on the horizon, beard care is important, Brittany Block says. The end-of-the-year campaign features men who stop shaving to help raise awareness for cancer.
“The big thing with beard care is they need moisture, and they need to get washed,” Block says. “Water in the shower is not good enough. It needs to be scrubbed with high-quality shampoo.”
For beards to be healthy, the skin underneath needs to be healthy. Beards that feel coarse and prickly need moisture. And while some men aren’t fans of using oil, it’s the best for healthy facial hair. “An oil with a jojoba or coconut base will absorb quickly into the skin,” Block says. “Beards don’t have to be super high maintenance.”
House of Handsome
Instagram: @house.of.handsome.mn
