Ask any woman what attracts her most to the opposite sex and one of her top three answers will be “a well-groomed man!” That’s why it was imperative for me to tap in the mind of the “groomer.”
We see men’s grooming becoming more and more popular with traditional women’s beauty brands creating a men’s line of products. This Style File feature sheds a little light on how a man’s most trusted confidant, the “groomer,” maintains his own style perspective. And with 19 years in the grooming game, Rance John has been cruising in his own lane.
Name: Rance John
Age: 40
Occupation: Professional Groomer
Business: Rance John Styles, 2901 S. Jefferson, 63118, 314-772-7511
Birthplace: Chicago, IL
Danie Rae: How would you describe your personal style?
Rance John: I would like to consider my style post- modern. I like to mix a little old with what’s new. I really love a classic casual look.
DR: As a barber, or should I say groomer, how important is it for you to always be fresh?
RJ: I believe your appearance is extremely key to your brand and how the public receives you. It also helps determine the type of clientele you attract.
DR: What must your fall wardrobe consist of?
RJ: I have a few must have items for my fall/winter wardrobe must-haves starting with a tailored wool double-breasted trench coat, Levi 513 jeans and corduroys and a ACF x Kooples hat.
DR: What are some of the biggest trends this season in men’s grooming?
RJ: This season, men aren’t afraid to explore more “self-expression” type styles. We have seen the knotty natural look come back, but I have been adding hard, deep tapers to them to give them more of a defined look. Guys are also going back to fuller beards, following their natural face line.
DR: Most men don’t usually care too much about their hair or skin, what are some products or methods you might recommend to dudes out there who care about maintaining their appearance?
RJ: What I recommend for daily men’s grooming maintenance is a good facial cleanser along with a beard oil. We as men sometimes overlook our skin, but this is a great start to help replenish our skin from the harsh elements.
DR: How do you feel about that hair color/tint guys use to fill in their hair and beards? I personally hate it! LOL
RJ: I personally offer this service, and it’s an art to it. The key is to make the hair look as natural as possible and still enhance it with a much fuller look. When it’s done right, it takes a man’s look from a 10 to 20.
DR: What are some of your pet peeves and attractions when it comes to the opposite sex?
RJ: What bothers most men about a woman’s style is when she has on too much make up. I prefer when a woman uses it to enhance and bring out her natural beauty, not to put a whole new face on. I think a woman is most attractive when she knows who she is, and it shines through with her own sense of style.
DR: What are some of your favorite spots to cop fresh gear?
RJ: I don’t have a specific store that I patronize. I just purchase what I like. I may find a piece at Target or Neiman Marcus and wear them together. It’s all about creating a flow with your own personal style.
DR: Any other endeavors other than grooming that you would like the reader to be hip too?
RJ: I also love to give back to the community. The Rance John Styles staff does an annual back to school fair as well as an event called “Cutting Out Homelessness” that helps the homeless people look and feel better about themselves by giving them a free haircut.
I’m a part of a collective entitled “The Foundation,” and we have an education series called “Elements of Grooming” for salon professionals on advance clipper cutting techniques and creating a great business model.
I also have always been a lover of the art of spoken word, so every last Monday of the month we host one of the hottest spoken word events in the city, “Hustle and Flow” at the Rance John Styles Salon.
Rance can be found on social media sites: IG @RanceJohn, FB Rance John Styles & Barber, Twitter @RanceJohn.
