One of the most celebrated men in music history, Johnny Cash had a level of cool about him that can’t be quantified. A lot of that, of course, had to do with his rebellious, I’ll-record-an-album-in-a-prison attitude, a badass persona only amplified by his adherence to that iconic all-black uniform. But at least part of the man’s mystique can certainly be attributed to the unfairly handsome hair that graced his head throughout the best years of his career. In an era before professional stylists made sure every follicle on a celebrity’s scalp landed precisely in place, the guy managed to maintain a mane that never missed a beat at the same time he was changing the face of music. And so, in honor of what would have been Cash’s 84th birthday tomorrow, here are 5 grooming lessons we can all learn from the Man in Black.
1. When You Find A Style That Works, Stick With It. Now, we’re all for giving new things a shot. Seriously, we’ve even gotten behind that pink hair thing (on certain people, at least). But there’s also no shame in sticking with a cut that you’re sure flatters you. That way, you’ll never have to worry about how people are responding to a new ‘do, and so can focus your attentions on more important things.
2. Pay Attention To The Little Things. You know how the greats got that way? By strict and meticulous scrutiny of every single detail of what they were trying to accomplish. The same thing applies to achieving greatness when it comes to grooming. Case in point: Cash’s perfect sideburn length, as well as that impeccable little devilock poking from the bottom of his pompadour. It’s simple touches like these that separate the boys from the men.
3. Done Right, A Little Shine Can Be Your Friend. These days, most guys shy away from the slicker look in favor of pomades and products with more of a matte appeal. Which is exactly why shining your dome with something with a bit more sheen may be just the play to set you apart from the pack. Baxter of California Hard Water Pomade can help with that.
4. There’s Something To Be Said For Order. 2016 might be the year of the textured chop, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock an orderly, well-combed mane and still look badass. All you need is the unwavering confidence of a man who could give two shits of how on-trend he is, and you’ll be all set.
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5. If You’re Going To Get Arrested, Look Good Doing It. Unless you’ve got friends in high places, that mugshot might do the rounds, which is embarrassing enough. Mitigate the shame by knowing you’ll look at least physically good when it does. Now, as for your reputation...well, that’s a different story.
