John Halford got tired of not being able to find affordable wax for his handlebar moustache so he decided to make his own.
That wax made in his Maidstone kitchen soon turned into a company that’s banking in part on the renewed interest in moustaches and beards that each November brings.
“It’s a growing trend,” Halford said. “In the past five years or so since Movember has been a thing it’s really up and coming. You know, men have facial hair. It’s a thing to celebrate, not a thing to shave.”
Now as the end of November nears and men decide to keep or shave the facial hair they grew to raise money or awareness for prostate cancer, Halford has it covered. Moustache wax and beard balm for those keeping the hairy look and brushes, bowls and shave soap for those who want to shave off their November growth.
“Women look at facial hair again and it’s like ‘That is manly. I like that.’ But at the same time they don’t want a scruffy, gross looking, scraggly beard.”
Halford, a 33-year-old carpenter, and his wife Robin started R&J’s Circus Grooming Company in January. They have natural and locally made grooming products for men.
Last year he was stunned by the $24 cost of a half ounce tin of wax. His stovetop mix of beeswax, coconut oil and essential oils (for a scent) sells for $10 and is half price this month.
The couple decided to call it Strong Man moustache wax since the classic strong man in the circus had a handlebar moustache. The whole R&J’s circus theme was born and the pair had names before they had products.
Halford won’t divulge figures from his first year of business but said it’s doing very well through the company’s Facebook page and sales at ShopEco in Walkerville. The couple both have other jobs and want to keep the products affordable.
Halford likes to participate in the Michigan Renaissance Festival and it seemed appropriate to have some facial hair if you’re dressing up in medieval garb. People stop him on the street to ask him about his handlebar moustache.
For those who like a clean-shaven look, he’s trying to convince more and more men to go back to the old school single-blade razor or straight razor. He said it’s cheaper than cartridges and the first blade does the cutting anyway. Men are realizing the drug store gels and foams dry out your skin, are bad for the environment and are overpriced, he said.
“A lot of people are going back to the old-time shave like your grandpa movement.”
shill@windsorstar.com
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