Photo by Michael Gilman One of the world’s most sought-after men’s hairstylists, Vaughn Acord has cut and styled the locks of some of the biggest names in the world. We’re talking Bruce Springsteen, Richard Gere, Daniel Day Lewis, Tom Brady, President Bill Clinton, Jeff Gordon, Ashton Kutcher, Al Pacino and more. But we didn’t meet Vaughn until Grooming Lounge started carrying his great and eponymous line of grooming products – V76 For Men. And now that we know the man, the myth, the legend, we took a few minutes to sit down and corral a some of his best grooming and business insights.
WHAT ARE SOME KEY THINGS MEN CAN DO TO HAVE MORE HANDSOME HAIR?
"I suggest experimenting with different products to find out what works best for your needs. Also, look in the mirror after you get out of the shower and try something new -- push your hair around and part it differently to create fullness. I call this 'cutting with your hands.' Finally, keep an eye on what is trending and whether anything you see can be adapted to your look, making sure you always wear your look, and it doesn’t wear you!"
WHAT SHOULD A GUY DO TO FIND A GREAT NEW BARBER?
"Ask someone who looks great where they go to get their haircut. The answer is almost always a positive one. Next, go to the shop and have a consultation. This way you can check it out to see if it looks like a place you want to go and there’s a person you want to work with. Of course, if you’re near DC, visit Grooming Lounge."
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD AND A GREAT BARBER?
"It often comes down to the person’s attention to detail, from the way they make their place look, feel, smell and sound -- to the results and how they make you feel."
WHAT’S AN IMPORTANT NON-HAIR-RELATED GROOMING TIP FOR MEN?
"Look at yourself closely! Keep a small magnifying mirror in your bathroom and examine your eyebrows, sideburns, ears, hairline and complexion. Find a look that is comfortable for you and ask questions at your barbershop or salon. It's a safe place to talk about all of this, so be sure to utilize it."
WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
"Right now, I want to make V76 a known international brand and support it in a way that puts me out front. Other than that, I'd say more travel with my family to destinations like Australia, New Zealand and Japan. I’d also love to play a song or two with Daryl Hall on LFDH (Live from Daryl’s House), and I get to pick the guest!"
WHAT MAKES YOUR V76 PRODUCTS STAND APART?
"It’s an artist-driven brand conceived from an expert’s point of view -- I have spent years in the industry studying products. The cleanliness of the line is also very important today. V76 is quality, clean, safe and effective."
WHAT’S THE BEST BUSINESSS LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED SO FAR?
"I’ve learned to be steadfast and look at the big picture. Trust is also a big word with me. Remember to always breathe and try to enjoy every day. After all, it is all we have, so love what you do."
WHAT'S NEXT FOR V76?
"We are planning on more innovation and product testing to understand what is necessary to add to the line. Travel and gifting are also big words while we focus on rounding out our four categories -- Well Groomed, Boldly Barbered, Face Forward and Gifted Man."
WHAT’S THE BEST TV SHOW ON RIGHT NOW?
WHAT’S THE BEST BUSINESS BOOK YOU’VE READ?
"Good to Great by best-selling author Jim Collins. It covers the distinctive elements that cause a company to go from good to great, which include factors and concepts such as management strategy, the role of technology and leadership traits."
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