A very warm welcome back to Merci New York’s resident beauty expert, the fabulous Paul Labrecque . Most Manhattan ladies know Paul as a world-renowned celebrity stylist with three {yes three!} tony salons nestled in New York’s chicest locales… But what they might not know is that Merci New York is lucky to have Paul guest blog as our beauty expert each and every month.
In some of Paul Labrecque’s previous posts, he touched upon great topics: Perfecting the best bridal make-up looks , how to get your bridemaids feeling beautiful , and destination wedding hair and make-up know-how, to name a few. Today, he shifts gears and talks about grooming tips for your soon-to-be better half. {Hey, the ladies can’t have all the fun}. Take it away, Paul!
What we have seen in recent years as growing trend for stylish men in New York is groomsmen following in the bridal party’s footsteps with primping and pampering before their big day—but with a masculine touch. Groomsmen who come to Paul Labrecque want to be completely relaxed and restored—but they also want to look their best from head to toe.
Paul Labrecque’s Top 5 Grooming Tips for Grooms & Groomsmen:
1. Hairstyling: You must look just as fabulous as the bride in the photos. I recommend a groom or groomsman gets his hair cut 1-2 weeks prior to the wedding. This way, he has time to be comfortable with his cut and how best to style it. I have many groom’s come in for a wash and style so it is styled perfectly without a doubt for the pictures. If grooms want to do their own hair, I make sure they take my Daily Finish Matte Pomade. It is best for almost every texture of hair and won’t leave a wet or greasy finish to the hair.
2. Deep Cleansing Facials: With the stress and excitement of the big day, it can take a big toll on our skin. It is best to come in for a series of facials once a month for 4-6 months before the wedding. My team can get you started on a regimen to get your skin clearer and keep it clear for the wedding day. 
3. Indulgent Straight Edge Razor Shaves: For the smoothest face when it comes time for the kiss at the altar, I recommend a professional shave such as my 60 minute Indulgent Shave. It starts with a hot towel steam, straight edge razor foam shave, then a soothing eye mask, relaxing face massage and a rejuvenating facial mask. While your mask is sitting we add a 10-minute lemon-grass scalp massage. This is the ultimate shave experience and the perfect luxury to indulge in with all your groomsmen. 
4. Massage: The entire family is in town, the place card aren’t done, your fiancee is freaking out, your friends want to have all night bashes, you have to take time off work etc etc etc. Being a part of a wedding is stressful, yet exciting and can take a major toll on your body. Take 60 or 90 minutes out of the craziness and treat yourself to deep tissue massage. The relaxation and calm it can bring you and your body is imperative! Take care of yourself, you will thank yourself for it!
5. Nail Services: I believe that a man’s hands should look impeccable when walking down the aisle. When she is about to out that ring on your finger, your hands should look ready to wear it! Book a Sport Manicure and let my staff pamper your hands by cutting, trimming, buffing and moisturizing your hands and getting them picture perfect too! A very big hug to Paul Labrecque for always sharing his expert beauty advice with Merci New York’s blog readers. Also tres-special thanks to Trent Bailey Photography , for documenting Paul’s top five tips with flair!
All photos courtesy of Trent Bailey Photography .
