Let’s face it—Portland men have style. But even in a city where flannel reigns and creativity thrives, grooming can sometimes be an afterthought. At Throne Barbershop, we’ve seen every type: the guy who shows up weekly for his fade and beard trim… and the guy who hasn’t touched a trimmer since the last Trail Blazers playoff run.
So, what does the average SE Portland man do for grooming? And what should he be doing to keep up with Hawthorne’s quietly polished aesthetic?
We’re pulling back the curtain on local habits, the biggest mistakes we see, and how to elevate your routine—without sacrificing your chill.
What Guys Around Here Actually Do
Let’s start with some honesty. Here are the most common Portland grooming habits we hear about in the chair:
- Haircuts every 5–8 weeks
- DIY beard trims with dull clippers
- Minimal skincare beyond shower gel
- Occasional product use—usually gifted by someone else
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The laid-back Portland vibe means most guys keep things low-maintenance. But while simple can be good, neglect isn’t.
What You Should Be Doing (According to Your Barber)
You don’t need a 12-step regimen or a shelf full of expensive products. But a few small upgrades go a long way.
1. Haircuts Every 3–4 Weeks
Even if you’re growing your hair out, regular visits help shape and refresh your look. Clean necklines and trimmed ends make a big difference.
2. Professional Beard Shaping
Put down the drugstore clippers. We’ll fade your beard into your cut, define the cheek and neck lines, and give it that Hawthorne-level polish.
3. Daily Moisturizer with SPF
Yes, even in the rain. Portland’s UV rays still hit hard—especially when the clouds part. A simple SPF moisturizer protects and keeps your skin looking healthy.
4. Use the Right Products for Your Hair Type
Not all waxes, pomades, and clays are created equal. We’ll help you figure out what works best for your texture, length, and style goals.
Need help finding the right tools or building your routine? Throne Barbershop offers personalized consultations with every cut.
The Portland Climate Problem
Our weather is wildly inconsistent. One day it’s misty and 58°, the next it’s sunny and pushing 90°. And your grooming habits should adjust accordingly.
In Wet Weather:
- Beard balm helps protect against frizz and shape loss
- Avoid heavy styling creams—they’ll go limp in the drizzle
- Wash hair less often to retain natural moisture
In Dry Months (July–September):
- Use lighter oils on beards and hair to avoid dryness
- Consider switching to hydrating shampoos and conditioners
- Don’t skip your skin routine—Portland dryness can creep in fast
We’ve curated tips and styles tailored to every season in SE. Book your visit today and learn more at thronepdx.com.
Top 5 Mistakes We See (And How to Fix Them)
Let’s get honest—nobody’s perfect. But if we had a dollar for every time we saw one of these…
- Letting the fade grow out for 6+ weeks
Fix: Book shape-ups between full cuts. Fast and affordable.
- Beard edges hacked in a bathroom mirror
Fix: Come in for precision shaping and we’ll save the lines.
- Using body wash on your face or scalp
Fix: Invest in proper shampoo and a mild facial cleanser.
- Skipping SPF in winter
Fix: Try a daily moisturizer with built-in SPF 30.
- No routine at all
Fix: Start small. A twice-weekly beard oil and monthly barber visit go a long way.
Portland Values, Grooming Edition
SE Portland lives by values: sustainability, simplicity, wellness, and craft. Your grooming routine should too.
- Sustainable: Choose refillable products, reduce waste.
- Simple: A few good steps beat a complicated routine.
- Wellness-Focused: A clean cut and healthy skin boost confidence and mental health.
- Locally Crafted: We support small brands that align with the Portland ethos.
At Throne Barbershop, we’re proud to represent those values in every cut, shave, and consult.
Your Next Best Routine Starts Here
Whether you’re a grooming minimalist or a guy looking to step up his self-care game, we’re here to help. Our barbers are not just stylists—they’re educators, listeners, and neighborhood pros.
Let’s build your Hawthorne grooming routine together. From cuts and fades to beard shape-ups and product recs, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to look better, feel sharper, and stay Portland-ready?
Book your appointment and explore services at thronepdx.com.