Donté Colley on Today’s Grooming Trends & Using the Braun Series 9 Pro+

BRAUN x SHARP

You’ve wrapped the gifts, sent out the invites, and locked down the dates — but have you prepared your holiday look? If you answered no, don’t fret. As traditional dress codes diversify, December outfits are no longer defined by obligatory red sweaters or green socks; instead the festivities have become an occasion to play with personal style. Ahead of the holidays, we’ve spoken to a series of stylish, moustache-sporting men to learn how shaving techniques can put a contemporary twist on classic occasions. 

Few embody the modern man like 28-year-old dancer and digital creator Donté Colley. On social media, he’s often seen in a dancer’s uniform — a simple tank and a pair of wide-leg pants — as he runs through high-energy routines in the kitchen or living room. To his 744,000 followers, Colley shares messages of self-love and positivity through dance breaks and affirmations. When it comes to shaving, Colley takes the same approach: it’s about finding joy and having fun.  

“I love that people are using their grooming as another form of self expression,” Colley says. “It’s about owning your look and making it feel personal.” One tool that makes Colley’s look his own? The Precision Pro Trimmer: a built-in element on the Braun Series 9 Pro+, enhanced with surgical-grade steel, that allows Colley to achieve a clean and intentional look. It’s an ideal assistant for Colley, who describes his grooming routine as a much-needed breath of fresh air between rehearsals and photoshoots. Speaking to SHARP, Colley tells us how he found a groove that works for his skin.

For many men, facial hair is subject to change — whether it’s growing a full beard, trying out a moustache, or going for a clean-shaven look. Do you prefer a signature look, or have you experimented with various styles? What led you to embrace your current look?

I’ve definitely gone through phases. I’ve had the full beard, tried keeping it close and clean, even gone totally bare faced. I think over time I’ve learned what feels best for me. I like a look that just feels balanced clean, intentional, but still natural. I like when it looks like I care, without it looking overdone. It’s part of how I show up.

Have you faced any challenges when it comes to dialing in your grooming routine? 

For sure. I think the hardest part is finding what actually works for your skin and routine. I’m moving around constantly between workouts, projects and travel, so my skin reacts differently depending on the day. It took a minute to find my rhythm, and the right tools that don’t cause irritation or mess with my texture. Once I figured that out, grooming became more of a self-care thing than a chore.

Shaving products are personal; depending on your skin type — as well as your facial hair texture, style, and speed of growth — results will vary from person to person. As an electric shaver, the Braun Series 9 Pro+ aims to adapt for each user. Which modes or features work for you? How does this product compare to other devices you’ve used? 

What I like about the Braun Series 9 Pro+ is that it learns and adjusts to the contours of my face. The flexible head and precision trimmer make it easy to line up details without overdoing it. I’ve used a lot of electric razors that tugged or missed spots and gave me razor bumps or ingrowns and this one just feels smooth, like it’s working with my face. It gives me that clean result, which I appreciate.

Facial hair grows quickly — that’s one of its best and worst qualities. How frequently do you shave, and how does this impact your overall grooming routine?

I shave about every few days depending on what’s going on. If I’ve got a shoot or event, I’ll clean it up the night before. I like keeping it tight, but not too polished. Some texture keeps it real. Shaving often just helps me feel fresh and ready to face the day.

How much of an impact does your facial hair have on your overall style aesthetic? Does a fresh trim make you approach your fit differently?

Facial hair definitely shifts the energy of a look. A fresh trim can make even a simple hoodie and sweats feel pulled together. I’ll never forget one time before a show. I lined everything up, threw on a suit, and it just hit different. It’s like the grooming completed the outfit, it’s confidence in the details.

The Braun Series 9 Pro+ supports both wet and dry shaving. Which method do you prefer?

I actually like both, but if I had to choose, I’d go with a wet shave. There’s something therapeutic about the process the hot steam, the lather, the ritual of it. It feels like a reset. But on the go, the dry shave option with the Braun still keeps me looking clean without any fuss.

Moustaches have been back in full force for a few years now. Where do you see facial hair going in the future; are there any specific trends that excite you? 

I like that people are experimenting and being more expressive with it again. I think we’ll see more individuality sharper lines, bold ‘staches, maybe even colour. I love that people are using their grooming as another form of self expression. It’s about owning your look and making it feel personal.

Still curious about today’s top grooming trends? Read our conversations with fellow creator Lexson Millington next.