Lexson Millington on Styling Facial Hair, Men’s Grooming, & the Braun Series 9 Pro+

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Whether it’s tied with a bow, wrapped in a box, or brought in a bag, the best holiday gifts share one quality: they’re personal. Is there a perfect, one-size-fits-all present? Perhaps not. Yet, after speaking with a series of stylish creators, SHARP found that grooming tools make an excellent case. Made for morning routines, shavers are an inherently intimate purchase; the beauty of a multi-function tool, however, is that it can easily adapt to every shave and style.

One such tool? The Braun Series 9 Pro+ shaver. Equipped with a protective “SkinGuard” metal bar, the shaver is safe to use on sensitive skin. For Lexson Millington, founder of online vintage store LBROS Finds, that’s an essential quality. A refined grooming regimen boosts confidence, he says. After a fresh shave, Millington is empowered to wear more daring apparel.

With a sharp eye for detail, Lexson Millington’s well-manicured moustache is his signature. Thanks to a high school friend-turned-barber, he was quick to find his look — though Millington adds that facial hair is a great opportunity for men to explore new looks. As for himself, Millington says that his grooming habits are all about consistency and care. To manage his sensitive skin, it’s essential to have the right tools. And, as a social media savant, Millington is never one to gatekeep. In a candid conversation with SHARP, Millington explains how he maintains his look, the role grooming plays in his style, and the magic of a great shaving tool.

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. Have you experimented with various styles in the past? What led you to embrace your current look?

My signature look is a crisp, pointed moustache and a clean face. Since my beard doesn’t fill in, I’ve never tried growing it out. I’ve tried shaving off my moustache multiple times but have decided it’s not the look for me. Back in high school, I let my friend — who is now a barber — practice on me and he showed me the way!

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

I have sensitive and curly hair, so I deal with ingrown hairs quite often. I prefer electric shavers, like Braun’s Series 9 Pro+, over a straight blade because the gentle, precise strokes keep my skin less irritated. 

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? 

I love the wet and dry feature because, sometimes, when I’m in a rush, it is really convenient to be able to shave in the shower. I also love that I don’t have to go over the same area multiple times, which reduces irritation. For this particular shaver, I like that the Direct & Cut blade handles hairs that grow in the wrong direction, while the SkinGuard and Optifoil elements keep skin damage at bay. Then, the built-in ProTrimmer lets me refine my moustache to the perfect length.

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 every 4 or 5 days. I don’t mind letting it grow out a bit so that my skin can have a break. On the days in between, I like to exfoliate to help reduce the ingrown hairs.

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

When I have a fresh shave, I feel most confident and I find that I reach for bolder looks. When my hair is a bit more grown out I tend to gravitate towards more monochromatic and chill outfits. 

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? 

My moustache has always been in style for me and I don’t see myself changing that in the future, but I do see the clean shaven model look coming back in style soon. I think great shavers like the Braun Series 9 Pro+ gives men the opportunity to explore new styles at home. And, since it reduces irritation, there’s no need for endless face creams — you’ll save money in the long run.

Still curious about today’s top grooming trends? Read our conversations with fellow creators Donté Colley next.