Scrubbing up nicely

Sep 29 2009 by Liz Lamb, The Journal

Male grooming and fashion is big business with sales of beauty treatments and clothes going through the roof, yet some men still prefer a simple soap and water regime and to lounge around in casualwear. Liz Lamb gives three self-confessed scruffs a makeover.

STEVEN HARRISON

PLUMBER and gas engineer Steven Harrison spends his life in T-shirts and trainers.

As for a beauty routine, he uses soap and water, but he does admit to using moisturiser every now and again.

The 40-year-old from North Shields has a busy lifestyle working full-time and also helping out with his two children.

He says: “I don’t really have a beauty routine, I use a bit of moisturiser and that’s it.

“As for my hair I get it cut from time to time, but not as often as I should.

“I have always been a casual dresser because of the work I do.

“I always seem to be in a mad rush working and running around after the kids.

“It’s just a case of throwing something on.

“On a night out I do make a bit more of an effort than I do day-to-day.”

Steven’s hair was re-styled and cut and we transformed his image.

He wears Ralph Lauren jeans, £80, leather tan jacket, John Lewis Collection £199, Ted Baker top £30, Dune dark tan boots £99 and dark brown Diesel belt £45.

Steven was so impressed with his makeover that he has been inspired to change his ways.

The dad-of-two says: “I look smarter than usual and it was nice to see such a different look.

“I might have to ditch the trainers now. It’s definitely had an effect on me. Since the makeover I have been into Jules B and updated my wardrobe.”

BRENDAN HEALY

VETERAN comic and performer Brendan Healy spends most of his life in wellies and waterproofs.

The panto star lives in a remote area of Northumberland, north of Haydon Bridge, and only needs to dress smart for work engagements.

He says: “I live my life in two halves. I have the wellies and waterproofs at home then it’s suits if I am doing black tie dinners. I think I am the only person I know who has two evening suits, but it’s incase I spill soup down one and have to wear the other.

“I’m not really a fashionable person but I do spend money on shoes.

“I don’t have a lot of them but I always buy decent ones.

“At the moment I am wearing a fleece and waterproofs as I am going out on the quad bikes.

“I have just come home from a do at Ramside Hall hotel in Durham and I wore a suit and tie and I have just changed into my sloppy clothes.

“It’s all about practicality. If I find something I like then I will buy two of it. If it’s not comfortable then I won’t wear it.

“I am a bit long in the tooth to get into fashion now.”

Brendan wears Hackett quilted paddock jacket in navy £200, Gant Plain Pique Polo Shirt White £49 and Gant ribbed sweatshirt £89.

He says: “It was good fun having the makeover. I wore things that I have never worn before.

“I thought I looked good.”