There’s a version of this conversation that gets it wrong every time. Someone says “you take a lot of care over how you look,” and it comes out sounding like an accusation. Like vanity. Like something a serious man shouldn’t spend his time on.
We think that’s backwards.
Looking good isn’t vanity. It’s self-respect made visible. That’s Law 8 at Shankey, and it’s not a slogan — it’s the whole reason a man drives past three barbershops closer to his house to sit in our chair for thirty minutes.
Vanity is about being seen. Self-respect is about how you carry yourself when no one’s watching at all. It’s the difference between grooming for an audience and grooming because you’ve decided this is simply the standard you hold for yourself — full stop, no occasion required.
We see it every week. A man walks in on a Tuesday lunch break, no event to get to, no one to impress. He’s not here because someone’s watching. He’s here because he is.
That’s the Shankey man. Not a man chasing attention — a man who holds himself to a standard whether or not anyone’s keeping score. A man who understands that how you present yourself tells the world how seriously to take you — and more importantly, tells yourself the same thing.
Self-respect isn’t loud. It’s quiet, consistent, and it shows up in the details other men skip.
That’s not vanity. That’s just standard.
— Jason Shankey
The UK’s leading male grooming expert and creator of the Jason Shankey range of hair and skincare products, Jason Shankey also developed the first luxury, all services modern men’s only concept grooming salon in Europe, back in 1997. From extensive appearances as an expert on TV shows such as 10 Years Younger, The Apprentice, Celebrity Scissorhands, The Vanessa Show, LK Today, GMTV and dozens more, to consulting with giants including Gillette, Braun and the Honda Formula 1 team, Jason’s 30+ years of expertise in the male grooming business has positioned him as a true pioneer in the industry. His salons became synonymous with high-end grooming services, offering everything from haircuts and skincare to massage and grooming advice tailored specifically for men. Jason’s innovative approach to male grooming not only redefined the standards but also paved the way for the booming men’s grooming market seen today.
In addition to his work in salons and on television, Jason has designed and developed quality men’s grooming products and penned numerous articles on men’s grooming, sharing his expertise with a wider audience. His brand, the Jason Shankey range, continues to reflect his passion for quality and innovation, offering a curated selection of products designed to meet the modern man’s grooming needs.
Jason remains a sought-after consultant and public speaker, regularly sharing insights into the future of male grooming, wellness, and self-care. With over three decades of experience, he continues to lead the conversation around men’s grooming, setting trends and standards that others follow.
