The Hillside Groom Co

As part of the on-going overhaul of the website, there are some brands and products that essentially never got featured here since all my posting has been going directly to Instagram.  In many ways the Instagram platform has transformed my whole approach to reviews and features.  That said, I fully understand that Instagram  and other social media platform are not for everyone and there is quite nothing like a straight forward web page that everyone can access without needing to become a member.

A brand that I have fully embraced and partnered with over the last 2 years is Hillside Groom Co.

Hillside is a Canadian company from Nova Scotia.

What started out as trying out a few small batch pomades has become so much more. The term “Brand Ambassador” is thrown around allot out there, but in my mind it means that you believe in the brand, it’s products, how they are made, the brand’s mission and you want to tell people about it.  I am proud to say, that I am a Hillside Ambassador.

First off, Hillside has a simple objective; make quality grooming products for the working man.  – OK!  Then, the products are made by an actual working man in a small batch approach using healthy ingredients.  – I like it!  And finally, the products are down to earth grooming essentials.  Things like: hair pomades (there’s actually 5 variation), sea salt spray, pre-stylers, beard butters, beard oils, deodorants, aftershaves and now eau de parfums. – I am interested!

Now I hear you back there saying, I like the whole small batch healthy approach and all, but does it work?  The short answer is: YES!  In fact, I would venture that these products work better than many other options out there. I have been consistently pleased with the Hillside suite of products.  They are basically, my go-to’s!

When reading an ingredient list on a label that starts off with acronyms and numbers, it’s a no.  I am not putting that stuff on my hair or skin!  With what we now know about skin absorption, it’s just not worth it! I already have sensitive skin.   I’ll put it to you this way, a chemical based hair pomade going into your hair and most likely on your scalp – What’s right under that?  – Yeah!  Do you really want to mess with your brain?

So what are my favorites from Hillside?

Of the 5 hair styling option, the Crème Pomade is the one for me.  It’s like a soft clay that renders great volume and texture while being easy to work with.  And it smells heavenly.

• Matte Paste
• Texture Cream
• Water Based Pomade
• Crème Pomade
• Dream Wax

A newer product that has become an essential is the Sea Salt Spray.  I refer to this as a styling secret weapon.  So easy to use and it does a bit of a magic trick creating slightly tacky conditions to augment/ tame your hair.  In my mind it is pretty much step 1 of styling as it also creates a little bit of lube for pomade thereafter.

The pre-styler is also a newer offering and in my opinion an essential for hair care.  although it is called a pre-styler, it is essentially a leave-in conditioner.  So after washing your hair and towel drying it, squirt a few shots as a nutrient injection before blowing drying.  The oils will nourish your hair and scalp and also protect it from the heat of the blow dryer.  It doesn’t really offer any shaping but if your hair is unhealthy there is nothing to style, right?

Finally, the Deodorant and Beard Butter.  In my mind they fit in a less glamorous grooming space, but they take of business.  A healthy deodorant that smells good is just a must.  The Hillside sticks have been working beautifully for me and my skin.  A quality beard butter will make all of the difference in your beard experience, as you need this product to handle both your skin and beard hair.  Moisturizing and hydration are the key objectives.  I have dry skin and strong beard growth and the beard butter formulation manages the itchiness while giving my beard some shape.  Without forgetting a touch a delicious fragrance.

5 signature fragrances

Before trying any products out, you usually need to be drawn in by an attractive presentation and some sort of alluring scent.  Well, Hillside sure has got that down path with their vintage logo and 5 delicious signature scents. These are what I would classify as light and happy fragrances that always make me feel good.

• Gingerwood
• Island Lime
• Tangerine Jack
• Cedar Sunrise
• Day Drinking

I am thrilled to report that Hillside has starting offering these fragrances in both aftershave and eau de parfum formats.

One could say that being an Ambassador is being a “Fan” and that I am.

Stay slick my friends.