Marko Lõhmus is someone the whole of Estonia knows. Besides being a long-time regular client at salon+, he is known as a host on Star FM, as the presenter of TV3’s “Stuudio” and now also as a radio programme director. Marko stands out for his energy, his honesty and, of course, his truly impressive beard.
But what does a man who is seen and heard by thousands of people every day actually do with his hair?
For many years, the whole of Estonia has heard and seen you every day. How much do you think about your hair on a daily basis?
Honestly, fixing my appearance is the very last thing on my list. Since my ancestors blessed me with a mighty mane and a generous beard, on an everyday basis I look more like a caveman.
It doesn’t matter to me what brand of clothes I wear, and I don’t particularly care how society views the rest of my appearance. Still, everything has its limits, and so does my scruffiness. At some point I feel that being indifferent about how you look is disrespectful to others. Before photoshoots or public appearances, I do ask a professional to tidy me up.
Why do you think men don’t really talk about their hair care?
As time goes on, haircuts and hair care are probably becoming more and more of a topic for Estonian men too. Years ago, foreign visitors used to joke about why Estonian men cut their own hair, hinting that we all had the same boring haircuts. Today, hair care is probably becoming an increasingly normal topic.
Comparing what you did with your hair ten years ago to what you do now, what has changed?
Ten years ago, the brief for my hairdresser was simple: cut it so short that I don’t need a comb. Today: cut it just short enough that I can still pull the whole lot together with a hair tie. And that’s how it is.
You travel quite a lot with your family. Does your hair care change depending on where you are?
Absolutely. Before a trip somewhere warm, I ask for my hair to be thinned out and cut as short as possible, so that on the beach, on hikes and at the local tavern everything is as low-maintenance as possible. In Estonia it’s cool enough, and my daily routine is such that “thin” and “short” aren’t goals in themselves.
As a radio and TV personality, you’ve probably been offered all sorts of products. What actually makes you stick with something?
I can definitely tell whether a product is good or mediocre. Since I’m lazy by nature, I try to pick up my hair care products in passing, straight off the store shelf. I try to avoid situations where I have to drive somewhere or make an extra effort just to get the right shampoo. Then again, when I’m at the hairdresser’s, I’m an easy sell for products too. I’m happy to listen to advice from people who know better.
If your best friend asked what you actually do with your hair and beard, what would you tell him?
As little as possible. The mane and beard just get fuller by the day, and when the moment comes that I really can’t stand it anymore, I go to my hairdresser for help. To be fair, I’m often also rescued by the colleagues who tidy me up more or less before a photoshoot or a TV appearance.
Is there a point where men’s hair care gets too complicated?
I suppose all men are different – I can only speak for myself. I definitely know too little about it. There are so many things worth paying attention to in my world, and my own appearance isn’t really a priority. At the same time, I certainly don’t mind looking well-groomed. Ideally, looking presentable would just happen by itself, in passing.
Have you noticed any change in your hair since you started using S+ Haircare products?
Different products definitely feel different. Something of higher quality works better and makes you feel better. For me, washing my hair is more of a chore I’d like to get over with quickly. Then again, when I go to the hairdresser, having my hair washed with quality products is always a really pleasant experience. Like five minutes of spa in the middle of a busy working day.
S+ Haircare is developed and made in Estonia. Does that matter to you when choosing a product?
Definitely. Whenever I have a choice, I always prefer what’s made locally. I believe in keeping the money in the family.
