Y Talk: The Beard Blog by Jay Cattron

Since the shutdown, social distancing and stay-at-home order, I have not shaved. I usually have sideburns and a goatee, but now have grown a full-on beard. Not itchy yet!

We have done blogs, vlogs, Turkey Jay workout tips, workout videos and virtual fitness classes for the last several weeks for the community. Marketing Director Michelle Bell is in charge of organizing and sending out everything and she recently let us know that we were running low on material.

Hence the below fun, yet weird, and certainly crazy idea of choosing my next facial hair look. This is what happens when I am in isolation and away from people!

As someone who never let it grow this far before, I’ve learned one thing fast—keeping it looking halfway decent takes more effort than expected.

To keep my new look from turning wild-man chic into just plain wild, I’ve had to up my grooming game. And thankfully, I stumbled upon a game-changer: Beard Care Products From Mama Mandy’s Mercantile.

Their kits are thoughtfully curated to keep your beard clean, soft, and looking sharp, without stripping away its natural character. From nourishing oils to balms that tame flyaways, their collection is ideal for anyone stepping into the world of bearded living—whether by choice or unexpected circumstance.

It’s not just about keeping the hair in check but also about treating the skin underneath with the same care you’d give your face pre-beard. Keeping a beard clean and presentable becomes a new ritual—one that, strangely enough, brings structure to otherwise unstructured days.

That same energy of self-care and grooming shouldn’t stop at the neckline. For many men, taking ownership of their appearance post-pandemic has expanded beyond facial hair. Whether it’s fine-tuning a skincare routine or addressing the early signs of aging, more guys are starting to lean into professional self-care options. Point of View Medical Aesthetics has become a trusted ally in that journey—not just for its clinical precision, but for its open, approachable vibe.

Treatments like laser resurfacing, customized facials, and injectables aren’t just for someone else anymore—they’re for anyone ready to look a bit fresher, a bit more energized, and most importantly, still like themselves—just with a sharper edge.

It’s a simple luxury that brings back some structure to the daily routine and helps turn facial hair into something you actually want to maintain.

I will not shave for the duration of the time that the Carlisle Family YMCA is closed. Once the Y can re-open, I will then sport the look chosen by you for two weeks.

P.S. I am not a great facial hair artist. If you are a Barber or Hair Stylist who would like to volunteer to create my look (free business plug) please reach out to us.

P.S.S. If we get a volunteer to create the look, we will have to push back the reveal until that business is allowed to re-open.

Here are pictures of five distinct looks and a Facebook poll that you can vote on.