Pirooz Sarshar

Co-founder, The Grooming Lounge, Washington, DC

Pirooz and business partner Michael Gilman started The Grooming Lounge in 1999 with $5,000. Today, The Grooming Lounge has two locations in the D.C. area and grosses over $4 million annually. Pirooz, who started cutting hair professionally at 16, is now one of the nation's leading authorities on male grooming issues. Having been quoted in Business Week, Cargo, Golf Digest and our favorite, Playboy, as well as on CNN, CBS, and Fox News, Pirooz is a Better Guy worth listening to.

BBG:  What things or people inspire your personal style?
PS:    Early experiences growing up in Europe, the streets of London, my grateful outlook towards life, and Tom Ford. 

BBG:  Is how you look important to you? Why?
PS:    Yes, I think how you take care of yourself, what you wear and how you groom yourself have a lot to with your outlook and confidence.

BBG:  What sort of behavior do you see too much of and what would say to young men about it?
PS:    I see too many guys trying too hard and not being themselves. Anytime you behave contrary to your true self it means you have no respect for who you are as a person. I feel that leads to a life of insecurity and lack of success. We were all born with amazing powers; none of us was designed to be average.  As long as we all think in this way then we can all, as men, tap into who we really are. 

BBG:  What unique tip(s) can you give a guy coming up that could make him a Better Guy?
PS:    Take care of your skin, man.  Start early and get on a good regimen. You will be thankful later in life.

BBG:  You're having someone special over.  What would you make for dinner?
PS:    Start the night with some really good wine, homemade hummus with homemade chips, a tartare of sorts for an appetizer, followed by Swordfish Caponata.

BBG:  What's your favorite room in your place? Why?
PS:    I have two - the kitchen, because I like to cook, and my bathroom, because I have every grooming product for every grooming issue known to man.

BBG:  If you could have a conversation with one person, who would it be?
PS:    Julius Caesar. I would have loved to have known how much he loved himself.

BBG:  What do you do/where do you go for fun?
PS:    I am a foodie, I love going out for good food.  Restaurants are my haunts and my vice.

BBG:  Charlize Theron or Tyra Banks?
PS:    I am a sucker for blondes, but I wouldn't turn down Tyra Banks either.