Category: Lifestyle

There are a few signature moments in a guy’s life. Your graduation, first car and wedding are some positive events, but not-so-great ones like seeing your hair fall out are bound to happen. My older family members and friends are going through this now, so I know it’s only a matter of time before I do, too. When that time comes, I’ll be ready with these tips for shaving and styling when dealing with hair loss.

Shaving seems straightforward, but it gets more complicated when dealing with hair loss. Here are four tips for getting your shave right and looking your best.

Pick a Reliable Razor

The first step in shaving is to pick a reliable razor. Ideally, you’ll choose a manual razor with a sharp blade because you can get a closer shave. Traditional razors are less expensive and give you more control, which is why I prefer them. Also, you don’t have to worry about batteries or the power going out when it’s time to shave.

Be Conscious of Your Skin

Life would be easier if everyone had perfect skin, like in the shows and movies. However, that’s not the case for most. Be conscious of your skin, especially if it tends to be sensitive or dry. Find shaving creams specifically designed for sensitive skin because you’ll have a better time with them. For example, hypoallergenic shaving cream is likely to be easy on sensitive skin.

Another way to help your skin is to exfoliate ahead of shaving. The process is easier if you shower beforehand because hot water opens your facial pores and loosens your hair. Plus, it removes dirt and bacteria on your face for a quicker shave.

Shave Smart

Shaving is a natural task for most guys, but getting it right can be more complex than it sounds. For example, beard trimmers are useful when shaving because they thin out your hair before the blade hits the skin. If your hair is thinning, you might not need it in some areas. However, it’ll benefit you in the thicker sections of your hair.

Another pro-tip for shaving is to shave with the grain. Going against the grain is acceptable with steak and other meats, but it’s not conducive to your skin. Going with the grain is best for men with sensitive skin to reduce irritation. Thinning hair can be tricky to navigate on your head, so staying with the grain is best practice here as well.

Safeguard Your Scalp

Balding men tend to lose hair around their scalp, so this part of your head becomes more sensitive and vulnerable. Safeguarding it is essential for comfort and practicality. Now more than ever, you need to use shaving cream or another lubricant to prevent skin irritation.

During shaves or showering, use products better geared toward balding men. These typically lack fragrances and are more gentle on your scalp.

How to Style When Dealing With Hair Loss

If you’ve noticed your hair has begun to thin or fade away altogether, know that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. There are over 200 different genes connected to male hair loss that we know of. Balding men can have styles just as good as anyone else. Use these four tactics for styling and care when experiencing hair loss.

Pick a Complementary Hairstyle

Hair loss doesn’t mean you have to shave it all off. You can still rock a nice head of hair with a hairstyle complementary to the amount on your head. These hairdos are terrific for balding men:

• Buzz cut: If you want to shave it off, you’re welcome to. Pick your desired blade and get to your preferred level of thinness on the scalp. The cool breeze on your head feels incredible in the summer.
• Modern army cut: Try the modern army cut — also known as the military fade — if you’re not ready to part from your hair yet. This hairstyle fits men with receding sides because it removes most of the hair without eliminating the top.
• Ivy League cut: Thankfully, you don’t need a Harvard or Yale degree for the Ivy League cut. This style is apt for balding hair because of its short sides and back. The top of your hair is flexible, letting you style it however you see fit.

Wear a Hat

It’s OK to be picky about your hair. If you don’t like your haircut or how your hair looks during the day, consider wearing a hat. They’re a statement of style, letting you rep your favorite sports team or vacation spot. They can even be the finishing touches on your super outfit. For example, a black top hat looks great with a tuxedo.

While hats are typically for style, you can benefit from them. Hats are helpful in cold and rainy weather by keeping your body warm. Plus, the rain doesn’t help your thinning hair if you put time and effort into styling it.

Rock Some Jewelry

Jewelry is another way to distract from thinning and receding hairlines. Rocking gold chains takes the attention away from your head and brings people’s eyes to your chest.

Chains are a popular option for jewelry, but there are plenty of others on the table. Any man can find a bracelet, earring or ring to enhance their style. Donning a Rolex will distract anybody.

Grow Your Beard

Growing a beard is one of the best solutions to hair loss. Losing hair on one part of your head isn’t as bad when you can grow it on the opposite end. Bald men look great with beards because they demonstrate strength and wisdom, and bring character to your face. Plus, they project confidence and completely transform your appearance.

If you want your beard to distract from your hair, consider a unique style that draws the eyes down. For example, Viking beards are popular for guys who like the big, bushy look. You may think of Viking facial hair as unkempt, but historians say they kept well-groomed beards, whether short or long. Don’t rule out handlebar mustaches, unicorn beards and other unconventional styles to keep your beard perfectly weird.

Shaving Smart and Staying Stylish

Seeing bald spots or thinning hair can be challenging for men. While it’s not everyone’s preferred way of aging, there are ways to work around it. Use these tips for shaving and styling when dealing with hair loss.

 

It feels good to like the face in the mirror. Taking care of your personal grooming can make a huge difference in your self-confidence and in turn, your quality of life. A lot of men struggle with finding a style that’s their own or don’t know where to start. In this article, we’ll look at five great tips that can help you look and feel like your best self.

1.       Take Time on Your Appearance Every Day 

Little is more devastating to your self-confidence than being disheveled and looking like you’re coming off a three-day bender on your way to the coffee shop or the store. Wrinkled clothing, matted hair, we’ve all been there, you know the look. The good news is that tidying yourself up doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Spending a few minutes each morning in front of the mirror can make a huge difference.

Your hair is a great place to start. We’ll touch on hairstyles later when you’ve got the cut you like. Focus on keeping your hair healthy for now. It’s important to keep your hair clean, but many shampoos contain parabens and other ingredients that can strip away helpful oils that your skin and hair need. This can leave your hair dry and possibly cause an itchy scalp and dandruff. Try to find a shampoo that’s free of dyes or parabens, and see if using it every other day helps you to maintain a healthier head of hair.

Another simple thing to keep in mind is dental hygiene. Having bad breath or things stuck in your teeth is embarrassing and preventable. Brush your teeth after each meal and try to floss every day—it will do wonders for your smile. If you’re a big coffee or tea drinker, there are many remedies to bring the sparkle back to your smile, like whitening pens or toothpaste.

Finally, be aware of your body odor. Make sure to apply an antiperspirant deodorant if it’s hot out, you’re exercising vigorously, or if you’re just prone to heavy perspiration. Then find a cologne that you like to give you that “signature scent,” but don’t apply it too heavily. A dab on the neck and wrists will suffice. Body odor is something that others tend to notice pretty quickly, and nothing destroys self-confidence quite like being told you smell bad.

2.       Change Up Your Hairstyle!

Is your style working for you? If not, it may be time to make a change. Your hair is one of the first things people will see and notice about you. If you’ve been walking around with the same haircut for a long time, consider switching up your hairstyle. A fresh new haircut can boost your confidence and do wonders for your personal appearance. Check up on what’s in style, and take a look at some of the most popular men’s hairstyles of 2022.

Once you’ve found a style that suits you, make sure to properly care for your hair as discussed above. You don’t want to get a great haircut only to have poor quality products and bad grooming habits make it look less than stellar. If you find you’re having trouble growing full hair for the look that you’re considering, or you feel that your hair is too thin to achieve the style, you may want to talk to your doctor about a solution like topical minoxidil. It’s not uncommon to experience thinning hair as you get older. Treating these issues early on can help to combat the effects of aging and male pattern baldness, and help you achieve the style you want..

No matter the type of hair you have, from short, neatly trimmed cuts to long flowing hair, there is almost certainly a style that fits you. Ask your barber for suggestions or try a few different looks if you’re not sure!

3. Try Growing a Beard!

If you’ve been browsing around and looking at articles on personal grooming, you’ve probably heard a lot of differing opinions on this subject. Some will say to ditch the beard, while others will encourage short, neatly trimmed facial hair. So who’s correct?

Having a beard will be more work; that much is for sure. But overall, this is going to be up to personal preference. Some people don’t like the feeling of facial hair or simply don’t like the way their face looks with a beard or mustache. However, if you’ve never tried growing a beard, you can’t know what you’ll look like with one! Fortunately for you, we’ve broken down the positives and negatives of facial hair and whether or not a beard is right for you.

If you do decide to try growing a beard, make sure that you keep it clean, styled, and well-kept. Letting your facial hair grow wild will only add to a messy appearance.

4. Take a Closer Look at Your Face

If you like your hairstyle and you’re satisfied with your facial hair, it may be time to take a closer look at your complexion. Is your skin clear and smooth? Or do you have acne and bags under your eyes? If you’re serious about looking your best, taking care of your face is a crucial part of your grooming routine.

One of the most important components of good skin care is keeping your hands clean. Whether you realize it or not, you touch your face fairly often, and the dirt and oils on your hands can clog the pores on your skin and give you an oily complexion or even breakouts. When washing your face, pick a good cleanser that fits your skin type, be that oily or dry. Try using warm water rather than hot, as hot water can open up pores too much and cause them to fill with oils and debris. If you suffer from dry skin, you’ll want to stick with a cleanser that has a moisturizer. If you have a lot of oil and are prone to breakouts, you may want to look into a cleanser with salicylic acid.

5. Change Up Your Wardrobe

Have you been wearing the same clothes for the past few years? Quarantine has caused a lot of us to not put too much thought into how we dress on a daily basis, especially for those that work from home. Now that the world is starting to open back up and return to normal though, you don’t want to be wearing that same t-shirt and jeans you’ve had since 2016. It might be time to upgrade your wardrobe. There are a lot of options to choose from, but the process doesn’t have to be daunting. There are a lot of great resources, including sites that let you choose what you like and suggest outfits for you based on your preferences and tastes. One of the great things about style trends today is the vast variety of clothing that’s considered ‘in style.’ From classy ’60s style blazers and button-ups to the jeans and flannels of the ’70s all the way to the argyle sweaters of the 80s. If you can rock it with confidence, it’s probably stylish. You don’t have to spend a ton of money either; try out thrift stores and consignment shops to find a look that suits you and wear it with pride.

One of the best ways to feel good about yourself is to take care of your physical appearance. It’s a great feeling to look in the mirror and like what you see. With people spending less time outside and going to social events, the last couple of years has started to make people think less about personal grooming. The days of ‘clean shirt, pants optional’ are coming to a close. However, if you want to feel your best, then you’ll want to look your best.

Thanks to the evolution of social media and the power of suggestion, the “metrosexual” is making a comeback. This hybrid form of masculine man looks as polished and preened as well-dressed women, and there is an additional factor that is now coming into play for men which is the adoption and use of high-quality beauty cosmetics.

From eyeliner to blush and moisturizer, men want to look and feel their best as they step out the door too. Gone are the days when shaggy beards are considered acceptable wear; men want to tailor their looks and be properly manicured when it comes to presenting themselves for public view. Why is this?

Dad’s habits aren’t cutting it anymore

Most of us have been taking our grooming cues from Dad, and although that worked for some time, we want more of a piece of the multi-billion dollar beauty industry that makes you ladies look and smell so good. Most dads weren’t the greatest teachers when it came to methods of shaving, aftershave, and moisturization; they would show rather than to educate, and it was up to us to figure out the semantics. It wasn’t enough to watch him use a safety razor, or to wave the shaving brush around in imitation of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, we needed some tutoring. Some of us were successful, some of us were left in the dust. At some point, we decided that we needed more out of our grooming routine.

We desire to be more attractive

Hollywood and media have really raised the bar when it comes to what is possible for men and beauty. Simply put, we want to make ourselves attractive to our mates, and we want to be competitive when it comes to appearing desirable to others. The array of products and services that are now available to women AND men make it easier to find things that enhance our natural, god-given attributes. Look out, ladies, you might just have some competition in the being attractive department.

Men want to be manicured and stylish too

More and more frequently, men are looking to shave companies to get a manicured look and healthy skin that exudes confidence. A straight razor kit that arrives magically at your home is now available from companies such as OriginalShaveCompany.com, Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club. These clubs are taking the men’s cosmetic industry by storm.

Clean, close shaves and healthy-looking skin are something that most guys want nowadays; gone are the days when a quick shave with a safety razor does the trick; men want more from their grooming routines. These popular shave clubs and the products they offer including a straight razor kit, shaving brush, and aftershave are quite common, and they come to your doorstep for a fraction of the price that a professional shave at a salon would cost you. More and more men are signing up for these clubs in anticipation of cleaner, healthier, smoother skin than ever before.

A typical skincare package for men

Regardless of the store you choose to purchase from, there are some essentials that come in most basic kits; men’s beauty care items that you can use to improve both your complexion and your toiletry collection. These items include:

1. Straight razor kit

These kits cater to the man who just wants to get business done in the bathroom, and they don’t fancy themselves needing the extra fluff and frills that come with some kits. A word of caution, though—these kids should only be used by experienced shavers; those with less experience or a more rugged terrain should consider the use of a safety razor to eliminate unsightly bumps and cuts.

2. Safety razor

When you are feeling a little unsteady, or if you do not have a lot of experience with shaving, consider using a safety razor to help reduce irritation. You’ll still get the clean, close shave of a regular razor, but you won’t have all of the added stress of trying not to cut yourself when you are in a hurry.

3. Shaving brush

A shaving brush is perfect for slathering on rich, foamy shaving cream; it will help to stimulate blood flow beneath the skin and get rid of dead skin cells that might dull your complexion. Make sure to rinse the brush out thoroughly in between uses.

4. Aftershave

After you have subjected your skin to a wet shave, it is always a good idea to apply aftershave. You’ll soothe irritation, condition your cleaned skin, and with unique blends of botanicals and essential oils, you’ll look and smell great!

Men want to look and feel their best, even when on a budget. Rock your beautiful self, and look forward to using all of the wonderful products that are at your disposal to uncover your most attractive and vibrant you!

Even though it isn’t your big day, you’ll still be expected to put your best foot forward when your close friend ties the knot. Being a groomsman isn’t just about being selected as one of your friend’s wingmen at his wedding; this role also comes with a lot of responsibilities that you’ll need to keep in mind as you kick back and relax. Check out our top 10 tips for being the best groomsman you can be when you’re called upon to fulfill this important function.

1. Show up Looking Nice

There’s no such thing as a grungy groomsman. If you show up not looking your best, there’s no doubt that someone with a conscience will ask you to go home or clean up. To avoid any potential embarrassment, it’s important to make sure that you look nice before you show up to the event.

In all likelihood, you will have attended a wedding rehearsal the night before, and you already know the types of clothes you’ll be wearing and the degree of decorum that’s to be expected. Even if you’re well-rehearsed in the aesthetic requirements of the day, it’s still possible to slip up at the real event, so don’t let your guard down.

If you have a beard, consider trimming it, and if you don’t, make sure you shave in the morning and put on a nice-smelling (but not too overpowering) aftershave. Men often overlook their nails, but if you have any dirt or grime under your fingernails, you’ll need to clean it out. In fact, it’s best to simply cut your nails on the day of the wedding or the night before to make sure that there are no places for grime to hide.

Make sure that your face is pimple-free, lightly moisturize your skin, and most importantly, make sure that your hair is up to par. While you don’t want to overshadow the groom’s epic haircut, you also don’t want to show up looking shaggy.

2. Be a Grown-up

Your friend’s wedding is going to be an exciting event. There will be lots of people you haven’t seen for a long time, and as the gang starts coming together, you guys might feel the urge to get up to your old hijinks and start roughhousing like a bunch of tournament winning high school buddies.

However, you’re all men now, and it’s important to convey an air of gravitas as you help your friend prepare for one of life’s biggest journeys. No one expects you to act like you’re at a funeral, but tossing the groom into a fountain is off-limits too. As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid doing anything that will mess up your clean-cut looks or your outfit (especially if you’ve rented a tux).

This rule even applies to the way you sound. Don’t go so far as to be demure, but try not to laugh too loudly, and fart jokes are definitely party fouls when you’re a groomsman. Stay your buoyant self, but save most of the silliness for the reception where you can let loose a little more.

3. Monitor Your Drinking

If your friend’s wedding is anything like similar events, there will be lots of booze flowing around. With champagne flutes on every table, or a bucket of silver bullets depending on the type of wedding you’re at, it will be your base instinct to pick a new one up whenever you drain the flute you have. However, this tactic can quickly lead to a level of inebriation that’s unbecoming of a man who has been selected to be a groomsman.

It’s true that a little bit of alcohol will loosen you up and help you interact with other guests, but there’s a limit to how loose you should get. If you can, limit yourself to a single drink every hour, and whatever you do, make sure to keep a close watch on your intake and observe yourself for any signs of excess drunkenness.

If it comes right down to it, remember the location of the nearest bathroom or private space where you can escape to sober up for a few minutes. Don’t forget that losing your lunch in a public area means you’ve failed as a wingman whether you’re out at the club or your best friend’s wedding.

4. Don’t Be Embarrassing

As a groomsman, you’re expected to be excited and have fun. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should blurt things out at random just to show what a great time you’re having. Everyone remembers being at a groan-worthy wedding where every groomsman’s speech was laced with profanity and bodily humor.

Even if all of your buddies are getting on the embarrassment train, hold yourself back. When you look at the wedding videos later and see that you were the only one to keep your cool, you’ll be able to pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

5. Be Aware of Cameras

Cameras are everywhere at weddings, and the last thing you want is to have a bunch of videos of you picking at your crotch or with your finger in your nose. While you should be on the lookout for candid cameras, you should also be aware of photos and videos being taken near you for another reason.

As an integral player in the wedding, you’ll be expected to take part in a variety of photo opportunities, and you definitely won’t be the only one who gets left out of important pictures or who slows everyone else down as you stumble toward your designated spot in the frame. While you might get sick of all the pictures after a while, remember that you’ll treasure those snapshots for years to come.

6. Prepare a Statement

Like it or not, you’ll be expected to say something in front of everyone at some point during the celebration. While you might not be used to public speaking, you’ll still need to come up with a witty, poignant, and to-the-point statement that will encapsulate your history with and feelings for the groom.

It definitely isn’t a good idea to wing it, but it’s an even worse idea to recite a dry and boring speech that doesn’t sound as good out loud as it does on paper. As you write, practice reading your statement aloud, and add embellishment to any areas that you think could sound better.

When pressed to keep everybody entertained, many groomsmen make the mistake of going for shock value and saying something raunchy. Don’t be that guy. This is an important occasion for your friend, and you don’t want to be remembered as the groomsman who ruined it by humiliating the groom or the bride.

7. Be Sociable

As a groomsman, you’ll be expected to be a social butterfly. Members of the wedding party have the responsibility of maintaining social cohesion throughout a wedding, and you’ll need to do your part by introducing yourself to as many guests at the party as possible. Compliment all of the young ladies on their dresses, and offer to get drinks or snacks for any tottering grandmas you see wandering around. In short, be the pillar of the celebration, and show your manliness by shouldering social responsibility in as many ways as possible.

However, there’s a point where being sociable goes too far. Don’t insert yourself into situations where you aren’t invited, and whatever you do, don’t make things awkward. Stay approachable and friendly, but be wary of becoming friendlier than other people can handle.

8. Reminisce within Reason

As you make small talk with the other guests at the wedding, you won’t need to limit your conversation to sports or the weather. You are a groomsman, after all, which means that you’re expected to know a thing or two about the groom.

Prepare a couple of fun anecdotes to tell as you ingratiate yourself with guests on both sides of the aisle. Childhood memories, sporting adventures, and other PG-rated escapades are all fair game. Try to leave out tales of drinking and carousing, however; they tend to leave a bad taste in the mouth of the guests you’re trying to impress at your buddy’s wedding.

9. Don’t Forget to Say Thank You

You’ve been given a great honor by being made a groomsman. The groom has recognized you as an asset to his wedding, and the bride has made it apparent that she likes you enough to go along with the plan. Don’t forget to thank the bride and the groom, and while you are at it, thank their parents too.

10. You’ll Need to Give a Gift Too

As a groomsman, you’re part of the wedding party, but you’re still a guest. Forgetting to bring a gift to your friend’s wedding is a big faux pas, but it’s even worse to get a present that’s just for the groom. Make sure that the gift you choose is something that both the bride and the groom will love equally.