Mens Grooming

What’s the best fragrance to wear on a date?

Posted on by dansinnott

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We all know women love the smell of fragrance on a man. In fact, one study by the famous Kinsey Institute in America found ladies who smelled a male fragrance while fantasising about an erotic experience became more sexually aroused due to the aroma. The erotic effect of choosing the right eau de toilette, then, is far from just a marketing gimmick.

If you’re after summer perfumes to take that tinder date to the next level, it’s most certainly important to get all the senses titillated. But, remember, not all scents are created equal in the sensuality stakes. Eau de toilettes from the ‘oriental’ family of fragrances – characterised by notes of wood, gum resin and sweet notes such as vanilla – tend to be the sexiest, holding her attention in a way that bright, citrusy fragrances don’t.

Choosing the right cologne for you isn’t quite as difficult as, say, disarming a field of landmines. On the other hand, choosing the wrong cologne can blow up on you in less obvious ways, including the fact that you may offend that very individual you’re trying to impress!

You don’t want to be that guy; the one who creates actual distance between himself and others, and ruins a potentially hot evening before the flame ignites. Choose wisely. As they say, knowledge is power, and we hope to provide you with the kind of knowledge that makes your buying choice easier – and appropriate.

With that in mind, before heading off on your date and wanting to ‘woo’ her whole heartedly, here are 6 things to consider before you choose the fragrance for the big night…

  1. DO A PATCH TEST

Never buy a cologne, perfume, or eau de toilette without first trying it on your skin. It’s one thing to do the bottle-sniff test, but another to put it on your skin and allow to interact with your skin chemistry. And how it smells on your skin is slightly different than how it smells on the next guy’s skin, and the next guys, and … you get the picture.

  1. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS (AND YOUR NOSE AND STOMACH)

You can do a ton of research, read reviews, look at labels, and find out plenty of detail about the base notes and to notes of each fragrance. Not that it’s bad information, but how you react to its scent is an emotion, one you won’t find on a label. Trust your instincts.

  1. TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU

Or, even if you do trust your instincts, why not bring someone with you, especially a significant other or trusted female friend? Let’s cut the b.s., one of the reasons you wear cologne is that it’s a seduction tool. We’re not saying that cologne guarantees that you’ll get laid, but its good to have every tool (pun intended) at your disposal. Or, bring a man. Just make sure it’s someone you trust enough to tell you that a certain cologne works on your skin or it doesn’t.

  1. COMPOSITION

“Composition” refers to the different elements that make up a scent, such as notes of leather or sandalwood, and the best colognes typically have a unique composition that separates them from the rest. It’s tough to judge composition and what you see on the label is often written by marketers.

The composition is another reason to test a fragrance with a sample that you leave on for up to 15 minutes. By then, the initial notes have gone and you’re much closer to experiencing the cologne’s overall scent – the scent that’s going to last you through the day.

  1. THE SEASON

Experts advise that you change your fragrance for each season. For example, summer-appropriate scents are fresh, fruity and floral, while wood and spice scents – the kind that “warm” you up – are best when the temperatures start to drop.

  1. WHAT YOU EAT MAY INFLUENCE WHAT YOU WEAR

Experts even suggest that the cologne you wear should complement what you eat: if you eat a lot of spicy food, you probably have a weaker sense of smell and taste than the next guy. So, buy a cologne that has a bit of spice to it.

 

Is your skincare routine right for your skin type?

Posted on by dansinnott

Bulldog Skincare for Men, Skincare, Skin, Men's Grooming, Men's Skincare, Men's Skincare types

Your skin is your biggest organ, it regularly gets scratched, heated, cooled, bruised and burnt. Because your skin is the first defence against the environment, it plays a big role in protecting your body from the elements, keeps your immunity levels up by protecting against pathogens, virus and bacteria. It also has to regulate your temperature.

Skin constantly regenerates and renews itself. The outer layer, called the epidermis, is as thin as a pencil line. It consists of a protective layer of skin cells that continually sheds and gives way to new cells. Below the epidermis are the dermis and hypodermis, two layers that produce the oil, collagen, and elastin that give your skin support, elasticity, and shine.

On top of that it is also one of your main erogenous zones, yet much of the time your skin is not given any thought or much care. Perhaps it’s time to change that, after all, how good you look depends on how well you take care of it.

SKIN CARE FOR MEN

For many men skincare is an unknown quantity, although most men know that they should be taking some sort of care for their skin, many are a little uncomfortable talking about or acting on any skin care issues as it is seen as a bit too feminine. After all that’s what women do, discuss skincare and anti-aging products, wrinkle cream etc. But any switched-on guy will know that they should be making the best of the skin they have. Although skincare products have historically been designed for women, times have changed and there are now many products that are designed just for men’s skin types.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Bulldog Skincare who are stocked at MMUK, to bring you a guide on how Bulldog Skincare can be your one stop shop for skin care products.

HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TYPE

There are 4 basic skin types: oily, dry, combination and normal, but be aware that your skin type will change from time to time and you will have different needs depending on the time of year, if you are under stress, or as you age.

DRY & SENSITIVE SKIN

Bulldog Skincare for Men, Skincare, Skin, Men's Grooming, Men's Skincare, Men's Skincare types

Skin is tight, drawn, flaky with a dull complexion. Dry skin can lack elasticity and be extremely sensitive to the sun, wind, and cold temperatures. Dry skin occurs when the dermis does not secrete enough oil, or sebum. Often people with dry skin change frequently from normal to dry then back again.

Solutions to dry and sensitive skin

  • Wear suncream: sun damage makes skin less and less able to hold moisture or feel smooth
  • Moisturise: good moisturisers should have antioxidants, water-binding agents, and anti-inflammatory ingredients
  • Keep applying moisturiser: If your skin really is dry you can’t use too much. Whenever your skin starts feeling dry, put more on
  • Avoid products that are drying: do not use a soap, cleanser or any product that leaves a dry feeling on your skin. Avoid products with harsh ingredients such as alcohol. Do not over scrub skin
  • Avoid taking long showers: Too much water is bad for skin, it breaks down the skin’s protective covering
  • Exfoliate: increases skin cells turn over giving a more natural, youthful appearance, removing the build-up of old skin cells and replacing them with newer, smoother ones
  • Use a face mask: use a moisturising mask once a week. to revitalise and hydrate the skin.

See products for Dry & Sensitive Skin here. 

OILY SKIN

Bulldog Skincare for Men, Skincare, Skin, Men's Grooming, Men's Skincare, Men's Skincare types

Oily skin can change from day to day, depending on the elements. This type of skin appears as shiny, thick, or slightly waxy, often oily skin has coarse pores and pimples and other blemishes. It is prone to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. In this type of skin, the oil-producing sebaceous glands are overactive and produce excess oil and lipids than is needed. The oil gives the skin a greasy shine, the skin pores are enlarged and the skin has a coarse look.

Solutions for oily skin

  • Keep your face as clean as possible, cleansing two or even three times daily
  • Exfoliate several times a week, this will stop pores from clogging
  • Avoid using products that over dry skin, this paradoxically causes your skin to produce even more oil than usual
  • Wash in tepid water, hot water can strip your skin of needed moisture, while cold water can shock your skin
  • Use noncomedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens, they are oil-free and won’t clog
    pores
  • Use a clay mask once a week this will drain excess oil and clear build-up from clogged pores.

See products for Oil Control here.

COMBINATION SKIN

This can be a mixture of all the basic types, usually the differences are in the T-zone that crosses the forehead and down the nose and chin.

Treatment for combination skin

  • Look for products that normalise your skin, such as those that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs or fruit acids) or retinols, a vitamin A derivative. (Don’t use AHAs at the same time as shaving the combination could cause irritation)
  • Try different products for different areas and follow the tips above in the areas they are needed.

NORMAL SKIN

Bulldog Skincare for Men, Skincare, Skin, Men's Grooming, Men's Skincare, Men's Skincare types

Normal skin is the ideal state for your skin to be in, to keep it this way:

  • Cleanse twice a day
  • Moisturise twice a day
  • Exfoliate once a week
  • Use a mask to give your skin an added lift when needed
  • Use sunscreen to stop harmful UV rays ageing your skin.

Shop original products here. 

YOUR SKIN AS IT AGES

Bulldog Skincare for Men, Skincare, Skin, Men's Grooming, Men's Skincare, Men's Skincare types

One important note about skin is that it changes as you age. The skin will get thinner, dryer, and will get more sensitive as you age, so it is important that you re-visit any products you use as your needs could change and your current products may no longer be effective.

Lots of men have at least some idea that they need to take care of their skin. But in the Western world, most guys are about as comfortable discussing skin care or seeming concerned about looking good as they are with holding a woman’s purse while she shops. This aversion doesn’t change the fact that, just like women, most men need help to take the best care of their skin—they absolutely shouldn’t ignore skin care.

See products for Anti-Ageing here.

The battle with going bald

Posted on by dansinnott

Going bald, battle with being bald, hair loss, men's hair, man looking in mirror checking hair, high street gent

Grooming do’s and don’t for the “follicly challenged.”

So you’re noticing a bit more hair in your hand when running your fingers through your luscious locks. No need to panic yet. The average person loses around 100 hairs per day – but if you’re suddenly struck with anxiety that you’re going bald, and you’ll inherit the nickname “cue ball” in a few years, listen up.

Step 1: Find a picture of yourself from a few years ago. Make sure your hairline is clearly visible in the picture.

Step 2: Take a current picture of yourself (make sure it’s similar lighting to the other picture) and compare your hairlines. Check around the temples, the most common area men begin to show recession.

If your hairline isn’t retreating, congrats! If you’re not so lucky and your four head turned into more of a “five head”, don’t stress. It’s not a huge deal. Just make sure you’re not committing the common mistakes many balding men make while trying to disguise their thinning hair.

Mistake 1: Growing Your Hair Out to Hide Lack of Volume

Growing your hair too long on the sides may make thinning hair on the top of your head more apparent. Hair on the top almost always succumbs to baldness before the sides, hence the very common “shiny head with hairy sides” look oh so many older gentlemen like to wear. So growing out the mane will most likely create a very uneven hair-do. It’s also important to note that styling your hair in the opposite direction it falls naturally can make hair appear thinner. Aka no comb-overs, dudes. Instead, head to your barber and ask for a short-all over look, like a badass buzz cut.

Mistake 2: Overusing Hair Products

A lot of guys aren’t aware of the different types of products and the varying effects it has on hair. Here’s a quick overview from GQ’s Best Hair Products for men 2017.

Wax: High hold, low to medium shine

Paste: Medium hold, light shine when applied dry High hold, medium shine when applied damp

Pomade: Medium hold, high shine

Styling Cream: Light hold, light shine

Gel: High Hold, High Shine

Salt Spray: Volume, texture, definition

Dry Shampoo: Volume, texture, mattifying

Bonus tip: “Don’t over-product your hair. I see a lot of guys using way too much hair product on their hair, where you can see flakes or white residue. It’s not necessary.” -Carola Gonzalez, celebrity groomer

Salt spray and dry shampoo are the winners for someone looking to incorporate a little product into their thin hair. A lot of the other products can weigh down your hair, which is not ideal for the “follicly challenged” bunch. The salt spray and dry shampoo absorb the excess oils in your hair, adding volume and texture. Speaking of ‘poo, this brings me to mistake number 3.

Mistake 3: Using the wrong shampoo

The number one thing you can do while you still have a head of hair is to start using DHT blocking shampoo. The reality is that hair loss in men is mainly caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male steroid hormone. The powerful sex hormone is great for growing an epic beard or chest afro, but has quite the opposite effect for the hair on your scalp. Your body produces DHT as a byproduct of testosterone through the 5α-Reductase enzyme, an enzyme whose job is to convert a certain percentage of your testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in tissue such as the skin, liver, prostate and hair follicles. So if you’re genetically susceptible to hair loss, the DHT enzyme can bind to receptors in your hair follicles and cause them to shrink, weaken and eventually die. Although DHT shampoo doesn’t regrow hair, it’s a great proactive approach to stop balding in its track.

If your hair is past the point of no return, try out minoxidil – a topical hair regrowth treatment. Minoxidil is a common treatment for male pattern hair loss because it works by creating an ideal growth environment for your existing hair follicles. Just a heads up, if going the minoxidil route, you may encounter hair shedding at first because older hairs as new hair follicles are entering a new growth cycle.

Mistake 4: Not utilising your epic beard growing abilities.

As previously discussed, The powerful sex hormone, DHT can cause disasters on the top of your head. Ironically enough, DHT is also responsible for promoting the growth of hair on your face, chest, back and other areas. So take advantage of your superpowers and rock an epic beard or chest afro. Just make sure to keep your beard groomed by following a few simple steps. Long story short, keep it neat and trimmed with the right tools, shampoo it every now and then, and incorporate some beard oil to give it a nice and majestic look!

5 Beard care tips for an awesome beard

Posted on by dansinnott

5 beard care tips, beards, high street gent, best beard, beard man, beard comb, men's grooming

Before I grew my first beard, I had no idea what went into beard care. I figured that you just stopped shaving one day and let nature take its course.

I was totally wrong!

Now I know that taking care of a beard isn’t as easy as I once thought. It’s not difficult, either, but you do have to spend some time on it.

I’ve dealt with a scraggly beard, a beard that stopped growing at a certain point and a beard that wouldn’t fill out the way that I wanted it to. Over time, I’ve developed a routine that has optimized my beard growth and helped me feel confident sporting facial hair. I’m sharing my top five beard care tips with you today so that you can hold your hairy head high.

5 Beard Care Tips

The hair on our beards tends to be coarser, drier and ‘wirier’ than the hair on our heads. Facial hair needs a little TLC to stay in place and look presentable. If we don’t take care of our beards, the skin beneath them can also suffer.

Brush Your Beard

Combs and brushes will keep your beard free of tangles. Brushing keeps your beard tidy and clean because it removes dead skin cells, dirt, food particles and more stuff that your beard has accumulated throughout the day.

Brushing your beard also helps distribute the natural oils, preventing a greasy look and nourishing your hair. It can also prevent ingrown hairs.

When you brush your beard on a regular basis you’re basically training it to grow the way you want it to – so if you want your beard to grow in a certain direction just brush it in that direction.

Brushes with natural bristles are gentle on the skin but tough enough to get through my beard hair. I don’t recommend using plastic drugstore combs, these will do more harm than good. Combs that are designed for beard care have smoother teeth and won’t snag your facial hair.

You don’t have to overdo the brushing. Working a comb through your beard too often can damage the hair and create split ends.

To brush your beard, start at the bottom, working your way up toward the chin and cheeks. This will separate the hair and will make your beard look more voluminous. After the initial combing and separating, you can style your beard by combing it in the direction in which you want it to fall. Comb your mustache to the sides so that it doesn’t get in your mouth.

Tip: Use a beard brush to distribute beard oil after applying it to your beard.

Use Beard Oil

Whenever you start to grow a beard, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll go through the dreaded itching phase. Using beard oil helps prevent or reduce irritation, it moisturizes, nourishes and conditions both your skin and facial hair. It has many benefits.

A healthy beard grows best from healthy skin. Moisturizing and nourishing your skin with natural oil allows your skin and facial hair to stay healthy.

The oils can nourish the hair deep within the follicle. This is a bonus for those of us who want our beards to grow quickly and to their full potential.

When it comes down to it, beard oil makes your facial hair look better. A beard looks cleaner when it’s glossy and shiny. It’s less frizzy when it’s well moisturized. It also smells better when you use beard oil.

Plus, oil makes your beard softer. There’s nothing worse than wearing what feels like steel wool on your face. To top things off, the ladies love a soft beard!

Note: If you want to style your beard, consider getting a beard balm, some balms will condition and moisturize your beard, you will also be able to style it (depends on the balm).

Wash Your Beard

You don’t need to care for your beard in the same way that you take care of your hair. Of course, you want your beard to smell good and stay clean, but you don’t need wash it every day. Washing it too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, and dry your skin.

Everyone is different, however. Some people can use a daily washing, but I recommend washing it 1-2 times a week

Long beards require more maintenance, but they don’t need to be washed every day. The natural oils help moisturize and protect them.

Make sure you pick a product that is designed for beards, which means it’s natural and doesn’t contain chemicals. It doesn’t matter if you’re using beard shampoo or beard soap it’s all about what you like.

Trim & Style Your Beard

If you’re just starting out, you need some patience. I suggest to leave your beard alone and just let it grow for at least 8 weeks.

After 8 weeks, if you feel like your beard needs a trim then you can trim it a bit to make it look presentable. Your beard doesn’t grow uniformly and at the same rate, so by trimming it you can make it look good while keeping growing it out.

Make sure you have beard scissors, they allow to cut just a millimeter at a time and be precise. You can use the scissors to trim your mustache as well.

Some people prefer to use beard trimmer to keep their beards short. Make sure you start with a higher guard and not lower guard, you can always trim more if you think it’s too long.

You should also trim your cheeks and necklines. These lines define your face so you should be careful when doing it. You can use electric clippers or a razor to style them.  There’s no right way for the cheek lines, it depends on how your beard is and what’s the style you’re looking for. As for the neck line try to imagine a ‘U’ shape from your ears down and above your Adam’s apple, you should cut everything below it.

Men’s Journal provides these tips:

  • Trim the top, the tips of the whiskers, rather than cutting into the beard.
  • Work from the sideburns down.
  • If a beard is short, use clippers; if it’s long, use scissors and a comb.
  • Comb a small amount of moustache wax through a beard to shape, style, and hold.

Bio: Jason Hall blogs at Wisebeards.com about everything manly – With a strong passion for men’s grooming and self-improvement of all kinds.

Common shaving mistakes & how to avoid them

Posted on by dansinnott

Harry's, Shaving, Men's Grooming, Grooming, Shave, High Street Gent

As avid followers, you know we’re keen on ensuring you look and feel your best for a good price. As our avid followers, you also know that you shave and have your different approach to it. The question is, is your way, the best way?

If you’ve been living under a rock for the past 6 months, you’ll have not heard of Harry’s…if you’ve been running around town, you will have.

Harry’s believe that you shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to the products you use, so they’ve designed a grooming brand to be effective and to provide a great experience. The team of more than 600 engineers, designers, craftsmen, and chemists make Harry’s products from the finest materials and ingredients to ensure they perform as well as they possibly can.

We have to agree with what they mention in their mission statement. The craftsmanship of their razor, meant the razor glided over our skin and provided a neat shave. They’re so committed to a good shave, they’ve helped us devise these mistakes you may be encountering when shaving, and how to avoid them.

Mistake One: Poor Skin Prep
Many men and women don’t prep their skin appropriately before shaving. Splashing a few drops of water on your skin doesn’t do the trick, and over prepping can cause your skin to become irritated. Men with a bushy beard or heavy stubble do require a little more prep, but generally, prepping your skin doesn’t have to be complicated.

How to Avoid: Gentlemen, shave either during or right after a warm shower. Ladies, try to stick to shaving in the shower. The steam from the hot water allows the outer layer of your hair to soften, giving you a much cleaner and safer shave. If you have a beard, be sure to use an electric razor (set on low) to trim your hair before shaving.

Harry's, Shaving, Men's Grooming, Grooming, Shave, High Street Gent

Mistake Two: Not Paying attention to Grain Pattern
If you don’t know which way your hair grows, chances are you’re irritating your skin when you shave.

How to avoid: When your hair is growing out, slide your fingers across your skin so you can physically feel which way your hair grows. When you shave, you want to first shave in the direction your hairs because the hair is still long. Your second pass should go against the grain, since the hair will be shorter, thus relieving your skin from any tugging.

Mistake Three: Too Much Pressure
Despite popular the belief that pressing down harder will give you a closer shave, it actually leads to lots of painful cuts and nicks.

How to avoid: Gently glide your razor across your skin, being careful to avoid too much pressure. Using shaving cream can help the razor move smoothly, giving you a much closer shave.

Mistake Four: Using Too Much Or Too Little Shaving Cream
Not using the appropriate amount of shaving cream can have the same irritable consequences as not prepping your skin correctly. Too much shaving cream will cause your skin to become too slimy, leading to a higher risk for cuts. On the other hand, too little shaving cream will not allow your hair to soften up, leading to a rougher shave.

How to avoid: Always use an almond sized portion of shaving cream. If the area you’re shaving is larger, then it’s okay to add a little more, but be careful not to add a lot more.

*Helpful tip: Shaving creams that also provide hydration, like Harry’s shaving gel will give you soft skin and a smooth shave.

Harry's, Shaving, Men's Grooming, Grooming, Shave, High Street Gent

Mistake Five: Using Products Not Made For Shaving

Using body wash, soap, and shower gel can seem like a nice alternative when you’re out of shaving cream. However, products that are not designed especially for shaving can cause trauma to your skin and razor. Soap removes dirt and oils from your skin, contributing to a rougher shave.

How to avoid: Stick to products that are made for shaving

Mistake Six: Improperly Storing Your Razor

If you leave your razor on the shower ledge or bathroom sink, you’re accelerating the dulling process of your razor. Bacteria and excess water will quickly diminish the blade. However, leaving it in a drawer or cabinet can lead to the growth of bacteria.

How to avoid: Invest in a quality razor stand, such as this one. It’s designed especially for keeping your razor above water and bacteria, letting it dry before your next use.

Mistake Seven: Using An Old Blade

Using a dull razor is the easiest way to end up with lots of cuts and nicks, no matter how well you prep your skin.

How to avoid: You should be changing out your blades every 6-8 shaves. While that may seem like a lot of runs to the store, subscription services like Harry’s ensure you receive quality razors right to your door. You can even customize your own delivery schedule based on how often you shave, so you never have to worry about when to change out your blade again.

Try Harry’s for yourself and make practice, perfection. Start your trial for only £3.95 here.

Shaving, Razor, Glasses, Wash Bag, Grooming regime, Shave

Men’s hair and beard trends for 2018

Posted on by dansinnott

Now we’ve taken our first steps into 2018, AND we’ve got January and the skintest month of the year out the way, we can’t help but wonder what it might bring: A smooth and effortless Brexit withdrawal? Don’t hold your breath. How about jetpacks? We hope so. Perhaps a full blown Twitter war will break out? With Trump around, who knows!

Here at The Bluebeards Revenge, the one thing we can accurately predict is the amazing hair and beard trends that the next 12 months will bring. Below, we’ve asked some of Britain’s most influential barbers to embrace their clairvoyant sides and provide the all-important hair and beard insights for 2018.

Is long hair coming back into fashion?

“Recently I’ve had quite a few clients asking to keep their length on both the top and the sides,” says Adam Rossington-Smith of Scissor and Comb UK. “This opens up 2018 to some very versatile styles, with a blend of clean tapered edges and soft, textured waves on top.”

What does this mean for the super popular fade styles of 2017?

Adam says: “I highly doubt that we will see a massive reduction of fades next year. Part of the reason they became so popular was because they are clean and super easy to maintain, and lots of men still don’t like the thought of having to prune too much.”

Meanwhile, Tom Chapman, award-winning barber and founder of the Lions Barber Collective charity, believes that, “fades will remain fashionable, but more men will start to favour tapers; looking for a finish that is less sharp. More men will start to ask for their edges to be left a little more natural too.”

What hairstyling products will be in popular demand for 2018?

Adam says: “Medium and long hairstyles will give men more opportunities to experiment with products. Personally, sea salt sprays are my absolute favourite right now. They add texture and a light hold to fine hair, and volume to thicker hair. They help to create a natural look as well, which is very fashionable right now and will continue to dominate throughout 2018.

““Volumizing powders have become a big hit for men seeking a natural look too. They’re easy to use and pretty cost effective – a 10 gram container should easily bulk up flat styles for a few months.”

Tom says: “With the right education, I think a lot of men could return to hair gels this year. As a product, modern hair gels are massively undervalued for their styling capabilities: softer gels can be used as pre-styling products to give styles structure all day and barbers often use them while sectioning medium and long hair.”

[The Bluebeards Revenge Sea Salt Spray: https://www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk/product/the-bluebeards-revenge-sea-salt-spray-200ml/]

Will barbers struggle with any of the new trends?

Adam, who graduated from Toni & Guy before specialising in barbering, says: “Barbers who have joined the industry in the last few years will probably find themselves facing styles that they have never really had to deal with.

“Shorter styles have dominated the barbering scene for so long now that new barbers have likely had little experience with anything longer than a clipper cut on the sides.

“Of course, with longer haircuts comes the chance to learn endless new techniques for adding texture and creating movement. The new fashions will help barbers to develop their scissor skills and will provide practice in handling and sectioning longer hair. They will also show the importance of proper blow drying techniques and require a better understanding of less conventional styling products.”

2018 beard trends

With the trends for the hair on our heads covered, it’s time to concentrate on the stubble and scruff that sprouts from our chins.

Will beards still be popular in 2018?

The masculinity, maturity and respect that beards give to men means they will never completely fall out of fashion, no matter how far into the future we go. Simon ‘Bones’ Bethel, from Sandyman Chop Shop in Exeter, believes we will still continue to see a steady flow of beards throughout 2018. He said: “While there are fewer men sporting big bushy beards these days, we still do a lot of short beard trims in the Chop Shop. I don’t expect this to change for 2018.”

Beard styles for 2018

Over the past few years, rough-cut, lumberjack styles have dominated the look books, but the next 12 months will see changes according to Bones. “Men are starting to wear their beards shorter and with more shape,” he said. “These styles mean that creating strong cheek lines with razors, and tapering these into the sideburns and hair line will be the way forward.”

As beards get shorter, designer stubbles are likely to gain a little more traction too. Ex-serviceman and current Master Barber Liam Hamilton, from Hamilton’s Barbershop in Cornwall, says these looks are “ideal for men who want to add a little masculinity to their look.” They also work particularly well for men who are attempting to achieve a more “rugged” style, without the same timely maintenance of a full beard.

Beard products for 2018

“The men’s grooming market is receiving huge investments at the moment, and products that were previously unknown to men are now becoming essentials,” said Managing Director of The Bluebeards Revenge, David Hildrew. “Now, more than ever, men are taking an invested interest in their appearance and this is causing beard oils, brushes and waxes to boom in popularity.”

Liam, a bearded barber himself, says: “The best beards have a shine and healthiness to them that can only be created with high-quality beard oils. A few drops of oil, combed through from the roots to the tips, will enhance any man’s beard and leave it smelling irresistible.”

[The Bluebeards Revenge Classic Blend Beard Oil: https://www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk/product/the-bluebeards-revenge-classic-blend-beard-oil-50ml/]

Moustache styles for 2018

2018 might just be the year for full and fuzzy moustaches. Finally, they’re seen less like Charlie Bronson’s and more like Tom Selleck’s.

“The humble moustache can help to add balance to the right man’s face, soften a more dominant jawline, and compliment a man’s eyebrows,” says Liam.

However, lots of men still struggle to confidently wear this facial accessory. “If you’re lacking the confidence to wear a moustache in 2018, why not wait until Movember comes around? Then you can hide in the crowd,” suggests Liam. “Or, if you’re feeling brave, try growing your stubble out around it. This helps to frame your moustache and won’t leave your face feeling so isolated and bare.”

For the most up-to-date hair and beard trends, and for 2018’s most sought after products, visit www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk.

How to Handle Going Bald

Posted on by dansinnott

Man going bald in the mirror - image from Idle Man
When you have hair it’s easy to choose a hair style and try different things. What do you do if you’re someone who’s beginning to bald or is bald? First of all, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you’re going to look bad bald.

That’s the biggest misconception and we’re going to show you how to handle going bald. You’ll enjoy the many options you have that pairs with balding.

Bring Out the Accessories

Going bald boils down to having one less thing to work with in your overall style. You need to find something else to replace what’s missing. Accessories are the easiest and quickest option to make up for a lack of hair.

Glasses – this option can change your style a lot. Even if you don’t need a prescription glass you can use sunglasses and normal glasses just for their looks. It’s easy to get multiple pairs to match your appearance, make you look smart, or sporty glasses.

Hats – another easy option that you can match with many different styles. Pick yourself up a couple different types of hats for different occasions. Just stay away from the fedora, though, please no fedora.

Jewelry – this option isn’t as helpful as the others but does play a helping role. Usually, some light jewelry combined with a hat or glasses. The key is to make it a small additional touch and to not wear a lot of jewelry or something that stands out to much.

Facial Hair

One of the biggest things you can do for the greatest impact to pair with going bald is a beard. A beard will help you look great while going bald.

If you’re unsure what kind of beard will look good on you the best go to is your standard full beard. Give it 2 months of full growth and then trim it with a #3 hair clipper guard will usually give you a nice beard. There are many reasons to be bald with a beard and you must admit the facial hair looks great on other bald men you’ve seen.

Look at the celebrity examples out there. Plenty of examples of men with no hair and facial hair in the celebrity world.

Benefits to Being Bald

Man shaving head going bald in the mirror

Time and Money – Once shaving your head becomes routine you’ll no longer need to see a barber. Think of the amount of time and money you’ll save overall. Comparing the cost to shaving your head compared to trying to regrow hair through products or surgery it starts to not look so bad.

Women Like It – While going bald isn’t the best way to attract females you must admit they do love it. Women like men who are confident and being confident enough to embrace your baldness is attractive.

Masculine – When you’re bald you immediately gain this illusion of dominance. It just comes with the territory and you look more masculine. What guy wouldn’t want to appear even slightly more masculine without putting in much effort?

Before You Go!

I hope this article put a new spin on being bald for you. It’s really nothing to worry about and not something you should try to fight off. If you’ve been dealt the bald card with genetics embrace it.

Let us know what you thought about this article and maybe give some of your own tips for being bald below. Thanks for reading.

Author Bio: Wesley is the owner of iManscape.com. A site for men, beards, and manscaping. To see more from him, like this recent post on beard balm or beard oil, visit his website or like iManscape on Facebook.

How to maximize beard growth

Posted on by dansinnott

Man wearing a white tshirt with dark hair and a big beard

This goes down as the most asked beard question going (especially online): “How can I make my beard grow fuller, thicker and faster?”

Well, there’s some good news and bad news. The good news? You can influence the growth of your beard. The bad news? Probably not to the state you would like.

See, the bulk of your beard potential comes down to your age (certainly as you pass through your teenage years), your genetics (might be worth checking out ancestor’s pictures to see how you might fair up) as well as your testosterone levels (which also has an influence on you losing the hair sitting on your head).

So what are some of the things you can to help with growing a beard:

Nutrition

High Street gent - Healthy Food

Like you’ve heard time and time before.

Eating right and getting the nutrition your body (and consequently your beard) needs to stay healthy is a must for making sure your beard grows to its full potential. Follow a diet that’s based on making sure your beard gets exactly what it needs.

Many beardsman take it a step further and take beard supplements to make sure they get everything they need – if that’s a route you want to go down, make sure to fully commit to some research surrounding the product beforehand. Generally, the best route is to always get what you need from what you’re eating.

Exercise

High Street Gent - Maximize your beard

Again, not overly surprising.

From lifting weights to losing weight, both can impact on your testosterone levels that as we said above can influence the quality of your beard growth.

Exercising in general will help to improve the circulation of blood of that is carrying the
supplied nutrition (you just sorted out above) more efficiently to your hair follicles. Plus,
exercise is shown to reduce stress which prohibits and causes your hormone levels to suffer – in turn reducing your maximum beard growth potential.

It might be even be worth getting into a routine of meditating daily to help deal with stress. Be you didn’t you think meditation would be on the cards for improving beard growth, did you?

Sleep

High Street Gent - Maximize your beard growth

Make sure you are getting enough Z’s.

A study conducted back in 1987 looked at the relation between sleep and beard growth. We don’t have to go into the details, however cutting back on your much needed sleep – harms the rate of your potential beard growth.
Aiming for around 7-8 hours a night should see you right.

Now other than radical treatments such as hormone therapy and facial hair transplants, all this will only get your beard so far (basically living a healthy lifestyle).

That said, it’s only half the equation. Since, that’s what can be internally, there are things you can do from an external standpoint too, that can help the beard appear fuller.

Mainly in the of goods specially formulated to help out your beard as well as an alternative styling products too.

Beard Oil

Now, if there’s any one beard product you want to be using, it’s beard oil. It’s a multi purpose styling agent that takes cares of helping to moisturise your beard, provide external nutrition and keeps the foundation of your beard (i.e your skin) fresh too.

Apply daily and you will be giving your beard the perfect habitat for a healthier (and in turn likely to be thicker beard). When you are using it though, apply it in a massaging motion – this can help to stimulate additional hair growth.

Brush

Particularly a boar bristle brush, as soon as your beard is long enough (around an inch or so) you will want to start regularly (about once a day) to brush through your beard.

This helps in quite a few ways: first it helps to separate the hairs so they don’t clump together (in turn making your beard look fuller), spreads sebum (the natural oil that resides on your face) to ensure your beard remains hydrated and well maintained (to avoid breakages and split ends from occurring).

Remember that, alternative styling product, it’s a little unorthodox but it’s worth a go. Try some hair clay on your beard.

Why hair clay?

Unlike the other hair styling products, this one tends contains a rather special ingredient.
Namely, bentonite clay. Not only does it help keep your hairs healthy – what it is particularly great at doing, is helping to add body to hair strands and makes your hair appear thicker.

Use it as a finisher and it will help to give you texture, create a matte effect and help to shape up your beard into place too. Tame down the flyways and bring it back into the bulk of your beard.

The Ultimate Guide to Shaver Options: Which Shaver is the Manliest?

Posted on by dansinnott

Man shaving face in the mirror with electric razor

You will spend about 45 days of your life shaving. That’s 1 092 hours or 65 520 minutes of dragging a blade across your face and watching your beard go down the drain. The latest trend of full beards have picked up quite a bit in the last while. But many men are still clean shaven, either because they don’t like hair sprouting from their face or their employer would frown upon the bushy look.

The Manliest Shaving Method

Since the creation of the first disposable razor and thereafter the electric shaver, lots of men have opted for the convenience of these fancy inventions. But lately men are realizing that it’s not all about buying the cheapest foam and throwaway razor blades.

A lot of men are rediscovering the pleasures of an old-school wet shave with a straight blade razor or safety razors. Add a bit of fancy soap and a cool shaving brush, and you’ve got your very own barbershop at home! The Economist has reported that sales of disposable razors are falling. This includes prominent brands such as Schick and Gillette.

After a while shaving might start feeling like a schlep, a daily chore you are obliged to do. But when you remember that it’s your manly privilege to make hair sprout from your chin, you’ll start looking at shaving a bit differently again. Your daily shaving routine can be a moment of self-indulgence each morning or evening. Take a moment out of your busy daily routine to deliberately slow down and take care of yourself.

There is just something about the traditional straight razor that makes you feel like a real man. They are also sometimes called a “cutthroat” razor, living on the edge of getting it right or slicing your throat open. When you’re done, admiring your clean cut face, it’s a great moment of satisfaction.

You could also opt for a safety razor, which is a little bit less dangerous. You can pop in a fresh blade every few weeks. Both straight and safety razors are much more environmentally-friendly. There’s no plastic involved. And both razor types will give you a closer shave than any electric shaver ever could.

Selecting Your Gear

Shaving & Grooming from ManlyStuff.ie

The following are a few items that will make your straight or safety razor experience more pleasant. The razor, a scuttle and a brush. You can decide whether you want to use shaving soap or just stick with shaving cream from a can. And don’t forget the aftershave to keep the germs away after using an open blade on your face.

The scuttle is also called a “lather bowl”. It basically looks like a flat cup. This one is very important if you will be using soap, you can whip up a lather storm with your brush in it.

Next the shaving brush. Don’t go for the cheapest option you can find. Rather look for a badger or horsehair brush that will last you a lifetime if you look after it properly. You want a brush with a lot of hair packed close together to assist with the lathering process as well as applying the foam to your face.

The sharpening strop is important if you decide to use the straight blade razor. When do you need to sharpen the blade? When it starts pulling your hair out, instead of cutting it.

The debate of shaving soap vs. shaving cream is in the end a personal choice. But if you want to stick with the full-on traditional shaving experience, try investing in a good soap.

And then, selecting the actual razor. The following are a few options, including complete kits with all the gear you need to start experiencing the traditional shaving method.

BOG Shave Ready Straight Razor

A classic straight razor with modern appeal. This is a high quality razor that will offer you the best shave of your life! With the 4” stainless-steel blade you will be able to quickly tame your beard. The blade folds into the handle for convenient storage inside the tin carry case or safely in your bathroom cabinet. You also get a luxurious velvet bag to neatly fit into your suitcase when travelling.

Shop here.

Parker SRB Straight Edge Barber Razor

A professional grade stainless steel blade that is much stronger than cheaper aluminum. The snap/lock blade holder guarantees you insert the blades securely. Five Shark stainless steel half-blades are included with purchase. These are designed to fit in perfectly in straight edge razors. The end of the blade has a rounded tip to minimize cuts.

Shop here.

KingOfHearts™ Classic Barber Beard Shaver

Everything you need to start your traditional shaving experience! The shaver has a classic wooden handle with the straight 6″ stainless steel blade fitting tightly into it. This whole kit has a great vintage feel to it. The synthetic bristle brush will outlast your trial and error lathering attempts. The straight razor sharpening strap is made of split leather that will help you maintain an impeccably sharp razor at all times.

Shop here.

GBS 5 Piece Shaving Set

The set includes a stainless steel barber straight edge shaver and leather case, a badger-hair chrome brush and chrome stand and a chrome shave soap bowl. You also receive 25 free blades plus a GBS soap.  With this razor you can save money on expensive cartridge refills. The razor will not rust or tarnish. The stand is great for drying your brush properly after use.

Shop here.

Be a Man, Put a Naked Blade against Your Skin

Man shaving face in the mirror with electric razor

So, are you brave enough to switch to the traditional shaving method? Or are you too scared you might slice an artery and bleed out while trying to prove your manliness?
Once you’ve experienced the glorious feeling of an ultra-close shave, you won’t go back to any other method. In the beginning you might cut yourself a few times, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you will agree that using a straight edge razor is truly the manliest shaving method of them all.

This article was contributed by Andries from manomics/shaving. Manomics.com is a men’s lifestyle site that focuses on topics such as grooming, health and fitness.

4 tips to help you care for your beard

Posted on by dansinnott

Man in the bathroom caring for his beard with a razor and shaving foam

For men, who already have full beards, another thing that you should remember is to groom it. You have to keep your beard well-maintained if you want to look good with one. If you do not groom your beard, you will end up looking dirty and unkempt. So, if you already have a beard on your face, then you should follow these tips to ensure that it is groomed properly.

1. You can use a comb with scissors to trim your beard hair. Using the comb, you can run its teeth through your beard’s hair. This will detangle your beard, and also let you see which strands need cutting. You can use the comb to separate those long strands, to be able to cut it easier using a pair of scissors.

2. A beard trimmer is an absolute necessity if you plan to groom your beard by yourself. You should buy a good pair of beard trimmers to keep your beard nice and well-maintained. Using a beard trimmer is much easier than using a pair of scissors to cut your beard hair.

3. Wash your beard regularly. Oil and other body secretions can build up in your beard’s hair, and it is important to get rid of these. You should use specialized beard shampoo if you want to properly wash your beard. Using a beard growth cream is also great for your beard and work superb for revitalizing the connections and nutrients. If you do not regularly wash your beard using special shampoo, then your beard will look terrible and smell atrocious.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle if you want a good beard. This means eating right and getting enough sleep. Your body’s health can affect how your beard looks.

It is extremely important that you follow these beard care tips. If you do not maintain your beard, it will have the opposite effect. Instead of making you look mature and attractive, an unkempt beard will put many people off.

 

This article is a guest post by Dylan Lobo at Wild West Beards.