Male Grooming

5 Summer Grooming Tips for Men

Posted on by dansinnott

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

Fellas, are you looking for some summer grooming advice? You’ve come to the right place! We’re sharing a few tips on how to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all season long, with Maximum Style.

Proper skin care is not just for the ladies. It’s an important self-care habit that everyone should adopt—no matter your gender. Of course, caring for your skin should be practiced year-round, but a few steps and products should change with the seasons…summer included. As you enjoy the season of outdoor BBQs and beach days, there are a few necessary adjustments you should make as it relates to caring for your body’s largest organ. From Broad Spectrum sunscreen to lightweight moisturizers, we’re sharing the ultimate summer skin care guide for men, ahead!

TIP #1: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

Keeping the skin clean is a no-brainer year-round, but especially during the hot summer months when dirt and sweat build-up can dull the look of our complexion. By cleansing your skin twice per day (morning and night) with a gentle cleanser, you can help remove unwanted oils, dirt, debris, and impurities that can accumulate throughout the day on the surface of skin, giving way to a cleaner, brighter-looking complexion.

If you plan on shaving, cleansing your face beforehand is an absolute must. Reach for an exfoliating cleanser that can help whisk away dead skin cells from skin’s surface and prep the skin for a smooth shave. For optimal results, use daily as a cleanser or three times per week as a mask.

Use a clean and sharp razor too. This is key to avoiding cuts, nicks and ripping out hairs. A stainless-steel razor will be cooling against your chin and cheek whilst it warm. We’d go for the kind of razor that imitates this, view here.

TIP #2: DON’T SHAVE DRY

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

Need to clean up that 5 o’clock shadow? To avoid irritation and any potential nicks, be sure to lather up your scruff with a shaving gel, foam, or cream. These products provide a slick layer of protection and can help provide a smoother, closer shave. Try Uppercut Deluxe Shave Cream, which offers an easy glide when shaving. Plus, it contains cooling menthol and coconut oil to aid in blemish free control for a fresh finish! All you should do is apply the cream to clean, wet skin. Be sure to rinse your blade after each pass.

TIP #3: MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

After cleansing, exfoliating and/or shaving, it’s important to hydrate your skin. Since shaving can sometimes lead to skin irritation—especially on sensitive skin—we recommend reaching for a moisturizer that considers any post-shaving sensitivity, alcohol-free balm can help hydrate and soothe freshly-shaven skin to provide additional comfort.

If you’re not shaving and prefer a lightweight hydrator and a product that resembles miracle grow,   try Tommy Riots’ Beard Moisturiser. This moisture-enhancing gel formula enriched with Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin without weighing it down, the ultimate benefit for parched summer skin. Feel free to use this gel as you would your regular moisturizer, or as an extra layer of hydration before finishing off with a cream or lotion.

TIP #4: PROTECT AGAINST UV RAYS

During the summer months when we’re spending more time in the sun, it’s important to keep sunscreen on hand at all times. Start your day by applying a facial sunscreen as the last step in your skin care routine and as directed before heading out the door. SPF and provides the skin with a layer of defence from harmful UV rays. To use, apply to face and neck fifteen minutes before sun exposure. Be sure to reapply at least once every two hours, every forty minutes if swimming or sweating, or immediately after towelling off.

TIP #5: STRONG HOLD HAIR POMADE TO WITHSTAND THE HEAT

Summer grooming tips for men, Men's shaving, Men's hair gel, Men's razor, Men's shaver, Men's shaving foam, Men's moisturiser, Clean Men

A good hair care routine is one that’s simple and effective. Arming yourself with the right tools and information about the chemistry of hair is the best first step. No matter what hair type and texture you have, you’ll be able to perform your routine quickly and have great-looking hair.

Summers are a time when your hair tends to grow much faster than usual. This works in your favour and all you need to ensure is that you prevent breakage. Make sure you wash your hair regularly and condition it well. This will keep it in good shape. Choose a product, like Mason’s Pomade, which keeps the moisture locked in, allows your hair to breath, but also lets it move freely whilst securing style. It’ll work whether you’re in town, in the pool or at the beach.

The same applies to your beard and moustache; keep facial hair trimmed or sport a clean-shaven look this summer. Don’t over-shave though! Your skin will be putting up with a lot when temperatures soar and you don’t want to damage it further by shaving every day. Stick to shaving twice a week and trimming when need be.

LASTLY, NOTHING BEATS A SHOWER.

When it comes to dealing with body odour! If you happen to perspire a lot, a daily shower is a must. You might need to shower more than once a day if you perform vigorous exercise. Showering right after your workout will help wash away sweat and prevent your skin from breaking out.

You don’t have to scrub your whole body every time you take a shower; just wash your chest, armpits, genitals, and feet thoroughly as these areas produce more sweat and are responsible for body odour.

Remember to choose mild soaps and cleansers; you don’t need to be harsh on your skin to get rid of the dirt.

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!

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.

The Art of Manliness

Posted on by dansinnott

Man stood in forest in a suit with a bird of prey on his arm

When it comes to male grooming habits, there’s definitely been a shift in attitude over the years. Gone are the days when guys would just roll out of bed, hop into the shower, and be out the door in 5 minutes. Now, they rock a skin care routine that would probably give the average female a run for her money.

With 52% of male consumers considering their appearance to be either important or very important, the male grooming market is rapidly evolving, with cosmetic sales predicted to reach a staggering £121 million by 2018. Brands have recognised the growing market and the need for male-specific products that allow customers to feel comfortable in the beauty aisle. .

Over the years we’ve been fortunate enough to try thousands of male grooming products, from the ridiculously cheap to the ludicrously expensive. And, truth be told, in many cases inexpensive products are just as good as (and sometimes even better than) those that cost ten times as much.

Time was, a man who spent too long in the bathroom was met with a level of scorn and suspicion. Thankfully times have changed, but even now its easy to feel bemused by the overwhelming amount of advice, opinion and small pots filled with expensive goop on the market.

The trick isn’t to spend a fortune on a thousand different products, or to lock yourself in the bathroom for hours at a time. Rather, you should develop a daily routine that is quick and simple, with trusted products.

*Enter Harum-Scarum Male Grooming Range*….this brands straightforward marketing style, range that punches well above it’s weight and tried + tested, shaved off, grown back approach, is one that tops our list.

It’s raw masculinity  emphasises it’s purpose, whilst quality is obviously forefront, from first use to the last drop, it’s a brand that cares for your aging looks.

Here’s what they offer:

The Hair & Beard Shampoo and Conditioner

Men's grooming products lined up on a wooden bench

This is the first dual purpose ‘hair & beard’ shampoo/conditioner we’ve ever come across. Bottled in a generous 200ml bathroom safe plastic bottle, with an easy to use cap for use in the shower. The Shampoo lathers up very well and gets through any grease or hair gel / putty with ease. The fragrance lasted well too, it smells amazing!

Shop here…

Beard & Shaving Sets

Men's wash bag in bathroom ready for shaving

The Harum-Scarum range has both Bearded and Shaved Gent taken care of as they stock a wide range of beard care and traditional shaving products. From beard oils to balms, mustache waxes, moisturiser and shave solution – all of products are priced at rather reasonable £8.95 with the exception of gift sets, which are £49.95 (and come in lovely black gloss gift boxes with an absolute treasure trove of items in).

If you’re after trusting a brand and knowing you’ve got the art of manliness down to a ‘T’, Harum-Scarum is an outstanding male grooming brand and at sensible prices. The beard or shaving gift sets would make great presents (go on treat yourself).

Shop here…

Aftershave

Black bottle of Men's Aftershave in front of Box

For many guys, fragrance is undiscovered territory. After all, cologne is something worn mostly by continental types or, if there’s a ship on the bottle, grandfathers. Right? Wrong. Olfaction actually triggers both emotion and memory far more than sight and sound—so any man who eschews wearing a scent misses out on an important tool in his presentational arsenal.

Of course, telling the right story is essential. Pay too little attention to what you’re wearing, and your aromatic signature might be “teenager after P.E.” So how do you find that perfect match? Well, by getting yourself to a fragrance counter and patiently sniffing around.

How to Shop for a Fragrance

Scents react differently to different body chemistry, so what smells good on someone else won’t smell the same way on you. To properly shop for a fragrance, you’ll actually need to wear it.

To know whether you’ve landed on the right scent, don’t just sit at home sniffing your arms—make it an active day. And smell it accidentally: Suddenly someone brushes by you, you catch a whiff and… it just makes you happy. That’s when you know you’ve found your winner.

So catch a whiff of Harum Scarum here!

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.

The Top 5 Men’s Hairstyles for 2017

Posted on by dansinnott

Young man in the barber's chair having his hair cut in front of a mirror

Premium men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge has teamed up with leading barber Tom Chapman to identify the top five men’s hair styles/trends for the coming year.

“A new hairstyle is one of the easiest and cheapest ways for a man to kick-start his confidence” says Tom Chapman, one of the most sought after barbers in Britain, owner of Tom Chapman Hair Design and co-founder of the Lions Barber Collective.

Below, The Bluebeards Revenge and Tom Chapman outline the top five styles for 2017, what you should ask your barber for and how to maintain the look at home.

Side-Parted Pompadour

An older man with a grey beard in a suit in front of a wood back ground

The pompadour is a classic barbershop cut that’s known for its versatility: it can add professionalism to your office antics, while also presenting a delightful suave to your evenings out.

Ask your barber for:

A tapered cut with plenty of length on top to create the classic pomp look.

How to style at home:

Apply The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste to wet hair as a pre-styling agent.Blow-dry your hair and use The Bluebeards Revenge Quiff Roller to mould your new style into shape making sure to create a side-parting. Finish by applying a small amount of The Bluebeards Revenge Pomade and comb through for the desired effect.

Scissor-Cut Contour

Dapper looking man in suit in front of wood background

With tapered cuts and fades being all the rage, a top-quality scissor-only cut will always stand out from the crowd, especially when it boasts this much texture.

Ask your barber to:

Put the clippers down and use scissors to create a textured look that’s longer on top and shorter on the back and sides.

At home:

Apply The Bluebeards Revenge Sea Salt Spray to wet hair as a pre-styling agent.
Blow-dry your hair and use The Bluebeards Revenge Quiff Roller to create volume and texture on top. Finish by scrunching The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste into your hair for a look that will last all day.

Tapered Crop

Dark haired man with beard in a suit in front of a wood background

The tapered crop is a style that’s easy to maintain on a daily basis, yet has enough texture and personality to leave you feeling on top of the world.

Ask your barber for:

A tapered back and sides that blends into a choppy, textured top.

At home:

Apply The Bluebeards Revenge Sea Salt Spray to wet hair and rough dry with a towel to create a natural look with added texture. Finish by evenly distributing The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Clay from the root up.

Disconnected Slick-Back with Burst Fade

Very smart young man with blazer over his shoulder in front of wood background

This cut sounds a little complicated, but in reality it’s a modern adaptation of the classic slick-back that provides a professional, classy style.

Ask your barber for:

A grade two on the back and sides that fades away to the nape; leave plenty of length on top so that it can be slicked-back to the crown.

At home:

Apply The Bluebeards Revenge Sea Salt Spray to wet hair as a pre-styling agent. Blow-dry the hair straight back towards the crown of the head using The Bluebeards Revenge Quiff Roller. Finish by running your fingers through your hair with The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste for added hold.

Caesar Crop with Surgical Line

A man with a beard wearing a white shirt in front of a wood back drop

The Caesar crop is a classic cut that’s been modelled by many celebrities throughout the years. This adaptation incorporates a surgical line for a more millennial finish.

Ask your barber for:

A drop-fade on the back and sides with a scissor-cut top and a fringe.

At home:

Apply The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste to wet hair and blow-dry it forward towards the fringe using The Bluebeards Revenge Military Brush. Rub a small amount of The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Clay between your palms and fingers and scrunch into the tips of the fringe.

Man having hair cut in the barbers chair by barber man who has tattoos

For more information or grooming tips, head over to twitter and follow The Bluebeards Revenge or Tom Chapman.

Winter Grüuming Tips for Men

Posted on by dansinnott

gruum-header

Winter is well and truly upon us and whilst the majority will have swapped short sleeve tees for jumpers, and denim jackets for parkas, just how many of us have actually thought about the changes we should be making to our grooming routines? The good news is that just a few small changes can make all the difference.

Below are the top tips you can put into place straight away to protect yourself from the elements this winter – tried and tested with the subscription service from Grüum.

Taking care of your skin is the single most important thing you can do for your appearance. Sure, a sense of style helps, but the best clothing in the world can’t cover up unsightly bumps and blemishes. Even if you think you’re a skin care expert — and chances are you’re not — this refresher course from the basic to the advanced will remind you of what you should be including in your skin care regime.

As a man, your skin is unique and using female or unisex products just won’t cut it. The reason for the differences is due to testosterone. The biggest differences are: your skin is 25% thicker than a woman’s, primarily due to having higher collagen density than a woman, providing a stronger structural base for the skin. This means less creasing and folding of the skin, also known as wrinkles.

This is also a big reason why men’s faces hold up better over time, if taken care of.

Exfoliating Face Wash

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Twenty years ago, it was a miracle if men’s grooming including anything more than washing the face with a bar of soap. Unfortunately, using a simple soap is about as bad as doing nothing at all: It can leave your skin taut and thirsty. Instead, use a cleanser that strikes a delicate balance between tough and tender. Look no further that Grüum…for a naturally fresh fragrance gel face wash that’s suitable for all skin types that is strong enough to cut through those overactive male sebaceous glands yet gentle enough to be used every day. This gel smells good, not too potent for first thing in the morning, but leaves your face feeling fresh.

For example: Grüum‘s gentle everyday cleanser gives a real deep clean, without stripping the skin. Designed to work with all skin types, you can count on kóri to help you look your best. A combination of Witch hazel, Aloe Vera, Orange and Eucalyptus work in harmony to combat dryness, soothe the skin, whilst keeping oil at bay. Sounds like a win to us.

No artificial colours or synthetic fragrances. EDTA free.

Face Tonic

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A face tonic is just the opening act for facial cleansing. Men’s skin is naturally thicker than women’s, with larger pores that roll out the red carpet for nasty debris. No one likes to look at bumps and blackheads, and scrubbing will help smooth your complexion for a clearer, cleaner appearance it can often be left looking shiny! No one wants shiny. It also softens the skin as a first step toward a less gruesome shaving experience. With Grüum the combination in the little bottle means you don’t have to scrub away, scratching your skin, it softly cleanses with a cracking scent too.

After using for a few weeks, it feels natural and clean, it also washes away simply leaving you feeling fresh.

For Example: It takes just a second to add gösta to your skincare routine, and the benefits clearly outweigh the effort. Do you ever find your face looking shiny throughout the day? Does your skin feel irritated after shaving? Or perhaps you’re having some trouble with blackheads and breakouts? These common (and very annoying) problems can easily be improved with the facial tonic.

Grüum believe in the goodness of nature, so they’ve loaded their facial toner with honest, natural ingredients. Soothing Chamomile, Rosemary Oil, and Aloe Vera give the skin some real TLC, whilst Witch Hazel works to kill bacteria and refresh your complexion.

No artificial colours or synthetic fragrances. EDTA free.

Moisturiser

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Even the mildest facial cleansers can leave your skin feeling just plain parched. And don’t think you can cheat the system by using one fortified with a laundry list of special moisturising agents. The truth is that every guy, even those with oily skin, needs to replenish the moisture content of their skin. Something as routine as showering or washing your face with hot water can open pores and allow valuable water to escape. A moisturiser like Grüum is light and breathy, minutes after putting it on it felt as though nothing was there, it wasn’t oily, thick or gloopy, it was a pleasure to use.

This whole process was pretty simple in and out the shower too, so it won’t add time to your routine, even though they’re few products.

When it comes to choosing the right moisturiser, make sure that you avoid certain chemicals, sulphates and parabens as they are amongst the main causes of skin problems. Also, to get the best results our of your moisturising sessions, it’s important to have a simple grooming routine consisting of cleansing, toning and finally hydration with a moisturiser. These simple steps are crucial during winter considering that your skin is more likely to be exposed to the elements.

For Example: kåre daily moisturiser is the essential finishing touch to your skincare routine. Cleansing your face with a gentle face wash (kori does the job very well) creates the ideal base to allow moisturiser to penetrate the skin and lock in that goodness.

Packed with the natural goodness of Chamomile, Rosemary Oil, and Green Tea extract, kåre is kind to sensitive skin and great at soothing post-shave irritation.

No artificial colours or synthetic fragrances. EDTA free.

Look after the whiskers

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If you’re still backing the beard trend then it’s important to consider how to look after the whiskers this winter. Keep things simple by making it a two-step process.

1) Use a beard shampoo when you shower, this will clean the beard hair thoroughly and keep it healthy.

2) Use a beard oil after washing.

Beard oils help to reduce beard dandruff (it’s a thing) and also moisturise the beard hairs and skin below.

In addition

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Shaving is notorious for upsetting your skin, particularly if it’s sensitive. The natural formulation of danne shave gel works to keep your skin happy. Soothing Aloe Vera helps to combat post-shave irritation, whilst Witch Hazel keeps bacteria at bay.

However, one that smells amazing is often a clear winner in our eyes! Like this…

For Example: danne is the perfect sidekick for any style of shave, it’s the robin to your razor. Use as a clear gel for precision and visibility, or lather up to create a gentle foam. Forget harsh artificial fragrances, danne is au natural, with Orange and Eucalyptus for a fresh subtle scent.

Looking better for less

Grüum works in several very easy steps, so you can achieve the and receive the right products for YOU.

  1. Tell them about you: Take our 3-step survey about your face and style.
  2. Build your kit: They’ll hand pick a selection of products perfect for you.
  3. We deliver to your door: They’ll send your kit direct to your home or work.
  4. Enjoy the benefits: See the difference in the mirror and in your wallet.

Another added bonus is that you never have to feel trapped with a subscription service! With Grüum you’re never tied in. The flexible approach means you can change, pause or cancel your kit at any time. Simple.

If you’re looking to treat yourself or the man in your life, we’d whole heatedly recommend Grüum as not only a great gift, but also something that’s great for the face! The simplistic design and easy-hold shavers are a classy touch on the regular ‘bic’.

To browse and shop the full Grüum range, please click here.

The Gentleman’s Grooming Show 2016

Posted on by dansinnott

When it comes to male grooming habits, there’s definitely been a shift in attitude over the years. Gone are the days when guys would just roll out of bed, hop into the shower, and be out the door in 5 minutes. Now, they rock a skin care routine that would probably give the average female a run for her money.

With 52% of male consumers considering their appearance to be either important or very important, the male grooming market is rapidly evolving, with cosmetic sales predicted to reach a staggering £121 million by 2018. Brands have recognised the growing market and the need for male-specific products that allow customers to feel comfortable in the beauty aisle. Despite male grooming being socially accepted, it’s still important for it to be considered a masculine activity, (something companies must remember if they want their products to fly off the shelf).

Well we may have the answer….

The Gentleman’s Grooming Show 2016 is an event celebrating the modern man and male grooming – showcasing the industry’s very best products and services on offer, and hope to guide, inspire and educate you, the modern day gentleman.

“Do you like to look good? Feel good? Smell good?”

Then come along to London’s Tobacco Dock for The Gentleman’s Grooming Show on Saturday 3rd December 2016. You’ll get a complimentary glass of whiskey, and some key advice on how to keep yourself well-groomed all through 2017.

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On the day

The Gentleman’s Grooming Show will showcase some of the best brands and companies in the men’s grooming and lifestyle world. If you are a modern day gentleman and like to look good, feel good and smell good then you wont want to miss out.

A chance to meet the expert teams behind some of the best men’s grooming & lifestyle brands in the world, giving you a great opportunity to gain some key advice and a chance to purchase the products. Treat yourself or pick up some Christmas gifts for loved ones.

Talks & Demos: Pop over to the main stage and enjoy talks and demonstrations from industry leading figures and celebrities including Charles Fencott, Josh Lamonaca and Richard E Grant! Details of our final stage line up will be announced shortly.

Tickets for the Gentleman’s Grooming Show 2016 are now on sale.

Order yours using the link below or call +44 (0)207 267 4843 to speak to a member of the Gentleman’s Grooming Show team.

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High Street Gent will be there on the day, to meet and report on all the goings on over the past year and what we have to look forward to in the male grooming world in 2017. You can expect a raft of articles from us post-event, in the hope we can help you remain looking fly.

The Bearded Truth – Grizzly Adam Beard Care

Posted on by dansinnott

 

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Spring brings warmer temperatures, causing increased sebum production, meaning its more important than ever to keep your facial hair clean and deodorized. With this in mind, we’ve test run a quaint little bard care company called Grizzly Adam Beard Care that will be right up all of you beardy-bastards’ street. We’ve tests 3 of the products so you can avoid synthetic shampoos that strip your beard of natural oils, and opting instead for an all natural soap or a cleansing oil. These alternatives to store bought shampoos will keep your beard clean and deodorized without stripping it of necessary nutrients.

For the past three weeks Matt has had the pleasure of reviewing the Grizzly Adam Beard Care bundle. The kit contains products would cost £44.95 (but a lot more if all purchased separately). Included in the bundle is:

  • BEARD WASH 200ml – A Gentle Beard Shampoo and Wash by Grizzly Adam – Formulated Specifically For Your Beard and Moustache
  • PREMIUM BEARD OIL for Men – Keep Your Beard Healthy, Groomed and Tamed Naturally. Moisturizes Beard Hair and Skin, Eliminates Itching and Dandruff (Beard-druff) for a kissable and respectable beard. Use daily for the best beard effect
  • GRIZZLY ADAM BEARD BALM is the top gentlemans leave-in beard conditioner and thickener with natural oils to help with brittle beards, beard-druff, itching and split ends on the market. Fight patchiness! Use daily for the best beard effect

Upon opening the package, I was immediately impressed by the design and construct of the items. From the simple, yet elegant, cut logo and text, to the polished branded bottle, I was swept off my feet from the get go! If that wasn’t enough to get you excited about this product, the products have a clean and appealing scent! As soon as you open the package, you will smell the amazing goodness!

Firstly, we begin with the Beard Wash, it foams nicely with warm water and is easy to work into the beard. If you take a while to wake up in the morning then you’ll find this gives a much-needed zesty slap around the face!

Simple to apply and work into your morning shower routine adding no time to wait you would normally do. Lather it up whilst you wait for your shower gel to settle in elsewhere.

Secondly, the Beard oil. Other than the scent, which sets this item apart from its competitors is it helps to hydrate your skin and also to look after your beard at the same time. It works to provide essential oil to your skin and this penetrates the follicles of your hair. When your hair follicles are well moisturised this helps to ensure that your hair does not dry out or become brittle. Moisturised skin will be soft and smooth and using beard oil helps to avoid itchy or flaky skin which can cause discomfort.

To use, simply pour a dime-sized amount of product into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and lightly rub into your beard (use a nickel-sized amount for longer beards). And remember, when putting new products in your beard, it is best to do so after a shower. This allows your hair to fully absorb the product and its nutrients.

NOTE: When placing oily products into your beard, it is important to know that you should always start mid-shaft and rub down to the tips of the hair. Oily products should not be applied to the root of the hair since that will be the healthiest part of the hair. If desired you may want to blow dry your beard to dry out some of the excess oil.

This product can be used every day, or every few days (depending on your bearded needs). It is also important to understand this is an oil-based liquid and will not aid in keeping fly-aways and curly-q’s down as it doesn’t have enough weight to make your hair lay flat. After three weeks of use, my beard feels softer and in better quality, it has aided in keeping my hair untangled.

Next comes the Wax.  There are a few ways of applying this product to your mustache. The first way is to use the back of your nail to scrape away small layers of wax and ball them up (about the size of a skittle). Rub the skittle-sized wax between your two index fingers until it becomes fibrous when separating your fingers. Once this is done, slowly spread the wax on one side of the mustache, starting from the center of the lip and moving out to the tip.

The wax holds fairly well. Inevitably you will have to monitor your mustache, as the wax may degrade throughout the day (especially when you eat and drink a lot, or if your body generates a good amount of heat). Still, this wax holds up better than any other that I have tried to date.

This all-natural, leave-in conditioner is perfectly formulated to prevent split ends, control frizz and tangles, soften whiskers for those intimate encounters, relieve dry, itchy skin, reduce patchiness, and make you and your awesome beard much more attractive. Beard Balm works for all varieties and lengths of facial hair.

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So the question is, would we recommend this product? Based on the scent alone, yes! However, at a price point of £44.95 for the set, it definitely ranges on the more expensive side of things. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and in this case you get a good quality product that smells good and lasts relatively long. The delivery of the product was quick and pain-free, costing £3.99 the product arrived in 2 days! Easy to work into the routine, not time consuming at all and sizes are bang on for value for money – a lot of others in the market are very expensive for lower quantity.  Either way you can’t go wrong with Grizzly Adam Beard Care.

Would we use it again? YES!

Thanks to Grizzly Adam for the free products, to provide this review.