A man may have many different reasons for deciding to shave his body. For some, it is a matter of comfort. For others, it is simply an aesthetic preference. Some men may opt to shave their body for athletic purposes, and still others simply shave their bodies because they were requested to do so by their wives or girlfriends. If you are a man who is contemplating shaving beyond the face, here are a few tips you should know.
1. Trim down the hair with a set of clippers first. If you attempt to shave hair that is too long, it will require dozens of additional strokes with your razor. This not only leads to a duller razor, but increased skin irritation as well. The shorter the hair is prior to shaving, the less work your razor will have to perform.
2. Allow the body hair to soften, using hot water. The best time to shave your body is while you are in the shower, but only after the steam and hot water has softened the hair, making it easier to shave. In other words, don't begin shaving right away. Instead, give the heat and steam two or three minutes to penetrate into the hair. You can also soften the hair by allowing shaving cream or gel to sit on the area for a few minutes prior to shaving.
3. Shave the most sensitive areas first. While your razor is at its sharpest, focus on delicate and sensitive areas. As the razor begins to dull you can move on to less-sensitive areas, such as the chest or legs.
4. Never shave using soap as lather. If you use shaving cream on your face, then use it on the rest of your body as well. Shaving creams and gels contain emollients which will protect and condition the skin, unlike regular soap.
5. One secret for eliminating shaving rashes, irritation, and ingrown hairs is to apply unscented stick deodorant to the skin immediately after shaving. The aluminum oxide found in most stick deodorants will stop bleeding of minor nicks and cuts, and will absorb excess moisture that can lead to a rash or irritation.
Follow these five tips and you will be able to shave any part of the body with ease, comfort, and confidence.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
How to Avoid Nicks and Cuts While Shaving
If you are tired of leaving your bathroom each morning with tiny toilet paper squares stuck to your face to repair the damage you have done while shaving, then this article is especially for you. Nicks and cuts, much like taxes and women, are an often annoying inevitability of life. This article might not help you get out of hot water with the IRS or your wife, but these tips will certainly help you "save face" while shaving.
1. Pressure is everything. Most of us apply too much pressure while shaving, probably out of habit from shaving with cheap disposable razors. Most razors on the market, especially those with multiple blades, will only require a light touch while shaving. By simply reducing pressure while shaving, you will reduce nicks and cuts.
2. Never shave on dry skin. Shaving on wet skin has many benefits. The razor will glide over the skin easier, and the hair will be softer and easier to shave. Even with the best shaving creams or gels, you will always want to make sure that your skin is wet.
3. Don't shave against the grain. Shaving in the direction that the hair grows will result in significantly less irritation and it will also prevent ingrown hairs. Of course, your shave won't be as close, but this might be a small price to pay if you are prone to cutting or nicking yourself.
4. Hold the skin taut while shaving. With your free hand, pull the skin taut in the area you are shaving. It will be much harder to cut yourself this way.
5. Keep your razor clean. Rinse your razor with hot water after every stroke. If hair builds up between the blades of your razor, you will be far more likely to cut or nick yourself while shaving. A clean razor equals a clean shave.
6. Don't rush. Most cuts occur when a man is in a hurry. Just as driving a car around curves at a high speed will result in a crash, shaving around the curves of your face at a high rate of speed will result in a cut.
7. Keep your skin moisturized. If you have chronically dry skin, you will suffer from more nicks and cuts. Men who keep their skin soft with lotion or moisturizing cream will suffer less from nicks and cuts because the razor will have a smoother surface to glide over.
These seven tips are guaranteed to reduce a wide variety of shaving mishaps, from nicks and cuts to razor burn, irritation, and ingrown hairs.
1. Pressure is everything. Most of us apply too much pressure while shaving, probably out of habit from shaving with cheap disposable razors. Most razors on the market, especially those with multiple blades, will only require a light touch while shaving. By simply reducing pressure while shaving, you will reduce nicks and cuts.
2. Never shave on dry skin. Shaving on wet skin has many benefits. The razor will glide over the skin easier, and the hair will be softer and easier to shave. Even with the best shaving creams or gels, you will always want to make sure that your skin is wet.
3. Don't shave against the grain. Shaving in the direction that the hair grows will result in significantly less irritation and it will also prevent ingrown hairs. Of course, your shave won't be as close, but this might be a small price to pay if you are prone to cutting or nicking yourself.
4. Hold the skin taut while shaving. With your free hand, pull the skin taut in the area you are shaving. It will be much harder to cut yourself this way.
5. Keep your razor clean. Rinse your razor with hot water after every stroke. If hair builds up between the blades of your razor, you will be far more likely to cut or nick yourself while shaving. A clean razor equals a clean shave.
6. Don't rush. Most cuts occur when a man is in a hurry. Just as driving a car around curves at a high speed will result in a crash, shaving around the curves of your face at a high rate of speed will result in a cut.
7. Keep your skin moisturized. If you have chronically dry skin, you will suffer from more nicks and cuts. Men who keep their skin soft with lotion or moisturizing cream will suffer less from nicks and cuts because the razor will have a smoother surface to glide over.
These seven tips are guaranteed to reduce a wide variety of shaving mishaps, from nicks and cuts to razor burn, irritation, and ingrown hairs.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Shaving Tips: Why You Should Start With a Clean Face
A clean shave begins with a clean face. If your face is not clean prior to shaving, you are leaving the door wide open for a variety of problems such as rashes, irritation, cuts, and nicks. For a shaving razor to work effectively, it must be able to glide over the skin with a minimal amount of resistance. Things such as dirt, dead skin cells, and residue from soap and other cleansers inhibit a razor's ability to glide over the skin.
When cleansing the face, avoid using products such as bar soap, hand soap, or body wash. These products leave a thin layer of film on the skin which not only makes it harder to shave, but may also clog skin pores as well. A smarter choice would be to use a product especially made for cleaning the face. Facial cleansers are more mild, and they will not clog pores or leave residue behind.
If you have oily skin, it is a good idea to use a toner after using your facial cleanser. A toner is an astringent liquid, usually containing alcohol or witch hazel, which dries excess oil and kills bacteria. Apply a small amount of toner to a clean dry towel and gently wipe the face after you have used your facial cleanser. A good toner will not only remove oil and unclog pores, but it will also keep your skin sanitized and germ-free. Always use toner before shaving, however, since the alcohol content will cause stinging on irritated or broken skin.
Many men will also benefit from using an exfoliant once or twice per week. An exfoliant is kind of like Ajax or Comet cleanser for your face; it scours away dead skin cells that are on the surface of the skin. These dead cells make your skin appear dull, old, tired, and dry. Removing these dead skin cells on a regular basis will instantly make you look healthier and younger (this is why your wife or girlfriend probably uses an exfoliant). One important thing to remember is to never shave immediately after exfoliating because exfoliation will heighten your skin's sensitivity, which may result in increased redness or irritation from shaving. Instead, exfoliate the night before if you like to shave in the morning.
These tips will not only result in a better shave with less irritation, but will also keep your skin looking its best.
When cleansing the face, avoid using products such as bar soap, hand soap, or body wash. These products leave a thin layer of film on the skin which not only makes it harder to shave, but may also clog skin pores as well. A smarter choice would be to use a product especially made for cleaning the face. Facial cleansers are more mild, and they will not clog pores or leave residue behind.
If you have oily skin, it is a good idea to use a toner after using your facial cleanser. A toner is an astringent liquid, usually containing alcohol or witch hazel, which dries excess oil and kills bacteria. Apply a small amount of toner to a clean dry towel and gently wipe the face after you have used your facial cleanser. A good toner will not only remove oil and unclog pores, but it will also keep your skin sanitized and germ-free. Always use toner before shaving, however, since the alcohol content will cause stinging on irritated or broken skin.
Many men will also benefit from using an exfoliant once or twice per week. An exfoliant is kind of like Ajax or Comet cleanser for your face; it scours away dead skin cells that are on the surface of the skin. These dead cells make your skin appear dull, old, tired, and dry. Removing these dead skin cells on a regular basis will instantly make you look healthier and younger (this is why your wife or girlfriend probably uses an exfoliant). One important thing to remember is to never shave immediately after exfoliating because exfoliation will heighten your skin's sensitivity, which may result in increased redness or irritation from shaving. Instead, exfoliate the night before if you like to shave in the morning.
These tips will not only result in a better shave with less irritation, but will also keep your skin looking its best.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
How to Groom a Thick Beard
Grooming a thick beard will require different techniques than are needed for maintaining a simple mustache or a goatee. A thick beard will require regular grooming around once per month in order to maintain the beard's shape and to keep the facial hair in optimal condition. An ungroomed beard, on the other hand, will not only look sloppy and unkempt, but it will make the man wearing the beard appear older.
In order to groom a thick beard, you will need to invest in the right tools and products. If you have a battery-powered mustache or beard trimmer, do yourself a favor and toss it out the window. The motor will not be powerful enough to navigate through a beard that is coarse, thick, or wiry. Get yourself a set of trimmers or haircutting clippers that have to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Think of the wimpy battery-powered trimmer as a Toyota Prius. You need something more like a Ford F-150.
Before trimming the beard, you will want to use a comb to make sure that the beard is combed free of tangles. Use the largest size clipper guard to groom the beard, and work your way down to a smaller guard until you have found the size that gives you the desired length. Once you have found the right sized guard, this is the one you should use once or twice a month in order to maintain the beard's shape and length.
If you have a steady hand, you can remove the guard from your trimmers or clippers and use the blade for edging. Edging refers to shaving along the edges of the beard in order to give it a neater, cleaner appearance and outline. You can use a variety of tools for edging, such as neck trimmers, clippers, or even a regular shaving razor.
The final step in beard grooming is maintaining the health and condition of the facial hair. A beard should be cleaned regularly using a mild shampoo. Ordinary soap will leave the beard feeling rough and coarse. Some men also choose to use a conditioner on their beard as well, in order to soften the hair and to keep it looking shiny and healthy.
By following these simple grooming tips, you will be able to keep your beard looking its best.
In order to groom a thick beard, you will need to invest in the right tools and products. If you have a battery-powered mustache or beard trimmer, do yourself a favor and toss it out the window. The motor will not be powerful enough to navigate through a beard that is coarse, thick, or wiry. Get yourself a set of trimmers or haircutting clippers that have to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Think of the wimpy battery-powered trimmer as a Toyota Prius. You need something more like a Ford F-150.
Before trimming the beard, you will want to use a comb to make sure that the beard is combed free of tangles. Use the largest size clipper guard to groom the beard, and work your way down to a smaller guard until you have found the size that gives you the desired length. Once you have found the right sized guard, this is the one you should use once or twice a month in order to maintain the beard's shape and length.
If you have a steady hand, you can remove the guard from your trimmers or clippers and use the blade for edging. Edging refers to shaving along the edges of the beard in order to give it a neater, cleaner appearance and outline. You can use a variety of tools for edging, such as neck trimmers, clippers, or even a regular shaving razor.
The final step in beard grooming is maintaining the health and condition of the facial hair. A beard should be cleaned regularly using a mild shampoo. Ordinary soap will leave the beard feeling rough and coarse. Some men also choose to use a conditioner on their beard as well, in order to soften the hair and to keep it looking shiny and healthy.
By following these simple grooming tips, you will be able to keep your beard looking its best.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Uneven Goatee? These Tips Are For You!
An uneven goatee on a man is much like a picture hanging unevenly on a wall. The unevenness may be unnoticeable to those who are constantly in the presence of the object, but it will look just plain wrong to strangers. Getting an even goatee can be a challenge because very few men, while shaving, stare directly straight into the mirror. Most of us tilt or turn our heads when shaving, and this is the reason why it is tricky to get a goatee that is even and symmetrical.
How can a man be sure that his goatee is even? The only reliable way is to use some sort of measuring device, such as a ruler or a tape measure. Of course, very few men are picky enough about their facial hair to accurately measure the dimensions of their beards or goatees. One quicker way to measure the evenness of a goatee is by using a straight, narrow object, such as a pencil, wooden popsicle stick, or even a piece of string.
With your straight object, along with an eyebrow pencil, look directly into the mirror. Line up your straight object with the tip of your nose and then locate the exact center of your chin. Using your eyebrow pencil, put a mark on your chin indicating this point. Now that you have established the exact center of your chin, you can see if both sides are even. If the left side of your goatee is, say, 1/16th of an inch wider than the right, shave 1/16th of an inch off from the right side.
You can also use a straight object to establish the width of your goatee. Holding your straight object vertically, line up the object with the corner of the mouth, and then draw a mark on the chin. Do this on the other side as well. A goatee should be no wider than the corners of the mouth, or else it will make the face look excessively round.
Even if your goatee is perfectly even and symmetrical, it can appear uneven if the density of the facial hair is not consistent. It is not unusual to have some areas of the chin where the hair grows in thicker and fuller than others. This problem can easily be fixed by using an eyebrow pencil to pencil in sparse areas.
These tips will allow you to grow and maintain a goatee that is balanced an even, whether you are in the beginning stages of growing one, or whether you've had a goatee for years.
How can a man be sure that his goatee is even? The only reliable way is to use some sort of measuring device, such as a ruler or a tape measure. Of course, very few men are picky enough about their facial hair to accurately measure the dimensions of their beards or goatees. One quicker way to measure the evenness of a goatee is by using a straight, narrow object, such as a pencil, wooden popsicle stick, or even a piece of string.
With your straight object, along with an eyebrow pencil, look directly into the mirror. Line up your straight object with the tip of your nose and then locate the exact center of your chin. Using your eyebrow pencil, put a mark on your chin indicating this point. Now that you have established the exact center of your chin, you can see if both sides are even. If the left side of your goatee is, say, 1/16th of an inch wider than the right, shave 1/16th of an inch off from the right side.
You can also use a straight object to establish the width of your goatee. Holding your straight object vertically, line up the object with the corner of the mouth, and then draw a mark on the chin. Do this on the other side as well. A goatee should be no wider than the corners of the mouth, or else it will make the face look excessively round.
Even if your goatee is perfectly even and symmetrical, it can appear uneven if the density of the facial hair is not consistent. It is not unusual to have some areas of the chin where the hair grows in thicker and fuller than others. This problem can easily be fixed by using an eyebrow pencil to pencil in sparse areas.
These tips will allow you to grow and maintain a goatee that is balanced an even, whether you are in the beginning stages of growing one, or whether you've had a goatee for years.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
How to Use a Shaving Brush
The shaving brush has been a staple of men's grooming since it was first used in France in the mid 18th century. These brushes often became a status symbol, and throughout history have been made from exquisite materials such as ivory, whale bone, and precious metals. The bristles of a finely-made shaving brush are made from badger hair, and even today the best brushes can cost several thousands of dollars.
There are many less-expensive shaving brushes available for men, some of which are made of synthetic bristles or boar bristles. The badger hair brushes are still considered top-of-the-line, however, because of the rarity of the material and the quality of the hair. Among badger hair brushes, silvertip badger hair is considered the Rolls-Royce of materials. A badger hair shaving brush can cost between ten dollars and ten thousand dollars, depending on the quality of the hair and the material used to make the handle.
The shaving brush has two distinct purposes. The first is to gently exfoliate dead skin cells from the face and to gently raise the hairs on the face, allowing for better results. Applying shaving cream by hand pushes the stubble flat against the face, and the result is more irritation and an increased chance of nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs.
The second purpose of a shaving brush is to create a rich thick lather. This is done with shaving soap (not a cream), and a scuttle. A scuttle is the technical term for a shaving mug. Shaving brushes, especially those made from badger hair, hold a significant amount of water. This water is mixed with the glycerin-based shaving soap in a scuttle, and is agitated by hand in order to produce a lather. High-quality shaving brushes will hold more water, resulting in a thicker lather.
If you are a man on the go, then a shaving brush may not be right for you. A shaving brush, straight razor, shaving soap and a scuttle are for those gentlemen who enjoy and respect the time-honored art and ritual of shaving. These are the types of refined gentlemen who savor the grooming experience, as opposed to rushing through it. Of course, top quality soaps, scuttles, and brushes are expensive, but most men who use them will agree that once you have mastered the fine art of shaving, nothing else will do.
If you're new to the "art of shaving", here are some great products to get you started:
There are many less-expensive shaving brushes available for men, some of which are made of synthetic bristles or boar bristles. The badger hair brushes are still considered top-of-the-line, however, because of the rarity of the material and the quality of the hair. Among badger hair brushes, silvertip badger hair is considered the Rolls-Royce of materials. A badger hair shaving brush can cost between ten dollars and ten thousand dollars, depending on the quality of the hair and the material used to make the handle.
The shaving brush has two distinct purposes. The first is to gently exfoliate dead skin cells from the face and to gently raise the hairs on the face, allowing for better results. Applying shaving cream by hand pushes the stubble flat against the face, and the result is more irritation and an increased chance of nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs.
The second purpose of a shaving brush is to create a rich thick lather. This is done with shaving soap (not a cream), and a scuttle. A scuttle is the technical term for a shaving mug. Shaving brushes, especially those made from badger hair, hold a significant amount of water. This water is mixed with the glycerin-based shaving soap in a scuttle, and is agitated by hand in order to produce a lather. High-quality shaving brushes will hold more water, resulting in a thicker lather.
If you are a man on the go, then a shaving brush may not be right for you. A shaving brush, straight razor, shaving soap and a scuttle are for those gentlemen who enjoy and respect the time-honored art and ritual of shaving. These are the types of refined gentlemen who savor the grooming experience, as opposed to rushing through it. Of course, top quality soaps, scuttles, and brushes are expensive, but most men who use them will agree that once you have mastered the fine art of shaving, nothing else will do.
If you're new to the "art of shaving", here are some great products to get you started:
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Best Shaving Cream
Most men give little thought to shaving cream. However, there is a vast "underworld" of shaving products, from simple cans of shaving cream to super-expensive European shaving soaps. This shaving sub-culture is a multi-million dollar industry, led by manufacturers who have been involved in the fine art of shaving since the 18th and 19th centuries. For example, a tiny container of Truefitt and Hill shaving cream will set you back about forty dollars. A small tin of Pehaligon's of London shaving soap costs about seventy dollars.
While there are dozens of luxury brands of men's grooming products, one of the best shaving creams is probably on the shelf of your local supermarket, or perhaps even in your medicine cabinet right now. This shaving cream has been around since the 1920s and has become an American icon. In fact, it has been endorsed in advertisements by the likes of Babe Ruth and Knute Rockne, and is even mentioned by name in the classic musical "Guys and Dolls". Best of all, a can of this product can be purchased for less money than a gallon of gas on most areas. Of course, I'm talking about Barbasol.
Invented by an MIT professor during the 1920s, this product has been a staple of men for nearly a century. The longevity of this brand name alone is proof that Barbasol is a superior product. While many American brands come and go, only the best manage to survive through World Wars and economic depressions and the changing tastes of society. These rare brands include Ford, Coca-Cola, and Barbasol.
Barbasol is an exceptional shaving cream because it produces an extremely rich and thick lather, which brings back memories of old time barbershops. In recent years, Barbasol has added different formulations to their product line, as well as the tried-and-true original formula which has been a favorite for nearly a century.
While the original formula is a great product for most men, the Soothing Aloe variety of Barbasol is a must-have for those with sensitive skin. It features the famous rich and thick lather of the original product, with the healing and soothing powers of aloe. The Soothing Aloe variety is perfect for men who also prefer to shave beyond the face; the moisturizers and emollients do a fine job of minimizing razor bumps, redness, and irritation.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
How to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs are an inevitable part of life for those who shave regularly. An ingrown hair is the result of hair that has been cut or shaved so short that the remaining hair recedes below the surface of the skin. As this hair continues to grow, it becomes lodged under the surface of the skin. The resulting condition may produce a swollen red bump of the surface of the skin that is usually painful to the touch.
There are numerous treatments for ingrown hairs, such as extraction with tweezers or the application of a topical solution, usually containing glycolic acid. Most ingrown hairs can be easily extracted with tweezers, although this treatment may result in possible infection. If extracting an ingrown hair with tweezers, it is a good idea to wash your hands first and sanitize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol in order to prevent the risk of infection.
Prevention of ingrown hairs can usually be achieved by making changes in one's shaving routine. Those with curly hair are especially prone to ingrown hairs, as well as those with thick or coarse hair. If you have curly hair or coarse hair, the best way to avoid this condition is by shaving the hair in the direction in which the hair grows, rather than in the opposite direction. This, of course, will result in a shave that is not as close, but it will certainly prevent ingrown hairs since the cut hairs won't recede below the surface of the skin.
There are also a variety of home remedies which can be used to treat ingrown hairs. One popular remedy is applying unscented stick deodorant to the shaved area. Unscented stick deodorant contains aluminum oxide, which absorbs excess moisture from the skin and helps to reduce redness and irritation caused by shaving. There are many store-bought products that are designed to treat ingrown hairs as well, such as Tend Skin. This liquid is applied to the skin after shaving and is quite effective at treating ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Try it, it's amazing!
Although ingrown hairs are a minor condition which rarely develops into a more dangerous condition, one should be careful not to damage the skin by squeezing or picking at the inflamed area. In most cases, an ingrown hair will go away on its own without any treatment within a few days.
There are numerous treatments for ingrown hairs, such as extraction with tweezers or the application of a topical solution, usually containing glycolic acid. Most ingrown hairs can be easily extracted with tweezers, although this treatment may result in possible infection. If extracting an ingrown hair with tweezers, it is a good idea to wash your hands first and sanitize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol in order to prevent the risk of infection.
Prevention of ingrown hairs can usually be achieved by making changes in one's shaving routine. Those with curly hair are especially prone to ingrown hairs, as well as those with thick or coarse hair. If you have curly hair or coarse hair, the best way to avoid this condition is by shaving the hair in the direction in which the hair grows, rather than in the opposite direction. This, of course, will result in a shave that is not as close, but it will certainly prevent ingrown hairs since the cut hairs won't recede below the surface of the skin.
There are also a variety of home remedies which can be used to treat ingrown hairs. One popular remedy is applying unscented stick deodorant to the shaved area. Unscented stick deodorant contains aluminum oxide, which absorbs excess moisture from the skin and helps to reduce redness and irritation caused by shaving. There are many store-bought products that are designed to treat ingrown hairs as well, such as Tend Skin. This liquid is applied to the skin after shaving and is quite effective at treating ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Try it, it's amazing!
Although ingrown hairs are a minor condition which rarely develops into a more dangerous condition, one should be careful not to damage the skin by squeezing or picking at the inflamed area. In most cases, an ingrown hair will go away on its own without any treatment within a few days.
Dry Skin Tips for Men
An article with some easy steps you can take in order to prevent dry skin, written especially for men.
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/650125_dry-skin-tips-for-men
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/650125_dry-skin-tips-for-men
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Head Shaving Tips: Getting That Shiny Look
Having no hair is wonderfully liberating. No more bad hair days, and no more expensive trips to the salon or waiting your turn at the barbershop. Simply lather up each morning with shaving cream and shave your haircare worries away. While maintaining the bald look is easy, the best way to maximize the visual appeal of a shaved head is by adding shine to the scalp. Here a few tips that will allow you to add more "chrome" to your "dome".
Practice good shaving technique. For a scalp to shine, it is a good idea to minimize razing bumps, nicks, and scrapes. This means doing away with cheap disposable razors and upgrading to something better, like a Gillette Mach 3 or a Schick Quattro. Also be sure to use a shaving gel or cream with extra conditioning ingredients like aloe.
Use lotion or moisturizing cream. If you are bald or have a shaved head, the scalp will be exposed to wind, sun, and other elements that may strip moisture from the skin. Use an unscented lotion or moisturizing cream daily in order to maintain a healthy moisture balance. A well-moisturized scalp is a healthy scalp, and if you are bald or shave your head this step is important if you want your head to shine.
Oil the scalp. This is the final step, and the step that will allow you to get that shiny bald look. Not only will oil provide a deep shine, it will also protect the scalp from being chapped by the wind in the winter and burned by the sun in the summer. Far and away, the best oil for this job is olive oil. Used for centuries for haircare and skincare purposes, olive oil provides miraculous conditioning qualities as well as nutrients to the scalp. For best results, massage a dime-sized drop of olive oil onto the scalp after shaving and applying lotion. This finishing touch will protect the scalp and make it shine. Coconut, almond, jojoba, and grapeseed oils also work well, although they are more expensive.
Basically, that's all there is to getting that shiny bald look that will turn heads. It all comes down to three simple steps: good shaving technique with quality shaving products, basic scalp care with a moisturizing lotion, and olive oil as a finishing touch.
Practice good shaving technique. For a scalp to shine, it is a good idea to minimize razing bumps, nicks, and scrapes. This means doing away with cheap disposable razors and upgrading to something better, like a Gillette Mach 3 or a Schick Quattro. Also be sure to use a shaving gel or cream with extra conditioning ingredients like aloe.
Use lotion or moisturizing cream. If you are bald or have a shaved head, the scalp will be exposed to wind, sun, and other elements that may strip moisture from the skin. Use an unscented lotion or moisturizing cream daily in order to maintain a healthy moisture balance. A well-moisturized scalp is a healthy scalp, and if you are bald or shave your head this step is important if you want your head to shine.
Oil the scalp. This is the final step, and the step that will allow you to get that shiny bald look. Not only will oil provide a deep shine, it will also protect the scalp from being chapped by the wind in the winter and burned by the sun in the summer. Far and away, the best oil for this job is olive oil. Used for centuries for haircare and skincare purposes, olive oil provides miraculous conditioning qualities as well as nutrients to the scalp. For best results, massage a dime-sized drop of olive oil onto the scalp after shaving and applying lotion. This finishing touch will protect the scalp and make it shine. Coconut, almond, jojoba, and grapeseed oils also work well, although they are more expensive.
Basically, that's all there is to getting that shiny bald look that will turn heads. It all comes down to three simple steps: good shaving technique with quality shaving products, basic scalp care with a moisturizing lotion, and olive oil as a finishing touch.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Fashion: Classic Men's Accessories
In the world of men's fashion, little thought is often given to wardrobe accessories. However, a man's accessories are a better reflection of individuality and refined taste than the clothing itself. Wearing a baseball cap with an Armani suit can completely detract from a man's overall appearance, however wearing a fedora with jeans and a dress shirt can complete a man's appearance. They say the devil is in the details, and this is especially true when it comes to men's fashion. Here are a few essential classic accessories for men:
1. Belts. A belt can say a lot about a person, and I'm not even talking about a belt buckle emblazoned with a vehicle logo, sports team logo, or favorite Nascar driver. Belts do not need to be fancy, they only need to be functional and match the rest of the wardrobe. A black leather belt is a must in every man's wardrobe, since it can be worn with virtually any outfit. Belt width should depend on the style of pants. High-waisted or pleated pants look best with a narrow belt, while most other types of pants look best with wider belts.
2. Hats. It is truly a shame that we live in a generation where hats are no longer part of standard men's attire. It is hard to imagine certain men without hats, such as Frank Sinatra or Humphrey Bogart. Today, men are limited to two choices: cowboy hats or baseball caps. Neither of these are bound to make a fashion statement. If you truly want to make a statement, get yourself a fedora, making sure to wear it at a slightly jaunty angle.
3. Money Clips. What is the difference between an executive and a truck driver? One has a money clip, the other has a wallet. A sterling-silver monogrammed money clip is a sure bet for any black-tie affair. Wallets have no place in formal men's attire, since they are often bulky and can leave an unsightly bulge in your pants. However, if you must carry a wallet to a formal occasion, carry it in a front pocket, never the rear pocket. Ever rent a tuxedo and wonder why the back pants pocket is sewn shut? Now you have your answer.
4. Handkerchief. There ought to be a law requiring a handkerchief in the left breast pocket of every suit jacket. Forget pocket squares; those little scraps of fabric designed to replace the traditional linen handkerchief. Pocket squares are the equivalent of clip-on neckties. There are several different folds for men's handkerchiefs, some fluffy, some pointy. I prefer the classic British method, which is not a fold at all. With the handkerchief on a flat surface it, grab the center with your thumb and forefinger. With your other hand, form a ring and pull the handkerchief through the hole. Fold in half and insert into the pocket, pointy side out. Make sure your handkerchief is starched, or else it will hang pitifully out of the pocket. Think of starch as Viagra for a handkerchief.
5. Pocket Watch. I don't care how expensive your Rolex or Tag Hueur is, wrist watches are far too casual for formal events. Get yourself an engraved pocket watch, and don't forget about the fob. Unfortunately, if you have no idea what a fob is, you just might be beyond help, in which case I would recommend getting a subscription to GQ or Esquire. These magazines provide a useful education for those interested in men's fashion.
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