HAIR: 5 Trendy hair care tips for men in fall 2017

Maintaining a healthy and stylish hair is very important for us, men. In fact, most men treat their hairs as their crowning glory. And only we can understand the reason why we love and care for our hairs. Only we can understand how a well-groomed hair boosts our confidence and self-esteem. That being said, there is no better source for men’s haircare than us, experts in the field of men’s haircare with years of research and experience.

Basically, contrary to today’s haircare advertisements, where they present a lot of complications and issues regarding your hairs, only to be solved by using their product, taking care of your hair is actually very simple. Knowledge and understanding of your hair is the key to properly maintaining and grooming your hair. To help you in that aspect, we have listed 5 trendy hair care tips below;

1. Pay attention to your scalp
Simply put, a healthy scalp will result to a healthier hair. Scalps are the beds of hair follicles from which hair strands grow. Thus, the healthier your scalp is, the healthier hair strands will from them. Here are tips to maintain a healthy scalp;

• Maintain a well-balanced diet and sleeping pattern
• Use a wide-toothed comb on a wet hair to avoid breakage and hair loss
• The more chemicals you use on your scalp, the higher the risk of damage
• Use an exfoliating scrub agent to remove dead skin cells every 2 weeks or month.
• To promote hair growth, try scalp massage as it can improve hair production.

2. Do not wash your hair every day
Contrary to popular shampoo advertisements, washing your hair every day can bring more harm than benefits to your hair. Our hair and scalp contain natural essential oils that contribute to their moisture, protection, and growth. And by constantly using shampoo on your hair, you are removing these natural oils causing dryness and itchiness. Try washing your hair every 2 days or depending on the amount of oil your scalp accumulates, it should never be too thick or smooth. Your hair must feel moisturized and not too dry.

3. Conditioner
Hair conditioners are very effective agents in making your hair thicker and shinier. Each hair strand is covered in a cell membrane that is responsible for its moisture and shiny look. And damage to these cell membranes causes the hair to lose its moisture and shiny look, and with hair conditioners, you can speed up the repair of these cell membranes and also enhance the shiny and moisturized look of your hairs. Take note that the use of hair conditioners increases oil production, so if you have an oily or greasy hair, only use a hair conditioner once or twice a week.

4. Regular haircut
Of course, visiting your barber regularly can significantly help maintain the health of your hair. Haircuts can help remove split-ends and other unnecessary things on your hair. It also helps in keeping your scalp cleaner. Even if you want to grow your hair, having regular trims is also recommended as it can help your hair grow faster and healthier.

5. Remove wax, gel, sprays and other hair products after your day ends
Last but not least, we all know the value of hair wax, hair gels, and other similar products. They are the ones that enhance our hairstyles making us look better and dashing. However, most men forget to remove these hair products that contain a lot of harmful chemicals and wash their hairs at the end of the day. So be sure to not make the same mistake and wash your hair after the party or your date ends.

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In conversation: Mr Jamie Stevens

You may have seen the post, but on 5 May this year I walked into the hair salon owned by Jamie Stevens and the way my hair looked, the way I styled it and the way in which  I cared for it changed forever. If you didn’t see the write up (it is rather gushing) of my new hair style I really recommend that you do (and you can do easily by clicking here). I found the entire experience amazing, and while I could remember some of what was said as we chatted I really wanted to share some of the conversation - so today you have a Q & A session with Jamie Stevens. 

Source

This wasn’t your run of the mill conversation with a hairdresser or barber, you won’t find any “are you going anywhere nice on your holidays” patter here. Instead we talked about why Jamie became a hairdresser, and as my hair was styled I had the opportunity to ask about the MR range from Jamie Stevens while picking up some tips.

Why did you want to become a hairdresser?

My mother, grandmother and great-grandfather were all hairdressers so you could say hairdressing runs in my blood. By the age of eight, I was already helping my Mum in her salon which I then went on to take over from her at 18 and have never looked back.

When did the MR range launch?

We launched the MR by Jamie Stevens range in October 2015 going directly into 360 Boots stores nationwide.

What inspired you to create your own range of hair styling products?

Hair loss is a big concern and causes real fear and anxiety for a lot of men, whether they care to admit it or not. As someone who has thinning hair, I hope that getting men to talking about the issue will stop them suffering in silence whilst also addressing how prolific and serious it can be for self-esteem and confidence. The solution doesn’t have to be expensive - I wanted to create high performance products that combine effective treatment with the best ingredients so that men no longer have to be afraid. 

What has the feedback on your products been so far?

We have overwhelming feedback, it has been incredible so far, actually really emotional for me as so many men and also women have sent us messages saying it's changed their lives and made them feel so much more confident. This is why we aim to continue developing and giving something new to the market.

If you had to pick your favourite product from the range, what would it be and why?

Salt spray has to be my favourite, it is a versatile product that can be used to blowdry into the hair to give the hair a slightly thicker feel or you can spray into wet hair and let it dry in which gives the hair a matt like beach look.

The disguise sprays, there is nothing like it out on the market, a water resistant colour spray which instantly makes your hair look thicker.....It's like having a hair transplant but in a bottle and it's only £18 not thousands of pounds and best of all it's pain free! 

Did you see a gap in the market, was there something about the offer already out there that you didn’t like or you found frustrating?

Working in men’s hairdressing for so long and winning a lot of awards I felt the market was crowded in styling but nothing was there for an inexpensive alternative to helping people with hair issues. I felt this was a big part of the market that could really work for so many people and is one of the reason the disguise spray and fibres are such a significant part of the launch. It helped create a men’s range for everyone plus the range is suited to all ages from 16-60. 

Most of the products have our trademarked ingredients system PPX which helps reduce the rate of hair loss and keeps the hair you have thicker, fuller and stronger.

Do you see the range expanding further?

I always see the range expanding, we have had a great initial launch and I always see us adding to that and tinkering so watch this space. 

How did your life change when you became hairdresser in residence for the X Factor?

It changed in a big way as it gave me a platform to be showcased to 10’s of millions of viewers in the consumer market and allowed me exposure to many more people, with the continuation of my residency my profile continually raised and got me to a point where I felt confident enough to launch the range.

If you could offer one haircare tip to a regular man on the street, what would it be?

So many guys don’t actually know how to treat their hair so I would say make sure you use a specific shampoo and conditioner for men and not just whatever is in the shower, e.g. your partners or shower gel and most importantly when you get out of the shower don’t dry your hair roughly, pat it dry, I know so many people really rub their hair aggressively with a towel to dry it and this undoes so much of the smoothing work done in the shower. Invest in quality products to look after your hair as you only have it once! 

If you could give one styling tip to someone like me who uses a lot of product, what would it be?

Try cocktailing, where you use a base of wax and then your usual styling product of say a paste. Apply it  from back to front rather than from front to back, you’ll find less product build up at the front and it makes styling so much easier, particularly for your new style where you don’t want too much volume on top.

Source

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I will be writing about my experiences with the products over the next few weeks now that I have had the chance to really give them all a good try. While Jamie said that one of his favourites from the range is the Salt Spray (which I agree is great), for me at the moment I'm torn between the cocktailing wax and paste to style my hair or the shampoo and conditioner which have left my hair feeling and looking fantastic. 

My hair is naturally very fine but there is a lot of it. After my hair had been cut using the shampoo and conditioner for three weeks solid has added body to it and keeping the style flat to my head not only makes my massive forehead look smaller, but it also covers the receding zones brilliantly, even when stood in really bright sunlight, or well lit rooms. 

If you haven't seen the MR range yet, go on read Jamie's blog The Grooming Room where you can see the positive effect his products can have on your life.

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AB Crew Nitro Conditioner by Deciem

I remember the 'good old days' when deciding which shampoo and conditioner was a choice between about three products. No, I didn't grow up in Communist Russia, I'm just old, and remain constantly staggered at the explosion of brands and products to choose from. Today I will be giving my thoughts on AB Crew Nitro Conditioner by Deciem, one of the items that arrived in my recent Selfridges&Co grooming bag of goodies.

Hands up here, while it made be brightly packaged I can honestly say that the chances of me picking this up while shopping were zero - it wasn't on my radar and normally I condition my hair probably once, twice a month which usually means I just steal whatever conditioner the wife has left closest to hand after I have dived into the shower.

At £17 for a 120 ml tube of the conditioner this isn't cheap in my opinion, but the marketing write up promises good things. This is what they say about it over at the AB Crew website:

If you thought you have tried conditioners that cool the scalp, get ready for a freeze. One use and you'll wake up in an instant. And obviously it's a good conditioner. Instead of a bunch of synthetic chemicals, we mixed up a conditioning Amazonian palm derivative and exotic mushrooms to make the hair super soft as you enjoy aromas of Spanish rosemary and field mint. The girls who find this in your shower will keep coming back for more.

First of all with a name like 'Nitro Conditioner' I had to try it out straight away - and the fragrance instantly reminded me of Tea Tree Original Source Shampoo, it is so fresh and minty! So minty in fact that once it has been rinsed off it actually helps clear my sinuses (which is never a bad thing - being able to breathe normally tends to be a bonus).

After washing all of the gunk applied to my hair out using my current fave shampoo it was time to test this baby out. This has almost a creamy consistency and only a small amount is needed to really cover quite of lot of hair (I'm currently rocking lots of hair and a mighty mullet). 

It spreads brilliantly and is absorbed into the hair quickly. For the first few minutes nothing and then BOOM.......the strangest, weirdest sensation ever! My head started to feel really cool and then cold.....

I first started using this in June during the stupidly hot weather and I have to say, just the conditioning experience had me hooked on this - it was so refreshing and the cooling sensation does have the effect of spanking you awake in the shower - bonus!

In terms of how it leaves hair feeling this again gets top marks - my hair looks hydrated and shines. To the touch my bonnet feels silky smooth and my longer hair before applying any styling products has an almost flyaway property to it. 

All in all, while it might cost a bit more than I would usually spend (i.e anything at all) I have to say this has impressed me and possibly saved the conditioners of my other half from being plundered - it is brilliant, has a great effect when using and provides excellent results.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 

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Sumotech by Bumble and bumble

Sumotech by Bumble and bumble, no it’s not some new nappy system for Sumo wrestlers but in fact a lo-gloss elastic moulding compound for styling your hair.

If you read my recent post about Bumble and bumble grooming crème you may recall that I said I wasn’t a fan of Sumotech. Well that was then and since smashing palm into keyboard to commit my ill considered thoughts to the Internet I have done a bit of a three point turn, mainly because:

• I actually discovered some patience and persevered in using it instead of having a mild paddy, stamping my feet and launching it in the direction of the bin.

• After figuring out how to apply it easily, the hold and finish kicked most other hair styling products into the long grass.

There, I’m man enough to admit that I’m wrong (that makes two admissions in my lifetime) but readers, read on and I will tell you more….

Sumotech came with a batch of other hair products for me to try, and here I will give my balanced thoughts on the compound, particularly my first impressions, why you should take your time when using it and why if I could afford it on a regular basis this would give some of my favourite styling products a run for their money.

When I say if I could afford it this is because it costs so much, it is expensive I think for a hair styling product. Maybe I’m just getting tight with cash in my old age. For a small 50ml tub of the compound it costs £21.50, yes, £21.50.…(insert expletive).

What do Bumble and bumble say about Sumotech? 

‘Flexible hold, lightweight structure, matte finish, water-soluble, pliability

What: It's not a wax, not a paste and not a creme, but a midweight moulding compound that's a combination of all three (and a miracle of modern technology).

Who: Anyone; a natural for short hair; won't overwhelm fine hair; perfect for highly textural cuts. 

When: Anytime; after Prep or Tonic Lotion; use on damp or dry hair to style.

How: Spread a pea-size dab or two onto palms and work through barely damp or dry hair with fingers and style; work quickly and try not to overwork; spray down with Tonic Lotion (or Bb.Shine) to rework or to cut hold.’

OK, the first time I used this my hair was far too long - it was actually so long I had developed a full blown Shawcrest (a massive quiff, the name comes from a very funny former colleague blending my surname with crest - if Carlsberg made communications folk…..). Had I taken the time to read the packaging instead of diving in fingers first to see what it felt like I would have seen that this compound is actually for shorter styles.

Trust me, in my head there is a man continually slow clapping my original efforts. It was just too fiddly to style and I had to use quite a bit to get the hair moulded and styled how I wanted it, and even then, in the end it just didn’t have that oomph so I used something else. Total time wasted, 30 minutes.

Had I read the blurb above I wouldn’t have been so frustrated, but after having my hair taken down to two inches in length I decided to have another go. With hair slightly damp after washing I took just a pea sized amount (shown below) and massaged it into my palms. 

This is where it gets tricky to describe - to the touch when scooping it out of the pot it has the feel of a wax, but isn’t a wax. It’s almost like a solidified cream that had gone hard in the sun. As it warms though it takes on more of a pomade feel, silky in nature making it really easy to run through hair from root to tip. The fragrance is nothing to write home about but that really doesn‘t matter, personally if it doesn‘t smell like Fructis (fresh apples) I would prefer them to be scent free. 

Styling the second and third time around took just minutes - result. What I found really interesting (well, novel) is the way you can feel the hair becoming more and more rigid as you style. As this happens the shine from damp hair and the product starts to fade down to the final matte finish. It doesn’t look like any hair products have been used and that is a big thumbs up from me. 

The hold is excellent - the style and hair isn’t crunchy in a way some gels, glues and pastes can set. As an example, I styled my hair using this on Friday morning, didn’t wash my hair on Saturday morning and headed out fishing (and wrapped up, even with a ridiculous hat). In the evening the style was still there, a quick brush with my hand and it was back, some forty hours later. As an additional bonus, the residue on hands is negligible and if it doesn’t bother me then it is unlikely to bother others. 

For short hair this is perfect and when worked into a choppy style I have to say that even I find myself nodding in quiet agreement that my hair looks fabulous (and that is rare). 

Yes the initial purchase price probably will put people off, but you shouldn’t let it. A 50ml pot, using just a pea sized amount daily will mean that will still be hanging around waiting to be used in six months, with more to give. A little goes a long way and when you consider that in my opinion it has the best matte finish ever then you should give it a try. 

Is it a wax, is it a creme, is it a wax paste? No, it is a cracking little compound that keeps hair in place and looking great for days on end. 

RECOMMENDED

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got2b Glued Spiking Wax by Schwarzkopf

Last month I wrote about a bargain purchase in Manchester, got2b Spiking Glue by Schwarzkopf - it was an urgent buy after I had forgotten my hair products and was hours away from giving a eulogy at my grandfathers funeral. As part of a buy two for £4 deal I also picked up a 75ml tub of the got2b Glued Spiking Wax, like the spiking glue, promising ‘screaming hold’. 

Without going into the usual hilarity that is my own mental illness (the voices, the voices), I needed to style some long hair, some four inches in length and I needed to do it quickly. By the time that I got around to using this, opting to use the glue on the actual day I wasn’t in need of screaming hold, just something to keep my then five inch long spikes upright.

This is what Schwarzkopf say about the spiking wax:

‘The first wax from got2b with screaming hold for remouldable extreme styles without the crunch. Moulds like a wax, holds like a glue!

How to use: Rub a small amount of wax between your palms, work into dry hair and style as desired.

Extra tip:

For outrageous spikes twist a small amount into the hair tips.’

First thing first, I love the smell of this wax, it is so fresh and reminds me of the Fructis gels I would use in my teens. While the teen flashbacks resulted in me shuddering at the clothes I used to wear, the strong apple fragrance is simply lovely. While writing this up I have literally had my nose buried into the pot sniffing away.

If you can get over the lovely fragrance the next thing that is a little bit weird is the actual texture of the wax. Expecting something that would need to be warmed to make pliable I was presented with what can only be described as a cream like substance. 

With the texture of a cream it makes the spiking wax so easy to apply, but even easier if applied to slightly damp hair. When I apply to dry hair I find it just a little bit too tricky to style into spikes and have to make do with a choppy look after I had it cut down. When applied to damp hair spikes are a breeze and when dried hold as well as when applied to dry.

In terms of hold, the claims of being ‘screaming’ it isn’t far from the truth, it does hold and hold and then hold a little bit more. It’s excellent. When applying early in the morning the style is still going strong at three the following morning after a night in a sweaty bar and nightclub. Nothing knocks this off its stride.

Now for the best bit, how my hair looks when styled. This leaves my hair with a great matte look finish, which when styling shorter lengths looks good in my opinion. It also retains a bit of pliability so the style can be changed. 

Unlike the slue, where hair feels crunchy, there is no danger of this and while changing the style can result in a little residue on the hands it isn’t as bad as my experiences with Wella products.

As someone who can take or leave wax I have found over the last couple of weeks that more and more I am reaching for the spiking wax over every other hair styling product I have to choose from. It is excellent value for money (hey, it only cost me £2), makes styling easy, holds hair brilliantly and leaves it looking really quite natural.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Osmo Effects Detoxify Shampoo

With the endless amounts of lotions and potions that get rubbed, smeared and massaged into my hair it is no wonder that from time to time it has the texture of straw and can look tired. Until late last year, washing my hair consisted of picking up the nearest bottle in the shower (and there are a lot to choose from). 

Osmo Effects Detoxify came as part of the Osmo Male Grooming gift set and it sat around for a while until I finally got to the stage where my hair just couldn’t take any more.

Detoxify is a one day a week clarifying cleanser - it’s basically a shampoo that strips away all of the gunk and junk added over the course of seven days.

I have a 250ml tube of Detoxify, and when looking to see how much this costs when sold separately I was surprised to see that it is only £4. 

This is what Osmo say about Detoxify:

‘A deep clarifying cleanser designed to effectively remove product build-up and impurities whilst retaining the hair's natural moisture.

Achieve super clean results with this unique formulation which combines Rosemary and Tea Tree Oil. Jojoba and Wheatgerm condition and soften.’

First things first, with any shampoo I tend to be drawn back by the fragrance - anything remotely sweet in nature and I’m hooked. While Detoxify isn’t sweet, you can pull out the light fragrance of tea tree which makes it smell fresh and clean, but to be honest, no hints of rosemary whatsoever. Personally I like the fragrance of this, it doesn’t hit the senses it is so subtle and doesn’t have that underlying synthetic smell you can get with some shampoos. 

This is the first shampoo I have used specifically to remove product build up in my hair so I can’t compare the fragrance with others like it on the market, but take it from me, it smells lush.

A tiny amount, a quick massage onto my hair and whoosh, my head was encased in a light lather. It didn’t have the thickness of my usual shampoo and it quickly faded as the shampoo stripped away at my hair. After a couple of minutes my scalp tingled ever so gently and I decided it was time to rinse it off. 

After a thorough rinse my hair felt light and it squeaked when I ran my palm over the crown of my head. 

Now for the gross bit - I first used this in the bath and as soon as I had washed my hair the water turned an awful, stomach churning beige. Eurgh….The shampoo had clearly removed a lot, and I mean, a lot of residual gunk that had been glued to my hair. 

While still wet my hair had an amazing shine that remained even after drying. My hair did feel a bit lighter and before styling the individual strands were much more fine to the touch. 

Styling was also much easier after using Detoxify, in fact, much less product was needed to sculpt the style I wanted. Excellent (said while tapping fingers together Mr Burns style).

This is the perfect shampoo for removing build ups of hair products. It doesn’t irritate the scalp, has a strange tingling sensation when using and strips away impurities. It does what it says on the tin (it’s a tube stooooopid) and doesn’t cost the earth. Using this once a week has improved the health of my hair - there is also certainly less hair product residue throughout the week that can flake off onto clothes.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Birchbox Limited Edition Box for Men

Birchbox have put together a limited edition box for men and it has been cleverly designed so that every item within the box can be used to form part of the morning routine and there is even a little card to put you through your paces, though waking up at 7am is never ever going to happen for a bloke as lazy as me, unless I don't go to bed!

Birchbox Man contains seven items in total and I haven't come across any of the brands inside, so I am even more looking forward to trying them out.  Inside my box is the following:

Anthony Logistics High Performance Anti-Wrinkle Glycolic Peptide Serum (4ml) - This peptide-powered formula from Anthony Logistics works instantly to plump the skin's surface and diminish lines and wrinkles. AHA's (or alpha hydroxy acids to all you skincare whizzes!) also work to lift and hydrate the skin, leaving it smooth and rejuvenated.

To use - Simply apply a few drops to cleansed skin, massaging across the face and down the neck area. For best results use day and night.

Gentlemen's Tonic Daily Moisturiser (50ml) - This moisture-packed tonic is said to be perfect for all skin types. Using a unique blend of ingredients, from mineral-rich seaweed and emollient Babassu oil to soothing birch and softening coco butter, work to boost hydration levels in a flash.

To use: Apply a small amount to the face and neck morning and night, being careful to avoid the eye area.

English Laundry Notting Hill Atomiser (5ml)- English Laundry is described as having an evolving which initially opens with fresh, citrusy notes of bergamot and lime, and settles into a woody mélange of cedarwood and amber (with a spicy hint of peppercorn).

Noble Isle Lightning Oak Hair & Body Wash (30ml) or Fireside Bath & Shower Gel (30ml) Celebrating all that's great about the British Isles, luxury bath and body brand Noble Isle draws from the Scottish Highlands, English Country Gardens, Welsh Valleys and Irish Coast to create a collection that's locally sourced and ultra desirable. Its bath and shower gels take you on a journey which with the Summer Rising fragrance visits Cornish hedgerows to evoke elderflower, gooseberry, orange blossom and cut grass while Lightning Oak looks to Hertford Heath with its smoky wood aroma, plus bergamot and crushed pepper.

Mazorin Face Scrub (150ml) - This scrub has been specifically designed with men’s needs in mind it lifts away impurities with a blend of bamboo and maracuia powder while white willow extract keeps grime at bay thanks to its antibacterial protection for a crystal clear complexion.

To Use: massage onto wet skin, avoid the eye area and then rinse with warm water.

Closed on Monday Deluxe Pomade (30ml) - Closed On Monday transforms the traditional grooming products for the modern times - as demonstrated perfectly by their Deluxe Pomade. Imbued with a sophisticated sandalwood and vetiver scent, its unique gel-pomade formula is lightweight yet will keep your style in place.

To use: Rub an ample amount between your hands until the pomade starts to soften then work through your hair from root to tip.

Richer Poorer Socks - In an eye-catching orange and grey colour, these socks are cotton and worth a cool £12, probably the most expensive pair of socks I own!

So there you have the very first Birchbox for Men Box.  I am really impressed by the contents, each sample is a good enough size that you can use it for a few weeks to gauge a well rounded opinion as to whether or not you would purchase the full sized product and it is a nice introduction to some new brands.  

I also think this would make a nice giftbox for Christmas for the man in your life, your brother, your dad or even a close male friend.  The box costs just £25 and you can find it HERE along with further information on each item within the box, or other items which are featured in other boxes.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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