 In the fiercely competitive world of career advancement, success often hinges on meticulous attention to detail. From honing your skills and qualifications to perfecting your attire and grooming, every element contributes to your professional journey. One often underestimated factor that can profoundly impact a man's career prospects is hair. Yes, you read that correctly! In this article, we'll delve into the intriguing ways in which hair can be a game-changer, from bolstering self-confidence to leaving a lasting impression. Let's explore the intricate relationship between your locks and your path to professional success. THE ROLE OF HAIR IN BOOSTING CONFIDENCE Your hair can be a powerful confidence booster, a vital attribute when aiming for career growth. The saying, "When you look good, you feel good," holds true, as well-groomed hair enhances your overall appearance and self-image. This boost in self-esteem encourages you to stand taller, maintain eye contact, and exude confidence in your interactions with others. Positive feedback about your hair, whether from friends, colleagues, or strangers, provides social validation. Compliments and admiration reinforce your self-confidence, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages assertive behaviour and facilitates success in various professional settings. Additionally, people often associate well-groomed individuals with competence and reliability, further enhancing your confidence in the workplace.  THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HAIR IN MAKING FIRST IMPRESSIONS Your hair is a pivotal component of your professional image, often being one of the first things people notice about you. A polished, well-maintained hairstyle communicates discipline and professionalism, making it imperative that your hair sends the right message, particularly during job interviews or client meetings. Moreover, your hairstyle can work wonders in concealing your age, a valuable asset in the workplace where a youthful appearance is often linked to energy and adaptability. With the right haircut and grooming routine, you can maintain a fresh and youthful look, potentially gaining a competitive edge over your peers. UNDERSTANDING HAIR LOSS IN YOUR 30S AND 40S For many men in the prime of their career in their 40s, they usually start to notice their hair loss becomes more pronounced, typically following the pattern established in their 30s. Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the primary culprit. Here are key insights into hair loss in your 30s and 40s:  - Pattern of Hair Loss: Male pattern baldness often manifests as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown of the head, with hair loss progressing gradually over time. - Genetic Predisposition: Genetics plays a significant role in this condition, and a family history of hair loss can increase your likelihood of experiencing it. - Hormonal Changes: Hormones, especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), contribute to hair loss by causing hair follicles to shrink over time. Hormonal changes that come with age can exacerbate this process. - Slower Rate of Growth: As men age, their hair growth rate typically slows down, resulting in finer and less dense hair, contributing to the appearance of thinning. - Lifestyle Factors: Stress and certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition, can exacerbate hair loss. Adopting a healthier lifestyle can mitigate these effects. - Medical Interventions: Treatments like minoxidil (topical) and finasteride (oral) are FDA-approved options that can slow down hair loss and promote regrowth in some cases. Hair transplant procedures offer a more permanent solution for those seeking restoration. - Scalp Care: Proper scalp care, including regular shampooing, using a gentle conditioner, and avoiding harsh styling practices, is essential for preserving existing hair. - Consultation with a Hair Transplant Doctor: If hair loss concerns you in your 30s and 40s, consulting hair transplant doctor is advisable. They can assess your condition, provide a diagnosis, and recommend suitable treatments or provide further research materials including videos, podcasts and blogs. - Managing Expectations: It's crucial to maintain realistic expectations when addressing hair loss. While treatments can slow down the process and promote regrowth to some extent, they may not completely reverse the effects of male pattern baldness.  FROM MANAGER TO LEADER: THE IMPACT OF HAIR ON LEADERSHIP As you ascend the corporate ladder, leadership skills become paramount. Interestingly, your hair can also reflect your readiness for a leadership role. A well-maintained, authoritative hairstyle exudes a sense of control and command, fostering trust and making it easier for others to follow your lead. Here are some of the best hairstyles to exude confidence and authority in the corporate setting: - Classic Tapered Cut: The classic tapered cut is a timeless and professional choice. It's short on the sides and back, gradually tapering in length as it moves up the head. This style is clean, neat, and exudes a sense of discipline and attention to detail. - Short Side Part: A short side part is a refined and sophisticated look. It involves slightly longer hair on top, combed to one side with a distinct part. This style is a favorite among executives and conveys a polished appearance. - Slicked-Back Style: The slicked-back style features hair combed back and held in place with a product like pomade or gel. It offers a sleek and organized appearance that can exude confidence and authority. - Textured Quiff: The textured quiff features longer hair on top that's styled upward and slightly back. It adds an element of stylish sophistication to your appearance while maintaining a professional edge. - Professional Pompadour: A professional pompadour combines a sleek, swept-back look with volume on top. It's a refined style that can exude confidence and authority without being overly flashy.  Remember that the best hairstyle for projecting confidence and authority in the boardroom depends on your individual style, hair type, and personal preferences. Regardless of the style you choose, it's essential to keep your hair well-groomed, maintain regular trims, and use appropriate styling products to achieve the desired look. CONCLUSION Your hair is far more than just a collection of strands on your head; it's a critical component of your professional image that can significantly shape your career journey. From boosting self-confidence to making an indelible impression, your hairstyle is a powerful tool for career advancement. By paying careful attention to your hair and grooming routine, you can enhance your professional image, radiate confidence, and ultimately unlock the doors to success in your professional pursuits. So, don't underestimate the potential of your locks; they might just be the secret weapon you've been seeking on your path to professional achievement. Written by Menswear Style
 Clinical Relevance: Hair has feelings too
Even hair follicles want to ‘stay in touch’ with their roots. Research just published in Science Advances suggests that the structures that anchor individual strands of hair in place are capable of a sensory experience that was previously unknown to science. Beyond making sure that hair stays put, hair follicles also help regulate temperature and manage sweat. While humans don’t use whiskers to feel around the same way animals like cats and dogs do, our sense of touch is advanced enough to assist us in navigating the world and even process emotions. THE MANE RESULTS It works like this: special nerve cells in the skin send touch information to the brain. So do other skin cells. In the new study, Imperial College London explored the interaction between these nerve cells and human hair follicles to see what and how they experienced touch. The researchers started by collecting scalp skin samples from men aged 23 to 54 who were undergoing hair transplant surgeries and also gathering up leftover skin from abdominoplasties to establish keratinocyte cultures. A keratinocyte is a skin cell that produces keratin, the protein that makes up the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. The researchers then processed the samples using various techniques. They used whole-mount immunolabeling to highlight specific tissue parts for microscopic viewing. Volumetric imaging captured detailed 3D tissue pictures. They also analyzed RNA extractions for gene expression. Additionally, they cultured different cell types and subjected them to a variety of treatments to observe the responses. This complex set of experimental methods helped demonstrate how the nerve cells sent signals to the brain that process touch sensitivity. Cells known as outer root sheath, or ORS, cells in the hair follicles interacted with these nerve cells. When something pressed against or moved the ORS cells, they released chemicals like serotonin and histamines to help modulate the response of the nerve cells. “This is a surprising finding as we don’t yet know why hair follicle cells have this role in processing light touch,” said lead author Claire Higgins, a professor at the Imperial College London’s department of bioengineering. “Since the follicle contains many sensory nerve endings, we now want to determine if the hair follicle is activating specific types of sensory nerves for an unknown but unique mechanism.”  A human hair follicle surrounded by nerve endings. Credit | Julia Agramunt EVEN MORE IN TOUCH Further testing showed just how sensitive the ORS cells were. The number of times something touched the hair follicle influenced the amount of serotonin and histamine released. More frequent brushups led to a greater chemical release. Compared to how skin cells react to contact, the researchers noted that while both types of cells respond to touch by releasing histamine, only the ORS cells released serotonin. This implies that hair follicles have a unique way of sensing and responding to touch compared to the rest of the skin. Interestingly, the researchers observed that ORS cells also had the ability to revert into regular skin cells when needed, like during wound healing, but still maintained their unique touch-sensing abilities. Previous research on ORS cells found that they emit ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), a molecule that serves as a signaling agent to communicate with nerve cells. The new findings add complexity to this model by showing that the communication between ORS cells and nerve cells isn’t just a one-way street with ATP as the only traffic light. There might be other molecules or mechanisms involved, making the process more intricate than originally observed. SKIN DEEP SCIENCE These insights into the touchy feely powers of hair follicles could potentially lead to new treatments for conditions related to touch sensitivity or insensitivity. They might have implications for treating other types of skin problems as well. “This is interesting as histamine in the skin contributes to inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, and it has always been presumed that immune cells release all the histamine. Our work uncovers a new role for skin cells in the release of histamine, with potential applications for eczema research,” Higgins said. The researchers say they need to conduct further experiments on living organisms to validate the study’s results. Since some nerve receptors exist only in hairy skin, the team will explore specialized signaling mechanisms within the hair follicle for these nerves. from Psychiatrist.com
 Diana, Princess of Wales used a custom-made spray to avoid being photographed with "helicopter hair". The late royal was worried about her trademark style being messed up by gusts of wind, so she asked beauty expert Sheree Ladove Funsch and her hair stylist Sam McKnight to come up with a special hairspray that would keep her pixie cut looking perfect no matter what. Ladove Funsch told New York Post column PageSix: "I am actually a cosmetic chemist by trade ... I developed this reputation of creating products that would fix celebrities' needs ... I got this call ... and Princess Diana had this need so I worked really closely with her and her hairdresser [Sam McKnight] at the time ... She had that beautiful ... pixie cut. When she would get off the helicopter, the blades would just spin and spin and ... her beautiful coiffed, cute little cut would go crazy." She added: "She didn’t want anything that would make her hair look glued down because she was ... so young and so beautiful. She didn’t want to look old and a helmet-head kind of look so I had to create a hairspray ... The nickname was 'helicopter hairspray' so that was her personal hairspray." Ladove Funsch added that Diana also had another custom hair product mixed up for her because she couldn't use the helicopter hairspray when she was wearing a tiara because the chemicals could damage the precious gem stones. She explained: "There were two versions. There was the helicopter and then there was the jewel version ... We had to create something that wasn’t as potent as a hairspray but that would still give her a bit of hold … without ruining the jewels.” However, insists the late royal never had any plans to launch her hairsprays as a commercial venture. She added: "I’m not saying she wouldn’t have launched it eventually and [didn’t want] to do something like that, but that wasn’t the intention. It was just to [create] something amazing [for her]." from WFMZ.com
The US Food and Drug Administration is planning to propose a ban on certain hair-straightening products, such as chemical relaxers and pressing products, that have been linked to health risks, according to an entry in the Unified Agenda, which lists actions that administrative agencies plan to issue. The agency plans a proposed rule that would specifically ban hair-straightening products that contain formaldehyde and other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals like methylene or glycol.  If such a proposed rule is issued, the FDA will receive public comments on it, and after reviewing those comments, the agency will decide whether further action is needed, spokesperson Courtney Rhodes said Friday. “Based on the comments, we might decide to end the rulemaking process, to issue a new proposed rule, or to issue a final rule. If we decide to issue a final rule, we publish the final rule in the Federal Register,” the FDA says on its website. Scientists have long identified an association between the use of hair-straightening chemical products with an increased risk of certain hormone-related cancers, including ovarian and breast cancers, and uterine cancer, particularly among Black and Latina women. Research suggests that about 50% of products advertised to Black women contain these types of chemicals, compared with about 7% that are advertised to White women, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The FDA is expected to propose language noting that these types of hair-straightening chemical products are also “linked to short-term adverse health effects, such as sensitization reactions and breathing problems” and that “these chemicals are used in certain cosmetic products that are applied to human hair as part of a combination of chemical and heating tool treatment intended to smooth or straighten the hair.” In March, two lawmakers – Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, and Shontel Brown, D-Ohio – wrote a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf urging the agency to conduct a “thorough and transparent investigation” to determine whether hair-straightening chemical products on the market contain carcinogens that lead to an increased risk of uterine cancer. Both Pressley and Brown have applauded the FDA’s action and called for the agency to implement such a ban. “The FDA’s proposal to ban these harmful chemicals in hair straighteners and relaxers is a win for public health – especially the health of Black women who are disproportionately put at risk by these products as a result of systemic racism and anti-Black hair sentiment,” Pressley said in a news release. “Regardless of how we wear our hair, we should be allowed to show up in the world without putting our health at risk. I applaud the FDA for being responsive to our calls and advancing a rule that will help prevent manufacturers from making a profit at the expense of our health,” she said. “The Administration should finalize this rule without delay.” A study published last year in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found evidence of an association between the use of straightening products and uterine cancer. Among nearly 34,000 women in the United States ages 35 to 74, the study found a higher incident uterine cancer rate for those who reported using hair-straightening chemical products in the previous 12?months relative to those who did not. The study found that among women who frequently used hair-straightening chemical products, the risk of developing uterine cancer by age 70 was around 4%. In women who did not use hair-straightening chemical products in the previous 12 months, the study found the risk of developing uterine cancer by age 70 to be about 1.6%. One woman in Missouri claimed in a lawsuit against L’Oreal and other entities that her uterine cancer was caused by regular and prolonged exposure to chemicals found in the companies’ hair-straightening products. The suit was filed last year in Illinois on behalf of Missouri resident Jenny Mitchell, who was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2018 and underwent a full hysterectomy. “Our highest priority is the health, wellness and safety of all our consumers,” L’Oreal said in a statement after the filing. “We are confident in the safety of our products and believe the recent lawsuits filed against us have no legal merit. L’Oréal upholds the highest standards of safety for all its products. Our products are subject to a rigorous scientific evaluation of their safety by experts who also ensure that we follow strictly all regulations in every market in which we operate.” CNN has reached out to L’Oreal for comment on the FDA’s plans. Mitchell said last year that she recalls getting hair relaxers around third grade, when she was about 8 years old. She continued using chemical hair-straightening products from around 2000 until March 2022. “As most young African-American girls, chemical relaxers, chemical straighteners were introduced to us at a young age,” she said. “Society has made it a norm to look a certain way, in order to feel a certain way. And I am the first voice of many voices to come that will stand, stand up to these companies, and say, ‘No more.’” Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly described the status of the FDA’s proposal. from CNN
In 2023, people are embracing their personal style and expressing fearlessness. Here's how to do it.  It’s never too late to have a truly fabulous haircut. Yes, hair changes as we age, and you may not have the same thick and healthy tresses you sported when you were 18. But that’s no reason to resort to what some stylists call a “granny haircut.” In the old days, it meant a tight perm and a blue rinse. Now, it refers to any wash-and-wear, low-maintenance cut. But there are endless options to keep things fresh and lively, so there’s no need to resort to a full-on granny style (unless you absolutely want to). Hairstylists point to older style icons as inspiration. “I always think of the women of Advanced Style on Instagram and how cool their hair always looks with their outfits,” said hair designer Luisa Popović. (If you haven’t followed it yet, it’s a project of photographer Ari Seth Cohen that’s dedicated “to capturing the sartorial savvy of the senior set.”) Other stellar examples, she said, include Vivenne Westwood, who died in 2022, and who was famed for her signature bright orange hair. She also cited the “powerful looks” of Michèle Lamy, the raven-haired 79-year-old French fashion designer. “It all just emanates fearlessness,” Popović said.  Tempted? Talk to a stylist. If you’re ready for a refresh, redo or bold new direction, stylists have lots of fresh ideas that can make you feel at the top of your style game, no concessions to age required. “A big haircut can really change up the energy in your life,” said stylist Nikki Providence. “If things feel stagnant, sometimes a haircut can shake everything loose.” “When we’re changing our hairstyle, our age doesn’t have to decide whether we go for long or short hair,” said stylist Mahogany Grace. “The health of hair matters a lot in choosing a new style. Try chatting with a couple of professionals to get ideas on how to style it based on its current condition.” “I think personal preference should guide a client’s choices,” she said. “If a client is 20 or 80 and they love a bob, long hair or a pixie, they should wear one. As a stylist, my job is to make each cut unique by bringing a client’s individual features and beauty.’ How to choose the cut you want How to decide which cut to choose? “There’s such a wide range of styles, cuts, colors available, now more than ever,” Popović said. “Spend some time looking online, or at magazines and books, to get inspired, and experiment in baby steps if you’re a little nervous to branch out from your usual.” In terms of those “baby steps,” Grace suggested that it might be a good idea to “reshape your current cut, maybe by adding softer layers around the face” as a good beginning. Stylist Sonna Brado said, “One of the main questions I get from consumers on my Instagram feed is, ‘How do I find someone to look at my face shape and design something for me? I’m 50-something and feeling frumpy.’ Her advice for clients is to follow their own gut feelings, and to find a stylist who can interpret those feelings into a terrific haircut. Stylist Akihisa Yamaguchi believes there’s a great cut out there, just waiting for you. “I definitely think that it’s possible to get your desired volume, texture and have fuller looks, while avoiding something that feels like an ‘old lady style,’‘’ she said. “I love medium-length bobs that instantly give you full volume hair and a nice saddle face frame layer that works nicely for the face.”  If you want to cut things short, there are smart ways to go about it, the stylists said. “If your hair has lost ‘presence,’ meaning it’s thin or wispy, a shorter or blunter cut will likely help it to look stronger and more solid,” Providence advised. “A bob can be sleek or soft, but the idea is for it to look intentional.” Popović agreed, and suggested that pleasing yourself is most important: “The bob seems to be getting a lot of slack these days, but I’ll always love a good, sharp bob. It can be so chic. I ultimately think clients should go with styles that make them feel good, makes their hair look as healthy as possible and are maintainable with their daily routines. There’s no cookie-cutter style that works across the board for older clients.” Consider adding some volume with hairpieces. If your hair has been thinning, you might want to boost the volume of your existing cut with some artificial options. “I’m a huge user of hair extensions and hairpieces,” said stylist and creative director Paul Labrecque, who noted that Halo Couture is a favorite brand. Ditto from Popović: “I absolutely love wigs for switching up a look and having tons of versatility without a big commitment,” she said. Labrecque uses tape-ins to fill in where hair has thinned. “It’s great for an A-line bob, to get that sharp point in the front,” he said. “If a woman has crown thinning, I use top pieces, which can be very small and made custom to cover crown splits and recessions.” There are some things to watch out for with extensions, however. “I shy away from poor-quality hair, or hair that’s overly short or long. The most flattering styles to me on older, duller hair sit under the chin and extend no longer than two inches from the collarbone.” While thinning can be a problem for everyone, those who rely on relaxers may experience it more. “If you’ve relaxed your hair for a lifetime, you’re much more prone to hair recession,” Labrecque said. “Plus, weaves and extensions, over time, can hinder hair thickness.” He suggested “a fall, like Halo’s Hybrid Fall, can help. Halo’s version is attached with a thin fishing string, and it can reduce hair stress.” Your styling routine needs an update, too. How you take care of your hair after that great cut can also be secretly aging you. “When it’s overstyled, especially with too much hair spray or teased hair, that can be very ‘old lady’ style,” Yamaguchi said. Providence agreed, saying that it’s OK to be a little low-key: “Let go of high-maintenance styles, and feel free to cut it short or pull it back. Pixie cuts were so cool in the ’90s, work on almost any texture, and can be fun and youthful all over again. I like when there’s a little softness to the edges. Let go of perfectionism, because it’s just holding you back.” And whatever you do, remember that you’re allowed to have fun. “In this time, in this culture, it can be scary to age publicly, or even to evolve,” Providence said. “But I see openly aging as the ultimate show of confidence and independence. The world is more open than ever to all textures and types of hair. It’s a golden age for individualism, if you can see through the standard bland, ultra-polished styles on Instagram. Out there in real life, people are embracing wigs, creative color, locs, braids, twists and natural textures, opening the door to looking however they want.” from HuffPost
|
Hair by BrianMy name is Brian and I help people confidently take on the world. CategoriesAll Advice Announcement Awards Balayage Barbering Beach Waves Beauty News Book Now Brazilian Treatment Clients Cool Facts COVID 19 Health COVID 19 Update Curlies EGift Card Films Follically Challenged Gossip Grooming Hair Care Haircolor Haircut Hair Facts Hair History Hair Loss Hair Styling Hair Tips Hair Tools Health Health And Safety Healthy Hair Highlights Holidays Humor Mens Hair Men's Long Hair Newsletter Ombre Policies Procedures Press Release Previous Blog Privacy Policy Product Knowledge Product Reviews Promotions Read Your Labels Recommendations Reviews Scalp Health Science Services Smoothing Treatments Social Media Summer Hair Tips Textured Hair Thinning Hair Travel Tips Trending Wellness Womens Hair Archives
April 2025
|
Search by typing & pressing enter
RSS Feed