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5/11/2024 Today’s Man Wants It AllThe men’s grooming category is growing at a healthy clip as guys strive to look their best with the latest hairstyling accessories. “Men have become more invested in styling and care routines with an eagerness to learn which products are best for their specific hair type, texture and desired result— and most importantly, how to use them effectively,” he explained. “With the rise of social media, men have greater access to grooming inspiration and education, from their favorite celebrities to their local barber.
“There has also been a shift towards more relaxed and casual grooming and styling trends, reflecting changes in work environments and lifestyle preferences,” Garcia added. “We’ve seen an enormous explosion in the men’s grooming category during the past 10 years,” concurred Laurence Hegart, co-founder of Reuzel, a men’s grooming line. “There’s been a huge increase in the number of barbershops, and hair salons that have dedicated male grooming areas.” Sam Lewkowict, co-founder of Black Wolf Nation, told Happi, men have just entered one of the most competitive dating landscapes in human history. “You’re not just competing with your peers for women, you are now competing with the world— men will need to step up how they look and smell,” he observed. “It’s not necessarily a good thing for our society, but online dating and the increased time spend on those platforms have made products like our more necessary.”  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
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
I've been sharing about the benefits of silk pillowcases for almost a decade now. The benefits are not just for you curlies. Check out this article for some favorite choices. My Favorite Hair Care Tool Is a Silk Pillowcase  * includes paid product placements, endorsements, or sponsorships My hair didn’t know peace until my partner bought me a set of LilySilk pillowcases for Christmas a few years back. Before receiving this thoughtful gift, I slept exclusively on cotton pillowcases, not knowing that smooth-seeming cotton fabric was, at a microscopic level, the equivalent of sandpaper rubbing against my curls and coils all night (or nap) long. I’d always wake up to frizzy hair, with long tendrils sticking up and out. Somehow I’d missed the lesson other young Black girls received on wrapping our hair at night in silk scarves or bonnets to protect our ends from rubbing against the sheets and breaking off. But when the silk pillowcases slipped into my life, my hair problems were solved. I’d wake up with noticeably less frizz, fewer tangles, and drastically reduced bed head. No more bad hair days, which meant notably better days overall. Although I loved the pillowcases my partner gave me, I wondered how they stacked up to the mountain of other silk cases sold everywhere from Amazon to boutique retailers. In true Wirecutter fashion, I dug in to find out what makes a great silk pillowcase—and whether there’s really a difference between a $90 case and one that costs a fraction of that. Though the origins of silk production are not entirely clear, Chinese legends have it that 5,000 years ago an empress named Si-ling-chi learned how to raise silkworms, reel their silk, and spin it into cloth for garments. Since then, the shimmering gossamer has been used in everything from clothing to furniture to linens, including the soft fabric that Black women have a very, very long history of using to protect our hair. Wearing caps or bonnets at night has been a cultural tradition for at least several decades. Like most Black history, this tradition isn’t well documented, yet it’s a ubiquitous part of our past and present. Even for someone like me, who wasn’t taught to wrap my hair at night, it became increasingly obvious that my curls—which tended to be dry and split by morning—were suffering for it. This happens because certain types of hair—especially any kind of textured hair, including coily, kinky, curly, or wavy hair—have a harder time retaining moisture. Everyone’s scalp produces a natural, waxy oil called sebum, but for people with textured or even long hair, sebum has a harder time coating the hair shaft from root to tip, resulting in dryness or split ends. Silk’s smooth structure absorbs less moisture from the skin and hair, which is why silk pillowcases have more recently been embraced as part of many peoples’ skin-care regimens (something we’ve previously written about). If you’ve shopped for silk pillowcases, you know the prices are all over the map—some are relatively cheap, while others cost upwards of $100. I wanted to find out what you get when you pay more and less. I narrowed my search to cases with three qualities:
With that in mind, I tested seven pillowcases: the Fishers Finery, J Jimoo, LilySilk, MYK Silk, Ravmix, Olesilk, and Slip.  LilySilk ($69 at the time of publication) After I slept on seven different pillowcases over the course of a week, my partner was happy to know that the one I found myself continually gravitating toward was the LilySilk 25mm 6A pillowcase he originally gave me. This pillowcase is lustrous and weighty right out of the box. Maybe I liked it so much because I was already accustomed to using it. But what really sealed the deal for me was its condition after the first wash: It assumed an almost matte finish that made it less slippery and more comfortable to sleep on. Most importantly, I wake up each morning with corkscrew curls that feel healthier, more hydrated, and unburdened by frizz. (Though I’ve made multiple orders and have not experienced any problems, some people have been disappointed by LilySilk’s customer service.)  Slip ($89 at the time of publication) Even though it has a lower momme count, the 22mm Slip pillowcase is just as thick as the LilySilk. Also made with 6A Mulberry silk, this pillowcase has a satin sheen that didn’t budge, even after its first time being hand-washed. But the pillowcase had a slippery quality that made my head slide off to the side, which meant I had to constantly readjust in the middle of the night. The Slip was also prone to sliding around on the bed, and after a few weeks of use, it looked more wrinkled than the LilySilk. Some may prefer this pillowcase to the LilySilk because of its super-silky features, but personally I didn’t like waking up with my head on the cotton sheets—and neither did my curls.  Fishers Finery ($51 at the time of publication) The Fishers Finery pillowcase, also 25mm 6A Mulberry silk, strikes a good balance between price and quality. Though it’s not as soft as the Slip or the LilySilk, this pillowcase still feels luxurious. It’s heavy and not too slick (it’s not as slippery as the Slip), and it kept my hair smooth and frizz-less by the morning. It’s still pricey by cotton-pillowcase standards, but this one is the best I found for around $50 (and it’s leagues ahead of cheaper cases). Despite ranging from 19mm to 22mm, the other pillowcases we tried—the J Jimoo, Olesilk, MYK Silk, and Ravmix—were all nearly identical to the touch. These pillowcases, which range between $21 and $30, were soft, but they lacked the weighty quality of their more-expensive counterparts. And they felt more like a raw, unfinished silk than smooth and satiny. The thin material of these pillowcases speaks loudly to the difference in quality. However, if you’re on a budget and simply looking for something soft enough to reduce friction for your hair, any of these options would be an upgrade from a traditional cotton pillowcase. A frustrating reality of silk pillowcases in particular is that most of them are sold individually, not in sets of two. Because this is such a high upfront expense, maintaining your pillowcases will become just as important as choosing the right ones for you. Silk was initially intended for royalty, and in modern times, it still costs more to fully enjoy its luxury. So far, the benefits outweigh the cost for me, and I think my hair, with its healthy sheen, would agree. from NYT Wirecutter
 Only natural ingredients ensure healthy and beautiful hair? Hairdresser and chemist Michael Ahlmeyer investigates the statement. In this day and age, more and more people are looking for natural alternatives in all areas of their lives - including hair care. But while some claim that natural ingredients are the best choice for healthy and beautiful hair, others remain skeptical and regard this as a mere myth. In this article, we're going to take a closer look at natural ingredients in hair care and whether they're really as effective as they say they are. What does science say? Natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, plant extracts or jojoba oil have a firm place in numerous hair care products. Proponents of these ingredients say they can moisturize hair, strengthen it, add shine, and even promote hair growth. But what do the scientific facts say about this? It is important to note that not all natural ingredients are created equal. Some studies have shown that certain natural ingredients may actually have beneficial properties for hair. Aloe vera, for example, has moisturizing properties and can help reduce dryness and flaking.Jojoba oil helps regulate sebum production and keep the scalp healthy. The situation is different with plant extracts . In most cases, these serve more to provide a suitable story for product marketing. Often these extracts are only available in homeopathic dosescontained in the product and their actual effect may be questionable. A critical examination of studies on the subject of ingredients in hair cosmetics is of great importance. It is important to review the methodology and validity of the studies, note the independence of the studies, and consider the sample size and reproducibility of the results. The context and applicability of the study results should also be considered. Be critical Another critical consideration concerns the use of essential oils in hair care. Natural rose oil, for example, contains over 500 different ingredients , many of which are potentially allergenic . With synthetic fragrances, on the other hand, there is the possibility of deliberately omitting many of these potential allergens and thus producing a more compatible product. It is important that hairdressers and consumers understand the criticisms and limitations of natural ingredients in hair care. Natural cosmetics can be a good complement, but should not be seen as the sole solution. And be careful: The terms 'Clean Beauty' and 'Green Chemistry' are not proprietary and may lead to misleading marketing claims. Claims such as "Sulfate-free, Paraben-free, Silicone-free" are widespread, although in many cases they are unfair and not allowed: The Claims Regulation clarifies that ingredients that are considered safe, such as parabens, silicones and sulfates, must not be discounted. The focus is on the well-being of the customers As hairdressers, we regularly subject our customers' hair to a variety of chemical and thermal treatments, such as colouring, bleaching, straightening and perming. In this context, it is important to understand that the solution to hair care challenges cannot be found exclusively in natural cosmetics. However, natural cosmetics can be a useful addition for guests in the salon who want to avoid chemical treatments or who are sensitive to certain ingredients. It is crucial that consumers remain critical and do not rely solely on advertising claims. Making an informed decision about hair care products requires looking at different sources and information. Studies are an important aspect, however, one should not only trust individual studies, but also consider other factors such as scientific knowledge, clinical studies and consumer experiences. As hairdressers, we can help our clients choose the right products and treatments according to their individual hair needs. A balanced and differentiated consideration of natural ingredients as well as a critical attitude towards marketing statements are essential. Ultimately, the focus should be on the health and well-being of the customer, and hair care product selection should be based on sound information and individual preferences. from TopHair.de (you may need to translate this site)  Michael Ahlmeyer is a master hairdresser with two salons in Cologne. He develops high-quality hair cosmetics under the brand name "Michael Ahlmeyer" after using the corona pandemic for a correspondence course in chemistry in product development.
More information about the products and contact at:michaelahlmeyerpro.com |
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