The hair on your head is an integral part of your identity. Shave it all off and no one is going to recognize you, and further than that, they likely will begin to develop an entirely separate opinion of the new hairless you.

Our hair is important, but most guys don’t take care of it they way they should. There are so many things that we can do daily for our hair to improve its overall health and longevity. No, I’m not talking about being sure you brush your hair every night before bed or to use both shampoo and conditioner each time you shower (though those are good ideas too). I’m talking about simple tricks and tweaks to your already minimal hair care routine that will help your hair growing strong. Women love a guy with a thick head of hair, whether its short or long.

You can’t undo the damage you do to your hair, so now’s the time to start trying some of these tweaks and tips. Your hair will thank you later.

1. Dry With Care
I am just as guilty as you are when it comes to drying my hair with haste. It’s almost instinct to grab the towel and rub your head dry. However, this is one of the most damaging things you can do to your hair. When you’re finished, you may notice that your hair looks sort of frizzy. Those hairs have been pulled past their stretching point by the fibers in the towel. Those same hairs are the ones being stubborn when you have to style your hair. Instead of vigorously towel drying, just pat dry. Even better, let it dry completely on its own. This is a great practice to start after a fresh haircut when all your frizzy split ends are gone already.

2. Don’t Wash Your Hair Everyday
Sometimes, less is more. Shampooing everyday for healthy hair is a myth. Shampoo cleans your hair, but don’t confuse cleanliness with health. You can over wash your hair and wash out some of the essential oils that your scalp is naturally producing for your locks. These oils are necessary for strong, healthy hair.

A good general rule of thumb is to only use shampoo in your hair after a workout or a long day of manual labor when you know it’s got either sweat or dirt in it. If you work at a desk and don’t see the gym often, then just remember to only wash your hair with shampoo approximately every two days.

3. Not Too Hot
“Warm water and soap” was the mantra we all grew up hearing for sanitary hand washing. Your hair should get the same temperature. Too often we wash our hair under scalding hot water. I understand how inviting a real hot shower feels, particularly in the winter months, but next time, dial it back to warm for your hair’s sake. Too much hot water can strip your hair of the same oils you could be rinsing out by over washing. Follow this tip for a couple days and your hair should have a bit of natural sheen to it.

4. Choose Wisely
The products you’re using in your daily hair care routine are, without a doubt, instrumental to your hair’s health. If you’re part of the majority, then you likely have a minimal hair care routine consisting of things like shampoo and either a paste/gel or hairspray. The great thing is that you likely don’t need to add anything to that list – just be conscious of what is in those products.

Look for an alternative shampoo that’s sulfate-free. As far as styling products go, most are going to be packed with harmful chemicals. If you want to stand by your product you’ve used for years, then just be more mindful and use it more sparingly in the future. If you want to take a stand against this pollution of your scalp, then switch to all-natural alternatives like aloe vera or a gelatin based mixture.

Above all, remember that it’s just hair. A bad haircut or a little hair loss isn’t the end of the world, and most hair issues are fixable. Treat your hair well and it will treat you well too, but don’t overthink it.

Like your clothes, haircuts aren’t one-size-fits-all. But unlike your clothes, you can’t take a crap haircut off after a day of fielding abuse from your colleagues.
Which is why – before going under the barber’s scissors – it’s worth knowing which styles best suit your face shape. After all, an extra inch here or a smattering of facial hair there can make all the difference.

What Face Shape Am I?

But how can you actually determine what shape your face is? It’s simple. First, arm yourself with a flexible tape measure. Then, take the following measurements, recording each as you go.

1. Forehead: Measure across your face from the peak of one eyebrow arch to the peak of the opposite arch.
2. Cheekbones: Measure across your cheekbones, starting and ending at the pointiest part below the outer corner of each eye.
3. Jawline: Measure from the tip of your chin to below your ear at the point at which your jaw angles upwards. Multiply that number by two to get your jawline measurement.
4. Face Length: Measure from the centre of your hairline to the tip of your chin.

Once you’ve taken these measurements, note which is the largest of the four, and then compare this to the seven main profiles to find out where your face falls.

• Oval: Face length is greater than the width of the cheekbones, and forehead is greater than the jawline. The angle of the jaw is rounded rather than sharp.
• Rectangle: Face length is the greatest measurement. Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in size.
• Triangular: Jawline measures greater than cheekbones, which measure larger than the forehead.
• Round: Cheekbones and face length have a similar measurement. They are larger than the forehead and jawline, which also have a similar measurement. The angle of the jaw is soft and much less defined.
• Heart: Forehead measures greater than the cheekbones and jawline. The chin is pointed.
• Square: All measurements are fairly similar. The angle of the jaw is sharp rather than rounded.
• Diamond: Face length measures largest. Then, in descending order: cheekbones, forehead, and smallest is jawline. The chin is pointed.

How To Choose The Right Haircut For Your Face Shape

Haircuts For Oval Faces

Seen as the genetic jackpot for women, an oval may not be the most alpha of face shapes for men, but it’s a good canvas for experimentation. Symmetrical and well-proportioned, an oval face shape does pretty much any hairstyle justice, so – you lucky boy – the choice is very much yours.

That said, there are a couple of minor caveats to ensure you optimise your ovalness. “The trick with an oval face shape is to wear your hair off the forehead to create some volume and angles on top,” says Aveda master barber Stelios Nicolaou. “The most suitable style is a classic short back and sides and slightly longer on the top, with a side-swept parting.”

You’ll also want to avoid a forward fringe. “Too much heaviness on the forehead softens features and increases roundness of the face,” says celebrity hairstylist Jamie Stevens.
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And feel free to ditch the beard, says Ruffians creative director Denis Robinson. “You don’t need facial hair to fill out any disproportionate gaps in this case, so feel free to go clean-shaven.”

Haircuts For Square Faces

Considered the masculine ideal, a square face shape is characterised by a razor sharp jawline, even proportions and an overall chiselled appearance. Grrr.

Like the oval, it’s a great foundation for most styles and is versatile enough to work with both extremely short and longer hairstyles – from buzz cuts to French crops to quiffs. Just bear in mind that the shorter you go, the more you look like you’ve just been conscripted (enlisted). Not that that won’t serve you well.
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“Classic, neat haircuts complement a square shape best – think close fades, side partings and short layers,” says Stevens. Some light stubble also gives the sharpness of your jawline a little welcome texture without blurring its line.

Haircuts For Rectangle Faces

The longest of the face shapes, a rectangular face falls somewhere between an oval and a square, but requires a subtly tweaked hairstyle to ensure the face doesn’t appear even longer than it is.

“Because a rectangular face looks longer, it’s important to avoid taking the sides too short if keeping length on the top, as this would only accentuate the length of the face,” explains Nicolaou. “Try a well-proportioned style that doesn’t take the sides too short or leave too much length on top.”
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Taking that advice, try a style that lets the hair fall to the sides and/or across the forehead to add width and ensure your face doesn’t appear narrower than it is.
Finally, never pair with a Duck Dynasty a beard, says Robinson. “A full beard only elongates the face, so instead try facial hair that ranges in length from stubble to a short beard to fill out any gaps.”

Haircuts For Round Faces

Circular with a rounded chin and no obvious lines or angles, a round face shape benefits from a haircut that lends it some definition.

“If you’ve got a round face shape, think square,” says Stevens. “Since round faces have little in the way of natural angles, you need to create the illusion of structure with your hair. A style with height on the top that’s taken tight at the sides such as a pompadour or a flat top works well to add structure, as do front fringes.”
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“Square corners in the high recession area of your hair will sharpen up any soft edges,” adds Robinson. “A full square beard will also help thin the chin area, giving the appearance of a more chiselled jaw.”

Haircuts For Diamond Faces

Narrow in the chin and brow, with width in the cheeks, the diamond is one of the rarer face shapes. Because of that, it has some specialist requirements to ensure it looks its namesake.

“Hairstyles that add width at the forehead and chin area are your best bet,” says Stevens. “Fringes work well to add texture to the forehead, while longer styles that can be tucked behind the ears are great for accentuating a diamond shape’s bone structure.”
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Don’t, however, take the sides too short – given the width of the cheekbones, a hairstyle that’s particularly short at the sides will only make your ears look bigger.
Softer lines and layers are better for this face shape, working to soften its natural angles. Try a side sweep or deep side-parting, and consider growing a 5 o’clock shadow if you want to add some size to a narrower chin.

Haircuts For Heart-Shaped Faces

Wide at the temples and hairline, gradually narrowing to a point at the chin, the (fairly rare) heart face shape benefits from a few optical illusions to make it appear better proportioned.

“Avoid cuts that are very tight, as these will accentuate the narrowness of the chin and the width of the forehead,” says Stevens. “A medium-length swept look is the safest bet.” Mid-length and long hairstyles that are kept reasonably thin and light soften the heart shape’s strong forehead.

Facial hair is also key in this case, adding some much-needed bulk to a narrow chin and jawline, says Robinson. “As with the diamond face shape, a beard helps a heart shape gain fullness in the lower, narrower half of the head.”

Haircuts For Triangle Faces

Due to its narrow forehead and wide jawline, a triangular face requires the opposite treatment of a heart shape.

“A style with volume is king with this one,” says Stevens. “Opt for longer, nose-length haircuts with fuller sides, which work to add depth.”
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As for the beard, the most you’ll look good with is some light stubble. But really, given the prominence of the jawline in this case, it’s best to steer clean-shaven. Grab the razor, fellas.

Quick Jump:
Oval | Square | Rectangle | Round | Diamond | Heart | Triangle

​This article is from FashionBeans

It’s sea salt season. The product every guy needs in his grooming collection.

If you don’t own a sea salt spray, go out and buy one. Trust us, it is worth having one of these to hand as it can be used in many ways.
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You can use it on holiday, or just as a pre-styling product to create the effect of having just come off a beach!

What Is A Salt Spray?

Sea salt spray is exactly that: a spray formula with salt and additional compounds.

Salt water is known for absorbing the natural oils in your hair which is why you get texture, waves and volume after a day at the beach.

Due to its beach-like effect, sea salt spray has fast become a summer staple in the product arsenal of men around the world.

Sea salt spray will add texture and body without leaving your hair feeling sticky, greasy, shiny or hard.

How To Use Sea Salt Spray

Sea salt spray is so versatile that it can be used as a pre-styling treatment or styling product to add volume and texture to your hair.
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Gone are the days when sea salt spray was only used by girls who wanted big beachy hair with loads of volume. Now loads of us guys are using it to add grip to freshly washed hair; add volume before styling; or refresh and remove oily shine from unwashed hair.

​Man For Himself  has come up with some handy tips of exactly what to pack to make your festival experience that bit more enjoyable.

With all that dancing, there are certain grooming products for your skin, hair and body that will make it much more pleasant. You can use this article as a checklist, so you don’t forget the absolute necessities!

Face

Looking after the skin on your face, during a festival, is extremely important. No doubt you will be having a drink or two… but just be aware the alcohol will dehydrate the skin.

You will need a decent moisturiser, and with the sun coming out buy one with a high SPF. Sunburn at a festival is not fun, or a good look. Check out this article for some non-greasy SPFs.

Jumping around with your mates in the middle of field and sleeping in a tent for a few nights, will no doubt attract unwanted dirt to your skin. Make sure you have a cleanser in your washbag. Man For Himself recommends a micellar water as it is so easy to use and will remove any dirt off the top layer of your skin. The Hydro Boost Micellar Water from Neutrogena is particularly good.

Body

When you spend the whole day dancing and sweating, maintaining personal hygiene is not easy, but there are items that are 100% essential!

• A long-lasting deodorant is a must. Look for one that has a 48-hour protection so you don’t have to worry about nipping back to your tent for a top up.
• An electric toothbrush will provide a much better clean than your average toothbrush. And this one is ideal as it comes with its own charger pack to last you the festival.
• For a minty refresh, take a mini bottle of mouth spray with you. And if you don’t need it, you might need to offer it to a friend!
• You might be someone who embraces the unkempt caveman look, but if you aren’t, pack a razor with a travel size shaving gel/foam. This 3 in 1 Shave formula from Menaji can be used with or without water.
• We sweat all over our body so don’t forget the nether regions… it might sound odd but this Below The Belt spray is great to help that sensitive area to stay fresh.
• If you want to take your favourite fragrance with you, why not take an atomiser with you. Minimal packing is key!

Hair

It’s quite likely you won’t be able to wash your hair during a festival. It’s not a pleasant feeling but you can help the situation by using a dry shampoo.
Spray dry shampoo onto the roots and really work it in. It will remove some of the oil from the hair.

When it comes to styling, either go au naturel or Man For Himself recommends using an oil-based hair product. Yes, it will add oil to the hair, but if you are concerned about having a hair place, it won’t dry hard. Plus, it should survive the rain and you can manipulate it throughout the day.

Health

Partying a bit too hard can effect the body in various ways. One key thing to take with you is rehydration sachets.

You will lose plenty of water from the body whilst dancing the night away and you probably won’t remember to knock that water back along with those plastic cups of beer. These sachets will give your body that hydrating boost it will need and stop you from feeling horrendous the next day!
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It’s impossible to stay 100% hygienic at a festival, particularly if you end up in a mud bath after a downpour! To prevent picking up any nasty bugs or bacteria, pop a tube of hand sanitiser in your pocket/bag. You won’t regret it when you’re dying for a tasty burger and fries.

Posted by Man For Himself

We love a good origin story, and not just when it comes to superheroes. Pomades have undergone several transformations, from ingredients used to the class that uses them. No matter what, we’re happy that these tubs of grease have stood the test of time, making guys look sharp generation after generation.

We’re also thankful that bear fat is no longer a main ingredient.

Read on for a bite-sized history of pomades.

Where does the word “pomade” come from?

“Pomade” is derived from the French word pomade, which means “ointment.” Pomade comes from the Latin pomum (fruit, apple) and Italian pomata (apple). That’s because pomades were originally made with mashed apples (as well as animal fats and herbs).

Pomades were originally used as ointments and only later as hair products.

Historical Timeline:

18th Century

• Pomades are exclusively used by gentry and thus associated with the upper class.

19th Century

• Bear fat becomes the main ingredient in pomade.

Early 20th Century

• Petroleum, lard, and beeswax replace bear fat as the main pomade ingredient.
• 1930s to 1940s – Introduction of Murray’s Superior Pomade, Brylcreem, and Royal Crown Hair Dressing.

Fun Fact: All of these brands are still in existence today.

• Film idols like Cary Grant and Rudolph Valentino popularize the shiny, well-combed look that is easily achieved by the average Joe with inexpensive hair products. Brilliantine and hair oil go into heavy rotation.

Mid 20th Century

• Dixie Peach Hair Pomade is a hit with teenage boys from WWII through the 1960s.
• 1950s – Pomade becomes irrevocably associated with the glitzy rock and roll era (Elvis!).

​Today

• Pomade production and popularity pick up major steam as the slick, groomed look goes into style. Hairstyles like the pomp and quiff require pomade for the best hold and shine.

 
This brief history is brought to you from The Pomades Blog