Modern Male Mindset

Life Hacks – Bathroom Basics – Your 10minute grooming guide for the modern man

Life Hacks – Bathroom Basics – Your 10minute grooming guide for the modern man

Ahhh…the mysteries of the bathroom! Have you ever wondered what girls do in the bathroom for hours on end? These exotic creatures disappear in and come out, what seems like hours later out looking primped and preened to perfection. Well in this issue of Life Hacks I am going to give you the low down on Bathroom Basic’s. How you can look your best without the hours of maintenance that the girls put in!

With this daily 10minute routine, you’ll be looking sharper and smarter and it won’t cause a domestic over you hogging the bathroom.

Ok let’s start at the top, first, is your mop;

Hair on top – rinsing off in the shower does not count as washing your hair. Make sure you shampoo and condition at least every other day and shampoo every day if you’re a tradie, for fresh, glossy locks. You don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive salon brand’s, a good supermarket product will work just fine or try a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner. Pick products that are designed for your hair type, dry, greasy or normal or dandruff control. Sneaky tip, it’s fine to use her shampoo too, women’s shampoos contain the same basic ingredients as men’s, as long as it doesn’t smell too girlie!

Shower – Don’t just stand under the water half asleep. Wash yourself with soap or a shower gel, use a shower mitt or wash cloth to build up a good lather and exfoliate away dead skin cells. You need to wash away all the dirt and oils that have accumulated throughout the day or overnight. After you’ve rinsed off, finish with a burst of cold water, it will wake you up and close the pores of your skin.

Face – Use a facial wash for men, or if you’re old school, a bar of soap, although some non-facial soaps can be quite drying to the skin. If you have dry skin, opt for a non-soap cleanser or dry skin facial wash. If your skin is oilier, try a wash with salicylic acid. It helps to unclog pores and degrease the skin. Concentrate on the T-Zone, nose and forehead as this is where your oil glands are and tend to be the greasiest. Once a week, use a gentle facial scrub to gently buff away those dead skin cells, leaving you with a bright and invigorated complexion. Facial scrubs can really help if you are prone to ingrowing hairs from shaving as well.

Shave –  Shave in or just after a shower, the hot water softens the hair and opens the hair follicles for a closer and easier shave. Always use a shaving cream or oil. Use a shaving brush, to create a rich lather and raises the hairs. Go with the grain for less irritation, you can always go over twice for a really close shave. Make sure the blades in your razor are sharp, or you’ll end up with bits of bloody tissue stuck to your face. After shaving, rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Finish off with your signature aftershave lotion, to replace moisture and sooth the skin. On a side note, unless you are a professional cyclist or swimmer, please don’t shave your legs! I don’t care how on-trend you are, it’s just wrong.

Excess Facial Hair – Thick manly brows can look great, but a monobrow doesn’t look good on anyone. Your face caterpillars are easy to maintain. Do it after the shower, but before you moisturize, or the hairs will be slippy. Get some tweezers and just pluck the middle between the eyes, and the odd stray under and above the brow. Don’t overpluck, just do the main areas where you have excess hair. Big eyebrows aren’t a problem, it’s when they start to meet in the middle that you’ve got an issue. Nasal and ear hair is unsightly too and can easily be trimmed, nasal hair trimmers will make that tricky job, a breeze.

Short and Curly’s – Man scaping your short and curly’s is perfectly acceptable in this day and age. Just keep it neat and tidy. Trim your underarm’s and nether regions, but please do it very carefully!

Skin – Once you’ve washed your face, shaved and plucked, MOISTURISE. It is one of the key things that men shy away from. Moisturising keeps your skin hydrated, slows ageing and helps protect against skin damage. Experiment with different products and try a few different brands until you find something that you like and that suits your skin. You can even buy complete skincare kits such as ULTRA for Men – Essential Skincare program. A moisturiser with a sunscreen is a good idea in Australia especially. Finish with a slaver of Pawpaw ointment or SPF lip balm on your lips, this will prevent cracked sore lips in winter and in the hotter months.


 

Teeth – Any dentist will tell you it’s good to floss. Try to floss between your teeth at least once a day before brushing. Then brush your teeth for about two minutes, and include brushing your tongue. You can use a manual or electric toothbrush, they will both do a good job as long as you brush thoroughly. Finish with a mouth wash for an invigorating fresh minty breath. Try to visit your dentist every 6 months. A good teeth cleaning routine will help to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, keep your smile sparkling white and can help combat halitosis.

Eyes – too much caffeine, alcohol, smoke and too little sleep can make your eyes look scary. Clear eyes or eyedrops can help. With eyes prevention is better than the cure, so try drinking lots of water, eating healthy and getting plenty of shut eye, to keep your eyes clear and bright.

Hair – When it comes to doing your hair, style it before you add any product. This is going to prevent over use and that hard shell look you see so many of your mates sporting. Whatever amount of product you’re using, halve it, sometimes less is more. You can always add a little bit extra if you need. Visit your barbers every 4-6 weeks to keep your hairstyle looking tip top.

Hands and feet – Use a nailbrush, to keep your fingernails clean and nail clippers to keep them short and neat. Clean hands are pretty basic really! If you suffer from painful, dry and cracked heels use a paddle foot exfoliator in the shower and then a heel balm every night. If you do this for a week it should heal up.

To Finish – Finish up with a quick spray of antiperspirant deodorant, but make sure it’s antiperspirant, plain deodorant will just mask the odour and won’t stop sweat patches. Then some aftershave and your good to go! Pick your signature scent and aim for a deodorant and aftershave with similar or complimentary fragrances so that they are not competing.

Lastly, some things are best left to the professionals. You wouldn’t try changing the engine in your car by yourself, the same goes for a few male grooming essentials. Waxing your chest, back, sack and crack, don’t even go there! I guarantee it will all end in tears. Another one is dying your hair. Those subtle blonde highlights may just turn out green and touching up those greys, leave it to your hairdresser. You can bet Warnie and George Clooney do.

Bathroom cupboard – I’ve put together your essentials bathroom shopping list, with some of my favs. You only need a few basic products in your bathroom cabinet, to keep you looking sharp. Don’t be afraid to try lots of different brands until you find your favourites.

Bathroom Basics Shopping list*:

  1. Shampoo – https://moehair.com – Hair Guard Shampoo
  2. Conditioner or 2in1 shampoo and conditioner – https://moehair.com – Hair Guard Conditioner
  3. Antiperspirant Deodorant
  4. Facial soap or facial wash – Ultraceuticals Ultra Brightening Foam Cleanser
  5. Facial scrub – daily exfoliating facial scrub 200ml
  6. Shaving Cream – Authentic No.10 Finest Shaving Cream is my go to!
  7. Aftershave balm – Any Truefitt & Hill products. They have 211 years of grooming tradition and they are used by Royalty.
  8. Lip Balm or Pawpaw Ointment
  9. Men’s moisturiser – Aspect Dr C Skin Brightening Serum
  10. Body wash or soap bar – Scaramouche & Fandango Men’s Body Wash (200ml)
  11. Good quality razor – Truefitt and Hill razor
  12. Men’s grooming kit, including Tweezers, Nail clippers, shaving and scissors – you can get great personalised ones at createyour.gift
  13. Electric or manual toothbrush
  14. Aftershave or men’s fragrance

 

Stephen Handisides is an international TV presenter, model, journalist and an all-round expert on Aesthetic Beauty and Male Grooming. Stephen is the host of ‘The Modern Face of Beauty’ series which will be broadcast on 52 local and national television networks in the US reaching 44 million households. He is regular expert commentator in the UK on ITV’s This Morning, GMTV, Lorraine, OK! TV, Five, Sky News, and BBC radio. Stephen writes for over twenty major newspapers, trade and consumer magazines, with five regular columns focusing on the trends in lifestyle aesthetics and male grooming. He also hosts and produces Sky TV’s MyFaceMyBody and is the brains behind the Global Aesthetic Awards, held in London, LA and Sydney.

For more male grooming tips and inspiration, check out Stephens Instagram @shandisides Twitter @shandisides and his website and blog on www.stephenhandisides.com 

Picture credits PerfectlyAttired.co.uk

How to find the perfect ‘do’ for you. – The ultimate guide to finding the right hairstyle.

Men’s Muscle and Health

Life Hacks – Stephen Handisides

How to find the perfect ‘do’ for you. – The ultimate guide to finding the right hairstyle.

Words Stephen Handisides

Long gone are the days when a visit to the barber meant a ‘short back and sides’. Modern men have so many options with hundreds of hairstyles, including even where to go, to get a haircut. With the rise of boutique style barber shops, getting a trim is more of an experience rather than a chore.

Choose from the traditional nostalgic barbers, to boutique men’s grooming salons that offer beer, a game of pool and sports channels, the options are endless. But with all this choice can come confusion, so in this issue of Life Hacks, I’m going to help you navigate the minefield of styles for your ‘barnet’ (cockney rhyming slang for hair). How to find the right do for you!

As a male grooming expert, I am often asked for my no.#1 grooming tip. I always say ‘your barber should be your friend’. If there is only one thing you can do, a regular visit to your barber’s key. They will keep you looking dapper, trim that excess hair and will know what hairstyle will suit.

So what’s the ‘do’ for you? Here are my top tips to help you find the right hairstyle.

Firstly, don’t fall in the trap of getting the haircut that looks good on your favourite celebrity. There is a good chance that you don’t look exactly like Liam Hemsworth. It is fine to have a few inspirational pictures, but what looks good on a Hollywood celebrity, may not suit you. Find the style that suits the shape of your face, your hair type and your lifestyle.

Face shapes – No two people look the same, well unless you are a twin. But there are ways to categorise your face shape to help you find the perfect look. It is all about balancing your features. Knowing the shape of the face will help determining what haircuts will work.

To find your face shape, use a mirror or a picture that can give you a well-lit, straight-angled view of your face. Make sure that your hair is out of the way. Trace the outline of your face on the mirror using a non-permanent marker, a bar of soap or something that will wipe off. Once you’ve done that move away and look to see what shape the outline most resembles. If that’s too hard, there are also face shape apps in the app store, so you can work out your face shape easily on your smartphone.

Ok, so let’s look at the seven main face shapes to help find yours.

Square – This face shape goes well with most styles and is a strong masculine look. Be aware that this face shape can have a military-feel if the hair is kept too short.

Oval – This face shape works with several cuts, but it is recommended to avoid too much on the sides. Adding angles and edges can work well. With this face, comes many options, just try to keep your forehead visible.

Oblong/rectangular – Similar to the square face shape, the rectangular or oblong face fits many styles. Here it is often good to avoid too much volume on the top as it can make a long face look even longer; man buns are therefore best avoided. Sides should have some length.

Round – With a round face shape, it is a good idea to have a haircut with straight edges and add some angles where there are none. Keep it short on the sides and avoid a fringe.

Heart – For this face shape, a beard can work well as it can help broaden a narrow chin.

Triangular – This face shape is the opposite of the heart shape with all the width at the lower part of the face. Here it will be helpful to add volume (especially to the sides). Avoid having hair covering up the forehead. Keep facial hair to a minimum.

Diamond – For this face shape, a fringe and longer hair is the way to go. Seek soft lines to contrast sharp

cheek bones. A beard can help to create an illusion of broadening the jaw.

So know you know your shape, let’s look at styles. Your haircut is going to define overall look and your personal style. You can change an outfit, but on a day to day basis you can’t change your hairstyle that much, so it’s important to get the right look. If you get the balance right, a haircut that will complement your face, bring out your best features and portrays a style that you can identify with.

Classic, Short back and sides – slightly longer on top. This traditional classic style suits any face shapes, especially oval face shapes, triangle and diamond face shapes.

Slicked back undercut – similar to the classic short back and side but longer on top and very short on the sides.

Undercut – Can help to create angles where needed. Suits oval and square shaped faces. Smart classic look.

Man bun – This on trend style, can be helpful when trying to lengthen the look of a face. Suits oval shaped faces. The Undercut can also be combined with the man bun, for the top knot, this is a notoriously hard look to pull off, but looks really cool, if you can.

Side part – This classic style can work with several face shapes and hair types. Works well on round and square face shapes, as it creates more angles.

Pompadour – retro 50’s that style suits square and rounded faces, and can be as long and slicked back as you like. Longer versions can also suit heart shaped faces.

Crew cut – A relatively easy to keep hairstyle that works for several face shapes.

Buzz cut – This cut works very well with receding hairlines and is basically ‘maintenance free’. Looks great with dark hair, light hair can also work, but can sometimes look patchy. If your head is full of bumps and scars, this may not be the right choice for you. Not suitable for a round but suits square, triangle and receding hairlines.

Long hair, don’t care – long hair, shoulder length or less, great to style in a man bun, but not for everyone. Suits Heart shaped faces. This style can look really cool, but if done wrong, can look REALLY wrong. Do tread carefully.

Take into consideration if your hair is wavy, straight, or curly, also thick or thin. Consider how your hair type reacts in different styles and lengths. A good barber will give you a consult before starting and help you work this out.

Facial hair is a whole other subject. It can help compliment your hairstyle and general style and hide ‘weak’ points. Be it some stubble, a neatly kept moustache, or a full beard. In the past few years, impressive facial hair has gained much popularity. But as with all trends, this one is fading out. Whatever you decide just make sure you can pull it off. It is worthwhile to note, no matter how impressive your facial hair is, several major studies have shown that most women prefer a clean shaven look!

Remember that these tips are meant to help guide you to find the best look, rather than rules set in stone. It is recommended to share your ideas with your hairdresser; it can help guide him/her to do a better job, and lead to new discoveries in regards to what your ideal hairstyle should look like. Good Luck and get grooming!

Stephen Handisides is an international TV presenter, model, journalist and an all-round expert on Aesthetic Beauty and Male Grooming. Stephen is currently featuring as a guest grooming presenter on Channel 10 Cruise Mode and is regular expert commentator in the UK on ITV’s This Morning, GMTV, Lorraine, OK!TV, Five, Sky News, and BBC radio. Stephen also hosts and produces Sky TV’s MyFaceMyBody and is the brains behind the Global Aesthetic Awards, held in London, LA and Sydney.

For more male grooming tips and inspiration, check out Stephens Instagram @shandisides Twitter @shandisides and his website and blog on www.stephenhandisides.com

Great graphics on http://hairstyleonpoint.com/HairStyleOnPoint_infographic.png

http://hairstyleonpoint.com/mens-hairstyles-a-simple-guide-to-popular-and-modern-styles/

Picture credits PerfectlyAttired.co.uk

STEPHEN HANDISIDES 10 MINUTE GROOMING GUIDE

BATHROOM BASICS – YOUR 10MINUTE GROOMING GUIDE FOR THE MODERN MAN.

Ok let’s start at the top, first, is your mop;

Hair on top – rinsing off in the shower does not count as washing your hair. Make sure you shampoo and condition at least every other day and shampoo every day if you’re a tradie, for fresh, glossy locks. You don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive salon brand’s, a good supermarket product will work just fine or try a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner. Pick products that are designed for your hair type, dry, greasy or normal or dandruff control. Sneaky tip, it’s fine to use her shampoo too, women’s shampoos contain the same basic ingredients as men’s, as long as it doesn’t smell too girlie!

Shower – Don’t just stand under the water half asleep. Wash yourself with soap or a shower gel, use a shower mitt or wash cloth to build up a good lather and exfoliate away dead skin cells. You need to wash away all the dirt and oils that have accumulated throughout the day or overnight. After you’ve rinsed off, finish with a burst of cold water, it will wake you up and close the pores of your skin.

Face – Use a facial wash for men, or if you’re old school, a bar of soap, although some non-facial soaps can be quite drying to the skin. If you have dry skin, opt for a non-soap cleanser or dry skin facial wash. If your skin is oilier, try a wash with salicylic acid. It helps to unclog pores and degrease the skin. Concentrate on the T-Zone, nose and forehead as this is where your oil glands are and tend to be the greasiest. Once a week, use a gentle facial scrub to gently buff away those dead skin cells, leaving you with a bright and invigorated complexion. Facial scrubs can really help if you are prone to ingrowing hairs from shaving as well.

Shave –  Shave in or just after a shower, the hot water softens the hair and opens the hair follicles for a closer and easier shave. Always use a shaving cream or oil. Use a shaving brush, to create a rich lather and raises the hairs. Go with the grain for less irritation, you can always go over twice for a really close shave. Make sure the blades in your razor are sharp, or you’ll end up with bits of bloody tissue stuck to your face. After shaving, rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Finish off with your signature aftershave lotion, to replace moisture and sooth the skin. On a side note, unless you are a professional cyclist or swimmer, please don’t shave your legs! I don’t care how on-trend you are, it’s just wrong.

Excess Facial Hair – Thick manly brows can look great, but a monobrow doesn’t look good on anyone. Your face caterpillars are easy to maintain. Do it after the shower, but before you moisturize, or the hairs will be slippy. Get some tweezers and just pluck the middle between the eyes, and the odd stray under and above the brow. Don’t overpluck, just do the main areas where you have excess hair. Big eyebrows aren’t a problem, it’s when they start to meet in the middle that you’ve got an issue. Nasal and ear hair is unsightly too and can easily be trimmed, nasal hair trimmers will make that tricky job, a breeze.

Short and Curly’s – Man scaping your short and curly’s is perfectly acceptable in this day and age. Just keep it neat and tidy. Trim your underarm’s and nether regions, but please do it very carefully!

Skin – Once you’ve washed your face, shaved and plucked, MOISTURISE. It is one of the key things that men shy away from. Moisturising keeps your skin hydrated, slows ageing and helps protect against skin damage. Experiment with different products and try a few different brands until you find something that you like and that suits your skin. You can even buy complete skincare kits such as ULTRA for Men – Essential Skincare program. A moisturiser with a sunscreen is a good idea in Australia especially. Finish with a slaver of Pawpaw ointment or SPF lip balm on your lips, this will prevent cracked sore lips in winter and in the hotter months.

Teeth – Any dentist will tell you it’s good to floss. Try to floss between your teeth at least once a day before brushing. Then brush your teeth for about two minutes, and include brushing your tongue. You can use a manual or electric toothbrush, they will both do a good job as long as you brush thoroughly. Finish with a mouth wash for an invigorating fresh minty breath. Try to visit your dentist every 6 months. A good teeth cleaning routine will help to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, keep your smile sparkling white and can help combat halitosis.

Eyes – too much caffeine, alcohol, smoke and too little sleep can make your eyes look scary. Clear eyes or eyedrops can help. With eyes prevention is better than the cure, so try drinking lots of water, eating healthy and getting plenty of shut eye, to keep your eyes clear and bright.

Hair – When it comes to doing your hair, style it before you add any product. This is going to prevent over use and that hard shell look you see so many of your mates sporting. Whatever amount of product you’re using, halve it, sometimes less is more. You can always add a little bit extra if you need. Visit your barbers every 4-6 weeks to keep your hairstyle looking tip top.

Hands and feet – Use a nailbrush, to keep your fingernails clean and nail clippers to keep them short and neat. Clean hands are pretty basic really! If you suffer from painful, dry and cracked heels use a paddle foot exfoliator in the shower and then a heel balm every night. If you do this for a week it should heal up.

To Finish – Finish up with a quick spray of antiperspirant deodorant, but make sure it’s antiperspirant, plain deodorant will just mask the odour and won’t stop sweat patches. Then some aftershave and your good to go! Pick your signature scent and aim for a deodorant and aftershave with similar or complimentary fragrances so that they are not competing.

Lastly, some things are best left to the professionals. You wouldn’t try changing the engine in your car by yourself, the same goes for a few male grooming essentials. Waxing your chest, back, sack and crack, don’t even go there! I guarantee it will all end in tears. Another one is dying your hair. Those subtle blonde highlights may just turn out green and touching up those greys, leave it to your hairdresser. You can bet Warnie and George Clooney do.

Bathroom cupboard – I’ve put together your essentials bathroom shopping list, with some of my favs. You only need a few basic products in your bathroom cabinet, to keep you looking sharp. Don’t be afraid to try lots of different brands until you find your favourites.

Bathroom Basics Shopping list*:

  1. Shampoo – https://moehair.com – Hair Guard Shampoo
  2. Conditioner or 2in1 shampoo and conditioner – https://moehair.com – Hair Guard Conditioner
  3. Antiperspirant Deodorant
  4. Facial soap or facial wash – Ultraceuticals Ultra Brightening Foam Cleanser
  5. Facial scrub – daily exfoliating facial scrub 200ml
  6. Shaving Cream – Authentic No.10 Finest Shaving Cream is my go to!
  7. Aftershave balm – Any Truefitt & Hill products. They have 211 years of grooming tradition and they are used by Royalty.
  8. Lip Balm or Pawpaw Ointment
  9. Men’s moisturiser – Aspect Dr C Skin Brightening Serum
  10. Body wash or soap bar – Scaramouche & Fandango Men’s Body Wash (200ml)
  11. Good quality razor – Truefitt and Hill razor
  12. Men’s grooming kit, including Tweezers, Nail clippers, shaving and scissors – you can get great personalised ones atcreateyour.gift
  13. Electric or manual toothbrush
  14. Aftershave or men’s fragrance

Stephen Handisides 10 Minute Grooming Guide

Facebook: @modernmalemindset

Instagram: @shandisides

Other Blogs:

Business
Male Grooming
Wellness
Dating
Travel
Etiquette

Stephen Handisides is an international TV presenter, model, journalist and an all-round expert on Aesthetic Beauty and Male Grooming. Stephen is the host of TV show ‘Modern Face of Beauty’ series which will be broadcast on Bravo TV, ROKU and Filmon. TV, across 52 local and national television networks in the US reaching 44 million households. He is regular expert commentator in the UK on ITV’s This Morning, GMTV, Lorraine, OK! TV, Five, Sky News, and BBC radio. Stephen writes for over twenty major newspapers, trade and consumer magazines, with five regular columns focusing on the trends in lifestyle aesthetics and male grooming. He also hosts and produces Sky TV’s MyFaceMyBody and is the brains behind the Global Aesthetic Awards, held in London, LA and Sydney.

For more male grooming tips and inspiration, check out Stephens Instagram @shandisides Twitter @shandisides and his website and blog on www.stephenhandisides.com 

Picture credits PerfectlyAttired.co.uk

For more information, check out Stephen Handisides on the web:  
Website www.stephenhandisides.com   
Twitter @shandisides
My Face My Body’s Facebook @myfacemybody
International contacts:
UK Contact – Gina Fink – Savage Public Relations gina@savagepr.com.au
Australian Contact – Gina Fink – Savage Public Relations gina@savagepr.com.au (+61) 0414 383 917

Leave It To The Professionals Men’s Muscle & Health

Men’s Muscle and Health

Life Hacks – Leave it to the Professionals.

Words Stephen Handisides

You wouldn’t try to change your car’s engine by yourself, and the same goes for some of the finer points of male grooming, they are best left to the professionals. With this issue of MMH being the transform issue, we are going to look at ways the modern man can transform themselves with a bit of extra help. Now I’m not saying it’s time to go under the knife, but why let the girls have all the fun at the Spa. With the rise of grooming establishments just for men, now us guys have an exclusive invite into the world of pampering, and can come out transformed!

Exclusive men’s grooming establishments are hugely popular in the UK and the USA and the trend is on the rise here in Australia too. I spoke to Cathriona Flanagan, Head Therapist at Face of Man in Sydney and she agreed, saying that ‘Male grooming is the fastest growing aspect in the beauty industry. We have noticed a huge growth in business in the last three years. Men are definitely wanting to look “fresher “and “healthier “for their age.’

These male only establishments focus on high end treatments, specifically tailored for men’s skin and grooming needs. These centres look more like traditional men’s country clubs than girlie day spa’s with luxurious and masculine designed themes, discreet entrances and a welcoming scotch on the rocks, or beer on arrival. You won’t get a whiff of lavender scented candles or Enya music here!

If the thought of entering a day spa for men leaves you slightly nervous, let me take out the mystery and give you the low down on what to expect.

The Facial. A facial can mean everything from basic exfoliation, to Microdermabrasion, Peel’s, Fractional Laser and IPL. The choices are endless depending on your skins needs and with tailored treatments specifically for male skin, the facial is no longer just for the girls. A good facial will remove dead skin cells, brighten, remove blackheads and clear the skin. More technical treatments can reduce fine lines, pigmentation, freckles, sun and age spots, acne and scarring and enlarged pores. Your therapist will recommend the treatment for your skin type, as well as prescribe take home products such as Aspect Dr or Ultraceuticals that will work for your skin type. Regular facials are a good way to treat yourself, relax and unwind after a stressful day and will make a massive difference to your skin’s tone and texture.

Waxing, even the thought of it makes my eyes water, and the idea of DIY waxing, forget about it! Waxing is not for the faint hearted, but if you are a hairy beast then waxing is a good option. You can get everything waxed now, from eyebrows, chest and legs, to the famous ‘back, sack and crack’ (ouch!). Yes, it is painful, but suck it up princess, the girls have been doing it for years.

Laser Hair Removal is another, more permanent and I think less painful option, to leave your skin feeling silky smooth. Laser Hair Removal works by means of an intense, pulsating beam of light that travels down the hair to the follicle and inhibits future hair growth. The initial cost can be more expensive than waxing, but is more cost effective over time, because after few treatments you will be hair free. Treatments should be every 6 weeks and after 6-10 visits you should be relatively fuzz free.

Fat Reduction. If you’re not loving your love handles, you can try fat reduction treatments. These ground breaking technologies battle those stubborn pockets of fat that you just can’t seem to get rid of using diet and exercise alone. Targeting those troublesome areas such as the double chin, stomach, love handles and man boobs. Non-invasive procedures such as Syneron Candela’s UltraShape Power® or Cryomed Cooltech® are both are relatively painless treatments that break down fat cells and have the backing of clinically proven results, that work.

-CONT-

Botox® is no longer the domain of the frozen faced Hollywood celebrity. Clinics are using this treatment for a fresh, smooth but not frozen look. With less stigma attached to it, anti-wrinkle injections have become more mainstream. Many smart men are trying this treatment, dubbed, ‘brotox’, for the subtle smoothing of lines and wrinkles (I emphasise the word subtle!). Minuscule amounts of Botox® are injected in targeted areas such as the forehead and frown lines and can literally take years off your appearance. Some centres even offer this treatment for men to combat problem perspiration. The medical profession is still discovering the uses for this amazing wonder drug, with several interesting clinic trials ongoing. The FDA has already approved Botox® to treat migraines, overactive bladder, crossed eyes and eye twitching.

But if all this is too scary for you, you can start of slowly and still enjoy the many benefits for the male grooming lounge, such as a relaxing or invigorating massage. As men, we hold many of our daily stresses in our back and shoulder area. A trained massage therapist can tell when a client is under pressure at work or at home, by the tension in their back. A massage is a great way to switch off, take some time for you and have those knots worked out! A good massage will leave you feeling relaxed, de-stressed and rejuvenated from the inside out.

MANicure, now I am not saying paint your fingernails fuchsia pink, but your hands need to be presentable, especially if you have a career where you need to look sharp on a daily basis. A manicure will neaten and file down the nail edge, smooth the visible ridges on your nails, remove hangnails and damaged skin and cut back overgrown cuticles. You can even include an exfoliation and moisturising hand massage to leave your hands smooth, fresh and clean. If it’s good enough for Brad Pitt and David Beckham then it’s good enough for us!

Pedicure, I have to say, and most women will agree that us guys do have the worst feet. It is quite possibly the part of the body we neglect the most. Dry cracked heels, long dirty or ingrowing toenails, hairy toes and calluses are just not a good look when it’s time to get the Havaianas out. We spend all day walking on them and we’ve only got one pair, so it’s time to give your feet a treat with a little TLC. Like a MANicure but for your feet, a Pedicure will trim, shape, buff and tidy your toenails, as well as buffing and scraping away all that cracked dead skin on your heels. The therapist will finish up with hot towels, a foot massage and moisturising. You may get asked if you want some nail polish? You do not, and I don’t need to explain why!

So now I have given you the low down with a bit of demystifying, you’ve got no excuses not give the Male Day Spa a try. I guarantee you won’t look back and you be booking regular appointments in no time. The end results will leave you feeling great, more relaxed and most importantly looking sharp!

Here are some of my top picks for a bit of guys only man scaping:

NSW

Face of Man Sydney www.faceofman.com.au

Man Cave Sydney www.mancavesydney.com.au

ManKind Sydney www.mankind.com.au

Detail Smoother Skin www.smootherskin.com.au

VIC

Manhor Melbourne www.manhor.com.au

ManKind Melbourne www.mankind.com.au

One for Men www.oneformen.com.au

Men’s Body Works Melbourne www.mensbodyworks.com

QLD

Archon Spas www.archonspas.com.au/mens-day-spa-brisbane

Stephen Handisides is an international TV presenter, model, journalist and an all-round expert on Aesthetic Beauty and Male Grooming. Stephen is the host of ‘The Modern Face of Beauty’ series which will be broadcast in the US, UK and Australia. He is regular expert commentator in the UK on ITV’s This Morning, GMTV, Lorraine, OK! TV, Five, Sky News, and BBC radio. Stephen writes for over twenty major newspapers, trade and consumer magazines, with five regular columns focusing on the trends in lifestyle aesthetics and male grooming. He also hosts and produces Sky TV’s MyFaceMyBody and is the brains behind the Global Aesthetic Awards, held in London, LA and Sydney.

For more male grooming tips and inspiration, check out Stephens Instagram @shandisides Twitter @shandisides and his website and blog on www.stephenhandisides.com 

Picture credits PerfectlyAttired.co.uk

 

Pompadour – Latest Hair Trends For Men

Stephen visits his resident hair expert Vito Esposito to discuss the latest hair trends for men. Vito describes a cut that is short on the sides and somewhat longer on the top in the form of a pompadour. Vito also instructs Stephen that his beard needs to be trimmed better, rather more precise something of which Vito explains must fit well nicely with the haircut.

Some examples of famous pompadours is none other than the great Elvis CLICK HERE to read about his iconic style.

pompadour

You can learn more about Vito Esposito by going to his website CLICK HERE or visiting his social media pages

https://www.facebook.com/vitoespositosalon/

https://twitter.com/vitoespositobh

https://www.instagram.com/vitoespositosalon/

His office is located in Beverly Hills 9422 Dayton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Other Blogs:

Business
Male Grooming
Wellness
Dating
Travel
Etiquette

For more information, check out Stephen Handisides on the web:  
Website www.stephenhandisides.com   
Instagram @shandisides
Twitter @shandisides
My Face My Body’s Facebook @myfacemybody
Modern Male Mindset Facebook @modernmalemindset
International contacts:
UK Contact – Gina Fink – Savage Public Relations gina@savagepr.com.au

How to find the Perfect Do for You – Men’s Muscle & Health Magazine

How to find the perfect ‘do’ for you. – The ultimate guide to finding the right hairstyle.

Long gone are the days when a visit to the barber meant a ‘short back and sides’. Modern men have so many options with hundreds of hairstyles, including even where to go, to get a haircut. With the rise of boutique style barber shops, getting a trim is more of an experience rather than a chore.

Choose from the traditional nostalgic barbers, to boutique men’s grooming salons that offer beer, a game of pool and sports channels, the options are endless. But with all this choice can come confusion, so in this issue of Life Hacks, I’m going to help you navigate the minefield of styles for your ‘barnet’ (cockney rhyming slang for hair). How to find the right do for you!

As a male grooming expert, I am often asked for my no.#1 grooming tip. I always say ‘your barber should be your friend’. If there is only one thing you can do, a regular visit to your barber’s key. They will keep you looking dapper, trim that excess hair and will know what hairstyle will suit.

So what’s the ‘do’ for you? Here are my top tips to help you find the right hairstyle.

Firstly, don’t fall in the trap of getting the haircut that looks good on your favorite celebrity. There is a good chance that you don’t look exactly like Liam Hemsworth. It is fine to have a few inspirational pictures, but what looks good on a Hollywood celebrity, may not suit you. Find the style that suits the shape of your face, your hair type and your lifestyle.

Face Shapes

No two people look the same, well unless you are a twin. But there are ways to categorize your face shape to help you find the perfect look. It is all about balancing your features. Knowing the shape of the face will help determining what haircuts will work.

To find your face shape, use a mirror or a picture that can give you a well-lit, straight-angled view of your face. Make sure that your hair is out of the way. Trace the outline of your face on the mirror using a non-permanent marker, a bar of soap or something that will wipe off. Once you’ve done that move away and look to see what shape the outline most resembles. If that’s too hard, there are also face shape apps in the app store, so you can work out your face shape easily on your smartphone.

Ok, so let’s look at the seven main face shapes to help find yours.

Square –

This face shape goes well with most styles and is a strong masculine look. Be aware that this face shape can have a military-feel if the hair is kept too short.

Oval –

This face shape works with several cuts, but it is recommended to avoid too much on the sides. Adding angles and edges can work well. With this face, comes many options, just try to keep your forehead visible.

Oblong/rectangular –

Similar to the square face shape, the rectangular or oblong face fits many styles. Here it is often good to avoid too much volume on the top as it can make a long face look even longer; man buns are therefore best avoided. Sides should have some length.

Round –

With a round face shape, it is a good idea to have a haircut with straight edges and add some angles where there are none. Keep it short on the sides and avoid a fringe.

Heart –

For this face shape, a beard can work well as it can help broaden a narrow chin.

Triangular –

This face shape is the opposite of the heart shape with all the width at the lower part of the face. Here it will be helpful to add volume (especially to the sides). Avoid having hair covering up the forehead. Keep facial hair to a minimum.

Diamond –

For this face shape, a fringe and longer hair is the way to go. Seek soft lines to contrast sharp cheek bones. A beard can help to create an illusion of broadening the jaw.

Hairstyles

So know you know your shape, let’s look at styles. Your haircut is going to define overall look and your personal style. You can change an outfit, but on a day to day basis you can’t change your hairstyle that much, so it’s important to get the right look. If you get the balance right, a haircut that will complement your face, bring out your best features and portrays a style that you can identify with.

Classic, Short back and sides – slightly longer on top. This traditional classic style suits any face shapes, especially oval face shapes, triangle and diamond face shapes.

Slicked back undercut – similar to the classic short back and side but longer on top and very short on the sides.

Undercut – Can help to create angles where needed. Suits oval and square shaped faces. Smart classic look.

Man bun – This on trend style, can be helpful when trying to lengthen the look of a face. Suits oval shaped faces. The Undercut can also be combined with the man bun, for the top knot, this is a notoriously hard look to pull off, but looks really cool, if you can.

Side part – This classic style can work with several face shapes and hair types. Works well on round and square face shapes, as it creates more angles.

Pompadour – retro 50’s that style suits square and rounded faces, and can be as long and slicked back as you like. Longer versions can also suit heart shaped faces.

Crew cut – A relatively easy to keep hairstyle that works for several face shapes.

Buzz cut – This cut works very well with receding hairlines and is basically ‘maintenance free’. Looks great with dark hair, light hair can also work, but can sometimes look patchy. If your head is full of bumps and scars, this may not be the right choice for you. Not suitable for a round but suits square, triangle and receding hairlines.

Long hair, don’t care – long hair, shoulder length or less, great to style in a man bun, but not for everyone. Suits Heart shaped faces. This style can look really cool, but if done wrong, can look REALLY wrong. Do tread carefully.

Take into consideration if your hair is wavy, straight, or curly, also thick or thin. Consider how your hair type reacts in different styles and lengths. A good barber will give you a consult before starting and help you work this out.

CLICK HERE For Link to men’s hairstyles                                                                                           CLICK HERE For the infographic

Facial Hair

Facial hair is a whole other subject. It can help compliment your hairstyle and general style and hide ‘weak’ points. Be it some stubble, a neatly kept moustache, or a full beard. In the past few years, impressive facial hair has gained much popularity. But as with all trends, this one is fading out. Whatever you decide just make sure you can pull it off. It is worthwhile to note, no matter how impressive your facial hair is, several major studies have shown that most women prefer a clean shaven look!

Remember that these tips are meant to help guide you to find the best look, rather than rules set in stone. It is recommended to share your ideas with your hairdresser; it can help guide him/her to do a better job, and lead to new discoveries in regards to what your ideal hairstyle should look like. Good Luck and get grooming!

 

Stephen Handisides is an international TV presenter, model, journalist and an all-round expert on Aesthetic Beauty and Male Grooming. Stephen is currently featuring as a guest grooming presenter on Channel 10 Cruise Mode and is regular expert commentator in the UK on ITV’s This Morning, GMTV, Lorraine, OK!TV, Five, Sky News, and BBC radio. Stephen also hosts and produces Sky TV’s MyFaceMyBody and is the brains behind the Global Aesthetic Awards, held in London, LA and Sydney.

For more male grooming tips and inspiration, check out Stephens Instagram @shandisides Twitter @shandisides and his website and blog on www.stephenhandisides.com

Great graphics on http://hairstyleonpoint.com/HairStyleOnPoint_infographic.png

http://hairstyleonpoint.com/mens-hairstyles-a-simple-guide-to-popular-and-modern-styles/

Picture credits PerfectlyAttired.co.uk