Beauty & Grooming

Are you worried about hair loss? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Male pattern baldness affects millions of men in the United States, with a receding hairline being the first sign of this condition. While usually attributed to aging and hereditary factors, there are certain things that can contribute to hair loss such as smoking, over-styling hair, and using chemicals to treat and color hair.

Here’s how you can deal with it if you notice it happening to you:

Get Botox on your scalp

Yup, you read that right. Botox injections aren’t just for the Kardashians — men can get them done too. When injected onto your scalp, it can reduce perspiration and induce hair growth. Since it helps you produce less sweat on your scalp, you won’t need to wash your hair as often too, thus reducing the risk of over-styling your hair.

Eat a balanced diet

A poor diet can absolutely wreak havoc on a healthy head of hair. If your hair isn’t receiving the nutrients it needs from food, it’ll be more likely to break or fall off. So, put down that pizza slice and stuff your face with healthy fats, fresh vegetables and fruits, and lean proteins instead.

Avoid heat-styling your hair

Blow-drying your hair after you’ve showered sure can get you out the door to work quicker, but it’s extremely damaging to both your scalp and your hair. Wet hair is also vulnerable to breakage, so it’s especially important to avoid applying heat to your hair immediately after you’ve washed it. You can either set up an earlier alarm for work or shower in the evening then let your hair air dry instead.

Consult a doctor

Is your hairline starting to look like your dad’s, or worse, your granddad’s? You might just need to consult a doctor. More severe cases of hair loss can be remedied with certain medications or specialized treatments such as a hair transplant or low-level light therapy. It’s best to speak to a medical professional to see which one works for your condition.

Stop smoking

Everyone knows that smoking is awful for your health for so many reasons. To add to the already long list of reasons you need to quit: it can hasten both premature graying and male pattern baldness. Save yourself and your hairline by kicking the habit. If you still insist on smoking despite knowing the risks, the only thing to ask is: why?

Disguise it with a haircut

Still got some hair left to salvage? Use it to disguise your hairline with a clever haircut. Head over to your barber and have him get creative by giving you a hairstyle that matches your face shape and hair type to hide a bald spot or receding hairline.

Stress out less

Stress can aggravate hair loss, so if you ever feel yourself getting frazzled, you have to remind yourself to chill out. Practice mindfulness meditation, yoga, or take up a hobby that puts you at ease — even if that hobby is something like knitting. Not only are these good for your hair health, but they’re also great for your overall health too.

A receding hairline isn’t the end of the world, but it can sure feel like it. These tips will help you combat and deal with this condition.

Beauty is a controversial topic. The glossy covers of the magazines and media seem to hold its perfect definition. But the truth is, there is more to what these surface descriptions can offer. One must celebrate physical beauty. Yet, in doing so, they must go deeper. Here are some practical ways to do it.

Be Brave to Acknowledge Your Assets

The first step in embracing one’s beauty is to acknowledge one’s assets. Women should take a hard look at themselves in the mirror and see the features that stand out. Do you buy a hairdryer diffuser to preserve those beautiful curls? Then, celebrate those pretty curls. Are your friends always complimenting you for your tanned complexion? Go ahead and make it stand out more.

Women should start being kind and loving towards themselves. They should leave behind the standard set by society. Understand that beauty comes in different packages.

Enhance, Not Conceal

Applying cosmetics is not a bad thing. But one must go back to its true function. Makeup is supposed to make a feature more noticeable. A wise beauty tip is not to overload your face with color. Do not hide underneath all these applications.

A simple lip gloss and foundation would suffice. This is also an excellent way of being gentle with your skin. Makeup can make your face look sophisticated at the moment. But in the end, it makes your skin age faster.

Alter the Way You Think

Beauty starts with one’s perception. One good way to feel beautiful is to stop the comparison game. If you are always looking at what other women seem to have more, then what you have will never be enough. Women should also treat each other as allies, not as competition. If your friend has a very noticeable feature, give her an honest compliment about it.

Be your greatest cheerleader, as well. Believe in yourself, and do not wait for others to compliment you. However, you must be careful to draw the line to being narcissistic or vain.

Understand the Connection

One must go back to the true nature of beauty. Though it sounds cliché that beauty springs from what is inside, there is some truth behind this principle. You must understand the connection between how you take care of yourself and how it radiates outwards. Beauty is not only topical. Whatever you do with your body manifests in your physical appearances.

Are you drinking enough water to keep yourself hydrated? Do you get enough sleep to let your muscles and skin recuperate? Do you keep your hair and skin protected against the sun’s harsh rays? These simple things can spell a big difference.

Treat Yourself

A relaxing experience rejuvenates a person and makes them feel younger and more beautiful. So, go ahead and treat yourself in an afternoon in a spa. You can also indulge in your DIY beauty routines at home. A bubble bath is an excellent way to decompress.

Stress is a natural beauty-killer. Pamper yourself to keep it at bay. You can make the experience fuller by inviting some of your girlfriends. This way, you get to celebrate more the connections rather than what is only superficial.

Feeling beautiful starts from within. It is not about the number of products you have at disposal. It is about using whatever you have to love your uniqueness. True beauty is also about being free from shallow standards. Go ahead and embrace your natural beauty.

Needlework such as stitching and embroidery are delightful pastimes usually associated with lonely spinsters and introverted individuals. But this paints a rather antiquated picture of the subject. Today, a lot of lively and outgoing women can take up these activities as hobbies or because they enjoy doing needlework as a creative outlet.

If you are an outgoing individual with lots of friends who are interested in needlework and enjoy a good sew, why not invite them over for a storied activity? Why not host your very own quilting bee?

What are Quilting Bees?

In the days before fast fashion, sewing machines, and electricity, women often held quilting bees as a form of social bonding. Although they didn’t have access to such zany things like star storm quilt patterns or electric sewing machines, the point of a quilting bee wasn’t just to make a quilt. It was so they can socialize, with all the jokes, gossiping, and laughter that entails.

During a quilting bee, perhaps seven to twelve women would meet at someone’s home or a public space and work together on a single quilt. Often times these quilts are for a special purpose, such as a Christening gift to someone’s baby or as a wedding present for a married couple. However, it was perfectly acceptable to simply host a quilting bee for the sake of socializing.

Holding a Quilting Bee

Quilting bees are distinctly social activities and as such it requires all the implements of a small party plus the equipment of a sewing shop. There are three types of quilting bees you can consider for your own stitching shindig.

• Regular quilting bee: A regular quilting bee calls for seven to as many as a dozen women to gather together and sew a quilt together. You can have them bring their own stitching equipment, since they may have gotten familiar with their needles and such, but provide the raw materials such as threads and scrap cloth. Then it’s simply a question of finding a space large enough for all of you to sit in and to delegate snack duties.
• Virtual quilting bee: Given the current health crisis, you may want to practice social distancing but that doesn’t mean you can have a stitching fun time. Instead of appearing physically, simply use teleconferencing software to meet digitally as a group. Over the internet, you and your friends can share delightful patterns, showcase your work, and exchange ideas and stories without leaving the safety of your home.
• Quilting bee swap: Finally, instead of working on a single quilt, why not work on multiple quilts, each with a distinct personal touch? A quilting bee swap begins when each member of the group creates a single patch of a quilt, then by a prearranged system, you swap quilt patches and add to the one you received. You repeat this process until either every woman has added a patch to every other quilt or until you all have complete quilts.

Quilting bees may have gone out of style with the advent of electricity and cheap fabric, but friendship and camaraderie are eternal elements of human life. So long as you and like-minded friends enjoy the art of needlework, you are adding your stitching to a story that goes back thousands of years.

The integration of artificial hair works like magic. These strands add instant volume or length that would have taken months to achieve. As such, they don’t come cheap. A full head of hair extensions can cost $600 to $1,500 and must be taken out by a professional stylist every six to eight weeks. Taking care of your hair extensions will not only give you better hair days but also ensures you get the most of your money.

Whether you’re a newbie or a regular hair extension wearer, there are a few things you should know regarding aftercare. Following these pointers will make them last longer and save you from potential hair loss and other scalp problems.

DO: Use the right hair products.

Use moisturizing shampoos that contain argan, castor, or coconut oil to keep your extensions healthy and nourished. Choose leave-in conditioners to prevent dryness and tangles.

It’s generally safe to use creams, oils, and other styling products on your hair as long as they don’t reach the bonds that glue your extensions to the scalp. Choose hydrating serums and alcohol-free products for natural-looking shine.

DON’T: Expose your hair to chlorinated water.

Swimming in chlorine-based water can damage extensions, especially if the chlorine levels are incredibly high.

If you have exposed your hair to chlorine, wash it immediately to keep the chemicals or salt from messing with the adhesive. Chlorine drains the natural oils from your locks, so avoid using dehydrating shampoo. Apply conditioner and let it rest for ten to 15 minutes before washing your scalp thoroughly with warm water.

Leaving chlorine in your hair longer could cause color alteration and irreversible dryness. Better yet, protect your hair with a swim cap to prevent it from getting wet.

DO: Brush your hair regularly.

Brush your hair two to three times daily, but be careful of uprooting the bonds. One way you can do this is by pressing down on your roots while brushing.

Brushing wet extensions can strain and prematurely weaken the bonds. Using a detangling brush with nylon bristles will allow you to comb through the hair without excessive pulling.

DON’T: Overwash your hair.

The key to long-lasting extensions is continuous but gentle maintenance. Use the shampoo sparingly, and be careful not to bunch or scrub your hair as you wash it. Vigorous washing can stress and weaken your extensions.

At best, wash your hair every other day or every second day. Cleanse the ends and scalp thoroughly, but stay away from your hair’s midshaft. Doing so will reduce the risk of shedding and keep your hair extensions smooth and tangle-free.

DO: Allow your natural hair to rest.

Common types of extensions are glued on your roots or sewn into your hair with a needle and thread. While it can be tempting to use extensions 365 days a year, excessive use can damage your scalp and real locks.

Taking breaks between appointments lets your scalp breathe and recover from any strain caused by the extensions. Doing so will save your hair from breakage and balding.

While no extensions will last forever, proper maintenance can help you enjoy them longer. The right products and techniques will make the difference in whether your extensions will tangle or be soft and healthy. Listen to your stylist and always prioritize your scalp’s health above all else.

Before we start, let’s debunk one common misconception about gemstones: Yes, synthetic gemstones can be as authentic as natural gemstones.

Following industry standards, a “real” gemstone doesn’t depend on whether it was made naturally or synthetically. Lab-created gemstones can be classified as “real” as long as they contain the same mineral makeup as natural stones.

To help you with your buying decisions, we’ll educate you on both natural and synthetic gemstones.

Commonly found synthetic gemstones

Synthetic or lab-created gemstones are named as such because they’re produced in laboratories. These labs use advanced techniques to recreate the time, temperature, pressure, and other elements to create different kinds of gemstones.

Here are commonly sold synthetic gemstones:

• Pearls – Commonly known as cultured pearls, these are made by feeding a foreign substance into an oyster, with the sole purpose of getting it to form a pearl. It’s estimated that up to 99 percent of pearls on the market are cultured.
• Rubies and sapphires – Lab-created rubies and sapphires have fewer inclusions than their naturally-occurring counterparts. In mineralogy, inclusions are materials that get trapped inside a mineral during its formation.
• Diamonds – Lab-grown diamonds sparkle the same and have the same color and clarity as natural diamonds. The only difference is that natural diamonds contain nitrogen, while synthetic diamonds don’t.

How to tell if your gemstone is synthetic or natural?

If both synthetic and natural gemstones share the same mineral makeup, then how can you differentiate them?

You can differentiate natural from synthetic by checking its clarity. Most of the time, synthetic gemstones offer better clarity — they’re likely to be more vivid and richer in color. Also, they’re virtually blemish- or inclusion-free when you look at them. This is because they can be controlled during the production process. Natural gemstones often undergo other processes like heat treatment to bring out their natural color and to remove inclusions.

Popularity and value

According to a Future Market Insights report, more than 85 percent of gemstones sold in the market are synthetic. The study said that the versatile physical attributes and the relatively lower price point of lab-made stones would continue to position them as the preferred choice over natural stones. Gemstones like sapphires and rubies can be produced less expensively, making them less expensive for consumers.

Despite that, there are still many clients who prefer natural stones because of their rarity. For example, diamonds. They’re among the hardest materials on earth. They’re formed from millions of years of geological pressure and are extracted from deep mines in the earth. This labor-intensive process, along with tight industry manipulation and marketing, leads to a perception of rarity, that drives their prices.

Are synthetic stones inferior?

While synthetic gemstones are less expensive than natural stones, this doesn’t mean they are of low quality. Again, lab-made stones can be classified as “real” as long as they possess the same mineral makeup as natural stones.

If you’re thinking you’re not going to get your money’s worth if you buy lab-made gemstones, you’re wrong. They can be as authentic as natural gemstones, but only less expensive.

Nowadays, more men are becoming more conscious of grooming. In terms of hairstyles, men already have a lot to choose from. They can even change their hairstyle every day!

Most hairstyles require hair styling products to keep it on fleek throughout the day. There are now a lot of hair styling product types on the market that you may find yourself scratching your head as you try to choose one. To make the quest even more challenging, each of those hair styling products come in different types, too.

For instance, you can get Cantu maximum hold styling gel, then there’s also the Cantu extra hold edge stay gel. Hair waxes and pomades also have different variants.

In this post, we’ll take a look at the top three most commonly used hair styling products for men today: gel, wax, and pomade. By knowing what each of them can do, you’ll be able to know which product you should buy and use depending on the hairstyles you often don.

Hair Gel

Gel is a classic hair styling product. It is known for giving one a “wet” look, which is often regarded as old-school. It is the ultimate product for men who are hoping for an all-day style hold. It also makes hair styling a breeze, as you no longer have to dry your hair before applying it. Gel is also easy to remove from the hair, as it is often water-based.

With strong hold comes some downsides, though. Some may find the strong hold a bit too much, which can be considered one of gel’s downsides. Aside from that, hair gel tends to leave white flakes, particularly when you haven’t washed your hair thoroughly of products.

To avoid having those white flakes, you should make sure that you thoroughly wash and rinse your hair. Then, you should apply just the right amount of gel onto your hair, especially if you have thin hair. After all, you can add later as needed. Gel is best used on unruly hair that is harder to style.

Hair Wax

Most hair waxes available on the market are made with beeswax. As a result, they offer a medium to strong hold. Unlike hair gel, they do not have shine and leave a matte finish. Although wax can keep a hairstyle intact for the most part, it doesn’t harden the hair as gel does. However, wax can feel heavier or thicker than gel. On the upside, it can give hair the right volume without making it feel rough.

Take note that wax is more difficult to wash out than gel or water-based pomade because, you guessed it, it’s made out of wax. If your hair tends to become greasy by the middle of the day, hair wax can absorb the oil. However, this will mean that your hair wax will lose some of its holding power.

Hair wax is best for faux hawks, spiky hair, quiff, and French crop, among other modern hairstyles for men. It is also best applied to dry hair.

Hair Pomade

Pomade is somewhat a hybrid of wax and gel. It offers a strong but flexible hold. It also leaves a finish that is in-between matte and high shine. Unlike wax but similar to gel, pomade is often water-based. Because of this, it doesn’t totally dry up and a pomade-styled hair doesn’t stiffen. As a result, you can choose to restyle your hair later in the day.

There are also oil-based pomades. These are a good option if you want to have more shine. Take note, though, that oil-based pomade is harder to wash out than gel or water-based pomade.

To use pomade, make sure you properly wash your hair. Then, towel-dry it until it’s damp. Scoop a little amount of pomade, spread it on your palms, then smooth it through your hair until you get your desired style.

Pomade is best used to achieve styles such as quiff, pompadour, comb over, slicked back, and side part.

Your Hair Says A Lot About You

Indeed, the way you present yourself matters a lot. Your hair, for one, can say a lot about you. With hair styling products, you can achieve any hairstyle that best represents you.

When the weather starts to get snow outside, you need to wear more clothes. The weather may be gloomy, but that does not mean that your outfit should be, as well. It can be a bit difficult to stay trendy when it is cold outside. The good news is that you do not have to compromise style for comfort.

You can be fashionable and stay toasty by keeping these suggestions in mind:

Check the Weather Forecast

Before you step out the front door, you should check the weather. While we know the weather will be cold, you should know exactly how cold it would be for the day. You do not want to lug around an umbrella, scarves, gloves, coat, or any other accessories when you might not even use them. If you know what the weather for the day will be, you will know what you have to bring and dress appropriately.

Wear Pointed-Toe Shoes

When you wear winter clothes, they can often weigh you down, which can make you look shorter. Plus, warm coats and sweaters tend to cover up most of your torso. You can make yourself look taller by wearing pointed-toe shoes. It is a versatile and stylish way to appear taller. We recommend that you get pointed toe boots for the winter. Not only do they go with most outfits, but they are suitable for the weather, as well.

Pick a Color Scheme

It would be best if you picked a color scheme when you build a winter wardrobe. When it doubt, black, camel, and white will always stay fashionable during the winter. Make sure you choose the colors that suit you. Soft white might make you look gorgeous, whereas a harsher white could make you look dull. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to stand out. You could pick a statement piece like a bright pink coat to go with an all-black outfit.

Layers Are Your Friend

The best way to stay warm and fashionable is to utilize layers. Layering your clothes is a great way to experiment with fashion. It lets you choose multiple colors and textures to make a full outfit. The trick to layers is to use lighter clothes to avoid being too warm. For instance, you could wear warm leggings or jeans with an undershirt like a tank top and wear a cashmere pullover hoodie over it, then top it off with a coat, a pair of knee-high boots and a few accessories.

Get Clothes Tailored

You do not have to throw out your entire fall or winter wardrobe because the clothes do not fit you well. You can have many clothes altered or tailored to suit your body type. For instance, merely fixing the hemline of a skirt can instantly make it perfect for you. It would be best if you also tried to clean up your sweaters. Sweaters can look a bit disheveled over time, so you can use a needle or tweezers to pull any loose threads or pulls back into the sweater. You could invest in a sweater shaver to do this quickly.

You don’t have to forgo your love of fashion because it is cold outside. By following these suggestions, you can stay stylish when it starts to get chilly.

Owning a smartphone can make your life more convenient. The mobile device allows you to access different applications in one device. This technological advancement, however, has affected the watch industry because your phone can also function as your watch.

Smartphone manufacturer, Apple, even created its own watch, making the tech brand the top watch manufacturer in the world. In 2017, the company outsold the Swiss watch industry, including Rolex, Omega, and Swatch, among others.

Despite the rise of smartphones and smartwatches, visiting your local jewelry store to buy a luxury watch is still worth it. A watch symbolizes style, functionality, and sentiment. It’s a timeless piece that every man or woman will need.

Some Watches Appreciate in Value

The value of luxury watches appreciate over time, like real estate properties or classic cars, but not as much. Not all luxury watches, however, are an ideal investment. Jewelry experts explain 95 percent of modern timepieces are not going to be investments.

Some models might not appreciate and not give you favorable returns.  After all, watches follow trends and you might have to wait several years before a certain style becomes trendy again. That’s why it’s essential to be smart when buying a luxury watch, especially if it’s your first time.

Vintage watches usually hold higher value compared to a new one. You can attend auctions where you can find interesting pieces with a low reserve.

Invest in Timepieces that Would Increase in Value

The size, style, and brand can affect the value of your watch over time. Several watches offer great returns, but two brands stand out among them: Rolex and Patek Philippe. The development of a watch’s value is affected by different aspects, such as:

• Brand recognition
• Exclusivity
• Availability
• Heritage
• Demand

Rolex is one of the brands that present these aspects. It is in demand and has an impressive list of influential people who wear and have worn Rolex watches over time. The brand is also highly recognizable and widely available.

Patek Philippe shares the same characteristics, as well. But unlike Rolex, this brand is not widely available because it costs higher than Rolex. Patek collectors weigh exclusivity more than the other aspects.

A Better Way to Buy Watches

A luxury watch will cost you a fortune, making it crucial to choose the piece carefully before checking out. You should choose the model that best reflects your lifestyle and personal aesthetic as well as mechanical considerations. Identify what you need in your timepiece then look for the brand to fit your requirements.

Seek help from watch enthusiasts to learn more about the brands that will never lose value. Apart from Rolex and Patek Philippe, Cartier and Vacheron Constantin are also an ideal investment.

Once you have identified the style and brand you want, determine the diameter of the watch and width of the case. This helps you select the model that fits your wrist. A 38-41mm diameter watch is ideal for everyday wear and appropriate for all dress codes.

Technology has made the lives of many people more convenient. But it doesn’t mean you have to turn your back on traditional items like watches. With proper care and maintenance, a quality watch can be passed on and gifted to generations until it becomes a family heirloom.