A Case For Retro Shaving

If you’re like most men and began to shave on a regular basis in your early teens, by now the whole shaving thing is beginning to become a little routine.

In fact, it’s probably getting to be a chore, particularly when you consider the number of products and amount of time involved in the process. It’s time for men to simplify the task of shaving, while saving time, money and effort.

When you think about it, shaving is pretty basic. The point of the exercise is to get rid of the hair on your face, something men have been doing for about 5,000 years, according to archaeologists. The goals haven’t changed, even after all that time: Get a close, smooth shave, avoiding too many nicks and cuts and finish without that raw, scraped feeling and bumpy rash called “razor burn.” Seems pretty straight-forward.

The problem is that, in recent years, there have been a large – and sometimes confusing – number of shaving products placed on the market. They are touted as being the solution to make shaving easier, closer, faster or sexier, or any combination of the above. Some of them are based on mutually conflicting theories about beard hair, skin health and (it seems at times) the laws of physics. What they do seem to have in common is that they are all pretty expensive.

Pre-Shave Techniques from the Good Old Days

Beard stubble is tough and scratchy, as we’re constantly reminded when we run a hand over our cheeks before shaving. Although shaving cream is supposed to soften the stubble before shaving begins, there’s a problem of timing: Most shaving cream will start to dry out before the hairs become softened. The second problem is that the skin pores, where the hair follicles are based, haven’t been relaxed enough to allow the razor blade to cut as low as possible and provide a close shave.

To open the pores and soften the beard stubble, apply wet heat to the area to be shaved. This is why shaving after a hot shower usually results in a smoother shave, but the same result can be achieved with either a hot, wet towel or warm oil. Both of these are old barbering tricks, dating from the days when many men went to their local tonsorial emporium for a shave. Wrapping a hot towel around your face is a lot of trouble, particularly first thing in the morning, and the technique doesn’t always treat the really difficult areas (like the areas just behind the hinges of your jaw).

The best technique is to use pre-shaving oil. Get the oil comfortably warm and rub it into the stubble and massage the skin well, taking care to apply it everywhere you plan to shave. Do not wipe off the oil before you apply shaving cream: The oil will act as a lubricant to help the blade slide across your skin.

Shaving Cream – Keep it Simple

Any time a man even thinks about sneering at the number of skin care products on a woman’s makeup table, he should reflect on the variety of different shaving creams available in the average “shaving needs” aisle at the average drug store. There are so many gels, foams, scents and medicated formulas available that it is only surprising that there aren’t any that are touted as being low-salt and fat-free. All of these choices obscure the purpose of shaving cream: To keep the beard stubble moist and fixed in the soap matrix so they can be shaved off.

Razors – Cold Hard Steel

Forget the three-blade, four-blade or, God help us, five-blade plastic disposable razors. Even the electric razors, including those engineered for wet shaving, aren’t as effective as cold steel. Before you get carried away, though, and buy a straight razor (which, admittedly, look pretty cool) remember why they were once called “cut-throat” razors and were instantly put away by most sane men when one of the great inventions of the early 20th century was introduced: the safety razor. While straight razors were fine when someone else, like a barber, was doing the honors, a safety razor is, well, safe for anyone to use.

Again, this isn’t retro for its own sake: Safety razors are not only more effective, but they are more hygienic than the multi-blade disposable ones. Unless you’re willing to throw away a disposable after each shave, consider that it quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria between uses. The spaces between those blades get clogged up with all sorts of gunk, including old skin cells, and they cannot be cleaned out thoroughly. The next time you use it, if you nick yourself you are pressing a veritable infection factory against an open wound. At least with a safety razor, you can really rinse off the blade between uses. Besides, safety razor blades last longer.

After-Shave – Post Shave Steps

You know those ads for fresh-smelling after-shaves, touted as the “perfect” Father’s Day present for the old man? Every wonder why the guys in those ads always look a little nervous as they stare at the bottle, as a mysterious sailor taunts them with that stupid whistled tune? That’s because the contents of those after-shaves are about 70% alcohol. Think about applying alcohol to a freshly shaved face, particularly if you’ve nicked yourself. What sort of sick, twisted mind ever came up with that concept? We have our theories, but they can’t be published because the court order is still in effect.

It’s a natural astringent, meaning that it closes the pores and firms the skin and, in most cases, witch hazel-based after-shaves don’t include alcohol. There are others available, containing various ingredients, which can have the same skin-tightening effects without the screams of agony. For nicks and cuts, avoid resorting to the old little-piece-of-toilet-paper trick; you’ll invariably forget to take them all off one day, and then have to spend the rest of your career at the office living down your new-found reputation as a dork. Septic pencils, which are basically alum (also astringent) with a little antiseptic mixed in, work well to stop the bleeding and reduce the chance of infection.

Unless you plan to go all mountain man and grow a full beard, shaving will continue to be part of your daily routine. It doesn’t have to be exciting or fun (neither term applies to much of anything while standing in your bare feet in front of a mirror), but it can be done efficiently and with a minimum of fuss.

Many contemporary beard styles take a bit of care and grooming to pull off. The results, however, can make your appearance distinctive and compelling, while also allowing you to mesh your personal style and social circles into your everyday appearance.

Everyone will have different best beard styles. Whether or not a beard style looks and feels right on you personally will often be determined by the shape of your face and how you wear it.

Here’s a list of some styles that we think everyone should try at least once, even if that means passing through the style to see how it looks, when you’re on your way to a clean shave.

A Full Beard

The full beard is the most iconic of men’s beard styles, not only as a manly status symbol, but also because most men who have given it a try know it takes some serious commitment and good beard growth. Additionally, even though you’re not shaving frequently, full beards require maintenance to remain groomed. This may include brushing. combing, using balm or oil , and edge maintenance to keep everything looking intentional.

Growing a longer beard for the first time requires patience. If you usually keep a short beard style you might find that you need to resist the urge to trim for about four weeks. This is because the hair needs time to grow in evenly before you start shaping it. The enjoyable part of a full beard though, is learning how you like to shape and mold it. And since you’ve grown the most hair that your face can offer, you have a lot to work with. This means that you have more control over how to highlight your features and train your hair.

The Scholars and Corporate Beards

A meticulous or well-groomed full beard is considered a scholars beard. It’s also a handsome beard style for older men. This similar style is called the corporate beard when maintained full but no longer than an inch.

A Scruffy Beard

Scruffy beards give the impression of the wearer being carefree and not overly concerned with their appearance. Of course, there’s an art to the scruffy beard as well, making it is more work than it looks, but when done right, the effortless appearance can give a rugged charm that fits in while hiking in the woods or getting serious in the workplace.

A Stiletto Beard

The stiletto is traditionally a full beard, sometimes connected with sideburns, that is trimmed and styled so that the longest part of the beard is at the chin, forming a slight point. The stiletto beard adds a lot of weight to the chin, in a good way. This tends to be a good style for bald men, since it offsets a bare top.

A Short Boxed

The boxed style works with a long or oval facial type, as it grows as long, or longer on the sides than it does on the chin, keeping the beard from lengthening the face too much. This is a forgiving style for those who want a stepping stone for their styling and grooming skills, since it can be achieved using an even all around trim.

Also known as the stubble-like beard, the short boxed is a neatly trimmed beard with careful lines and fading. This look is perfect for effortless movement from business to play. Not only is this one of the easiest short beard styles for men, but its stubble-like appearance makes this sexy beard style easy to pull off. Variations include thinning the hair on the cheeks or working it into a beardstache.

Small Beard Styles

Goatee

Goatees have cycled in and out of style throughout the past few decades, reaching its peak in the ‘90s. Whatever your personal take on the style, it can be a great boon for someone whose hair grows in more patchy. It’s also a good beard for those who are undecided on what they want to do with their beard, since many contemporary styles have developed from it.

A similar development from the goatee is the extended goatee or Hollywoodian Beard, which gives a strong emphasis to the jawline, by shaving downward toward the jawline at a bias. Another style similar to this is a wider chin strap combined with a mustache. The style does away with sideburns and the beard can be trimmed on the chin as low or high as the wearer prefers.

Balbo Beard

The original Balbo is a beard in three parts. It combines a chin strap and a mustache that are detached from the sideburns, with a soul patch in the center. This traditional form takes a lot of maintenance and trimming and can be difficult for anyone, but a beard perfectionist, to get right. However, merged with a classic goatee, the style has actually spawned a number of popular offshoots that give the style variety. It’s a great asset to accentuate the cheekbones and jawline, and can offer some contouring benefits.

The anchor is a variation of the Balbo beard. Its ability to make any man look like a strong naval captain seems to have upped its prominence with many who have dropped their goatee for a while. A full anchor is usually connected by sideburns. The current trend, however, is to leave it detaching, making the point of the chin and its balance with the mustache above, more of a focal point.

A Van Dyke Beard

The van dyke beard is a medieval style, derived from that worn by Flemish master Anthony van Dyck. The style has persisted through the centuries; however it remains the chosen styles of those who give off an artistic flair. The style is made from combining a mustache and goatee, and keeping the style light and pointy. This style does not require lines to connect the beard and mustache, making it the ideal for someone who has trouble growing a full beard or feels that their beard is too patchy  for another style.

A Chin Strap

The chin strap gets flack due to its need of constant maintenance, while also being difficult to implement and pull off. As a cultural icon it can indicate someone who enjoys spending their free-time at the gym, and at its best it can emphasize a nearly perfect chin and jawline. Nonetheless, the chin strap has a strong representation as a beard style worn by black men.

It’s best when the hair is able to grow thick and the follicles are not spaces far apart, since the majority of the facial hair is shaved off in a clean line to achieve this distinctive style. This can be an unforgiving beard style and therefore requires a defined jawline. Not only is it daring, but the style requires continual maintenance to keep the edges clean and symmetrical, and the rest of the face shaved.

Different beard styles suite different facial shapes, maintenance routines, and a personal interest in pulling off that style. In fact, mixing and matching with hair and facial hair style can make a lot of the difference when it comes to pulling off a style that you like that seems to be outside of your reach at the time.

Growing out a beard is one of the most challenging tasks one can embark upon.

But not many understand its deeply connected roots with health and care. You will need to take care of your beard for it to grow and look attractive. To help take care of it, many men rely on various natural products.

One such ingredient that has become the center of the limelight is coconut oil. You must have heard your fellow beard brothers brag about this magical potion but is it a good remedy or just a myth?

Find out with us as we dive into the positive and negative impacts of coconut oil on the beard.

What exactly is coconut oil?

Like several oils available on the market, coconut oil is yet another oil extracted from its fruit.

Unadulterated coconut oil is extracted from the coconut flesh, which goes through several processing steps. You will mostly find them under categories like virgin oil or extra refined coconut oil. This nutritious coconut oil is undoubtedly rich in fatty acids like lauric acid.

It is also highly beneficial to overcome various skin and hair deficiencies. The ultra-high lipid content helps speed up the healing process on multiple ailments.

As a result of its impressive profile, coconut oil can be used in hundreds of different ways. The most prominent use has to be ingesting it or using it topically.

When did people start using coconut oil for their beards?

Coconut oil is deemed to be the most ancient and renowned oil around the globe.

Various cultures have been using coconut oil in their cuisines and medications for centuries. But with its wide popularity and efficiency, this oil has been recently introduced in Western countries.

After many trials and tribulations, the beard industry finally understood coconut oil’s benefits and value. 

After that, many beard companies have started using coconut oil as their base ingredient for beard serums, beard growth oils, and beard waxes. Now finally, with the availability of the purest, organic, and virgin coconut oil, men have actively started utilizing this oil in their beard regimen.

Let’s evaluate its pros and cons to understand this magical oil even better.

Pros of coconut oil

Thoroughly Moisturizes The Beard

As your beard grows out, it starts losing its natural oils and ends up becoming brittle and dry. The damage is especially unavoidable if you are constantly traveling or surrounded by dirt and dust.

All these external factors ultimately result in a dry and brittle beard. Coconut oil tackles the dryness by intensely moisturizing and conditioning the beard. This oil penetrates the hair shaft with twice the force.

It also soothes the dry scalp and tips down to its roots. You will very soon notice the difference in the texture, feel and look of your beard. 

Makes The Beard Luscious And Soft

Continuous use of coconut oil will render your beard soft and smooth. With the constant use of oil, the beard starts to feel luscious and soft.

You can quickly notice fewer knots and tangles right from the first use. The oil hydrates each hair strand that you can easily comb without any resistance. The oil also keeps the hair sufficiently hydrated to avoid any split ends.

Accentuate The Beard’s Looks

Another handy advantage of using this oil is that it can significantly improve the looks. Regular use can add a healthy shine throughout the beard that can catch anyone’s attention.

In addition, the oil helps in taming the frizz by giving your beard a sharper and put-together look. You will seldom notice any dry, rough stray strands hanging on the face. Your beard will also take up less time to style, and the cut can be easily seen without much effort.

Helps Ward Off Beard Dandruff

Coconut oil can get rid of the peskiest beard dandruff or beardruff, all thanks to its deeply moisturizing properties.

Experiencing beard dandruff has to be one of the most aggravating experiences. It always ends up looking undesirable, even if you have a tiny beard.

Regular deep conditioning can quickly get rid of the dead skin cells by hydrating and nourishing the scalp. In addition, you can reduce the beard’s dandruff buildup with the help of several massage sessions.

 Tackles Beard Itch

All men with long beards go through the intense itch that leaves them feeling irritated. Thankfully, coconut oil can benefit its users who feel itchy all the time.

The most common cause for an itchy beard is dry and brittle hair. With coconut oil to your rescue, you can now focus on grooming your beard rather than finding solutions to tackle the itch.

In addition, a regular massage will ensure your beard stays itch-free at all given times. 

Has Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties

The lauric acid in coconut oil is antifungal and antibacterial. If you have witnessed any bacterial and fungal infection in your beard, you must already know the lengthy measures required to get rid of it.

Sometimes the ointments and liquids are packed with chemicals that can worsen the allergy. During such times, coconut oil can help reduce your symptoms while simultaneously soothing your skin.

As mentioned earlier, its high lipid contents speed up the healing process. Therefore, using the oil to prevent any future infection built up can be a good and healthy practice in general.

May Help In Boosting Hormones

There is various anecdotal evidence pointing towards coconut oil helping stimulate hormones responsible for hair growth.

Many researchers are studying this exact thesis to understand the phenomenon and, most importantly, the correlation between coconut oil and hair growth.

A 2007 study conducted on lab rats showed a higher level of testosterone production than rats who were devoid of coconut oil in their diets. Since hair growth depends on testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, it is safe to say that coconut oil may help grow the beard.

Helps During The Shaving Process

Many men find coconut oil extremely helpful during their shaving regimen; they tend to use this oil during various stages of shaving as per their needs.

Because of its high levels of fats and ability to soften, the oil can easily prep the skin and beard before a shaving session. Your razor is bound to glide while keeping any potential nicks and cuts away. You can even use pure coconut oil instead of shaving cream.

Using coconut oil as shaving cream will provide more extra lubrication while helping you achieve a closer shave. Last but surely not least, any good quality virgin coconut oil can be used as an alternative to chemical-filled synthetic aftershaves.

Using coconut oil as an aftershave is especially useful if you struggle with sensitive skin. 

Cons of Coconut Oil 

Can Cause Acne

If used without moderation, coconut oil can be your number one reason for cystic acne. The overuse of oil can sometimes clog the pores making the area extremely acne-prone.

To avoid this, one must apply coconut oil in moderation. If you have oily skin, a few drops are more than enough. Then, you can wipe away the excess to help the skin breathe.

Can promote protein buildup

If you have thick and coarse beard hair, continuous use of coconut oil can create a protein buildup, thus exacerbating the stiffness.

This buildup can also take place on dry hair as the oil restricts the moisture. This buildup will further damage the beard by onsetting split ends and hair fall.

How to correctly apply coconut oil

Note: You can use pure coconut oil or add a few drops of essential oil to increase the oil’s potency. Whichever oil combination you choose, make sure to follow these steps to avoid oily and acne-filled chin. 

Step 1: Clean your hands with soap to avoid any contamination. Ensure your beard is completely dry.

Step 2: Carefully measure your beard’s length and scoop out a teaspoon of coconut oil on your palm. Warm the oil by rubbing your palm together to melt and activate its properties.

Step 3: Start applying the oil on the tips of the beard and move slowly towards its roots and finally to your skin. Do not start by directly attacking your skin and roots; it will surely clog your pores and make your face oily within a few minutes.

Step 4: Massage the beard and skin in various motions. Massaging will ensure the proper distribution of the product. If you have extra dry tips, apply some more oil and massage the ends to help it absorb better.

Step 5: Use a wide-tooth comb to get rid of any knots and tangles. Coconut oil will also help the beard to set. There won’t be any dry, messy hair stands poking out. Avoid over oiling and wash your hands afterward.

To remove excess oil

If you wish to remove excess oil at the end of the day, we highly recommend a soft beard cleanser that gets rids of the oil without drying out the beard. In addition, you can purchase a beard wash that exclusively removes coconut oil to help retain moisture.

Alternatives to coconut oil

• Peppermint oil is an excellent alternative if you want to grow and maintain your beard. However, since it is an extract, we recommend adding 2-3 drops in a light beard balm or any oil to see the results.
• Shea butter is another rich ingredient that will keep your beard healthy and moisturized. The smell of shea butter is heavenly, which will indeed linger throughout the day.
• Original cocoa butter is filled with antioxidants and nourishing properties that can help you groom your beard without making it look oily.
• Pure vitamin E oil can be an excellent alternative if your beard struggles from extreme breakage. However, pay extra attention to the quantity as vitamin E oil is thicker, denser, and stickier than coconut oil.

Conclusion

Now that you truly understand the hype behind this rich coconut oil, feel free to use it in your everyday beard regimen to achieve a thick, luscious, and strong beard without any harsh chemicals.

Ensure to get your hands on unrefined virgin coconut oil for a more pure and unadulterated blend.

How To Remove & Prevent Ingrown Hairs Fast – 10 Amazing Tips

Whether you’re a man or a woman, you may suffer from ingrown hairs at some point in your life. Ingrown hairs are little hairs that don’t properly grow out of the hair follicle. They are curlier and grow back on themselves.

They can look like small bumps on the skin, and if you have lots of them they can ruin the smooth look you’re going for. They can also be really annoying! You can get ingrown hairs anywhere on the body, from your legs to your face. This guide will help you to prevent any problems like that in the future, with 10 amazing tips to prevent ingrown hairs and some pointers on ingrown hair removal.

1. Use a Pair of Tweezers

If you’ve spotted a pesky ingrown hair growing under the skin, then there aren’t many things you can do. If you want it to go away as quickly as possible, you could potentially use a pair of tweezers to pull the hair out of the skin. The hair will then be ready to be removed in the same way you remove the rest of the hair. The reason the hair is stuck in the skin in the first place is because it has grown curly and back on itself. This may even be down to hair removal techniques that you’ve used in the past, so using these techniques again may not help the situation. However, if you regularly suffer from these you can buy special skincare tools that help you get the hair out. You can buy extra sharp tweezers specially designed for ingrown hairs. You can even get other tools with different shaped/sized heads for the job.

2. Try a Sterilised Needle

If the ingrown hair can only be noticed as you have a bump, you may want to try getting rid of it with a sterilised needle. This will allow you to get a little further into the follicle than a pair of tweezers to get the hair out. It shouldn’t hurt, providing you use a small needle and you’re very careful. In fact, in some cases, you may just need to pop the bump the hair has grown in. Just make sure that whatever you do, the needle is sterilised as you could end up giving yourself an infection if you’re not careful. Then you’ll need a whole different blog post to sort you out!

3. Soak Skin for a Short While Before Removal

Before removing your hair, it could be a good idea to soak your skin for a while. This is an especially useful tip before you go about shaving. Soaking your skin in warm water will help to open up the follicles and soften the hairs, priming them for a better removal. You should even find that you get a closer shave. You don’t want the follicles to be too open or the hair too soft though, so don’t want until the end of your bath to do it. Wait about 5 or 10 minutes before shaving to see if this helps you keep those ingrown hairs at bay and get a closer shave. You don’t need to immerse yourself in the water for this to work; you could simply have a hot shower first and let the steam do it’s thing. Whether you’re shaving or waxing, this is a tip that anybody can use.

4. Exfoliate Regularly

You can’t exfoliate once in a blue moon and expect ingrown hairs to be a thing of the past for you. You must exfoliate regularly if you’re going to get rid of those ingrown hairs once and for all. You should exfoliate up to twice a week with a good grainy exfoliator in order to get rid of any dead skin cells and keep skin smooth. Many people find that they get a closer shave by doing this too. You could also use an exfoliating body brush or a pair of gloves, whatever method of exfoliating you tend to prefer. As a bonus, your body will be nice and smooth and you might even help reduce cellulite and things like that. If you have sensitive skin, then you will want to avoid exfoliators that are too rough. You might be helping your ingrown hairs but you might also be rubbing your skin red raw! You can purchase exfoliating products that contain less grain and more exfoliating beads, that are gentler on the skin if you prefer. Some people like to use products like that each day. If you are planning on hair removal that day, then you will moisturise after you’ve gotten rid of the hairs. If you’re simply keeping your skin soft and prepped in between hair removal, make sure you moisturise after patting your skin dry. It’ll stop your skin from cracking, drying out, and making your life difficult in general.

5. Use a Sharp Razor or Better yet an Electric Razor

When shaving, don’t use the same old razor you’ve had in the corner of the bathroom for weeks. Instead, make sure you’re using a sharp razor. You should be mindful of how long you’re keeping your razors for, as they will go blunt pretty fast. If you’re using a blunt razor, you won’t get a very close shave and you will likely experience a few ingrown hairs to top it off. You don’t need to use the most expensive razor that money can buy, but you should make sure you’re changing it regularly. If you do use a cheap razor, then shave slowly to make sure you’re not cutting yourself as you go. Rushing with a cheap, sharp razor can be a recipe for disaster. You might be avoiding ingrown hairs but you don’t want to end up with shaving nicks and cuts.

You could also consider switching from a manual razor to an electric shaver?

For men you can read more in Tips To Choose Shavers for Ingrown Hairs.

For women you can read about the Top 5 Best Bikini Razors and Trimmers.

6. Shave With the Grain

Many people shave against the grain, as they believe it helps them to get a closer shave. However, if you speak to a hair removal professional, they’ll tell you that the best thing to do is shave with the grain. Shaving in the direction of hair growth might not give you as close a shave, but it will be far more comfortable. You’ll not only avoid ingrown hairs, you’ll also eliminate the risk of any shaving rash. This is a good tip for men who are shaving their faces. However, both men and women can use this technique. Just be mindful that it won’t get quite as close as shaving against the grain.

7. Invest in a Good Shave Gel

So, you have a good razor, you’re going to shave with the grain, you’ve softened your hair – what else can you do? Invest in a good shave gel to get an even better result. Some people just lather up soap or a shower gel. While that may work fine for them, soap is for getting rid of germs. Although it can create a good lather for shaving, that’s not what it was specifically designed for. By investing in a product that was designed for shaving, you’ll get a better result and minimize your risk of ingrown hairs. The product should lubricate the razor nicely, helping you to smooth easily with a great finish. A good shave gel doesn’t cost too much these days, so it shouldn’t cost you too much to keep one stockpiled in your bathroom cabinet. The great thing about it is that a small can lasts for ages, as the product expands once you’ve squirted it in your hand. Then all you need to do is make sure you lather it up properly to make as much product as you can.

8. Apply Lotion Afterwards

When you’ve finished removing your hair, the fun shouldn’t stop there! After patting yourself dry, apply a good lotion. They do great lotions for both men and women that allow them to soothe the area of hair removal and keep ingrown hairs at bay. Ingredients such as cucumber are used to create a soothing effect on the area. You might not want to apply your regular moisturiser, depending on the kind you use. Your regular moisturiser might actually irritate the open hair follicles. This is why special shave lotions were invented in the first place. If you have particularly sensitive skin, then investing in a sensitive shaving lotion is a good idea for you.

9. Try Hair Removal Cream or Another Removal Method

Instead of shaving, which can be the worst method for ingrown hairs, try another method. You might also want to avoid waxing, plucking and epilating at home – especially if you’re looking at methods that specifically stop ingrown hairs. Those methods have been found to produce more ingrown hairs than any other hair removal technique. Hair removal cream is a really good, cheap way of removing hairs while avoiding ingrown hairs. All you do is make sure you follow the packet instructions, as they will vary depending on the brand. You usually apply the cream, leave it for the recommended time on the packet, and then use an included plastic tool to scrape the hair away. If you have the right hair type for a product like this, you should be able to get rid of your hair with minimal fuss and enjoy a smooth result. The results will only last as long as shaving, but you can get a much smoother finish. Just make sure you only ever use hair removal cream if the packet says that it is suitable for you. If you have particularly coarse hair or your skin is quite sensitive, it could be a good idea to stay away from it altogether. If you don’t, ingrown hairs will be the last thing on your mind. You could end up with really sore, irritated patches of skin.

9 a. Investigate Laser Hair Removal

Another option for hair removal without risk of ingrown hairs is laser hair removal or professional epilation. Laser hair removal devices are now more affordable than ever so you can invest in one and treat yourself at home.  Alternatively you can visit a professional. One of the upsides of laser treatment is that you can get a more permanent result if you keep up with your treatments. The amount of treatments you have will completely depend on your skin and hair type, but once the hair stops growing back you can say goodbye to it for good! It takes commitment and costs money, but it can definitely be worth it in the long run.

The option you go for will depend on your budget, skin type and hair type. If you think this is something you’d like to do, start researching clinics in your area to find one with a great reputation.  Then you can go in and discuss your needs with a professional. They can tell you the best treatments for you, what to expect, what can’t be achieved, and they’ll fill you in on any risks. Most consultations are free, so it’s always worth going along to see what can be done for you.  Or if you are considering trying it at home you can read Groom+Style’s detailed review and how to guide for the Tria Hair Removal Laser.

9 b. Try a Home Electrolysis Machine

Although it is not for everyone, buying a home electrolysis machine has worked very well for some people.  It requires some skill and patience (and in some cases a big budget) but the hair removal results are permanent.

10. See a Dermatologist

If you regularly suffer from ingrown hairs and you’ve tried everything in this guide, the only other thing you can do is see a dermatologist. They should be able to work out what the problem is. The dermatologist can take a look at your ingrown hairs to determine the main cause of them. Maybe give you some more professional advice on how to prevent them and maybe some other ideas on ingrown hair removal. In some cases, they might give you something to specifically treat the hairs. You can buy roll on products and even creams that you dab on, designed to treat ingrown hairs.

Suffering from ingrown hairs is no fun. If you find these regularly on the areas you remove hair from, it could be a good idea to try the 10 tips in this guide to see which ones work best for you. If you try everything, from changing your method to exfoliating more regularly, you should reduce the amount of ingrown hairs. If nothing seems to work, then it’s definitely worth going to see a professional to find what they recommend.

Bald and Bearded: Styles for June, 2024

The bald, beard combo is going strong in 2020. In fact, beards aren’t just encouraged for bald men when it comes to styling, they’re recommended.

A shaved head, especially if someone is doing it for the first time, can leave a man feeling a little naked. If you’re in this position, one of the best ways to spice up a shaved head is to try out a beard style. The way that a beard helps to shape your face could not only give a focal point to balance out your missing hair, but it could also give you the sort of change and lift to help you look and feel completely new.

Grooming Tips for a Shaved Head

Shaving one’s head is the action of a man who is ready to take control over the fact that he’s going bald. One common misconception is that a bald head will age you. When the alternative is sparse and balding hair, shaving your head is actually more likely to make you appear younger.

If this is your first scalp shave, or you’re still getting a feel for how to take care of a shaved head, here are some tips to get you started:

Dress Your Face According to its Shape

Since the beard tends to be a focal point for you style, it can be a good move to choose your beard style based on your face shape. This will complement the natural shape of your face and make you facial hair look as good as possible. Learning to work with your face shape will make it easier to make those smaller styling decision that lead you to your perfect beard style, such as where to trim, at what angle, and to what extent.

Here’s a brief guide to get you started thinking about what beard will best work with your face shape:

Best Beard Styles for Bald Men

You don’t have to look very far to find cool beard styles for bald guys, since the bald head makes it easy to pull off just about anything when it comes to facial hair. Additionally, bald men are already well-acquainted with the time cost and skills of hair maintenance, so when they do grow beards, they can put these skills to use with excellent maintenance and well-styled beards.

Here are our top picks for a bald and bearded look:

1) A Full Mustache

A strong mustache will look intentional while drawing attention away from your head to your face. Something about this single piece of hair gives the statement that you know you’re bald and you meant it that way.

2) The Goatee or Circle Beard

When you’re bald, you can pull off the goatee or circle beard without reservation. This style keeps everything concentrated on you face while adding definition and interest. Whether you choose to keep it short with a stubble fade, or go for a longer look, you can’t lose here.

3) A Full Beard

If you’re ready to bypass interesting and take you beard game to distinguished, wear a full beard with a bald head. Not only does this give a strong sense of intentionality behind your baldness, but it also fully dresses up your face and allows you the most latitude for beard styling.

The bald and bearded look has taken flight among black men. While bald black men wear many styles of beard, one trend in particular stands out. This is the full beard with beard fade. This style has a thick beard at the bottom of the face, which gradually fades into stubble  as it moves higher up the face. This style seamlessly integrates the beard into the bald look and maintains that strong intentionality behind bald men with beards.

4) Bald and Stubble

Going bald and wearing stubble can give you the look of a Hollywood action hero. A cultivated stubble look can add adventure to an otherwise clean-cut appearance. This look is versatile, quick to shave off when you need it, and it will easily carry you from work into play.

One question that many men with a bald head may have is whether or not to shave their beard. The good news is that a bald head and a beard can make for a unique and stylish look. With a bald head, any style of beard can work well, the key is to choose a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable. So, if you’re wondering whether or not you should shave your beard, the answer is that it ultimately depends on what makes you feel good and what style you’re comfortable with.