GUEST WRITER SLK ON MENS HAIR REMOVAL

CONTINUED-


Plucking unwanted hair seems to me to be the most dreadful method of hair removal. The procedure is slow, painful and the hairs grow back quickly. This procedure works best on small areas where there are a few fine hairs. The right tweezers and a magnifying mirror are the key tools to successfully tweezing your unwanted hair. Given how course my hair is, I have found that plucking tends to lead to ingrown hairs, although many of my friends have used this method for years and are fine with it.

The same can be true for waxing. I was informed by one of my beauty consultants that waxing the hair tends to distort the hair follicle and makes ingrown hairs more likely. Unlike shaving, where the treatment of the skin before you shave is paramount, with waxing, the treatment of the skin after you wax is most important. Make sure your salon uses a calming soothing lotion after treatment. You should also avoid working out at the gym, hot showers, sweating, saunas and steam rooms for at least 24 hours as these can lead to skin irritation. I have found that in order to have a successful waxing, the hair needs to be between a quarter to a half inch long so there will be a short period between waxing when the unwanted hair will be noticeable.

My aunt began an electrolysis business many years ago and given our Armenian heritage she has had a steady stream of clients. While this process is long and painful, it is the only hair removal process which I have found to be proven guaranteed successful at permanent hair removal. Now that I live in New York, I use Lucy Peters at 150 East 58th Street. Their phone number is 212-486-9740. They have a skilled team of professionals that make the experience as pleasant as possible considering you are having pins placed into your skin and an electric current is killing the hair follicle. Besides the pain, the challenge is that the hair is removed one hair shaft at a time. Also the process only works on active hairs which account for about 30 percent of your hair at any given time. Inactive hairs can not be treated until they become active. Since it takes your hair follicles about three years to cycle from active to inactive, the process to remove all of the hair takes a long period of time. Unlike some salons, Lucy Peters has perfected their method and does not waste your time and money treating inactive hairs.

Laser hair removal has not been around for very long so it is difficult to determine if the removal of unwanted hair is permanent. I have used the Intense Pulsed Light treatment at Chelsea Eye & Cosmetic Surgery (157 West 19th Street, 212-727-3717) and have found the effects to be positive. While much of the hair in the treated area was removed and has not grown back, the hairs that remain appear to be finer and less noticeable. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair with fair skin so you can not have a sun tan during your treatments. Also, you must avoid the sun on the treated area as your skin is more sensitive to sun burn after treatment. Like waxing, you should avoid working out at the gym, hot showers, sweating, saunas and steam rooms for at least 24 hours after treatment. The biggest challenge with this procedure is that I found it to be painful and due to the amount of hair I wanted removed it has taken several visits to achieve noticeable results. I have had my unwanted hair treated six times and still require more treatments before all of the hair will be gone. I also have tried other laser hair removal procedures at other facilities and the hair grew back so you want to make sure that your choice of treatment centers has a history of success.

Good luck fellow sufferers!!

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 4:17 PM - 3 comments

READER FROM AUSTRALIA

READER

Hi Antonio

I just read your whole blog. It was amazing. It got me very intrigued because you seem to know what you're doing. I live in Sydney and it's very hard to get a good stylist over here unless you've been recommended to them by someone else and I'm only 18, too young to make those kinds of connections. I find myself dreading going in for haircuts because it's always the same old routine and I'm currently going through some issues that have left me dying for a change, which I know will never happen. I was hoping you could help me. I have curly hair, it's currently a bit above bra strap level as after
that length it seems to just stop growing. It's very thin (I feel like I'm balding) at the top, very voluminous towards the bottom. As a result of curly hair, no matter how many treatments or products i use (and i use a decent amount), it is always dry. The hairdresser can never seem to recommend any styles for me that don’t end up looking just like my hair always used to, only a lot shorter and bigger (I don't think big hair is sexy). Since my hair is too thin i can't get bangs, and if i were to cut it short it would be very round which would not suit my face shape either. I'm torn, desperately wanting a change but not being able to ever achieve it. Do you have any suggestions?

Many Thanks,

Z.


AFG

Thank you for your email. It’s no fun dreading a visit to a hair stylist. Now, let’s get down to business. Since I don't know what your face shape is, I will answer generally. You are right to say that bangs may not be the answer for you, but there is a solution. Of course the texture of your hair does affect the cut, so let’s address that first.

TREATMENTS FOR HAIR TEXTURE
I recommend trying Voile Nuit; it's an overnight treatment by Kerastase. So instead of washing it off, you eave it on all night. My clients are loving it. It’s not cheap but worth the investment. (Remember, leave-in conditioners are made to be left on the
scalp. I hear people say they sometimes leave their daily conditioners in. I do not recommend doing this, because it may cause a light scalp reaction.) Intense treatments like this one can really make your hair feel and look great.




HELP FOR THINNING HAIR

I am asked this question everyday. And I always point to two approaches: biotin and folic acid I have read so many articles on these two treatments, and my clients have been trying them as well. Here are two links that will give you answers to any questions you may have.



Biotin (Vitamin H)

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.microscopy.fsu.edu/vitamins/images/biotin.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.microscopy.fsu.edu/vitamins/pages/biotin.html&usg=__EUjojXpL6D1fd7TZprzb8-IW9cA=&h=368&w=508&sz=84&hl=en&start=9&tbnid=nHomj3dPAF_M5M:&tbnh=95&tbnw=131&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbiotin%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

Folic Acid (Folate, Vitamin B-9)

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/vitamins/images/folicacid.jpg&imgrefurl=http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/vitamins/pages/folicacid.html&usg=__1_W79ALw5EZNs978coU6i4fxwWE=&h=368&w=508&sz=113&hl=en&start=23&tbnid=GJLL2eMtkY2g6M:&tbnh=95&tbnw=131&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfolic%2Bacid%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D18

HOW TO APPROACH THE CUT
I know it’s hard to find the right stylist. I would recommend looking for other people with curly hair and asking where they get their hair cut. To get the right cut for you, you have to take a few things into consideration. First of all, the hair at the top is finer and not as heavy as the lower length of your hair. This means that the top will have to be cut and styled differently from the lower half. But if you wet your hair the texture appears similar all over, and this, my friend, is the first pothole on the way to a hair crash. If your stylist is cutting away as if there is no difference in texture, you will get a shape that is, at best, unintentional.

Cutting your hair dry may be the answer. This way you can actually see how and where the hair is falling, which will prevent the stylist from cutting too much from an area where you may need length and weight. For example, if you are aiming for longer
hair with long layers, I would separate the lower and top section. I would start by cutting the length and layers of the lower section first, because it’s thicker and heavier. Then I would drop the top section, keeping in mind that I cannot connect the top and lower sections evenly. When layering the top I will keep the layers longer than the bottom part, so that when you wash and style with product (product is a must), it appears to be uniform. Remember, because your hair is fine on top, it sometimes frizzier and lighter in weight. The goal is to have your hair respond in a uniform manner. I use this technique on women who have curlier hair at the top and straighter hair at the bottom. It works.


CHOOSING A STYLE
I would recommend starting with a long hair cut with layers, keeping it simple. It’s important to find a stylist who will listen and be sensitive to your needs -- they do exist. When you feel comfortable with your new stylist, then you can approach a new do. At least you will have enough confidence in your stylist to move forward.

APPLYING PRODUCT
When applying products, the two areas (lower and upper) will have to be treated differently as well. You may want to use a heavier product on the lower half, since it’s voluminous. I recommend using Curl Conscious Curl Crème by Bumble and Bumble on the lower part. It’s heavy enough and is very hydrating. Then as you approach the top, you can combine two products, to get the proper yin and yang. I would start by applying a tiny amount of the Curl Conscious, then layer in a fair amount of the
Thickening Spray by Bumble and Bumble. The cream will hydrate the Curl, while the spray (because of its alcohol content) will dilute the cream enough, adding definition to your curl. Do not be concerned about the alcohol drying your hair even more. The hair will have been properly conditioned with your new treatment and the Curl Cream will dilute the alcohol. The cream and alcohol combo works well on many people, from my experience. You can air dry or lightly diffuse.



I know you know your hair better than anyone by now, so with the right cut and product I have faith that you will be well equipped to handle your locks.

I hope this was helpful and I look forward to more questions from you.

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 9:22 PM - 0 comments

WITH MEN IN MIND

Given my rigorous workout routine, I have been thinking about what is the best way to care for my skin after a workout. I could never carry my entire inventory of skin and hair care products to the gym. Talk about a workout. I began to think about the essential products I need to help preserve my appearance after my workout. Recently, I have been introduced to the Kiss My Face line of skin care products and I have become quite impressed. I was so impressed that I decided to ask the folks at Kiss My Face about their opinions on the essential products for men at the gym. Here is what they had to say.


You work out, you eat healthy so now it is time to treat your skin the same way… at home and at the gym. The average male uses up to seven personal care products for grooming. The skin, which is the largest organ in the human body, absorbs 60 percent of everything you put on it. While everyone is focused on strengthening their muscles, it is just as important to strengthen your skin by using clean, natural products. We make a line of products designed for men. Here are the essentials.

When shaving, remember that the closest shaves are due to well moisturized skin. Kiss My Face Moisture Shaves do not contain alcohol as most foam shaving creams do. Our product contains a combination of shea butter and olive oil that preps the skin before the razor hits it leaving you with a clean soft close shave. Kiss My Face also makes a Goldenseal antiseptic to cleans the skin and provide disinfectant in case the razor slips as is often the case when shaving away from home.



http://www.kissmyfacewebstore.com/products/body-care/moisture-shaves


When cleansing the skin, it is important to remember that a man’s skin is thicker than a woman’s skin. Men, therefore, require a product that exfoliates and can reach dirt and oils trapped under facial hair. Kiss My Face Exfoliating Face Wash cleans the skin, penetrating through sweat, dirt and oils. The fruit acids in this product leave you with clean polished skin and the anti aging properties fight wrinkles and prevent your skin from looking dull.



http://www.kissmyfacewebstore.com/detail/KMF+1200040

Everyone needs a moisturizer with SPF and men are no exception to this. The Kiss My Face Face Factor SPF 15 contains green tea extract and alpha lipoic acid. These key ingredients protect the skin and slow the aging process.



http://www.kissmyfacewebstore.com/products/body-care/natural-moisturizers

For the occasional blemish, the Kiss My Face Botanical Acne Gel with tea tree oil and aloe clears the blemish and gives a healthy tingle to the skin.



http://www.kissmyfacewebstore.com/products/beauty-face-care/organic-face-care

I am currently working with the Kiss My Face haircare on myself and on clients, let's see how it stands the AFG test.

Kisses to all!!

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:22 PM - 0 comments

QUESTION FROM MY READER

READER;

Oh my goodness. I don't even know where to start ....
Early last year, I was one of the first people in my city to get the new "bob". So new, that I actually had to take pics of the cut to my stylist. fast forward - I saw everyone w/the same cut 4months later. I RAN to my stylist, and asked for the "Agness" cut. My hair has sense grown out to what I started with...the Bob. (Lord, help me.) I have naturally curly, thick hair, blow it out everyday, and I'm sick sick
SICK of this do. It has become my "don't".

Please help me as to what to do. I have had long hair my whole life until last year. I'm not familiar w/this "growing-out" phase (and I am loathing it.). Please tell me what options I have to be able to stay stylish and grow this out w/out looking like a soccor mom.

Thank you so so much!!

(in the Heart of Dixie)



ANTONIO;

I feel your pain. But don’t fear – help is here.

First, your instincts are right on. Thick and curly can easily become overwhelming, especially at this length. So as you move forward, you will need to apply all the tricks you have, including a variety of products and techniques. But it all begins with a good cut, right?

THE RIGHT CUT FOR YOUR CURLY HAIR

So working with the bob you have, the first step is;

1) Keep the length a little A-line, shorter in the back and longer in the front. Not too much longer, but just enough so that when you wear your hair curly the shape is a little flattering and not, as Simon says, MUMSY.


2) I would recommend a cut that's more square shape -- think of a shag, but not as short or choppy. This will remove any triangular shape that's in the hair when worn curly. Tell the stylist to cut the layers from the bottom up rather than the top of the head (he or she will understand what I mean).

3) What is the hair like around your face? If it's shorter, I would start working toward a longer shape, maybe a swooping bang. If it's longer, then maybe shorten it a bit, just so you can have the feeling of a little change in your style.

4) When styling, try not to scrunch, which gives unnecessary volume (and creates a whole different style). Try applying 2 to 3 of your favorite curly hair products by twisting the curls in place. So remember: twist, don’t squeeze.

5) Then diffuse your hair, allowing the hair to sit in place. DO NOT play with the hair while diffusing; that can cause frizzing, depending on the texture of you curl.

6) If you want to take this one step further, use a curling iron and take random pieces of hair and curl your hair. IMPORTANT! Do not hold the iron horizontally, or you may end up looking like ANNIE. Hold the iron vertically; this has a spiraling effect, which leave the hair against the face rather than bouncing off the head.

The question is, do you want longer hair again? The previous steps will allow you to
have a more modern look at this length and also give you the option to grow your hair out again Now if you must blow dry, have a look at this article I wrote for about.com; you may find it helpful.

http://beauty.about.com/od/haircuts/a/grow-out-a-bob.htm

Let me know if you have any more questions or concerns.

I wish you freedom from the bob!!

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:24 PM - 0 comments

Q&A ON JUARA PRODUCTS

I sat down with co-founder Yoshiko Roth-Hidalgo to learn more about JUARA after doing my own research.

HELLO DARLING!


1. How long has the company been around?

We officially incorporated in the summer of 2004 and introduced the products to the market in the spring of 2005. My business partners include Metta Murdaya, Jill Sung, Tami Chuang and myself. We launched JUARA with three only three products, one of which became an instant hit, our Candle nut Body Crème. It was very exciting!

2. What inspired you to create a product with such exotic ingredients?

We draw our inspiration from the traditional Indonesian herbal medicine, called “Jamu” and from ancient Indonesian beauty rituals. Metta Murdaya, one of my business partners, is a native of Indonesia, so she spent her whole life traveling back and forth between the United States and her home country. Since the herbal tradition of “Jamu” is still very much alive and relevant today, she literally grew up with the health and beauty traditions of Indonesia. Before the arrival of Western medicine in Indonesia, people used to rely exclusively on the healing properties of the plants and herbs that local nature offered. When the secret health and beauty recipes were discovered by Western scientists, it became evident that these plants and botanicals have real, tangible benefits for our health. Turmeric for example is one of the most important healing plants in traditional Indonesian “Jamu”. This has captured the excitement of Western scientists because of its amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are very much relevant today, especially as we are so exposed to environmental and life style stress. The traditional Indonesian Jamu books and spa books are full of unique recipes for beauty and health. We at JUARA feel compelled to tell this story and instill this passion in other people through our products.



3. Are the products made in the USA?

Our products are made in the USA, in fact very close to our headquarters. We manufacture in New Jersey, so just a short ride away from our Manhattan office. This makes quality control much easier.


4. I have tried many skincare lines over the years. While some products have few natural ingredients, there are those that are 100% natural and some fall somewhere in between. Which category does your product fall in and what percent of your ingredients are natural?

JUARA is really the best of both worlds. For our products we use high concentrations of natural ingredients at levels that have been proven beneficial for the skin. However, we also believe that non-natural ingredients play an important and beneficial role in skincare products. I consider JUARA the best of both worlds. For example, some non-natural ingredients enhance the effectiveness or stability of the natural ingredients. Some non-natural ingredients are beneficial for the skin in their own right. We exclude non-natural ingredients from our products when there is a compelling reason to do so and if there are better, safer, gentler alternatives available. For example, we don’t use sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate in any of our cleansing products, because it has been shown to irritate skin and cause allergic reactions, but also because these days, there are new plant-derived cleansing agents that are much safer, much gentler and just as effective. We don’t use artificial colorants, no mineral oil and almost all of our products at this point are paraben-free. Also we are about 75% or more botanical based, not counting water content in the products, so it’s actually quite high.




5. Okay let's talk product. I tried your Turmeric mask and really loved it. I loved the tightening feeling and the texture my skin was after 10 minutes. What makes it feel so great and what are the healing properties of Turmeric?

Our Turmeric Mask, which we will be renaming Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask because of its benefits of boosting skin radiance, is a combination of clay and Turmeric. The nice thing about
it is the fact that it has all the purifying and pore-minimizing benefits of a clay mask, but it won’t dry and crack on your skin, so it feels very comfortable and cooling on the skin as you leave it on.
Any skin type can use it! Turmeric is an amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that helps protect skin from free radicals and environmental aggression and also has the ability to reverse signs of sun damage and help even out your skin tone. Our skin tone can become uneven over time due to sun exposure, acne scars or hormonal changes. Turmeric helps brighten the skin and diminish discoloration. In fact, an ancient but very simple trick of women in Indonesia is to mix some Turmeric powder with water and apply it to areas where their skin tone was uneven. Our mask is of course very convenient to use. Two to three times a week in the evening, you just put it directly on cleansed skin. You can either leave it on for 20 minutes while you relax, or you can even leave it on overnight.

6. Coming from Trinidad, I am familiar with ingredients like Tamarind but it is the first time I have seen it in skincare. What made you use Tamarind?

Tamarind plays a very important role in Indonesian “Jamu”, so it made perfect sense to incorporate it in JUARA products. In Indonesia, different parts of Tamarind are used for different purposes or ailments. The leaves of Tamarind are used for sprains and swelling, while the pulp is typically mixed in health drinks for taste and its blood-cleansing benefits. One typical Jamu concoction is Kunyit Asam, where Turmeric is mixed with Tamarind and honey or palm sugar to create a very tasty tonic that helps detoxify your system and calm your stomach. In our Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner we use the extract of Tamarind Seeds, which has been shown to attract moisture to the skin (it’s a humectant), plump up little dry lines and smoothes the skin for a more radiant, supple complexion. For Indonesian women, supple, well-hydrated skin is beautiful skin. Our Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner visibly and noticeably boosts the hydration level of
your skin.



7. I also wanted to ask you about the coffee body scrub. This is the first time I have ever used a product like this. It is not only a great morning boost but it feels incredible. What other aspects of this product can you share with me?

Our coffee scrub is my favorite shower treat! It’s just so energizing and fun and leaves the skin feeling incredibly smooth. The combination of dark-roasted ground Indonesian coffee beans and crushed walnuts provides amazing exfoliating benefits, plus the natural caffeine helps boost circulation and diminish the appearance of cellulite. The scrub is also rich in Rice Bran Oil, which women in Asia use to maintain skin’s youthful elasticity. What is so beautiful about this formulation is that it is moisturizing like an oil-scrub but rinses clean like a cleansing scrub. Therefore, your bathtub won’t get greasy and slippery. It’s a cleansing oil-scrub – very unique!

8. Where can you find your product line?

JUARA is primarily available at luxury apothecaries and high-end spas across the USA, Canada and now Indonesia and South Korea. Here in New York City, you can find JUARA at New London Pharmacy, Apthorp Pharmacy, Silk Day Spa and Woodley & Bunny. In Los Angeles, you can find us at Studio at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. We also ship nationwide from our online boutique at www.juaraskincare.com

9. In a nut shell, how would you describe your products and why are they so different?

We are a socially-conscious women-owned business with a genuine passion for healthy skin and the ancient Indonesian tradition of beauty and health. With JUARA, we bring this ancient tradition to the contemporary world because we want to share these amazing beauty secrets with people. Each of our products was inspired by an Indonesian beauty or health ritual and focuses on unique active botanicals that have been essential in the past but are also relevant to us today. The products are crafted with care, deliver real results and make you feel good instantly, be it through an uplifting scent or amazing texture. Once somebody tries or Candlenut Body Crème, our Coffee Scrub or Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner, they are hooked!

http://www.juaraskincare.com/

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:13 PM - 0 comments

GUEST WRITER SLK ON MENS HAIR REMOVAL

The In’s and Out’s of Home Hair Removal PART-1

I was meeting a friend for dinner one night and he arrived at the restaurant extremely late. Considering I have always been the fashionably late one in my set, when someone is later than me, it tends to raise an eyebrow. After sincere apologies, he eased himself into his chair very slowly. I had to ask what was wrong and he confided in me that the reason he was late was due to an unfortunate incident with Nair and parts of his body where Nair should never ever touch. Being of Armenian decent, I have been tortured with the issue of unwanted hair removal for more years than I care to acknowledge and I believe I have tried ever method imaginable to obtain smooth skin. Now that I write for Antonio’s blog and it is all about hair and hair care, I thought I would share with you some experiences with regard to what to do when you want to remove unwanted hair.

While this is a challenge that many do not have to live with, for those of us who have spent hours annually grappling with the removal of unwanted hair the tasks can at times seem daunting. It often seems that as soon as you successfully remove it, the hair seems to be growing back. There are various methods of removing unwanted hair including, home remedies such as cutting, clipping, shaving, Nair and plucking. Salon remedies include waxing, electrolysis and laser hair removal. Sadly, I have tried them all and offer my take on each so you can benefit from my years of torture. In this article, I will address home remedies and in a subsequent article I will address salon remedies.

You can cut unwanted hair, although it will obviously grow back. Revlon makes manicure scissors that are small enough and sharp enough to cut the hair very close to the skin so it appears to be gone. Cutting away unwanted hair works well if you have a few fine stray hairs, especially around the eyes. Shaving these hairs is difficult and can make them grow back coarser. Waxing and plucking can sometimes cause irritation and is more prone to ingrown hairs. The challenge with cutting the hair is that it grows back faster than waxing or plucking and you must be very careful not to cut the skin.

Clipping is a method used more by men than women to remove unwanted hair on the legs, arms and chest. When using clippers, it is important to make sure that you cover the entire area and do not miss spots. I recommend either Oster or Remington hair clippers as they seem to be the most durable. A few years ago, Norelco launched the Body Groomer which is the hairy man’s new best friend. This product was designed to be used on a man’s private parts so it gives a close shave without irritating sensitive areas. Had my friend used the Body Groomer on his private parts, he would have been on time for dinner. The challenge is that the blade tends to get dull after a few years but the price is so reasonable that replacement is not a problem.

Shaving is the most popular option for men to remove unwanted facial hair and for women to treat unwanted hair on their legs. The key to a good shave is how you prep the skin prior to shaving. Moisture is very important which is why I always shave after I shower and my face is still wet. I also recommend that before you apply your shaving cream you apply a very thin layer of hair conditioner. Any brand will do so use the cheapest you can find or one you purchased for your hair and found that it was not working for you. The conditioner will soften the hair and allow the blade to easily cut them giving you a closer shave with less irritation.

Nair works very well on legs for women and several years ago they began making a product specifically for men. After applying a thin layer of Nair to the unwanted hair and waiting ten to twelve minutes, use a wash cloth and wipe away the unwanted hair. A word of caution is to not use the Nair which works in four minutes. Those extra six to eight minutes can seem like a long time but in reality are your best friend as the chemicals in the four minute Nair are very harsh and can easily burn your skin. And take advice from my friend, whatever you do, NEVER use Nair on or near your private parts.

Plucking unwanted hair seems to me to be the most dreadful method of hair removal. The procedure is slow, painful and the hairs grow back quickly. This procedure works best on small areas where there are a few fine hairs. The right tweezers and a magnifying mirror are the key tools to successfully tweezing your unwanted hair. Given how course my hair is, I have found that plucking tends to lead to ingrown hairs, although many of my friends have used this method for years and are fine with it.

SLK

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:11 PM - 0 comments

HAIR COLOR FOR MEN

Hair color for men has been around for a very long time. Some men color their hair for fashion to add a creative twist to their image through rich dark colors and some men add blond highlights to brighten their image. There is a WRONG way and a RIGHT way for a man to wear a colored crown.

The rules for becoming a blond.

1) Men never and I repeat, NEVER get your hair foiled! I recommend getting your hair painted (baliaged) It is a far more natural approach. It does not leave Tiger stripes behind and will give the stylist far more control to create a look that's convincing to your friends.

2) Please don't buy bleach from the beauty supply and ask your girlfriend to apply it to save money. If you want to go blond, get a professional to do it and I promise you will be happier with the results.

3) If you have natural black hair color, it maybe best to pass on the highlights. No one with black hair has blond highlights. You can go for a more natural approach using hair color in foils, this takes a hair dresser that understands hair color so you don't end up with gold/orange highlights as a result.

4) Stay away from tones that are too golden. Instead, try tones with more ash or beige as these tones tend to be more masculine.

5) DO NOT allow any one to pull your hair through a bleach cap. You know the old fashioned caps with the old knitting needles or picks? Bad idea!! That technique is as old ad the hills and you look like a Chia pet on crack.


The rules for covering grey hair.

1) Avoid coloring your hair with Golden browns alone. If you have a few grey hairs, use a quarter of your formula with a gold brown and three quarters of your formula with an ash or cool brown. This will lend for a more natural, masculine look.

2) For men with a lot more grey hair who wish to cover it, use half of your formula with a neutral brown and half with a golden brown. This will give you a cool brown tone while still providing great coverage of the grey.

3) Do not color your hair yourself with color from the drug store and think that because you left the side burns grey you are fooling anyone. Leave the hair coloring to the professionals. Honey, we know box color when we see it and so do your friends.

4) I generally recommend men to embrace the aging process and their grey hairs. There are times when some men need to sport a younger appearance in the competitive corporate world or in the even more competitive dating scene A little help from hair color can often assist in getting you the job you want or the date you are chasing. Whatever you do, try to make the color look as natural as possible. Only the comb over is worse than a mature man walking around with hair that is obviously colored with shoe polish.

If you have any questions on men's hair color feel free to write and I would be happy to share all I know.

AFG

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 1:08 PM - 0 comments

MEN AND THEIR TAILS

As my readers must know by now, I get inspiration for my articles from any and everywhere. The ideas just keep flowing from clients and from observing the public at large. I was recently at the gym and saw a personal trainer working with his client. They both looked happy with themselves, then I zeroed in on what was supposed to be a PONYTAIL.

So what’s the scoop with men and ponytails? And why do so many men still feel it’s a hair fashion that must live on? Don't get me wrong. There are many, many men with long hair that’s just damn sexy, but that’s another article. After my research, I have broken down this backward-looking fashion into three periods.

THE 80s
This is the GMT. (No, not Greenwich mean time) It’s the Gay Man’s Tail.

The men in this group are generally in their mid-30s to late 40s and are caught in a tailspin of 80s fashion accented by a PT (ponytail). These men are generally blessed with a full head of hair, so they stretch that baby till "thy kingdom come" into a tight low tail that's never too long. This usually conjures up a box shaped
suit from the 80s (padded shoulders) with a tight black shirt underneath and pointed shoes. Sometimes, there is over groomed facial hair and eyebrows -- and a look of too much confidence on their faces. Have you seen one recently? I have!

THE 60s AND 70s

Call it the HT -- for Hippie Tail.

Picture this: heterosexual man with hair past the shoulders in a chewed elastic band that has not been brushed since the flower-power days. They are generally in their 50s, wearing a long sleeved shirt tucked into their jeans. The jeans never fit right, and then they top it off with a pair of sneakers – ones that are a little weather beaten from all those protest marches.

ANY DECADE

The Po-Tail

This is just plain old wrong!! It’s when the pony tail is holding on for dear life. And there’s nothing on top -- and by nothing, I mean NO HAIR! If you don’t see anything from the front, what’s the point? Is it for the people standing in line behind you?

If you have a special man in your life who has been cursed by the PT, I recommend grabbing a pair of scissors and relieving him of that blood-sucking extension at the back of his head. He’ll thank you, and so will I.

Men, I wish you great hair!

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

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