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Archive for the ‘Hygiene’ Category
If you can’t actually grow a hipster stasche…
Friday, September 2nd, 2011Spring Cleaning: Manscaping
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011[a guest blog on body hair grooming for the every-man from our friend David Scott of The National Beauty]
I have to admit that this month’s topic “Manscaping” has been quite a journey! I have seen, read and tried things not normally in my regime. It has been good for a laugh in some cases. Being a hairdresser I’m all too familiar with the ever changing landscape of hair on the body. Being Gay adds a whole other level of familiarity.
First things first. When you Google “Manscaping” you are hit with the least helpful collection of images. Things like Frat Guys with hearts shaved into their beer bellies, Leather guys with handle bar mustaches that extend way farther than humanly possible, hairless supermodels or shots from the movie the 40 Year Old Virgin. All funny but not very encouraging if you are wanting to try this for the first time.
Another thing you will find as you start cutting through the endless amounts of information is a division of topics. Two in particular keep popping up. The first is the “why?” (advertisements of the sculpted hairless models or the increase in adult content on the web???) and the second is on “tools of the trade.” The latter is a long list of new inventions to make it easier to remove hair anywhere and everywhere. These clever manufacturers use terms like “trimming the hedge to make the tree look taller” or ” taking Johnny and the boys out for a little haircut” to give a feeling that your just talking to one of your friends about the topic. Again, funny but not helpful.
So I thought a more helpful approach is needed. After talking with many of my hair friends I came up with this…….do the mirror test. If you are wondering if it’s time for a trim (more than likely it is) just give yourself a look in a full length mirror. OK, now do a little turn. What do you see? Patchy areas of hair? Maybe you have hairy legs and a smoother upper body or vice versa. Hairy arms? Is the backyard overgrown? The thing you should know is that there is no one solution because everyone is different. The one strong bit of advice is that you should have a balanced appearance front to back and top to bottom. Body hair should be like an addition and not the whole picture. The fact is that times have changed. Our perception of what is attractive is a well groomed body. The good thing is it’s something you can do at home. IT DOESN’T MEAN A TRIP TO THE WAXING SALON!!
So let’s start with the tools you need for what degree of hair. Scissors, a razor and trimmers will cover just about anybody. Small scissors should be used for random eyebrow hair. This is not to replace waxing if they really need to be separated. Comb your eyebrows up and carefully snip the long ones. Trimmers should be used for any random ear hair. Run the edger along the outside of the ear where they tend to sprout. Faces get the razor of course.
Now onto the deeper grass. If you have large areas of hair to remove trimmers are your best bet. Use them with a guard always unless you plan on taking it all the way off. Start with a larger guard and test it out (perhaps between 1/2 and 1/4 inch). If nothing comes off move to the next smaller. This can be used for the chest, groin, legs, arms or buns. A smaller guard for your chest area and a larger guard for legs and below the belt. If your are not particularly fit this more natural length will be more flattering. If you are super fit then go with a smaller guard. This will showcase your hard work much better. Now you should have a more even all over appearance.
Time to detail. Using a razor and shaving cream pick up any leftover patches and really fine tune the outer edges like the neckline, upper shoulder area and, yes, your family jewels. Be careful! Skin should be kept tight and take your time.
There are new tools out that are a sort of “all-in-one”. I spent some time with one of these little gadgets called the BODYGROOM http://www.shaveeverywhere.com/ (Picture Above). This is a trimmer/shaver that really is safe and convenient in those danger areas. It can be used wet or dry and has cool shape that makes it possible to switch the direction of the guard. Also the shaver is excellent for shaving shoulder and upper back hair. I have to say though you guys owe me one! I was a little nervous about this. It’s only downfall is that the trimmers lack the guts to cut back long hair, but once it’s short this really is quite the tool for maintaining.
So remember take a good honest look and approach with caution. Once you get the first time over with you’ll realize it’s quite easy. Maintain it about every two weeks. You look great , this is just the next step!
David Scott
email David@thenationalbeauty.com
Phone 503.753.4859
David is co-owner of The National Beauty Salon in Portland, Or and Associate Artistic Director of ISO Haircare
Calling All Someday-Silver-Foxes!!
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
[a guest blog on going gray from our friend David Scott of The National Beauty]
GRAYING, A MEN’S BEST AND WORST FRIEND. WHY OR WHY NOT TO DYE??
For my first official monthly installment of grooming tips for LKC Style fans I thought we would start at the top! The very top. The gray hair that’s poking out. It’s March and in many parts of the country we are seeing gray weather for the next few weeks so I thought we would cover gray hair in keeping with the mood.
The question of what to do about gray is a constant issue for both men and women. We all secretly hope that we’ll become a “Silver Fox” like Sean Connery but unless you have family members who look like Mr. Suave and you started graying at 18 we should start to look at other options to look good.
Let’s start by answering the first and most asked question: Can I make my hair like a Silver Fox so that I look more distinguished? The answer is no. The natural appearance and placement of the natural graying process can not be mimicked well, except in movies where lighting and hairpieces are hard at work. This is due to the fact that gray hair is essentially white and to achieve white hair you have to bleach and tone (lighten and recolor) when this process is applied you may achieve a momentary appearance of gray but the second it begins to fade it becomes blonde looking. This is extremely high maintenance and not guaranteed.
Now what to do when you start to gray? If you are naturally sparkling silver then keep it. It is a rare and beautiful color. If you aren’t a of fan of your gray, do what a long time friend of mine did today. Color it. My friend found himself turning 40 this year and even though he looks 35 his partially gray hair made him feel 45. He is a normal guy, Private Investigator by trade with a nice sense of personal style. We did a very subtle “blending.” We chose a shade lighter than his natural color and used a deposit-only color to add pigment to the gray hair without changing the natural darker shade that is still present. The result is added shine and the very light hair is now a darker blonde which appears to be a highlighted effect . Extremely natural. This will fade gently and will need to be redone in about 6 weeks.
This process is very low on damage due to the ammonia-free product we used. It has a twenty minute processing time. The appointment time is about 45 minutes in and out the door. The shades that are best for a natural look are neutral or golden shades depending on your natural color. Your stylist will know what you’re talking about if you use that terminology.
Now for those of you who want your gray hair gone completely. This is a completely viable option and one that Hollywood actors who have visited me will usually choose. For you it is about getting the best coverage for as long as possible. With this I choose a neutral shade in permanent hair color and process for an additional 10 minutes past the standard 30 minute processing time. This allows the product to penetrate allowing for better coverage. Avoid red in darker shades; it looks too unnatural. If you want variation have your colorist pull it through the ends every third time. This will leave a naturally highlighted effect and will avoid a matte appearance to the color.
Do I suggest you have it colored in the salon? Absolutely. Have you ever tried to do a home repair and ended up having to hire someone to fix it? This will be worse if you grab a box of color in the store and get it wrong.
Besides salon professionals really enjoy having men in the salon for color services. So don’t be afraid to ask.
As for maintenance products it is very simple just to switch to a shampoo and conditioner for chemically treated hair and carry on as you normally would in the shower. A great affordable choice is Color Preserve Cleanse and Condition From ISO at www.iso-hair.com available in salons.
Remember your choices on grooming are your own but when you need help ask a professional!
See you next month,
David
**If you are in need of haircolor and you are in the Portland area mention this blog and you will receive a free Color Preserve Cleanse and Condition with your first haircolor appointment. Color blending service price is $50.00. Haircuts are $75.00. Gift is only available with color service. Haircut price is additional.**
Please feel free to contact me at David@thenationalbeauty.com for appointments. The National Beauty is located at 815 SW Alder, Portland OR inside Johnny Sole Shoes.
Running, Lil Wayne, & Goal Setting
Friday, February 4th, 2011|
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LKc Style loves inspirational stories about normal guys doing amazing things. It’s the beginning of the year—resolution time—and we thought it’s a nice time to talk about getting fit and setting goals to get there. We interviewed our friend, Mark, about his personal struggles and triumphs in his marathon running career…and other manly stuff too:
TELL US WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING
My name is Mark Waller. In my day job, I’m a CPA who does tax work for nonprofit organizations. (Sounds thrilling, I know.) In my free time, I blog about all things pop culture, play music, and run marathons.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO RUNNING?
I was coerced into cross country in high school by friends of mine. When I got into college, I fell off the runners wagon big-time, but when I finished the CPA exam a year ago, I knew I needed to do something that wasn’t so…sedentary. And when I set a goal, I tend to set a totally crazy one. So, I decided to do the Twin Cities Marathon, despite having never competed in a race longer than a 5k.
WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING REGIMEN?
I try to have a few races in mind so I can train accordingly. For my first marathon, I used Hal Higdon’s 18 week marathon training course, and used his 12 week half marathon training course for the half I just completed. Most of this consists of progressively longer distances during the week and on weekends, along with some core strength training worked in. I also try to work in some yoga when I’m in the mood. I’m not always good about doing everything he asks me to do, but if I get 85-90% of it done I feel pretty accomplished.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO TRAIN MOST DAYS?
I won’t lie: it’s not always easy to get out the door and get my running shoes on. But there have been very, very few workouts where I felt worse than I did before that workout. The “runners high” that I get from running is probably my biggest inspiration.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF TRAINING AND RACING?
There is a definite “wall” that I hit in marathon training that was very hard to get through — somewhere after the midpoint of training but with 8 or 9 weeks left to go. I had to let myself rest a little more and be OK with that, which was hard to do. Racing is, generally, the reward I get out of training for a long time, but my first marathon was pure torture for the last six miles. Live and learn — the next time I do a marathon, I’ll make sure to conserve some energy for that last push. (Yes, I’m already thinking about my next marathon, despite just saying the last six miles were pure torture. Runners ARE insane.)
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF TRAINING AND RACING?
Feeling good in EVERY WAY possible in life is by far the most rewarding part about training. Things that used to stress me out roll off of me when I am training. (Dropping 25+ pounds and buying new skinny jeans that the wife likes is a nice bonus, too.) Racing is incredibly rewarding with the outpouring of love you get from your friends and family, spectators at races. Especially the TC Marathon, where over 300,000 spectators come to watch and LITERALLY are two rows deep of people for ALL 26.2 MILES! Seeing the finish line and crossing the finish line in any race is a huge reward unto itself. And at the end of most races, you get some neat swag, too!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT?
Stick with it! The hardest part of running is starting to run. Find a buddy who will start out with you. I originally started surrounded by friends, and I couldn’t imagine doing it without their support. It won’t always feel like fun, but it will definitely evolve into something great.
WHAT SHOES AND OTHER GEAR ARE YOU USING RIGHT NOW?
I wear Nike Air Plus Max shoes right now, which have gotten me 400+ miles so far and work out pretty well. For shorter workouts I’ll wear Target-brand clothes, and for longer runs I wear Brooks shorts/pants/shirts, Nike running tights, etc. And I always wear a headband, because I don’t have contacts and need something to keep my glasses on. Also, because I sweat a lot. (Gross.)
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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RUNNING SONG?
In general, I listen to a lot more Top 40 while running than I do in, say, the office. But my favorite running song is probably “Let the Beat Build” by Lil Wayne. Cranking it on my iPod at the end of long runs gives me goosebumps.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY INJURIES SINCE YOU STARTED TRAINING?
I’ve been very lucky to never have had to face any major injuries since I started running again, although I did pass out in a race in Cross Country back in high school that resulted in some very worried parents, a 30 mile ambulance trip to the nearest hospital in Iowa, and some crazy hallucinations. As a result I tend to err on the over-hydrate side of training.
TELL US ABOUT SETTING GOALS AND HOW TO ACHIEVE THEM IN FITNESS. HAVE YOU STRUGGLED WITH THIS PERSONALLY OR WAS IT AN EASY FIT?
It is NEVER easy to set goals and achieve them, but as the adage goes, nothing worth doing is easy. Once you start setting fitness goals and start achieving, they are addictive. The more goals you set, and the more you accomplish, the more momentum you’ll have to achieve more.
Follow Mark on Twitter here for more running inspiration!
Do you have an inspirational story for us? Are you doing something great or have you overcome a great hardship? We’d love to hear from you to tell your story and be an inspiration to all of our readers. E-mail us!
David Scott, Your Hair Done Right, & Mustache News
Friday, January 28th, 2011
Look familiar?? He should…this is David Scott–Portland’s Best Dressed Man of 2010! We didn’t know David before the contest, but we are happy to have met his acquiescence over the months and now have him by our side as our favorite mens hair expert. He’s got a ridiculous amount of experience in the field and we’ve looked to him today to get some answers about mens hair problems, affordable products and celebrity mishaps:
DAVID, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER IN THE WORLD OF HAIR:
I’m a Haircutting Specialist, Co-owner of The National Beauty Salon, Associate Artistic Director of Haircutting for ISO Haircare, Oregon Native and fashion lover!
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY AND HOW IS BEING A BUSINESS OWNER AND ENTREPRENEUR?
I started hairdressing when I was 16 which was 21 years ago. I am lucky enough to have found my career path early. I have spent my work life which is really my only life specializing in cutting and styling men and women. Being a hairdresser is one of the best jobs you could have. I’ve taken care of clients in salon, worked at Fashion Week in New York a time or two, traveled to Asia, Europe and everywhere in America educating some of the best Hairdressers in the biz. I recently opened The National Beauty Salon with my very good friend Heidi Cuthbert.
The National Beauty is a chic space that houses some of Portland’s most talented stylists. For Heidi and I it’s our pride and joy, something we have worked very hard for. Opening a new business is always challenging but we have so much support from a very loyal clientele. Thank god for them!
DO YOU HAVE ANY FUNNY STORIES FROM THE SALON?
Haircut 911 situations are always the funniest and usually children are the culprits. I can’t count how many times over the years I have seen little Jenny or Joe come in after a home haircutting incident. What can you do but laugh when you see the sweetest 5 year old staring at you with what can only be described as a “Cougar Attack Haircut” it never seems to bother them. So I fix it knowing their little brother or sister will be back in a few years with the same problem.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOP PROBLEMS MEN HAVE WITH THEIR HAIR AND CAN YOU PROVIDE SOME RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS?
The thing I get asked about most lately from men is how to re-groom their hair for special events. Guys have started to realize that it’s the final component in looking James Bond handsome. My advice, depending on your haircut, is usually to let it grow a little bit. That way you can smooth it back away from your face. It adds a feeling of loose sophistication. Apply a product like Easy Rider from Kevin Murphy once it’s dry and you’re Mr Right. Be sure to keep side burns and necklines clean.
ARE THERE ANY MEN’S HAIRSTYLES THAT WILL BE BIG IN 2011? AND WILL BIEBER FEVER EVER RETIRE???
Justin Bieber’s haircut much like denim mini-skirts and jeggings has an age limit, if you’re over 18 don’t do it.
CAN YOU SHARE WITH US WHAT SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS ARE? AND SOME BUDGET FRIENDLY PRODUCTS TOO?
Two of my favorite grooming products are from an Australian company called EVO. They can be found in salons. The shaving creme called Uberwurst rinses off your razor easily and helps with a smooth shave. Follow up with Winner Face Balm and I promise your skin will never feel softer. I was sitting at lunch one day with my fist supporting my cheek and I was shocked how great my skin felt!
Want a budget moisturizer for your body? Cetaphil was recommended by a Dermatologist a long time ago. I have quite a few friends who use it also. For around $12 for a large jar you can’t beat it’s performance and it lasts forever. Apply it when your skin is still damp and let it dry while you shave. It’s available at most drug stores.
GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS ON FACIAL HAIR & GROOMING; BEARDS, STACHES, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN:
Facial hair is the crowning glory of Portlanders and has been for decades. Mountain man beards, porn star staches, and goatees all have a home here. Springtime will be best spent with a clean shave. With so much color coming into our wardrobes face fur looks out of place.
IF YOU COULD RESTYLE ANY CELEBRITY WHO WOULD IT BE?
I’m sad to say it but if I could makeover any celebrity it would have to be Brad Pitt. The poor guy looks like he’s been run through the ringer. International travel, 29 children and Angelina drained him of his handsome looks. The day might go like this… Breakfast, workout, facial and shave,workout, hair color, lunch at the restaurant of his choice, tanning, a nap, workout, good night’s rest. Poor thing.
HOW CAN WE REACH YOU?
David Scott
The National Beauty
david@thenationalbeauty.com
Mary Kay for Manly Men
Friday, December 3rd, 2010
OK, we know you think about your mom or maybe even your grandma when you think of Mary Kay…BUT, it turns out that Mary Kay is starting to use their seasoned skin care expertise to provide products for men too. They are creating face washes, shave gels, body washes, and fragrances all at affordable prices–starting at $10! It may seem girlie, but good skin care can be had by all–if you haven’t thought about it yet, START.
Give some love to our favorite Mary Kay representative, Julia Murton, if you’d like to give a trial run to any of these products–she’ll ship everything right to your door. If you have detailed or specific questions about your skin type and how to care for it–you can e-mail or call Julia directly for her talented guidance. Also, consider your girlfriend or mom for holiday shopping while you’re stuffing your cart!
On Smelling Good: L’eauParKenzo Pour Homme
Monday, October 18th, 2010Our second recommendation for a new scent is by Japanese designer Kenzo. He’s known for utilizing fresh Asian scents that aren’t always smelled in the US. With notes of Yuzu, Ho Leaf, Lotus Leaf, Aquatic Mint, Green Pepper, White Music, Mandarin, Rosewood, Waterlily, and Floral Musk, Kenzo defines this scent being for the “active man.” We see it as being for any man who wants to smell ridiculously unique and awesome. We don’t know what ho leaf or white music are, but we sure think your lady will like it. Whisper to her that you might like this as a holiday gift or get it now:
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VALUE BUY: KenzoPower is basically the same price but you get a lot more in a bottle. This fragrance is another favorite right behind the L’eauParKenzo–
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Want LKc Style’s opinion on what frangrance you’re using now? Or want a review of something you’ve been thinking of trying but haven’t taken the leap yet?! Contact us: www.lkcstyle.com!
On Smelling Good: 1 Million by Paco Rabanne
Monday, October 11th, 2010Although the advertising has been a little corny, we are still highly recommending the new men’s fragrance 1 Million by Paco Rabanne. It comes in a bottle the shape of a gold lingot (perhaps a real gold lingot would be slightly more pricey…??). If you care, it has notes of blood mandarin, peppermint, rose absolute, cinnamon, and leather accord–it comes across to us as a rugged scent but with a delicate touch for the ladies. It exudes power but with a gentle hand. Tell your girlfriends and wives it might be a nice holiday gift (wink, wink). Or, get it now:
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Paco Rabanne 1 Million from $22-70
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Paco Rabanna 1 Million Gift Set $53
Ted Mosby: Architect
Friday, July 30th, 2010
The lovable Ted Mosby on How I Met Your Mother is so charming…and that hair! But, Ted, lose the schluby college boy look. You are an architect. For real. At the very least, get rid of your undershirt that you can always see around your neck and the long-sleeve under short sleeve t-shirt look. I am not saying you always have to Suit Up, and there is nothing wrong with being a t-shirt and jeans guy, but pick up your game a little bit buddy. Maybe you’d meet Their Mother a little sooner….
If you like Ted’s look, but want to clean it up a little, here are some affordable choices:
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The Man Tan
Monday, April 12th, 2010A friend of mine was at a fundraising event to help support women get out of the slave trade in Africa. Good guy, right? Right. Unfortunately for him, all of his purchased raffle tickets led to his winnings of not a signed football, not dinner for two at Hooters, and not a fine bottle of scotch, but to his winnings of a package for two whole sessions of spray tanning!!! First, haaaaaaaaaaaaa! Second, he did the right thing and sold it for a little $$ in his pocket….no guy should be spray tanning, or tanning at all.
LKc Style says regular tanning in tanning beds ruins your skin by either baking it or putting chemicals on it. In order to look your best, catch a few rays outside occassionally while wearing SPF100000000000. It will keep your skin sunkissed instead of sun-dry-dryhumped.
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