Guys have traditionally kept a low key on advertising their use of skin care and hair products. Everyone wants to look good. The male population is helping bring awareness to the forefront. Men have not needed to advertise that they want to look good for work, or the cute person they may have their eye on for a potential date. The beauty industry just needed a wake-up call to realize that, although the male beauty market may not be as lucrative as the demand by women, they are not to be overlooked. There is a reason that there are gyms on every corner and hair loss clinics for men abound.
Hair Care
Case in point, consider thinning hair. There are shampoo and beauty products by major beauty providers for men concerned with thinning hair. Baldness and thinning hair have been a major concern of men for years, especially those whose genetics suggest a history of family male pattern baldness. Guys are starting as early as their teens to reduce or eliminate this effect. There are clinics and centers to treat this condition. Many offer regrowth of real hair, naturally or by surgery. Transplants, hormone therapy, and vitamin supplements can be effective treatments. Hair loss and thinning can be unsettling and humiliating. Thank goodness we don’t have to rely on hair pieces and toupees any more.
Even if there is no hair loss threat, men want to look good and maintain healthy, stylish hair. According to Wikipedia, the hair care industry spends millions of dollars to provide products with balanced pH, the healthiest balance of oils and minerals and to keep men’s hair healthy, bold, and full without split ends or a damaged, limp look. Traditionally, men went to a barber for a standard manly cut. Now we have hair stylists who went through cosmetology training, who have learned to mold and transform hair to fit our facial and body characteristics.
Grooming For Men
Since we are talking hair, we are not limited to the head. Younger men commonly shave their chest and legs to look like the models in men’s magazines. Seeing men at a spa for body waxing and hair removal is normal. Hair removal surgery is popular, as are men-only spa treatment centers. Manscaping is accepted and encouraged. Let’s just say manscaping is more than shaving the face, but involves trimming private areas. Body hair is sexy, but never more so than when it is groomed.
Skin Care For Men
Skin care has been gaining acceptance for years. There is no need to have scaly, dry skin with sun blotches. Skin care has advanced for health. We have all been warned of the damaging effects of the sun and possible consequences of skin cancer. Sun protection goes far beyond sunblock to moisturizing skin deep within. The skin is our largest organ and exposed to the elements or hidden behind clothes constantly. Any dermatologist will tell you that correct moisturizing promotes healthy skin. As a side note, did you know a certified dermatologist has a medical degree and then four more years of training and internship? Perhaps men should show them more respect. Even spray tanning can be applied or recommended as a professional skincare procedure over unhealthy UV Rays.
Tips
Asia has been the leader in skin care products for years and has begun to see the need to introduce healthy, nurturing skin care lines for men in the West. Products include anti-aging and wrinkle reducing lotions, non-aggravating antiperspirants, targeted creams for skin color and complexion, products for dark circles and even items to rid the hands, arms, and legs from that ashy, cracking, peeling look. Many products are produced without animal testing using years of human use. More are using sustainable eco-friendly packaging. Could it be that there is more to just looking young?
There are many skin care tips recommended for men. Instead of a simple moisturizer, use a serum with vitamins and anti-oxidants that absorb into all 3 layers of skin. Experts suggest using a toner to balance skin oils. A mud, cream, or clay mask cleans and opens pores and use of a moisturizing retinol cream at night will tighten the skin.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets
