THEGAYUK

Tag: Grooming

The latest grooming tips for men, product reviews, and tutorials on how to grooming to be the best man you can be.

  • More And More Men Want Pain Free Manscaping

    After years of controversial rhetoric on the reasons women get their body hair removed, the conversation and focus is once again shifting towards men.

    According to a new report out today, record numbers of men are feeling under pressure when it comes to managing their body hair. ‘Manscaping’ – media slang for body hair management for men – is on the rise again with half of British males saying they feel under pressure to groom their body hair. Celebrities such as David Beckham continue to fuel the cult for a cleaner and hair free body.

    It’s a trend which is reflected in the growing number of men seeking laser hair removal at Courthouse Clinics. Recent statistics on the breakdown of in-house treatments revealed a 156 percent increase in the number of men getting permanent hair removal since 2009, particularly with men aged 18-35 (59 percent). Almost half are looking to de-fuzz their back or shoulders, 20 percent their chest or abdomen, and 15 percent get rid of hair on their cheek and beard areas.

    A survey in 2012 showed that 77% of men aged 18-34 admitted to a bit of manscaping, with an incredible 97% saying that hey often took the razor to their down under region. 9% admitted to shaving their legs.

    Dr Patrick Bowler, Medical Director of Courthouse Clinics comments, ‘Men are increasingly expressing a desire for a hair-free body while looking for less time-consuming methods for body hair maintenance – just like their female counterparts. Advanced technology now means that hair removal can take less than 20 minutes with a treatment such as Alma Lasers’ Soprano Ice, with no pulling, tugging or ripping of the hair. It goes a long way to explaining the rise in popularity for laser hair removal – what was once a painful process is now a gentle treatment, especially compared to waxing which, apart from shaving, was seen as the only alternative for men.’

    Makers of the Soprano ICE, from Alma Lasers, say it is the only laser hair removal solution for year-round application, suitable for use on all skin types, and all types of hair, too. Unlike traditional laser technology, patients who tired Soprano Ice reported it as almost zero pain – a first for laser hair technology.

    Soprano ICE cools the skin with a sapphire tip to prevent any burns to the skin as the laser penetrates the dermis. This means patients feel no discomfort at any point throughout the procedure, and still get the best possible results. Multiple clinical studies conducted by leading dermatologists confirm Soprano ICE’s status as safer and equally or more effective compared to other lasers. Soprano ICE can also be used to treat small and difficult to target areas like the eyebrows, nose and ears making it the ideal treatment for men.

    Prices start at £35 for a single treatment; courses from £959 (courses available as 3/6/8 treatments)

  • GROOMING: Gone Today… Hair Tomorrow

    GROOMING: Gone Today… Hair Tomorrow

    It’s a well-known fact that many gay men put a lot of focus on their appearance, from anti-aging products for the skin, to lightening toothpastes for teeth. So it’s no surprise that the thought of hair loss or thinning fills a lot of men with dread, almost as much as having the surgical treatments to cover up the unwanted hair loss. But what if there were another way, a non‐surgical solution to reduced hairlines?

    Brought to you by:

    Skalp

     

     

     

    Skalp

    SkalpTM

    Skalp TM Micro Pigmentation is the ultimate in non‐surgical scalp grooming; an incredible life-changing treatment where natural pigments are applied at the epidermal level of the scalp to replicate the natural appearance of real hair follicles or strands – depending on your hair loss extent, and desired look.

    When your hair thinning is slowly becoming an unwanted comb over, making you look older than you feel on the inside, then maybe it’s time to try a something different. A shaved full head of hair, with a little help from Skalp can give you a styled fresh look, dramatically improving your appearance and even helping to contour the face. Images of army recruits, action men figures and well-groomed gentlemen are all new types of you.

    SkalpTM

    SkalpTM’s method is regarded as the best treatment of its kind available in the world today, using only natural pigments and application methods. Their practitioners, world class and fully qualified in permanent cosmetics and micro pigmentation treatments, recognise that hair follicles don’t always naturally grow in the same direction, or that hair follicles are not all the same shade. The team frequently uses 3-4 shades of pigment to create the most true-to-life finish – achieving a younger more confident hairline.

    SkalpTM

    The follicle/strand build up of Micro pigmentation typically takes place over 3 sessions, each taking approx. 3‐4 hours with at least one week between sessions. The process allows for a very gradual and subtle rejuvenation/infill of the hairline, rarely identified even by close friends and family. During the procedure a cartridge, containing 3 needles working in symphony, gently inject natural pigment into the 2nd dermal skin layer. Skalp only uses the latest innovative technology.

    SkalpTM

    Skalp Micro Pigmentation can help in many other areas too including:

    -Give the look of a full, youthful head of cropped hair

    -Simulate a full‐front, side and/or rear hairline

    -Restore hairlines on part‐bald or fully bald heads

    -Camouflage – permanently – the symptoms of all levels of alopecia

    -Camouflage scarring resulting from previous hair transplant surgery

    -Hide scars, burns and birthmarks
-Boost the visual effect of a hair transplant

    So visit www.Skalp.com today and book a free consultation with their experts and unlock the face of a new you.

     

    Do check out this video of Marcin who found new confidence with Skalp and see the results for yourself.

     

    Brought to you by: SkalpTM (what does this mean)

     

  • Groom the perfect beard

    Growing a beard is probably the one of the most masculine journeys a man can take on his way to grooming glory.

    While there is an attractive disheveled quality about a bearded fellow this could be uncharted territory for some and to avoid looking like a reject from Shipwrecked I’d recommend giving my Grooming article your undivided attention.

    Before you start growing your beard you should be aware of how one shouldn’t look. Ill give you a clue (shudders at the thought) Brad Pitt for Chanel N5. Avoid this look like the plague; it won’t do you any favours. Thankfully brands like Martin Margiela and Missoni and hotties like Justin Timberlake and Hugh Jackman have provided us with true facial hair inspiration serving up manly bearded realness. God bless them!

    Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a lazy man’s easy way out of shaving because grooming and prep work still come into play. Here are my tips to grow, groom and maintain the perfect beard.

    
1. To get started you’ll need some tools of the trade. I recommend getting a good quality beard trimmer.
    These are widely available and can usually be found at bargain prices in most Boots stores. You’re very welcome. You’ve probably already got a razor, don’t throw it away you’ll need it to shape your beard and remove unwanted hair from areas you want to keep smooth. Also have a small pair of scissors handy to cut away any stray hairs your trimmers may have missed.

    2. Just because you now have hair covering the skin on your face it does not mean you can forgot to a, moisturise (massage moisturiser into your beard using your fingertips to reach the skin and prevent flaking) and b, exfoliate (Your skin is still producing dead skin cells and these are currently building up in your beard, gross) I am currently using Facial Fuel Energising Scrub and Facial Fuel Moisturiser for men from Kiehl’s. For the areas I’m still shaving I’m using Ultimate Men’s After Shave Balm & Moisturiser, also by Kiehl’s.
    3. As always preparation is the way forward and just as you condition your hair you should also be conditioning your beard. Simply massage a little bit of your everyday conditioner into your beard whilst in the shower. You’ll thank me for the big difference in softness and who ever is on the other end of your kissing session is going to thank me, even more, when the chin rash they got used too is a thing of the past. Again, You’re very welcome.

    4. Beard Oils are very popular and I can see why not only do they smell great the oils help moisturise surface skin and protect and condition the follicles. Massage into your beard as part of your grooming regime. I’d keep the scent quite fresh and masculine aiming for notes like bergamot, sandalwood, mandarin, grapefruit and vetiver.

    5. Finally, a little trick that’s helped me out more times than I can bless Madonna for. Comb your beard. Taking a fine tooth comb to your beard will help style it and if done so throughout the growing period will keep it looking sleek and smart instead of shaggy and unruly

    A Final Note 

A beard is not for everyone. I honestly think id pee my pants a little bit if I saw Justin Bieber sporting a beard. However, how are you going to know unless you give it a go? The best part about a beard is if you decide it’s not for you, you can just easily shave it off. I might have to treat you all to a grooming article for the perfect shave next. Watch this space…

  • Men Are Taking Risks With At Home Botox And Fillers

    Men are twice as likely to have Botox or dermal fillers administered by an untrained friend or acquaintance.

    • · 1 in 4 male non-surgical patients surveyed receive non-surgical treatments from untrained friends, compared to just 1 in 10 women
    • · 17% of men would undergo Botox from a person who was not appropriately qualified to perform the treatment – but only 10% of women would take the risk

    New research shows male beauty treatment fans are twice as likely as women to let an untrained friend carry out procedures like Botox and dermal fillers on them, and 17% would undergo Botox from a practitioner who wasn’t qualified to carry out the treatment – compared with only 10% of women.

    The research, carried out by Transform Cosmetic Surgery, the UK’s leading provider of cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments, lifts the lid on men’s surprising attitudes to beauty treatments, exposing them as far more risk prone than women when it comes to looking good.

    A further one in 6 (15%) men surveyed admit to having been treated by a third party, such as a hairdresser, and startlingly, had no idea if they were appropriately trained to perform the procedure – stripping them of the chance to know if the treatment is right for them. Only 1 in 10 women questioned said they’d take the same chance.

    A whopping 17% of guys would happily have Botox (compared with just 10% of women), dermal fillers (16% of guys and 11% of girls) and even non-invasive body sculpting (19% of men and 9% of women) from a practitioner who was not appropriately qualified to perform the treatment – putting themselves at risk.

    Dr Hilary Jones commented: “The non-surgical treatments industry is growing fast and it is vital that as it does so, the health of those undergoing treatments isn’t endangered. The ‘devil may care’ attitude some men are adopting to these treatments is putting them at risk – there are far too many places in this country where they can be injected with dermal fillers by individuals with minimal or no training in completely unsuitable environments, with potentially dangerous products. The Non-Surgical Charter will set out to highlight and address issues like this.”

  • REVIEW: Skinbreeze Microdermabrasion with LED Light and O2 Infusion

    I settled back into the chair of the relaxing treatment room at Hari’s in central London, ready to let world renowned Debbie Thomas do her best.

    It’s true, I’m not looking any younger and what with the winter weather, the parties and a hectic work schedule, I was ready for anything to change the aging that was creeping up on me and my face with a ferocious pace.

    I had been told about Skinbreeze’s new No Tox facial treatment and I was sceptical about how the results would turn out. The bumpf promises ‘amazing anti-ageing results without the use of neurotoxin injectables’, which sounds just about perfect.

    Skinbreeze has been launched as an organic and natural solution for those looking for some anti-ageing goodness and it does this by means of a cutting-edge new skin-resurfacing system, LED light therapy, a high pressure 02 infusion and a rejuvenating serum – containing neuropeptides.

    The treatment takes around an hour – and your face feels completely relaxed by the time you’re through, Debbie has the hands of a facial goddess. If you’ve had Dermabrasion treatments before, this procedure feels much kinder and much less harsh. The skin feels massaged and thoroughly cleansed.

    But what you want to hear about is the results – you can read about the treatment below, but what we’re after is the results – am I right?

    Well for the first day or so, I was disappointed with my reflection in the mirror, I felt I still looked tired and puffy, so slightly huffy so I chalked up the treatment as ‘feels lovely – achieves nothing’, but on the second day around about 36-48 hours after the treatment – the compliments came pouring in. I mean that honestly. Even my mother questioned what I had done – and told me to keep doing it as it, vicariously made her younger.

    I was incredibly happy with the results and even up to four weeks later, keeping in mind the change of the weather and party season, people are still asking if I’ve ‘been freshed up’. Of course Skinbreeze is our little secret, so shhhh, keep this one under wraps otherwise everyone will look years younger again.

    To book treatment with Debbie call: 020 7581 5211, or email info@debbiethomas.co.uk

    For more info about Skinbreeze call: 0845 208 0220

    Step 1 – Orbital Dermabrasion and LED Light Therapy

    First part of the treatment is a gentle orbital dermabrasion system. It uses replaceable tips coated with silicon carbide in three levels of coarseness to massage and gently exfoliate the surface of the skin. Unlike most other dermabrasion systems Skinbreeze doesn’t use harsh crystals, which can painfully “sandblast” the skin’s surface.The dermabrasion tips can be set to rotate on an elliptical axis at 20 different speeds to remove imperfections and impurities. Simultaneous mechanical vibrations massage the skin, making the procedure a more comfortable experience. In addition blue and red light therapy is used simultaneously to stimulate and plump the new tissue underneath.

     

    Step 2 – 0xygen Infusion

    A powerful high pressure O2 infusion delivers the Skinbreeze serum to the skin to visibly plump out lines and increase firmness.The 02 infusion propels the active Skinbreeze serums deep into the lower layers of the dermis substantially increasing the volume of the skin, plumping and smoothing lines and wrinkles providing a painless and needle-free alternative to dermal fillers.An air-powered spray gun is then used to deliver an even application of active serum ingredients in a fine mist across the treatment area to hydrate and gently refresh and calm sensitive and sun-damaged skin.

     

    Step 3 – Hydro Mask

    The treatment is then finished with a Skinbreeze Hydro Mask that is left on the face for 20 minutes. The orbital ebrasor then massages the face over the mask in a circular motion, moving outwards towards the lymph nodes to drain any puffiness in the face.

     

    Skinbreeze Serums

    The Skinbreeze skincare product serums boast a unique scientific formula. The key active ingredients are neuropeptides (which inhibit muscle contractions thus reducing wrinkles and lines), and hyaluronic acid, which provides amazing levels of hydration. There are two key anti-ageing serums – Rejuvenation (general anti-ageing), Wrinkle Filler (combats fine lines and wrinkles). The Skinbreeze range also includes a transparent gel Hydro Mask, Blemish Fix, and Stretch Mark Cream.

  • REVIEW: LoveLite’s Lipoglaze – The Lunchtime Lipo

    LOVELITE’S LIPOGLAZE is a revolutionary non-invasive fat-reduction procedure that is new to the UK, although it has been around in the US for several years.

    The procedure gently heats up and then cryogenically freezes stubborn fatty deposits, permanently destroying the fat cells. The body then naturally eliminates this waste tissue over the next few weeks. They claim to remove around 26% of fat cells in the specified region per treatment.

    Lipoglaze can be taken as a single session or, if there are several problem areas, can be conducted as a set of treatments, although LoveLite recommends keeping sessions at least a week apart to give the body time to metabolise the dead fat cells.

    Lipoglaze is approved by the FDA and studies have shown it to be not only more advanced than liposuction, but also better than radio frequency and ultrasounds for removing stubborn fat deposits that patients find they can’t shift even with a good diet and exercise.

    LoveLite’s Lipoglaze has been endorsed by various celebrities, including the stars of The Only Way Is Essex, Made In Chelsea, The Apprentice and The Bachelor, as well as the glamorous WAG Lizzie Cundy, model Nicola McLean and Blue’s Antony Costa.

    But is it actually any good? I decided to pop along to try out this treatment and find out why so many people are now turning to non-surgical methods of fat loss.

    The clinic is located in a converted townhouse on Harley Street, and is clean and comfortable, sharing an entrance and waiting room with The London Clinic.

    Jourdan, the therapist I saw, is warm and well-spoken, and able to answer any questions with a reassuring professionalism and courtesy. My only constructive feedback for her is that she asked me to sign the consent form before explaining the procedure, whereas it really should be the other way round. She explained there may be some discomfort during the procedure and the possibility of bruising afterwards, but put me thoroughly at ease.

    The area undergoing treatment is pulled into a machine, which feels very tight and a little uncomfortable, although not terrible. This discomfort eases slightly after a few minutes, although the tightness remains throughout the procedure.

    After around an hour, the machine is removed and I am left with a strange feeling and a bizarrely rectangular bruise on my stomach. As the procedure is non-surgical, I was able to leave immediately, and took myself off to John Lewis for a (very healthy) scone with jam and cream!

    A week later, and the redness has completely vanished, although only just. Other than the bruising, there have been no side effects to this treatment as yet, and I am fairly certain none are likely to turn up now.

    Results are starting to show already, but only minimal and extremely localised. The bruised area was a little tender for a day or two but not painful, and it soon calmed down.

    Please stay tuned for further updates once the results have had more time to develop.

    Lipoglaze is available at the LoveLite UK clinic, 144 Harley Street, London W1G 7LE. Further details, including booking instructions, are at www.loveliteuk.co.uk or call on 0845 505 0805. Treatments cost £600-£1000 depending on treatment area and size.

    Visit them online at http://www.loveliteuk.co.uk/lovelite-ice-lipoglaze-testimonials.html

  • THREE OF THE BEST: Teeth Whitening

    What has Simon Cowell got that I don’t, well apart from Learjets, black loo roll and oodles of money, he has the most incredible pearly whites. Yes, real or not you can’t help but notice those near luminous perfect teeth. (more…)

  • GROOMING | Traditional men’s grooming

    GROOMING | Traditional men’s grooming

    With men taking more and more pride in their appearance, there is now greater need for there to be places that offer the treatments that men are looking for.

    Photographer & Stylist: Jack Baxter
    Photographer & Stylist: Jack Baxter
    Photographer & Stylist: Jack Baxter
    Photographer & Stylist: Jack Baxter
    Photographer & Stylist: Jack Baxter
    Photographer & Stylist: Jack Baxter
    Photographer & Stylist: Jack Baxter
    Photographer & Stylist: Jack Baxter
    Vintage isn’t just a trend in the fashion industry. Hairstyles from the 1950s and 1960s are still very much featuring as a popular trend for guys. With this in mind I think men need to rediscover the pleasure of going to a proper barbershop, and experiencing skills that are tried and tested and tailor made for men.
    There has been a real revival of the Barbershop across the UK and its really exciting what they a real barber can offer. Having a specialist taking care of your hair makes a real difference from going into the big chain unisex salons that populate our high-streets. I have recently discovered an amazing Barber’s and I have loved every experience. I feel very pampered and relaxed and I know I’m not the only one.
    So why not go out and try find your own favourite barber and see what a difference he could make to your hair. It’s time to embrace a more masculine way of getting your hair done.

    Credits:

    Photographer & Stylist: Jack Baxter

    Hair: Swagger & Jacks Gentlemen’s Groominghttp://www.menshairnorwich.co.uk

    Models: Ben Luke & James Crisp

  • FEATURE: The Facial Spring Clean – Part 1: Scrubs and Washes

    FEATURE: The Facial Spring Clean – Part 1: Scrubs and Washes

    With the bulbs rising and the days getting longer you know that Winter is leaving us and making way for a fresher looking Spring. Well, as you all rush out to buy your yellow dusters to give the house a good clean, you may wish to give thought to treating yourself to a facial Spring clean as well. We’ve been looking into the hot products this Spring to help scrub, wash and moisturise those Winter faces away.

    (more…)

  • GROOMING REVIEW | Close Shave Society

    It’s the bane of man’s life. Shaving – and what’s more it just gets more and more expensive. Step in our new grooming heroes Close Shave Society – a brand new company that will change the way you shave.

    (more…)

  • Britain’s Best Groomed Man

    The Bluebeards Revenge and leading male cancer charity Orchid shortlist 30 men for the coveted title of ‘Britain’s Best Groomed Man’

    Thousands applied for this coveted title but, after much deliberation, these handsome and masculine suitors were shortlisted to the final thirty candidates in Britain’s biggest ever manhunt.

    Amongst this collection of ultra-cool dapper gents, their strides managing directors, a professional cage fighter, actors, restaurant owners, a professional rugby coach and even a scientist, showcasing the entire spectrum of manliness and style in Britain in 2013.

    However, they can do no more to influence this, their biggest challenge, and now it’s the British public’s turn to have their say and choose their favourite man, with the winner of the online public vote securing a once in a lifetime, one-year modelling contract to become the face of premium male grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge.

    The competition is being organised by men’s cancer charity Orchid and The Bluebeards Revenge.

    Nick Gibbens, spokesperson for The Bluebeards Revenge, said: “Our search is finally complete, and it’s now over to you, the Great British public, to crown Britain’s best groomed man. But it’s not going to be an easy task, as each finalist has the sharp dress sense of Daniel Craig, the stylish locks of David Beckham, the masculine skin tone of Gerard Butler, the chiselled jawline of Jason Statham, and the overall manliness of Ray Winstone.

    “But one lucky guy will be crowned the new face of our eye-catching brand. They will take part in a stylish photo shoot, before going on to star in an online TV commercial and a print media marketing campaign.”

    The best groomed man competition was launched after a recent survey commissioned by Orchid and The Bluebeards Revenge revealed that whilst men are spending more time in the bathroom and the ‘grooming gender gap’ is narrowing, they are still failing to self-check for cancer unlike their female counterparts who benefit from major health campaigns.

    They are looking to use this national competition as way of not only promoting good shaving, but also to encourage men to self-check for cancer during their daily grooming routine.

    Rebecca Porta, Chief Executive of Orchid, said: “Regular grooming not only makes you look and feel more confident, it gives you an opportunity to take an active interest in your physical wellbeing. The bathroom is the prime place for men to check for signs of male cancer.

    “Our research shows that three quarters of UK men recognise that a lump in the testes could be a sign of testicular cancer – but 25% still never check their testes. Checking testes takes less than five minutes and is a vital first step in the battle against testicular cancer. If caught early enough there is a 98% chance of survival.”

     

    You can vote for your favourite hunk online by visitingwww.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk/bgvote/. The deadline for voting is Friday March 8th 2013.