Ageing & anti ageing for men

There are ways, and products that can keep us looking as good as we can. It's no suprise that top celebrities like Brad Pitt, Keanu Reaves and Tom Cruise are still looking good in later life.

How do I stay looking young?

It's as simple as 1, 2, 3!

1. Keep in shape - article
2. Buy the right products - product list
3. Know what women want - article

Oh yeah, here are some great tips from what a women really wants from a guy, and how to use that to help defy ageing!

Looking good at 30
Looking good at 50
Scalp conditions
Hair loss and thinning
Vitamins and supplements
Body care
Skin care - basic
Skin care - advanced

How to Choose Either a Barber or Stylist?

Pick the Right Profession for Your Style
By Dave Alexander, About.com

I'm quite often asked, "Sould I go to a barber or stylst?" The answer to that question depends on a number of factors. Just as you wouldn't go to a cardiologist for brain surgery, you won't want to go to a stylist for a flattop. Likewise, a barber isn't likely to give you a long shag with chunky highlights. Deciding how to chose a barber or stylist for the right men's hairstyle can be tricky.
The main difference between the two types of haircutters is that barbers are typically trained to cut shorter, traditional haircuts for men while stylists are trained to cut longer, fuller men's styles. A barber's primary focus is cutting men's hair.
Conversely, a stylist receives more training in the art of styling hair for women. With the industry trend moving toward more upscale barbershops and salons for men, the line between barbers and stylists is becoming blurred. Follow the tips below for choosing the right professional for your style.

Go to a barber if...
you're looking for a short, traditional style haircut such as a buzzcut, flattop, fade, or military style cut.
you're on a budget. Most barbers are cheaper than stylists, so you can save a bit of money going to a good barber.
you're looking to keep it simple. Barbers will typically cut your hair in a manner that allows it to look good naturally, without a lot of styling product.
you want a shave. Many upscale barbershops offer hot lather face shaves which are a real treat. I strongly recommend getting one several times per year.
you're looking to escape. Barbershops can be a great source of comraderie between guys. Typically no frills places, barbershops are a uniquely male gathering spot.
you don't like change. Barbers will ask you how you want your hair cut and do what you ask, normally without much feedback.

Go to a stylist if...
you're going longer. Stylists generally have more experience cutting and styling longer hair.
you want color. Most barbers do not do a great deal of color services, so you'll likely find better results from a stylist.
you're looking for a more fashion forward style. A stylist is normally more aware of current trends than a barber.
you want a change. During the consultation, a stylist will often make suggestions for a style that will flatter your features better.
you need product. Salons frequently carry a greater selection of hairstyling products than barbershops. Stylists are more likely to be well-trained on the types and use of the products as well.

The above guidelines are generalizations and not every barber or stylist will fit completely into each skill set. I am a stylist by license, but have built a career doing only men's hair. I can do a flaweless flattop or a long razor shag with the best of them and enjoy performing each type of cut equally. Many of today's barbers are skilled in longer and trendy styles while there are many stylists who are experts in cutting traditional barber styles.
To choose the appropriate profession, I suggest finding a guy with a style similar to what you're looking for and asking him where he got it cut. If you live in a larger area, you may also be able to find a modern barbershop or men's salon, which blend traditional barbering with modern style.Of course, maintaining a great looking head of hair involves more than finding a good barber or stylist, but this is a great start. For more information on how to get the best haircut from your barber or stylist, read my tips on making the most of your salon visit.

DAILY DEFENSE:

Yeah, we know. Deailing with skincare is as exciting as watching "The Notebook" with your girlfriend. Women are introduced to skin care at an early age, but men don't get the same basic training. We're pleased to offer you the best products known to man, but we're also as excited to be able to offer you an easy to understand guide to basic skin care. Take a minute to read over the information below. Once you've done that, choose the best products for your skin. There's more great information in the product descriptions here in our online store as well!

These days, however, we're more aware of the benefits of a solid skincare regimen. The benefits of proper skin care include: healther looking skin, smoother shaves, fewer wrinkles, and a younger apperance. We'd all like that, right?! Spending just a few minutes a day on that mug is worth it.

Here's what we recommend:

Know Your Type

The first step in putting your best face forward is knowing what kind face you've got in the first place. Look at the chart below and pick your type.

Dry Skin	Oily Skin	Nomal (Combination) Skin
Small pores Dry skin Tight and sometimes uncomfortable Rarely breaks out	Shiny appearance Large, visible pores Frequent breakouts Blackheads	Mostly problem free Average skin Possibly a bit dry and a bit oily in certain areas

Know Your Routine

Now that you've got your skin type figured out, it's time to figure out your routine. Here are the basics:

Dry Skin	Oily Skin	Normal (Combination) Skin
1. Clean Up Clean your face with a light gel or foaming cleanser. Never use bar soap, which will dry and tighten skin. Wet your face, lather, and rinse with warm water. Don't get too warm as water that is too hot will dry your skin. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!	1. Clean Up Clean your face daily with a light cleanser. Stay away from bar soaps which can dry the skin and clog pores. Wet. Lather. Rinse. Use warm, not hot, water to avoid excess drying. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!	1. Clean Up Clean your face with a light gel or foaming cleanser. Never use bar soap, which will dry and tighten skin. Wet your face, lather, and rinse with warm water. Don't get too warm as water that is too hot will dry your skin. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!
2. Tone Up Using a cotton pad, apply a toner to refresh your skin and remove residue. This will help your skin absorb moisturizer better. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!	2. Tone Up Using a cotton pad, apply a toner to refresh your skin and remove residue. This will help your skin absorb moisturizer better. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!	2. Tone Up Using a cotton pad, apply a toner to refresh your skin and remove residue. This will help your skin absorb moisturizer better. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!
3. Get Moist Apply a good extra moisturizing lotion (with and SPF) Stay away from fragrances products or those containing alcohol. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!	3. Get Moist Even oily skin needs moisture (don't confuse moisture with oil). Use an oil-free moisturizer every day. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!	3. Get Moist Okay, normal guy. Your moisturizing routine can be a bit more complicated. Use a hydrating moisturizer for the dry spots and an oil-free moisturizer for the greasy places. If your skin is even all over, stick with a light hydrating moisturizer. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!
4. Re-Surface On a weekly basis, exfoliate and resurface skin by removing dead skin cells with a gentle face scrub. This will also help clear your pores. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!	4. Re-Surface On a twice weekly basis, exfoliate and resurface skin by removing dead skin cells with a gentle face scrub. This will also help clear your pores. Stay away from sensitive skin areas. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!	4. Re-Surface On a twice weekly basis, exfoliate and resurface skin by removing dead skin cells with a gentle face scrub. This will also help clear your pores. Stay away from sensitive skin areas. For our recommended skin care products, click HERE!

When It Comes To Shampoo, Less Is More

by Allison Aubrey

Morning Edition, March 19, 2009 · Americans love to shampoo. We lather up an average of 4.59 times a week, twice as much as Italians and Spaniards, according to shampoo-maker Procter & Gamble.

But that's way too often, say hair stylists and dermatologists. Daily washing, they say, strips the hair of beneficial oil (called sebum) and can damage our locks.

Shampoo Is Big Business

The current trend of frequent shampoos may have started on May 10, 1908, when the New York Times published a column advising women that it was OK to wash their hair every two weeks. At that time, once a month was the norm.

Decades later, TV marketing campaigns began to convince us that daily washing was the thing to do. A 1970s Faberge ad for Farrah Fawcett shampoo is one example.

"All you have to do is watch her running in slow motion on a beach with her hair flopping gracefully in the wind," says Steve Meltzer, a former ad executive. The idea was, "Wash your hair with this stuff, and you, too, can be like Farrah Fawcett," Meltzer says.

Madison Avenue sold people on the idea that they could shampoo their way back to beauty.

Ads also convinced us that daily hair washing is healthy. Remember the Breck girls? Or how about Christie Brinkley's body-building for hair ad with Prell?

Skipping Shampoos Is, Well, Un-American

Americans took easily to the idea that we should shampoo frequently. And lots of us find it disgusting to shampoo any less than once a day. Take some fitness-conscious college students from Georgetown University, for example. When I told them about the old-time advice to wash once a month, they almost gagged.

"That is way too little hair shampooing," laughs Jane Caudell-Feagan.

"If I don't shower every day, my hair gets greasy, so I think it's completely heinous," says her friend Ashley Carlini. After a workout, they say, it would be disgusting not to wash your hair.

Eco-Conscious 'No-'Poo' Movement

Given our cultural propensity to lather up frequently, it may be shocking that in some eco-conscious circles of society, some people are giving up shampoo.

"There's a lot of people doing this no-shampoo movement," says 20-something blogger Jeanne Haegele. She writes a blog called LifeLessPlastic.

In an attempt to buy fewer items with plastic packaging, Haegele recently went three months without using any shampoo. Instead, she washed her hair with baking soda twice a week and conditioned it with a vinegar rinse.

She says her hair didn't smell, and her friends were very supportive. "Maybe they were secretly wondering why I smelled like a jar of pickles," she says jokingly.

She ended the no-'poo experiment after developing a bad case of dandruff, but Haegele says she might try it again.

She recalls the biggest surprise was that her hair didn't get very greasy. For now, she's using shampoo bars a few times a week.

Dermatologist Recommends Shampooing Less

Experts say Haegele's observations are not flaky. As she washed less, her sebaceous glands began producing less sebum oil.

"If you wash your hair every day, you're removing the sebum," explains Michelle Hanjani, a dermatologist at Columbia University. "Then the oil glands compensate by producing more oil," she says.

She recommends that patients wash their hair no more than two or three times a week.

There's also a lot of variation among hair types. African-Americans and people with curly hair can go even longer between washes compared to folks with straight hair.

So, it seems, less is more. And maybe our grandmothers were on to something after all.

RECOGNIZE AND PREVENT SCALP PROBLEMS

Several scalp conditions, left untreated, may become larger problems and lead to hair loss. Below are a few common scalp problems. If any of the following conditions exist, please consult your dermatologist.

Acne

Acne is a cronic inflammatory disease of the oil glands. When the hair follicle is filled with excess oil and dirt, a blackhead forms and causes a blockage at the mouth of the follicle. This causes irritation and often leads to the development of pus-filled pimples. The treatment for mild acne is to reduce the skin's oiliness by application of cleansers morning, noon and night. Regular exfoliation can also be helpful. Several creams containing Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid can help prevent acne. Persistent or severe acne should always be treated by a dermatologist.

Dandruff (Pityriasis)

There are two common forms of Dandruff: Dry Dandruff and Greasy Dandruff. The principle signs of Dry Dandruff are white scales on the hair and scalp accompanied by itching. Greasy or Waxy Dandruff is characterized by scaliness of the epidermis, mixed with oils which causes it to stick to the scalp in patches. Dandruff may be associated with a dry or oily condition. Common causes include poor blood circulation to the scalp, poor diet, improper hygiene, excessive use of styling products, dry indoor air, tight fitting hats, or infection. Generally, dandruff is a natural condition and normally cannot be eliminated. Dandruff can be controlled by using a dandruff shampoo and correcting the conditions above that promote dandruff. Long-term neglect of Dandruff can cause baldness. Below are two common forms of Dandruff. Be careful using Dandruff Shampoos containing Zinc Pyrithione. Shampoos containing this chemical are not intended for daily use and should be used about 2 times per week, alternated with a good Moisturizing Shampoo.

Dry Dandruff (Pityriasis Capitis)

Treatment for dry dandruff includes use of special medicated shampoos, daily use of antiseptic lotions (such as Sea Breeze) and scalp massage while shampooing. Persistent or sever dandruff should always be treated by a dermatologist.

Greasy Dandruff (Pityriasis Steatoides)

Greasy or Waxy Dandruff can be a serious condition and should be treated by a dermatologist.

Head Lice

Head lice is one of the most common communicable disorders among children (and sometimes adults). Lice are small parasites that live in the hair and feed off the scalp. Shared use of brushes, hats, and other hair items are common causes of the spread of lice. Contrary to popular opinion, lice cannot be caught from animals. Lice only live on people. Symptoms include: persistent itching and the presence of actual lice and grayish "nits." You can check for head lice by parting the hair and looking at sections of hair and scalp. This should be done in very bright light. Since lice is communicable, be sure to check everyone in the family and alert your school or daycare, so they may control the spread of the problem. There are special shampoos available to eliminate lice, but other steps must be taken. Brushes or combs should be soaked in lice shampoo for at least an hour (or thrown away). Wash all linens and vacuum carpets. Lice are tenacious creatures that can live off the body for up to 48 hours, so it is important to disinfect clothing, bedclothes and furniture as well as treat the hair. Do not discontinue treatment until eggs and lice are completely gone. Avoid contact with others while infected and never attempt to get a haircut while infected. Many make the incorrect assumption that a quick buzzcut will eliminate the problem. It will not. Many states require barbers and stylists to stop the service immediately if lice are detected. Finally, although lice is quite often eliminated by the use of "over the counter" products, you should seek the advice of a dermatologist if possible.

Ingrown Hairs

These appear as small bumps, most often on the face scalp. Poor shaving and cleansing of the skin can cause the hair to curl over within the follicle instead of exiting the skin. Ingrown hairs are prevented by proper cleansing of the skin and proper shaving techniques (for more on shaving, click the HERE). Persistent problems with ingrown hairs should be treated under the advice of a dermatologist.

Psoriasis

This is an inflammatory skin disease which commonly appears on the knees, elbows, and scalp. The cause of Psoriasis is unknown and it is not contagious. The lesions are round, dry patches covered with coarse, silvery scales. Psoriasis can be a difficult problem and should be treated by a dermatologist.

Razor Bumps

Highly common among African American men, razor bumps occur when curly hair is cut close and growns back into the skin. The best treatement for razor bumps is to let the beard grow out and shave less. Proper shaving techniques can also prevent razor bumps. For more on shaving, click the "Shaving Advice" button to the left.

Razor Burn

A hot, red irritation of the skin caused by poor shaving techniques (most often excessive shaving and poor blade lubrication).

Beard Care Tips

CHOOSING A STYLE

Most men wear beards and mustaches to enhance their facial features. Men with narrow, triangular, or oblong shaped faces find that wearing a beard creates the illusion that the face is more oval - the most desirable face shape. Carefully trimmed sideburns can "narrow" a round face or accentuate a square one.

Men with thin lips find that mustaches and beards can be designed to create the illusion of fullness. An upturned mustache can take the solemnness out of a down-turned mouth. And facial hair can draw the eye away form a receding hairline. Even those lucky guys with perfect features and oval faces find that the right beard or mustache can capture an attitude - make a statement.

Indeed, many men consider "high concept" facial hair styles - such as today's popular goatees - fashion accessories.

While the look you like is inherently up to you, there are some general guidelines you might want to keep in mind:

THE NARROW FACE

Narrow faces can be either oblong (long and thin), diamond (narrow at crown and chin with wider cheekbones and often prominent ears), or triangular (wide crown narrowing toward a rather pointed chin). Well-designed beards and mustaches can add the illusion of fullness to the narrow face, making it appear more oval. A roundly configured beard and mustache can disguise a narrow or pointed chin on a diamond or triangular shaped face; a broad mustache creates a horizontal line to add fullness to a thin face. Narrow faces are among the most challenging form a design standpoint, particularly when a prominent nose or protruding ears are a factor. Nevertheless, either through inspiration, experimentation, or consultation with a professional barber/stylist, you can arrive at a great look that accentuates your best features.

THE ROUND FACE

A round face can be "narrowed" by concentrating on the vertical planes of the face. Well-trimmed sideburns, with highly defined edges, maybe tapered into a short, squared-off beard or a triangular goatee, will draw the eye downward adding the illusion of length to the face. If receding hair or baldness are not a factor, longer hair at the crown, with the sides and temples trimmed short will also help to break up the roundness and add length. The round face benefits from mustaches of almost any kind. They draw attention to the center of the face and away from its outer circumference.

THE SQUARE FACE

To minimize the squareness of the face, put the emphasis on beards and mustaches that are rounded in shape, and avoid sideburns. Sideburns, especially when combined with a beard, can create a "frame" around the face which only accentuates a square shape. Longer hair on the crown, sides and temples - especially if springy, wavy or curly (consider a perm) - also help to round out a square face. Most mustache work well on a square face. They draw the eye to the center and away from the outer edges.

THE OVAL FACE

If you're lucky enough to have an oval face, almost anything goes. Wear a mustache alone or with almost any style beard. The only thing you need to take into consideration are other features you may want to enhance or minimize - a prominent nose or ears, thin lips, a receding hairline, and so on. If your nose or ears are prominent, stick with hair and beards that are cut longer and fuller. If you have a small nose and ears you can go just about as short as you want with both. No matter what the shape of your face or configuration of your features, if you're in doubt about the look that's right for you, or want the benefit of a second opinion, consult a professional barber/stylist.

BEARD CARE

Beard hair is usually a slightly different shade than the hair on your head and sometimes strikingly so. If the difference is dramatic - and you don't like the look - have it dyed professionally. Another part of keeping your beard well-groomed and attractive is conditioning and moisturizing. Use a good conditioner on your beard every time you condition your hair. This is particularly important if you have gray in your beard. Gray hairs have more air in the hair shaft and can become very bristly and uncontrollable if they're not conditioned often. Grooming gel should also be used on your beard. It keeps the hairs in place for a well-groomed look. Of course, the most important part of maintaining a well-groomed beard or mustache is the investment you make in a high-quality trimming system. The Wahl Groomsman provides the home user with the same patented features and precise, reliable operation demanded by the professional styling community.

Haircare Tips

It's amazing how many ads for shampoos and styling products you see on television that claim to promote "healthy hair!" Let's get real, people! There is no such thing as "healthy hair." Hair is basically made up of protein and keratin. The hair itself has no blood supply and no nervous system. Hair is not alive, so it cannot be "healthy." Because hair is not a living structure, it cannot repair itself and must be maintained properly to preserve strength, elasticity, and shine. Some shampoos and conditioners claim to "repair the damage" to your hair. They simply cannot. Once hair is damaged, the only way to "repair" it is to cut off the damaged length. Just like your car, your hair needs proper maintenance. The following are a few tips to keep your hair looking great... looking "healthy!"

Dry Carefully

Towel Drying is one of the leading causes of damage to men's hair. Guys love to take a towel and rub that hair like crazy. The problem here is that when hair is wet, it is also very easily damaged. When "rubbing" the hair with a towel, some of the hairs become tangled in the threads of the towel and are stretched to the breaking point, causing damage to the cuticle and split ends. To minimize damage from towel drying, shake out the excess water and then stroke your hair with the towel in the direction it grows. This may take a bit longer but it's worth it. Remember, though, the damage that is already done cannot be fixed, but after a few haircuts, you'll see the difference.

Blow Drying is also a leading cause of hair damage. It can dry out the hair and scalp. Haircuts for Men is just not a big fan of the blow dryer, but if you must blow, then follow these tips. First, to prevent damage from blow drying, apply a thermal styling spray or detangler to the hair. This will make it easier to comb and protect against heat damage. Next, make sure to hold the dryer 6-10 inches away from the hair and move it briskly from side to side. This will keep the hair from becoming damaged by heat. Finally, avoid drying the hair completely. Leaving the hair slightly damp will prevent drying out the hair.

Easy On That Comb, Pal

When hair is wet, prevent damage by using a wide-tooth comb or brush. This will limit damage caused by the comb or brush pulling on the hair.

Wash In Lukewarm Water

Water that is very hot can dry out the hair and scalp. Take it easy on the heat.

Avoid Chemical Abuse

Repeatedly coloring or perming hair can wreak havoc. Chemicals used to process hair can be very harsh to your hair and scalp. Haircuts for Men does not endorse use of at-home chemical products. A good barber or stylist will know how to properly prepare your hair and scalp and chose the best product to protect hair from damage.

Don't Over Wash

Feel free to shampoo daily. Professional shampoos are designed to deposit softening agents, moisturizers and protectants into the hair shaft. But, when you shampoo, concentrate on cleansing the scalp. The hair will be sufficiently cleansed by rinsing the shampoo out of the hair.

Make Hair Grow Faster and Stronger

Eating well, drinking plenty of water, taking vitamins, getting plenty of sleep, and living a stress free lifestyle will promote faster growth of the hair. The hair is often a reflection of the entire body. A body that is healthy and well maintained will likely have hair that is strong, shiny, and "healthy looking."

Ditch The Ponytail and Ball Cap

Try to avoid wearing tight ponytails or baseball caps which can cause "traction alopecia." Tight styles can cause breakage and pull hair out of the scalp. If worn long enough, damage can become permanent. If you find yourself wearing a ponytail or ball cap to keep the hair out of your face, then perhaps it is time for a new haircut better suited to your lifestyle.

Control Frizz

Frizzy hair is caused by a low amount of moisture and protein. To control frizz, use a good moisturizing conditioner and apply a bit of cream type styling product to the hair.

Brighten Dull Hair

Hair becomes dull when the cuticle (the outer layers of the hair shaft) is damaged. Well maintained cuticle layers lay flat (like fish scales) and reflect light. When the cuticle is damaged or raised hair tends to become caught on other hair shafts and reflects light poorly, leading to a dull look. Following the steps discussed above will help protect the cuticle and brighten dull hair.

Watch the Pool Water

Pool water contains chemicals that can dry, damage, and discolor hair. To minimize damage from chlorine and other chemicals, always wet the hair with tap water before entering the pool. This will help prevent your hair from absorbing water from the pool. Haircuts for Men recommends taking a spray bottle filled with tap water and a tablespoon of conditioner to the pool. Before getting in the pool (and frequently during swimming), wet your hair completely with your water/conditioner mixture. This will help prevent damage, dryness, and discoloration caused by pool water. If you notice discoloration, use of a Clarifying Shampoo (discussed under "Styling Advice") can help.

Caring for Straight Hair

Wash every other day with a gentle shampoo and follow with a light conditioner. If you're maintaining a longer style, have it trimmed every six weeks to remove split ends. Pomade will help keep hair relaxed and natural while adding shine and separation.

Caring for Thinning Hair

Choose water-based products that won't leave a heavy residue and weigh hair down and provide volume and lift. A thickening shampoo and conditioner will help. Keep the cut short and choppy and it will appear fuller. Longer hair will make hair appear thin and stringy.

Caring for Wavy Hair

To minimize excessive volume (pouffiness), use a hydrating product and dense conditioner to add weight. A medium-length cut will work well for a versatile look. For styling, an oil based wax or pomade (such as American Crew's Grooming Cream) will add shine and weight.

Caring for Curly Hair

Curly hair's structure can stop natural oils from reaching the hair's ends leaving you with a frizzy look. Use a strong moisturizer to keep hair soft. Keeping hair cut short will help maintain a neat look. Longer styles should be layered to reduce volume. Wash hair no more often than every other day and follow with a good conditioner. A good leave-in conditioner will help add extra moisture. Style hair with a bit of pomade to add shine and separation to the curl.

How to Treat Dry Scalp Problems?

Dry scalp is one common issue that people face, especially in winter where you are moving in and out of heated areas frequently. The skin of the scalp becomes tight and itchy and tiny flakes of dead skin are showered by combing and brushing. Dry scalp conditions are often misidentified as dandruff, and are treated as such, which can worsen the condition depending on the treatments used. Dry scalp occurs when the hair strand exiting the scalp is not being lubricated by the sebaceous gland.

Good hair days start with a healthy scalp. Its job, after all, is to grow strong shiny strands. But dry indoor air can zap moisture and dissolve protective oils from the skin on your head, leaving it itchy and flaky and your mane dull and unmanageable. Gently massage conditioner into your scalp after every shampoo to hydrate it and lift away some of the flakes.

Tips for getting rid of Dry Scalp
Gently massage conditioner into your scalp after every shampoo to hydrate it and lift away some of the flakes.
Lather up with clarifying shampoo weekly. These deep-cleaning formulas rid hair of product buildup and help loosen dead skin cells on the scalp.
Turn down the heat. Hot water can zap natural oils from your scalp, making it ultra dry and sensitive; also choose the lowest heat setting on your blowdryer.
Try a final rinse of one cup warm water mixed with two to three tablespoons of white vinegar. This will also bring out the highlights in your hair and make it shiny.
Massage table salt into your dry scalp before shampooing with an acid-based shampoo.
Try an oil treatment in which you massage olive oil into your hair and scalp, cover your hair with plastic wrap and with two wet towels. Keep the towels on your head for twenty minutes, then remove oil with two washings.
Supplement your diet with foods rich in Vitamins C and B, which promote a healthy scalp, and healthy hair.
Using Essential Oils for Dry Scalp
Zinc Pyrithione: It is the most widely used active ingredient from a natural source. It’s used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitus, psoriasis, eczema and numerous other skin and scalp disorders.
Jojoba - Is excellent as a scalp moisturiser and helps to rebalance sebum.
Tea Tree Oil - Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands.
Basil: Oily hair promotes growth
Chamomile
Clary sage
Lavender - Scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice
Lemon - Gives golden highlights; treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands
Myrrh
Dry Scalp Home remedy
Home remedy for dry itchy scalp Take ¼ c oatmeal and soak in water for 20 mins. Mix well and then strain the liquid adding it to a cup. Add 5 drops lavender oil (or lavender stalks steeped in ¼ cup hot water. Add 5 drops rosemary (or rosemary stalks steeped in ¼ cup hot water. Allow to cool until tepid. Mix the liquids together and dab on your scalp…leave in for 10 mins to soothe the itch. This a good temporary soother for itching. Chamomile tea is also soothing!
Garlic and oil of oregano are also excellent for fighting dandruff. You can take it internally or externally depending on what seems to work best for your situation. Both are sold in health food stores as capsules or tablets.

4 STEPS TO A PERFECT SHAVE

1) Wet shaving

It's best not to shave first thing in the morning as your face will be puffy.

Ideally take a shower before shaving, if this is not possible wash your face for a few minutes before. The cleaning removes dirt, oil, and dead skin and any other debris that can get between your skin and the razor, the hot (not scolding) water will soften the whiskers open the pores and relax your facial muscles. Keeping your face wet before and during the shave puts a layer of water between your face and the lather, the blade will skim the surface instead of dragging and tugging, dragging means the hair is not being neatly sliced and will cause irritation, redness, and bumps.

2) Shaving cream and brush

Stop using your fingers to smear cheap shaving gel that smells like deodorant on your face.

Use a good quality glycerin-based shave cream which lubricates and protects the skin. Watch out for products containing irritating ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, mint, and camphor. Also beware of potassium or sodium hydroxide, they are designed to force the hair up and away from the skin by making the hair follicle and skin swell, supposedly for a closer shave, but because of the swollen skin some of the hair will be hidden, when the skin deflates, hairs may become trapped under the skin causing ingrowing hairs.

As always if a product burns, irritates, tingles, causes the skin to become inflamed, or hurts, don't use it.

Use a good shaving brush, the best brushes are made of badger hair. Dip the tip of the brush in hot water, it will absorbs the water and then when you whip the shaving cream up releases and mixes water with the shaving cream, this delivers a thicker, richer, more emollient lather.

When you apply, skim the brush back and forth across your face and neck in and up-down motion, the up-down brushing lifts your whiskers and suspends them standing upright in the thick lather exposing the maximum whisker length to your blade as it skims along your face.

3) The razor

The basics are:

• Disposables; the quality of the blades usually isn't good making then very hard on your skin, not recommended.
  
  
• Cartridge razors; a better choice, the Gillette Mack 3 is the most popular and defiantly one of the better ones.
  
  
• Double edge safety razor, you'll get a closer and more comfortable shaves than with a cartridge razor, but handle with care. See Double Edge Safety Razors
  
  
• The classic cut throat razor for the most adventurous. See Cut Throat Razors

Which ever razor you choose, use a sharp, clean razor (if your using a safety or cartridge razor change blades every three to four uses, depending how heavy your beards is). Begin shaving in the direction of the hair growth, shave first in the places where the whisker are not at their thickest, this ensures the thicker whisker a little longer to be softened by the shave cream and hot water on your face. Whist shaving keep the razor clear by frequently rinsing it with hot water. If you want a closer shave, wet your face again, lather up again, and shave very lightly against the direction of the hair growth. Go gently, many men find shaving against the grain causes redness, razor burn, and ingrown hairs.

4) Aftershave lotion or moisturiser

When you've finished shaving, wash off any remaining shaving cream by splashing cool water on your face this will close pores calm the skin, and invigorate . Pat skin dry (do not rub-rubbing can irritate freshly shaven skin).

Finish by applying a moisturiser to replace the moisture you just scraped away or a shaving lotion (these are basically just gentle toners) Avoid applying any products with alcohol.