Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Men’s Hairstyles – Slick Wet Look & Bedhead: The Ultimate Guide

This article was originally published at: Men's hairstyles: Slick wet look & bedhead: the ultimate guide

It's time to reveal the secrets behind these two hairstyles. Today, the focus is on hair! Gracie Opulanza is your guide to the world of luxury men's grooming. No matter what anyone says, opulence is not just for women. If you are a man, then you should get on board and look fabulous!

Let's begin with the wet, slick look. Think Leonardo DiCaprio's style in The Great Gatsby. Then we'll delve into the bedhead, that "I-just-rolled-out-of-bed-but-I'm-still-irresistible" style that's got a little rockstar, a little "I don't care," but let's be real, it's all calculated. Both styles have charisma and say a lot about the man wearing them. Do you consider yourself a smooth operator, or a laid-back rebel. You can be both with the right products, and some confidence. Let's get started.

Slick Wet look: The Gatsby Experience

The slick, wet look. Doesn't this look classy? Imagine wearing an Italian suit with a glass champagne and a tailored Italian suit. This is the hairstyle for the man that knows how to be in charge, whether he's walking into a meeting or closing a deal. You know what type of man this is: perfectly polished, with not a single hair out-of-place.

The hair product is the first step in achieving this look. Gel or pomade with strong hold and shine is what you need. Don't skimp on the product. More product is better! You want to appear as if you have just emerged from a downpour, but in the most chic way possible. It's important to part your hair to one side. Leonardo DiCaprio is the perfect person to channel. Not in his Titanic days but as Jay Gatsby - that mysterious millionaire with the freshly pressed look. Let the world know that you are serious by slicking it back.

Let me tell you that I love the drama and sexiness this hairstyle creates. This is the type of hairstyle that would be perfect for a red-carpet event or a business lunch. It's classic yet modern. A bit like an old Rolls-Royce, but with a new electric engine. It's the juxtaposition of old world charm and new world efficiency that I love! This would be the look I'd choose if I were a guy for a night out at the opera, or even casually attending a yacht party. Who says that you can't enjoy a bit of opulence every day?

Bedhead: The Rock & Roll Rebel

Let's now switch to the bedhead style. The bedhead look is like a neat whiskey, on the rocks. This is the hairstyle of the man who does not follow the rules, but still looks dangerously good. Adam Levine's charm and rebellious attitude are the perfect example. It's a bit rough around the corners, but that is the point.

Texture is key to achieving the perfect bedhead. Remember, this is not your military fade. This is rockstar-style hair. Texturizing powders and sprays will be your best friends. Schwarzkopf "Dust It" is a great product. Sprinkle a bit at the roots, and then massage through. It gives you that matte finish without gloss, and adds the perfect hold. It's important to look as if you haven't done anything, but in fact you've spent 15 minutes to perfect your hair. Ironic, right?

You can also find out more about this by clicking here.

Monday, September 16, 2024

Podcast #1,023: Is Self-Control Overrated?

The ability to resolve conflict between competing desires is often touted as a key to success. Many of the popular notions about self-control don't match up with its actual functioning.

Michael Inzlicht is a professor of Psychology who has done extensive research on self-regulation. Michael Inzlicht explains the popular ego-depletion model and why it doesn't hold up under scientific scrutiny. Then we discuss the surprising fact of people who appear to have a great deal of self-control, but don't really exercise much discipline or restraint. We also explore what makes virtuous desire.

Podcast Resources

Related studies:>Perceived mental fatigue and self-controlA multilab preregistered replication of the ego-depletion effectEveryday Temptations : An experience sampling study of desire, conflict, and trait self-controlNew Zealand Study on Trait-ControlThe moralization of effortThe mundanity of excellenceThe identity model of self-regulationThe Effort paradox: Effort is both costly and valuedAoM podcast #961:The Mundanity Of ExcellenceAoM article

Connect With Michael Inzlicht

Michael's websiteMichael’s faculty pageMichael at X

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Skin Care for Men -Tips On Anti Aging Cream

The original article can be found here: Skin care for men - Tips on anti aging cream

Let's not forget about your hair and skin, which are often neglected but never forgotten by men. I have always been a fan of all things luxurious and thought that men are like fine wines, they only improve with age. But that doesn't mean to just sit back and let your appearance improve by itself. Invest! Invest in yourself, not just in flashy cars and stocks, but also in your hair, skin and grooming routine.

Don't be shy. The men's hair and skincare industry has come a long, way. And I can assure you that the man who takes care of himself is like an irresistible truffle. Let's dive into a world where sleek hairstyles meet radiant skin, and--yes, gentlemen--anti-aging creams.

Men's hairstyles: The crown you never take off

I've always believed that your hair is the crown of your head. You have to style your hair like you mean it, whether you rock a short back-and-sides or a mane that would make Tarzan jealous. If you don't take care of your hair, it can be just as bad as a designer jacket with a loose seam. The devil is in the detail, darling.



Less is more: The buzzcut

The buzzcut is where minimalism and masculinity meet. It's bold and brave. And it is low-maintenance. Be careful, short hair doesn't give you a pass to ignore it. Keep your scalp hydrated. Dry, flaky skin? Nobody wants it. This style makes men look as if they're in the desert. Darling, this is not what we want. If you have facial hair, it's even better. What do you think of a man with a buzzcut, and a well-groomed beard? My opulent soul, be still!

Elvis's Pompadour was a good idea

Men with pompadours know how to get attention. This hairstyle is as confident as wearing a Tom Ford tailored suit to a black tie event. Gentlemen, it's all in the volume. You're looking for height, shine and a little rebelliousness. It's important to avoid a greasy mess. Use a styling cream that is lightweight, but holds well without hardening, similar to fine porcelain. You want to see your hair bounce back easily, and not crack when you apply pressure.

The Messy look: Controlled chaos

Oh, I love a man that can rock the look of "I woke like this". It's not that easy, is it? To look effortlessly chic is not easy, and this includes your hair. You want the perfect amount of disarray, just like a beautifully arranged centerpiece for a luxurious dinner party. You can achieve the desired effect with a little mousse and texture spray. You don't want to go too far, otherwise you will start looking like "I just woke up". That's not very luxurious.

Skincare for men: it's not just for ladies

Where do I start with men's skin? I've come across far too many guys who believe that soap and water is the only thing they need to do for their skin. I'll tell you what, showing up in flip-flops to a Michelin starred restaurant is like. You need more, darling. You need more.

Cleanse like you Mean It

What is the first step to a good skincare regimen? Cleansing. No, I do not mean to scrub your face with the soap you use on your body. Your skin deserves a special treatment. It's like having a five-star suite all to yourself. Choose a cleanser suitable for your skin type. Salicylic acid is great for oily skin. If your skin is dry, you should use a cleansing product that hydrates. It's important to remove impurities while preserving the natural oils which keep your skin youthful.

Exfoliate but don't evaporate

Dead skin cells can ruin a party by staying too long. Your bouncer is exfoliation. The chemical or physical exfoliant you use will remove dead skin, leaving your face as smooth as silk. Don't go overboard! If you exfoliate too much, your skin will look like a desert that has been baked in the sun.


Men Hair Styles – Long Hair Is In For Winter

The original article can be found here: Men's Hairstyles - Long hair is in for Winter

Men's Hairstyles: Long Hair for Winter

Isn't there something about men with long hair which screams edge and sophistication? In my quest for glamour and opulence in the fashion world, I have come to understand that long hair is more than just a style. It's a statement. This winter, this statement is more bold than ever. Imagine the cold wind ruffling your long, luxurious hair as you walk down a busy street wearing your best winter coat. Men, I'm here to celebrate the long hair trend.

It's time to admit it: men's hairstyles have been dominated by short hair for a long time. It's a little bit boring, doesn't it, from the clean-cut style to the buzz inspired by the military? But what about long hair? It's like a wild stallion galloping through 2024 (or is it a mane?) with an untamable head of steam. Long hair is a sign of rebellion, adventure, and yes, even a hint of opulence. I love these qualities.

Short History of Long Hair

Don't be mistaken, men with long hair are not a new phenomenon. Men have always embraced long hair, whether it was Vikings, rock stars, Renaissance artists or any other group. While those groups wore long hair with a rugged intensity, the current look is more refined. It's all about luscious, sleek hair, with a lot of shine and self-confidence. Winter, with its natural cooling, is the best time to let your hair grow wild. Let your hair flow, regally of course.

Why long hair is the best accessory for winter

Imagine a man with long, perfectly styled hair, sitting in front of a roaring fireplace, sipping a robust beverage. Is it possible to make this any better? It doesn't. The versatility of long hair allows for endless styling options during the winter months. Long hair can add dimension to your winter look, whether it's the man-bun, which is still a thing, or the relaxed half pony.

Let's also talk about winter headwear. Hats, scarves and beanies all look better with a cascade hair showing underneath. It's so stylish to layer silky smooth strands with woolen strands. Long hair is not just a hairstyle, it's also the ultimate accessory.



The Art of Growing it Out

It's not a secret that growing your hair requires patience and, perhaps most importantly, a plan. You wouldn't purchase a luxury vehicle and not take it in for regular maintenance, would you? No. Long hair requires a higher level of maintenance than a morning shampoo. Before you scoff, I assure you that it's worth the effort.

Accept the awkward stage

As your hair grows there's an awkward stage that long-haired people refer to. It's the phase in between where your hair's too short to style but too long to ignore. Do not worry! A good product and your trusty comb will be your best friend. Sea salt spray will give your hair volume and texture, helping to avoid the limp look.

You're not only growing hair, but a masterpiece. Imagine your hair as a masterpiece. Picasso didn't hurry, and you shouldn't either.

Haircuts are still essential

"But Gracie! I'm growing out my hair!" "Why would I cut it?" Dear, let me inform you that regular trims are a must. Trimming your hair prevents split ends, and it keeps you looking good. It's not necessary to cut off inches. Just a light dusting will do. It's a quick fix for your luxurious mane.

Winter Hair Care Routine

Let me let you in on a secret: your winter routine is the key to beautiful long hair. Cold weather can cause your hair to look limp and dry. How to keep your hair looking its best and avoid disaster.


Sunday, September 15, 2024

Skill of the Week: Clean Your Entire House in 30 Minutes



A man's ability to adapt to any situation is an important part of his masculinity. We'll be republishing an illustrated guide from our archive every Sunday so that you can improve your manly knowledge week by week.

Nobody likes to live in a dirty home. It is difficult to concentrate and accomplish tasks when your home is cluttered. A messy home is also associated with higher levels of anxiety, according to studies. Cleaning your home can be tedious and take a lot of time.

You can get your home in decent shape quickly, especially if you are expecting guests.

People don't plan their cleaning, so it takes a long time. The people wander around from room to room cleaning little bits here and there. They get distracted, forget tools, retrace their steps and waste time. You can make your home cleaner much more quickly with a little organization. If you have a large home, cleaning will take more time. However, for an average apartment or house, you can complete the basic clean within 30 minutes. Here's how.

Listen to Charles MacPherson, a professional butler for more tips and tricks on keeping your home organized and clean.

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Friday, September 13, 2024

Odds & Ends: September 13, 2024



Nose Breathing Science and Snake Oil Michael Easter, AoM's podcast guest, takes a look at the nose-breathing craze which has taken over the online fitness industry. I admit that I bought into nose breathing shortly after my podcast with James Nestor. Even at one point, I taped the mouth shut. Michael's article offers a nuanced view of nose breathing. It turns out that there is some truth in the hype but it's still not the miracle cure that some gurus claim. This article explains when you should breathe through your nose, such as during an easy cardio workout. It also explains when it's better to use your mouth (for intense workouts). This article is a quick read and will save you time by not wasting it on breathing fads.

Wisconsin Death Trip. In this month's issue of The County Highway, I came across an article about Wisconsin supper clubs. It reminded me of the book Wisconsin Death Trip by Michael Lesy I read in college and which still haunts my mind today. The book is a collection that includes newspaper clippings and photographs from the late 19th century. It details bizarre crimes, deaths, and insanity. The juxtaposition between eerie photographs and stark reports creates an unsettling, fascinating portrait of small-town life in the past. It is far from the idyllic image we have of it. It was tough out there on frontier!

Sense Energy Monitor. In May, I installed a Sense Energy Monitor in my home. It uses AI to calculate how much power your devices use. The monitor's information helped me save money on my summer electricity bill. As an example, when I discovered that our pool pump used a lot of power, I set it up on a schedule to ensure it didn't run all the time. I discovered some hidden loads that I was unaware of. The AI doesn't do a great job of identifying the appliances in your house. It hasn't yet picked up our AC unit, and mislabeled the oven as a drying device. If you want to know how much electricity your family is using, this would be a good investment.

Citizen Kane. Our family watched Citizen Kane last week, which many film buffs consider to be the best movie ever made. It's as good as the hype! It's still a classic 80+ years after its release. In 1941, the camera angles, nonlinear storytelling and lighting were revolutionary. They are still interesting and compelling to this day. Orson Welles portrayal of media mogul Charles Foster Kane’s rise and decline is captivating. I enjoyed talking with the kids about the fact that Wells based his story on William Randolph Heart, and other tycoons. Gus, 13, really liked the movie; Scout, 11, was not as interested. But both were determined to find out what the word "Rosebud", meant. Rosebud!

Quote of the week

Each man has a peculiar thought train that he uses when he's alone. It is this that shapes the person to a large extent.

--Dugald Steward

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Iron Your Jeans, Pardner



You should not iron a crease in your jeans!

Denim has been a staple for decades. Why? Simple. Jeans are casual. Workwear. Formality is a crease. Do you mix the two? It's the same as wearing a tuxedo while mowing the lawn.

Tom McKay was a man who ironed his pants religiously. He wore jeans that were ironed. My mother did the ironing.

Dad was a federal game warden and his uniform consisted of a pair neatly ironed bootcut wranglers, an embroidered pique shirt, and cowboys boots. When I was a child, I watched my mom iron a sharp line into the jeans of my dad while she viewed Touched by an Angel. "What's going on?" I thought. Jeans are not business slacks!

In my forties, I am flipping through old pictures at my parents' house. Dad is wearing his Wranglers with razor-sharp wrinkles. He looks like a man of business.



Tom McKay in his ironed Wranglers, circa 1990.

Ironed Wranglers were also found in places other than my old family photos.



George Strait wears Wranglers with wrinkles as if they were dress pants. He even wears them with a tuxedo shirt. In rural Oklahoma, cowboys wear pressed denim as if it were their Sunday best.

There's an entire subset of cowboys that swear by ironed, starched jeans. Why?

They claim that starch acts as armor. Science says that it could weaken the fabric. Looks sharp: a crease on your Wranglers tells you, "I'm not only ready to bale hay but also to take my girl to Cattleman's Steakhouse afterward."

Ironed Wranglers are also a thing amongst young, hip men. I've seen them on cowpokes and 90s country musicians in Blanco, Oklahoma. Ironed bootcut Wranglers are a new trend among fashion-forward, cool guys. The Wrancher, a polyester cowboy pant that was a Tom McKay style staple, is also gaining popularity.

Curiosity got the best of me. I decided to iron my Cowboy Cut Wranglers. It's a great look, reader. At least I think so.

Here are some looks that I created with my jeans after they were ironed:



This first outfit was called "The Tom McKay". It consisted of bootcut Wranglers ironed with a pique shirt and a thick belt. Pops was mostly a Land's End man, although he also owned a few Lacostes. He blended 80s tennis preppy with Southwestern desert vibes. He had style!