​Are you looking for a new hairstyle to try this year? There are lots of new hairstyles for men out there, from long hair to crew cuts- here’s a list of our top 4 cuts to experiment with this year. 

       1. Pompadour. This hairstyle fades from long on the top to short on the bottom to give it that tapered look. The fullness on top needs texture and styling gel most often to give it the look you want if you’re going for pompadour. 

        2. Slick back. This classic look might look like it doesn’t need a specific haircut at all, but in fact it needs to be the correct length and trim to slick back correctly. Some pomade will help with this, but don’t use a gel that will make it look wet throughout the day. 

       3. Crew cut. This is a standard haircut that has stood the test of time. A crew cut will most likely always be in style, but you can do some fun things to make it unique like decorative hair lines.

       4. Longer Hair. Longer hairstyles are popular, and you can do a lot with them. From a shorter shag to a ponytail, having longer hair gives you more styling options. Check out this video by Birchbox Man on taking care of your longer hair:

For even more hairstyle ideas, check out this great article by Mens Hairstyles Now.  
Trouble with balding? Check out our products Here.

Golf and baseball come to mind, but here are 6 alternative sports you might not have thought of but should definitely get out and try this summer!

1.Handball.
What is handball you ask? Here are the official rules:

A match consists of two periods of 30 minutes each.
Each team consists of 7 players; a goalkeeper and 6 outfield players.
Outfield players can touch the ball with any part of their body that is above the knee.
Once a player receives possession, they can pass, hold possession or shoot.
If a player holds possession, they can dribble or take three steps for up to three seconds without dribbling.
Only the goalkeeper is allowed to come into contact with the floor of the goal area.
Goalkeepers are allowed out of the goal area but must not retain possession if they are outside the goal area.  (rulesofsport.com)
Here are some handball clips: 

​2. Rock Climbing.
Rock climbing can be a great workout, and there are tons of indoor rock climbing gyms sprouting up all across the country, so you can keep this workout going into the winter. For outdoor rock climbing, there are also aided climbs so you can get with a professional and be guided through the best techniques for rock climbing and safety, if its not your first climb.
3. Kayaking.
Kayaking can be a great workout and it combines the water and workout, so you can see some great views while you get your exercise on. If you don’t have your own kayak, many places around beaches and lakes have rentals- and if you have kids they will love it too. 

4. Ultimate Frisbee.
Ultimate frisbee has grown in popularity, with teams and leagues being formed all over. Here are the rules of ultimate frisbee if you haven’t played before.
Ultimate in 10 simple rules
The Field — A rectangular shape with endzones at each end. A regulation field is 64m by 37m, with endzones 18m deep.
Initiate Play — Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of their respective endzone line. The defense throws (“pulls”) the disc to the offense. A regulation game has seven players per team.
Scoring — Each time the offense completes a pass in the defense’s endzone, the offense scores a point. Play is initiated after each score.
Movement of the Disc — The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the disc. The person with the disc (“thrower”) has ten seconds to throw the disc. The defender guarding the thrower (“marker”) counts out the stall count.
Change of possession — When a pass in not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense.
Substitutions — Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout.
Non-contact — No physical contact is allowed between players. Picks and screens are also prohibited. A foul occurs when contact is made.
Fouls — When a player initiates contact on another player a foul occurs. When a foul disrupts possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player committing the foul disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone.
Self-Refereeing — Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. Players resolve their own disputes.
Spirit of the Game — Ultimate stresses sportsmanship and fair play. Competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of respect between players, adherence to the rules, and the basic joy of play.
(http://www.whatisultimate.com/what-is-ultimate/the-rules/)

5. Beach Volleyball.
If you take a trip to a beach this summer, don’t forget about beach volleyball, its fun and can be played with people you know, or you can jump in on a team if you’re flying solo.
6. Swimming.
Don’t forget about swimming! Check out the 5 best swimming drills to get Jacked in the Pool by Mens Journal, which includes drills like water crunches, butterfly drill and water running. 

Beard oil is a major hit right now, once people figured out that you cant simply grow a beard and it will look great, there is beard care items that will make your beard healthier, more filled our and smell and look better. Here is the low down on beard oils.

What is beard oil?
There are many types of beard oils on the market today from brands you already know like Just for Men, or lesser known but equally great like Bull Dog, and what they do is moisturize your facial hair and the skin underneath. It can be used to style your beard and keep it healthy. Huff Post claims that “the ideal beard should look shiny and groomed, not dusty, flaky and shaggy.” Beard oils make your hair less rough and can support fullness, while it wont grow new hair it gives your face the best environment for growth.

How do I use it?
After washing your face or a shower is the best time to use beard oil. You take the recommended amount on the bottle in your hands and rub in on your entire beard. If you have a long beard you can use a comb- because the oil needs to reach every hair on your beard as well as the skin beneath.
 
What does it cost?
Beard oil ranges in price from $12.50 up to $60 depending on brand. Some good reviews of beard oil can be found on sites like Balding Beards or Ask Men. There are also subscription services like Dollar Shave Club that will send you supply right to your door. 

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There are also some good videos on using beard oil like the ones below. 

​Nowadays there are cures for many things that might have plagued earlier generations when it comes to men’s lifestyle. There are endless blogs and how to videos on men’s skincare, fitness training, teeth whitening, fashion and hairstyles and there are products readily available to help with these issues. We hear from customers all the time about how our product has helped their issue with baldness and we love being a part of making men feel better about their appearance if they choose. We’ve collected some recent statements we have received from real clients so you can see them all in one place.
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This picture below was sent in from a customer who used our product for 90 days. 

Some other statements we received recently were from A.P. in Missouri who said “My hair stopped falling out. It’s magic!”

J.H. from Ohio said "I noticed hair loss on my pillow in the morning and after washing my hair. The hair loss stopped after a few weeks of use. Highly recommend."

Even Scott Schultz, MD, Co Founder and CEO of baldness.doctor says that "Finasteride worked so well for me, I started Baldness.Doctor." 

Finasteride is FDA- approved to treat male pattern baldness, with 90% of men taking it experiencing either a growth of new hair or a halt to their current hair loss. But a new study shows that it might have other uses, too, specifically to prevent prostate cancer.

An article from Medscape, by Nick Mulcahy dated May 20th, 2018, says "These results are transformational," he explained. "We have found an inexpensive, effective drug that can prevent [prostate cancer]." He mentions that it previously hadn’t been used because of concern over side effects, but, also says "We have no evidence that there's an increase in prostate cancer death in the finasteride arm," Thompson said. In other words, the initial study findings about an increase in high-grade disease are not consequential.”
You can view the full article here (free sign up is required)
And learn how it can help baldness Here.

Summers here which means sun, water, friends, beer, music and fun. But dont forget about your skin or you might regret it when winter rolls around. Here are some helpful ways to keep your face looking great all summer long. 

1. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. It may be tempting to try and get tan fast but its best to wear some spf and protect your skin which can cause premature wrinkles and lines. You will still get sun on your face and a tan, you will just be doing it in a protected way. 

2. Moisturize. Using moisturizer is important in both winter and summer. In the winter it is great for protection from dry patches and wind burn, in summer its needed to prevent excess dry out and peeling which isn't good for your skin and creates an older looking appearance. So smother on some good quality moisturizer before bed, and again after you wash your face in the morning to help you throughout the day. 

3. Sleep. Not getting enough sleep really can effect your skin. It can lead to increased wrinkles, bags under your eyes and can increase the aging effecting on your skin. Decreasing stress and getting enough sleep are both crucial to keeping your youthful appearance. 

4. Hydrate. Staying hydrated is good not only for your skin, but your energy level and overall well being. Lots of guys simply aren't getting enough water daily. According to Healthline, you need eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day to stay hydrated. If you don't get enough water, it can leave your skin dried out and can increase appearance of lines and wrinkles. An added benefit to staying hydrated is it can help you to lose or maintain your weight- because often times when you feel hungry you are really just thirsty. 

Some more great resources for learning more about your skin are:
https://www.mensjournal.com/style/ 
http://nymag.com/strategist/article/4-men-with-glowing-skin-on-their-skin-care-routines.html
​
Happy Summer!

Whether you have used an online tool to get your prescriptions delivered to your door, chatted with your doctor online or by video chat, or simply thought about how great it would be if you didn’t have to go into the doctors office every time your child had a cold or scrape, keep reading.
Many people are already loving the benefits that online or telemedicine offers them. Even Amazon is in talks to get into the online medication sphere. 

​Some question whether this is a good idea, and when readying an article by Bud Shaw, a transplant surgeon, some key questions got answered for me like ‘how do I know I am getting the best medical care online?’ Shaw says “The ATA has published guidelines for best practices and established accreditation standards. Insurers—which already include Medicare and Medicaid—will only cover online services they have carefully evaluated.” (Shaw,2016.)

​He also draws the conclusion that not all things can be treated online via video chat, so those calls are stopped and the patient is advised to go see their doctor in person. Shaw explains it like this “But then a guy pops up on my screen with a bad headache, a fever, he's restless, maybe acting a little weird," she said. "Is it the flu? Meningitis? An early stroke? If my sixth sense doesn't work long distance, I pull the plug on the video and ask the guy to come in." (Shaw, 2016). Online doctors will not prescribe narcotics and do not guarantee that you will get a prescription or that they can help your specific issue, but for some illnesses like like sore throats, cold and flu, cuts and bruises, rashes and gender specific issues like ED, male pattern baldness or birth control it is a very useful tool.

Here are some benefits of online medication and video chats you might not have thought of:

1. You can stay at home if you have the flu and not spread more germs around the doctors office.
2. You can talk with a licensed physician about sensitive subjects like balding or erectile dysfunction from the comfort of your home.
3. People who live in rural areas or have to travel far for medical care, can video chat with a doctor and in some cases get medication delivered to their door, where this was never possible for them before.
4. You can get medication quickly and get back to work instead of missing work for doctors appointments. With most online video chats you can speak with a doctor in 15 minutes. 

Check out some apps that people are using:

https://www.totalcarehealth.com/
https://www.healthtap.com/what_we_make/overview


Resources:

Shaw, Bud. 2016. Is Video Chatting Your Doctor Really the Future of Health Care? Popular Mechanics.

Wise, Elizabeth. 2017. Could Your Next Prescription Come From Amazon? USA Today.

Total Care Health. Totalcarehealth.com. 2018.

Baldness Doctor. Baldness.doctor. 2018. 

Hair loss in general is common, we lose about 100 hairs a day, but it usually isn’t an issue because new hair grows in at the same time. For some, usually Caucasian men between the ages of 30-50, the hair loss is there but the re growing is not, thus resulting in baldness. (mayoclinic.org)

Why does this happen?
There are a variety of reasons men experience baldness. Some men simply inherit baldness, from either their mother or fathers side. Everydayheath.com reports that “Genetics cause hair follicles to become sensitive to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a byproduct of testosterone. The follicles begin to grow smaller and their life span shorter, eventually falling out altogether or leaving behind fuzz.”  This form of baldness is the easiest to cure with prescription medications.

Another reason can be hormonal changes or medical conditions. Some conditions like diabetes or lupus can create hair loss as well as medication that people take for conditions like depression, heart issues or arthritis. These reasons might not be suitable to receive treatment from prescription medications like finasteride.
​
Some less likely reasons men go bald would be stressful situations or hairstyles. A very stressful event can cause temporary hair loss, but it is not an ongoing issue and should resolve itself. Hairstyles that are tight and pull the hair can sometimes cause baldness but should resolve itself also.