Fighting Razor Bumps

What are razor bumps?
First of all though, it is worthwhile understanding what razor bumps actually are, and what causes them in the first place. Knowing this makes it easier to eliminate the cause of the problem, and hopefully, razor bumps will be a thing of the past.
Although razor bumps can sometimes seem like pimples, this is only half true. What happens is that when the hair is cut on an odd angle, this tends to make the hair grow back at the same odd angle and, unfortunately this angle can make the hair curl back into the skin.  When the hair actually penetrates the skin, the skin then starts reacting to this intrusion, and sees it as an infection, which of course, our own antibodies kick into action and surround the spot with their germ killing abilities, which are what results in the slight swelling and redness all too common with razor bumps.
If this infection gets more out of hand, and a staphylococcal bacterium enters the site, then we have a more serious problem that needs specific antibiotic treatment from a medical practitioner. But we don’t want it to get that bad! How to get rid of razor bumps is easy, when we know how. The following steps take focus on how to take care of your neck.

Step 1: Don’t shave everyday
The first recommendation is to give your skin a rest, where possible. If it is not vital to look clean shaven every day, leave it for a day or two, to give your skin a break from the constant abrasion that the razor blade can cause. You might even consider using an alternative shaving device like an electric shaver, on these in-between days.

Step 2: Soften Your skin
It is common knowledge that warm water opens the pores of our skin.  Of course, hairs grow out of pores. The principle here is that if we warm the skin first with warm water, this will soften the skin, making it more subtle. This will result in the hair being cut at a more even angle. The only downside to this treatment is that it will take time. But to eliminate this problem, it is possible to have a mirror in the shower and to shave at the end of a shower, when the skin is already moist and warm. If this is not possible, then you will need to hold a moist warm face cloth over your face for about 5 minutes, to achieve the same level of moisture and subtleness.

Step 3: Proper shaving methods
The importance of this cannot be over-estimated. Further to this regime, when you want to know how to get rid of razor bumps, you need some good quality shaving cream.  You also need to not rush this. Ideally leave the shaving cream on for 5 minutes to enjoy maximum moisture. Here is another very important aspect. Be careful to shave with the grain of the hair, never away from it. You will know when you are rubbing against the grain of the hair because this will be more prickly and abrasive, than if you are rubbing with the grain. Shaving with the grain, and only once, none of this scraping over the same spot, will reduce the occurrence of razor bumps.

Step 4: Take care of Your skin.
Now, the final process requires you to apply an after shave lotion. This is because your face is most susceptible to razor bumps just after you have shaven, so the purpose of applying after shave is because it reduces the growth of bacteria, the nasty cause of shaving bumps.

Step 5: Leave the bumps alone!
Last but not least, don’t irritate any bumps any further! Don’t pick or scrape them. This is only going to inflame the cells even more. However now that you know how to get rid of razor bumps the correct way, and if the odd one or two might still persist, then there are special preparations on the market that are antiseptic or alcohol based and there are natural products also, like tea tree oil or witch-hazel which are equally as effective.
Give it time, and be patient, and the results will happen. Just remember that razor bumps do go away and you can enjoy a fresh looking complexion again.

*I recommend using the Shea Moisture Shave Tea Tree Herbal Bump Preventer after you shave.

Hair Growth Tips

Many men want to grow their hair longer but have trouble doing so. There are many reasons why it can be challenging to grow hair. Although black hair grows just as fast as other types of hair — roughly a half inch each month — it is often very curly, fragile, brittle, and dry. This makes black hair susceptible to breaking, and the more it breaks, the shorter it seems.

While genes and diet play an important role in how long hair grows, how you care for your hair may play an even larger role in growing black hair. Here are some hair growth tips for black men.

Trim off damaged and split ends regularly, as they will interfere with the hair growth process.

Keep hair clean. Clean hair and a clean scalp help hair grow faster. When hair is dirty, the dirt clogs the hair follicles, which makes it more difficult for hair to grow. But try not to shampoo every day, as black men’s hair is easily damaged, and daily shampoos can actually cause breakage. Cleanse with conditioner instead.

Rinse hair only with lukewarm water. Hot water dries the hair and makes it brittle.

Lubricate your hair. Applying a moisturizer to the hair can greatly reduce the amount of split ends and breakage and promote growth. But be sure to use only a little so your hair doesn’t become oily.

Add vitamin B supplements to your diet, as vitamin B has been shown to help increase the rate of hair growth.

Bone up on protein either by eating a high protein diet filled with meat, fish, eggs, avocados, nuts, and beans, or by adding protein supplements to your drinks, as protein strengthens hair and encourages growth.

Increase your folic acid intake. Folic acid is critical to hair health and growth. You can easily eat a diet high in folic acid by making soybeans, green vegetables, and carrots a part of your daily menu.

By following these simple tips, you can easily grow your hair to get any look you want.

Are You Keeping Up With The Trends

Many of today’s haircuts can quickly become overwhelming. Recently, black men have taken it back to high top fades just to make a statement. Some popular choices are the bald fade, edge up or the classic tapered cut. Some guys might even keep it short and simple so their cut is easy to maintain. Today’s men are given many more options for creating cool and hip looks with very short hairstyles.

Remember to keep it sharp whatever you choose and always be unique. Wearing the same hairstyle that everyone else has is very yesterday. If you have 360 spin’n waves make sure your lines are razor sharp. This will let everyone know you have class and you are serious about your hair. Don’t be afraid to also take a new turn and have The Mobile Barber carve out something unique and stylish giving your hair edge. Before you have your barber fade your hair advise him how you want it first. Don’t be shy and just ask for a fade so you can avoid mistakes before they happen.

You can sport a Mohawk or something that will attract the ladies without ever having to say a word. Just remember that your hair should never have limits and at the end of the day you are the technician of your own image. So just be original with whatever style you decide to sport and go for it.  Haircuts have many different forms of expression it is up to you to contribute your own unique style to the arena. Remember that going with a style that fits your personality will compliment you best. It is also always a good idea to create a hair style that will fit your face and attitude. The key to creating a good hairstyle is to do what works best for you.

The City Insight Writes About The Mobile Barber

Today is a BIG day for what I thought was a small business. My parents always told me that "someone is always watching you". You may think that you aren't being noticed, or you are flying under the radar, but that's not the case. Today, I had the honor of reading the first(of many) articles that was written about me and my business. I was contacted about a month ago and learned that I was going to be featured in an upcoming issue of The City Insight. It's true, hard work does pay off! Please take a moment to enjoy the article, as well as their site. http://www.thecityinsight.com/articles/2-triangle-business/710-the-mobile-barber-comes-to-you

How to Create a Good Hair Care Routine

Whether you're more of the "Classic" type or into the latest and trendiest hairstyles, a thorough yet simple hair care routine is critical to keeping your manly locks looking great.

1.Shampoo: Choose a nice, soothing aromatic shampoo that is appealing to one's taste. Shampooing daily with the rinse and repeat instructions is not a ploy to sell more products. A second shampoo gets the job done. The first shampoo prepares the scalp to be thoroughly cleaned by loosening up all the products that make hair look and feel great!

2.Tone: Gently massage your scalp as you shampoo. Use the balls of the fingertips in a "spider doing push-ups" fashion. This is an often skipped part of everyone's hair care routine. It's too bad because toning for a few minutes -- even after shampooing, not only feels great, but helps the scalp release natural oils from one's sebaceous glands. There's no special way to massage, although, try to avoid a circular pattern on long hair. Most of the oil is near the scalp. If no conditioner is to follow, gently towel dry the hair by squeezing to avoid tangles. A light, BB-sized dab of a moisturizing conditioner works miracles.

3.Condition: Moisturize your hair. Conditioner is an essential hair product if your hair is dry. An herbal rinse is better for those with oily hair. You can make both products yourself but they can be purchased for a few dollars at any popular pharmacy or salon supply store.

4.Groom: Get the right tools. You'll likely need the following:

• brush (natural bristles are best)
• comb (wide-toothed if you have curly hair) 
• pick (plastic or metal tines)
• hair dryer (if it's less than 1000 watts, you're wasting your time)

5.Style: Find a comfortable style that you can easily maintain on your own daily in less than five minutes. The better you know your hair products, the faster you'll get your hair done.

• Don't be cheap about the styling products. Cheap ones will either dry out your hair or grease it up. Find good quality gel, pomade, mousse, and whichever other products that are best for your hair type. They may be a bit expensive, but you only need to use a little to do a lot.
• If you keep your hair cut very short, you probably won't need any styling treatments, as the oils from your scalp will be sufficient for your hair, and the short hair basically styles itself.
• Get regular haircuts and trims from your trusted barber.
• Massage your scalp with your fingertips or the pads of your fingers--not with your fingernails.

The Role Your Hair Plays In Your Career

Much ado is made about Black hair. Black women are known to be audacious when it comes to their manes. A billion dollar business has been spawned from our need to color, straighten, curl, and braid. Hair means a lot to Black people, but it can mean even more to our career.

Your appearance does not affect your ability to do a job, but it does impact your success. Keeping it basic can influence your salary as much as your work experience. Research shows that attractive people earn an average of 3% to 4% more than a person with below average looks – that comes out to about $230,000 over a lifetime. Even an average-looking worker is likely to make $140,000 more over a lifetime than an ugly worker.

Hair goes beyond aesthetics. It is personal and public: visible to everyone while also being an intrinsic part of our body. Blacks men and women carry a great deal of culture in their hair. Since that culture is not a mainstream one, appropriating hair to the workplace can be a tricky process.

Professional hair isn’t about texture. For most employers, particularly conservative ones, a professional hairstyle is considered neat, clean, and out of the face. Texture alone is not a deciding factor.

Granted, not every workplace has caught on to the trend. But, they’ll catch on or get left behind. Presenting a professional appearance is one thing, but altering who you are is another. If a company can’t accept your hair, they can’t accept you.

Appearance is important because you are the personification of who you work for. Employers have dress codes to ensure the staff maintains an appearance that promotes a positive image for their brand. Depending on your career, you may have to conform Monday through Friday, and save the mohawk for the weekend. But, a brush cut or a bald head isn’t the only way to be conservative.

Even with restrictions, you can find small ways to express yourself and set yourself apart from the crowd.  If you’re an entrepreneur, you have even more freedom to allow your hair to make a statement about who you are and stand out from the competition. Hair is a powerful tool to project your personal brand. Don’t hide it.

Is Your Beard Right For Your Face Shape?

Properly trimmed and shaped facial hair can go a long way to enhance desirable facial features or take emphasis off weaknesses. How to choose the right beard  for your face shape will depend on a few factors. While each face will have its own special considerations such as size of mouth, nose, and jawline, there are some general rules on how to choose the right beard shape for your face.

The Round Face
When shaping the beard for a round face, go a bit longer at the chin to add length and make the face appear less round. Avoid bushy sideburns and keep the sides of the beard short. In lieu of a full beard, a goatee is often a good option for a round face.

The Long Face
Exactly opposite of the round face, the long face requires a beard which is fuller at the sides and shorter at the chin. The goal here is to add width to the sides and make the face appear less long. Make sure to avoid abrupt changes in length so the shaping is not obvious.

The Square FaceSimilar to shaping a beard for a round face, the beard for a square face should be shorter at the sides and longer at the chin to add length to the face. Once again, a goatee is also a good option for men with square faces.

The Large Face
Since the face is large, any small facial hair or beard will appear out of proportion and make the face appear bigger. Keep the beard fuller and the mustache larger.

The Small Face
Small faces require small facial hair. Larger, fuller styles will make the face get lost and appear out of proportion.

The Oval Face
The oval face shape is considered the ideal shape and requires no special shaping to balance facial features. Do whatever you like and you'll look great.