Author: Christine!

  • How to Shave, Wash, and Care for Your Head Properly

    How to Shave, Wash, and Care for Your Head Properly

    Is the hair on your head thinning dramatically? Be brave and shave off the last bits of fluff! This makes the clear-cutting a success

    Men with hair loss should no longer be annoyed and should instead grab a razor straight away. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that men with bald heads not only look more masculine and authoritative than those with a full head of hair but are taller and stronger.

    To find out, the scientists showed subjects photos of four different men, one with and one without hair. The study participants rated the men without hair as much more authoritarian and attributed them with better leadership qualities. When it comes to body shape, the baldness in the subjects’ heads also increased by a few centimeters. The same man was judged to be taller and stronger when he was shown to be bald.

    Sounds good, right? Losing your hair and shaving isn’t so bad. Below, you will find out what you should pay attention to when shaving your head and how to properly wash, care for, and protect your bald head from the weather.

    Am I bald?

    Not every type of man has a bald head; there is no question about it. “Before you decide to go bald, you should have your head shape and skin looked at by a professional,” says hairstylist Dimitri Dimitrakoudis.

    If the shape of your head is irregular or your skin is impure, the hair expert generally advises against baldness. Then it’s better to just trim the remaining hair and leave a few stubble left. Is your head well-shaped and your scalp clean? Then nothing stands in the way of clear-cutting.

    The best tip for a successful head shave is: A good razor with sharp blades

    bald head feels good after shaving
    To ensure that your bald head feels good after shaving, you should follow our care tips. Photo: Roman Samborsky / Shutterstock.com

    How do I shave my head properly?

    If you’ve decided to go bald but still have a few hairs sprouting on your head, it’s best to follow these step-by-step instructions for shaving a bald head:

    1. If you currently have longer hair on your head, you should first trim the hair to a few millimeters. Otherwise, the razor blades will immediately clog, requiring you to press harder and cut yourself more easily.
    2. Mat off? Before you start shaving, you should wash your head with warm water. This makes the hair softer and the razor glides better later.
    3. Feel the scalp again with your fingers for any unevenness. It’s easy to cut into moles or pimples that were previously hidden under hair. Ouch!
    4. Apply a generous amount of shaving gel or foam to the scalp.
    5. Start shaving in even strokes and with light pressure from your forehead to your neck. This way you automatically cut the hair on the top of your head against the grain. This means there is no gray shadow.
    6. The hair on the back of your neck grows in a different direction. If you shave from front to back, you shorten it with the line. Good this way! Because the hair here usually doesn’t fall out and is still quite thick, skin irritations such as pimples or ingrown hairs can quickly occur.
    7. Wash the razor thoroughly with warm water after each stroke to prevent it from becoming clogged.
    8. Tip: If you hold and tense your scalp a little with your fingers, you will minimize the risk of cuts on the scalp. Also, change your razor blades regularly to prevent skin irritations such as bald spots.

    Very important: The sensitive skin on the head is repeatedly irritated by shaving and therefore requires gentle treatment afterward: “A short shower with cold water closes the pores of the scalp and prevents irritation.

    Then dab the skin carefully, do not rub it dry, and then Apply a care cream,” advises Dr. Med. Lilia Westermann, a specialist in dermatology and venereology from Hamburg. She recommends creams with D-panthenol for severely irritated scalps after shaving.

    What is the best way to shave my bald head?

    Ideally, use the same wet razor that you use for your face. This means that the risk of injury is low, and the shave is quite close because the hair is clipped almost directly to the surface of the skin.

    Electric shavers that are designed for the face are less suitable for the contours of the skull. Men with practiced hands can also use a safety razor or straight razor. This makes it even more thorough. At the same time, the risk of cuts also increases.

    Do I need shampoo for my bald head?

    No hair, no shampoo? Please don’t! “The scalp should be cleansed with mild hair shampoos. The scalp of bald men is extremely sensitive to adverse environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, allergies, redness or pimples,” explains Westermann. Shower gel and soap can irritate the sensitive scalp. Here we have put together the best shampoos for men.

    What is the best way to care for a bald head?

    Since baldness is about as sensitive as the skin on the face, the expert recommends regularly caring for the scalp with a mild facial cream. It’s best to use a mattifying product for oily skin so that the bald head doesn’t shine too much. Alternatively, you can lightly powder the scalp.

    How do I protect myself from dry scalp and sunburn on my head?

    If you’re choosing to go bald just for convenience, you might want to reconsider. The equation ‘no hair = less care‘ doesn’t work on your head.

    Your bald head needs a lot of attention: “In the summer months and at high altitudes, for example, on a skiing holiday, always protect your scalp with a hat or sunscreen.

    In winter, there is a risk of dehydration and loss of heat through the bald scalp. It’s not just frost and wind that cause the skin to lose moisture”, but also the dry heating air,” explains the doctor. A rich care cream is therefore mandatory in the cold season. Just like a head covering.

    Which hats are ideal for bald people?

    A large part of the body’s heat is lost through the head. Normally, the hair counteracts this. Bald people should always wear a hat. But not all headgear is suitable for bald people.

    The dermatologist recommends hats made of cotton: “When using wool hats, hypersensitivity and allergic reactions often occur, so in these cases, caps or hats made of cotton are most suitable.” In the summer, you can also protect your scalp from the sun with a cap or hat.

    No hair, no work? Not quite. Bald heads need particularly intensive treatment. But with our tips, baldness care will be easy for you.

  • These are the 9 Best Beard Care Products

    These are the 9 Best Beard Care Products

    A well-groomed beard needs, of course, care: With these beard oils, trimmers, etc. you can get your facial hair in top shape

    Only a well-groomed beard is a beautiful beard. However, that doesn’t mean you have to constantly run to your trusted barber. With a little patience, practice, and these 9 products, everything can go smoothly at home.

    1: Sharp blades for clear contours

    With its five blades and thanks to Flex Ball technology, the precision razor enables a barely noticeable and particularly close shave.

    2: Styling helper for in-between

    An extremely practical mustache tool in pocket size: a handmade folding beard comb, perfect for styling on the go.

    3: Beard wax tames the mustache hair

    This wax ensures a secure hold and long-lasting styling without sticking. Styling trick: massage into damp beard hair and then dry with a hairdryer on a medium setting. Once the beard is dry, you will notice how it can be shaped.

    4: Beard oil makes kissing more comfortable

    A beard oil provides a lot of moisture to wet hair. This one uses nourishing plant extracts to ensure healthy, shiny, and pleasantly soft beard hairs. Absorbs very quickly without washing out.

    5: A treat for the beard

    For a barbershop experience in your beard, you can massage your care products into a beard brush like this one made of oiled walnut wood. This stimulates blood circulation, giving your beard hair optimal growth conditions.

    6: Soft foam bat

    Badger hair bristles, a gently rounded handle made from heather wood (Bruyère), and a wide collar: This shaving brush stylishly emphasizes what counts. The brush heads can be unscrewed, making them easy to replace.

    7: Even a beard can be delicate

    The solid care contains jojoba oil and illipe butter, giving your beard’s hair suppleness and a pleasant, subtle herbal scent. Plastic waste? None!

    8: All-round flexible – all-round thorough

    With the new 360-degree flex head, the interchangeable attachment adapts to the contours of your face. This means you can have a perfectly clean shave, but you can also trim a three-day beard to a uniform length. With the razor, you can reach every difficult spot.

    9: Beard balm tames frizzy stubble

    After washing is before styling. This beard balm tames wild bristles and gets them back in top shape every day.

    If you have the right beard product in the bathroom and use it correctly, you will save a lot of time and hassle when styling. Bad beard days are now a thing of the past.

  • Itchy Scalp: 6 Expert Tips to Combat Annoying Head Itching

    Itchy Scalp: 6 Expert Tips to Combat Annoying Head Itching

    Does your scalp itch and burn constantly, and nothing helps? We’ll help you find out what’s causing it and what can help

    How it itches! Driving you crazy. Small consolation: You are not alone with an itchy scalp; almost 75 percent of the world’s population suffers from it. But help is coming! Our experts reveal the causes behind the itching and give tips on what you can do if you have scalp problems. Whether organic care products, anti-dandruff shampoos from the drugstore, or simple home remedies, there is guaranteed to be something for every scalp type.

    Why does the scalp itch?

    If the scalp itches or burns, then the “skin barrier,” i.e., the skin’s natural protective layer, is disturbed. The reasons for this can include genetics, stress, or poor nutrition. But dry, heated air in the winter or excessive UV radiation in summer can also lead to itching because both dry out the scalp.

    “Itching usually doesn’t come alone. Accompanying symptoms often include redness, dandruff, papules, pustules, and blisters,” emphasizes Hamburg dermatologist Dr. Susanne Steinkraus. All of these changes can be an indication of inflammation, thus the cause of the itchy scalp.

    Here’s one of the five most common causes of itchy scalps:

    1: Incorrect hair care is often the problem

    A lot helps a lot? Not in this case! “Too many care products and too frequent hot washing and blow-drying can throw the scalp out of balance in the long term. Shampoos with aggressive surfactants are particularly dangerous, as they form foam and dissolve grease and dirt from the hair,” emphasizes dermatologist Steinkraus.

    However, special shampoos for sensitive scalps that use fewer surfactants are more suitable. Dandruff shampoos fall into this category and can also be used by people without dandruff but with sensitive scalps.

    We recommend the Scalp Relief Dandruff Control Shampoo from Redken and, as a slightly cheaper alternative, the classic from Head & Shoulders. Chemical treatments, for example, coloring, can also cause itching on the scalp.

    Healthy scalp for Men
    Proper care is crucial for a healthy scalp. Photo: Prostock studio / Shutterstock.com

    Danger! No matter how mild your shampoo is, when washing your hair, make sure the shampoo is rinsed out completely. Otherwise, itching can quickly occur.

    2: Itchy scalp can be a sign of dandruff

    If you find yourself scratching your head frequently, you may have dandruff. The body reacts to irritation with dandruff and itching. Dandruff can have both banal and medically relevant causes, such as allergic reactions. If you have sebaceous skin and yellowish dandruff, you should see a doctor.
    “Such dandruff often occurs as part of seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease,” explains Dr. Steinkraus. Your doctor can prescribe special medications. Unfortunately, an anti-dandruff shampoo from the drugstore is usually not enough. What can help are these tips against dandruff.

    3: Dry scalp itches

    If other parts of your body also tend to be dry, a dry scalp is probably the cause of the itching. Any hair type can be affected, whether you have thick, thin, straight, or curly hair, or whether you have dandruff or not.

    The same applies here: it is best to use a shampoo specifically for sensitive, dry scalps; always rinse thoroughly; and do not blow-dry your hair too hot.

    We tested Eucerin’s DermoCapillaire Scalp Soothing Urea Shampoo, and it helped us a lot. Is itching the only thing that annoys you? This way, you can get any hair problem under control.

    4: Fungal or bacterial infections cause severe itching

    A fungus on the scalp also causes itching. Here, the skin can also show red and scaly spots. In addition, the lymph nodes in the neck and neck area may be enlarged.

    Attention: The itching can also come from lice. Parents of young children are particularly affected. The lice form small nits (eggs), which can be easily found when the scalp is closely inspected.

    5: The wrong diet disrupts the balance of your scalp

    It’s not just external influences such as heat or cold that can put strain on your scalp. What you eat every day also affects the balance of your scalp. Intolerances or a lack of minerals and amino acids can be reasons for an itchy scalp. It’s best to have your blood checked for any defects if the itching doesn’t go away despite an adjusted care routine.

    What should I do about an itchy scalp?

    “Itchy scalps can have harmless temporary causes, but they can also indicate serious illnesses,” emphasizes dermatologist Susanne Steinkraus. It is therefore essential to know what the problem is before treating your scalp.

    It’s best to first try whether a mild dandruff shampoo (e.g., Urea Acute Shampoo from Sebamed) solves the problem. Most of the time, the problem resolves itself.

    Not for you? Then please don’t bother with yourself for too long, but make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. “Finding the cause should always be the priority,” advises our expert. Depending on the cause, different home remedies, cosmetics, or conventional medical treatments can be of great help:

    Mild care products and less styling reduce itching For Men
    Mild care products and less styling reduce itching. Photo: Luis Molinero / Shutterstock.com

    Tip 1: Switch to milder care

    Check whether your care products are irritating your scalp! Starting with shampoo, styling products, and headgear, leave out individual things and watch closely to see whether the itching subsides.

    And: “It’s best not to wash your hair with shampoo every day and only with water now and then,” says Dippel. Here, you can find the best shampoos for men.

    Tip 2: Make your tea tree oil spray

    Tea tree oil is not only beneficial for blemishes but also for itchy scalps.

    The reason is that the essential oil has an antiseptic, i.e., anti-inflammatory, effect because it kills bacteria and fungi. To make a homemade anti-itch tea tree oil spray, take an empty spray bottle and fill it with 95 ml of water. Then add 5 ml of tea tree oil (e.g., tea tree oil from Natura Pur). Shake vigorously. If you have a sensitive, dry scalp, you should start with a lower dose of tea tree oil: 2 ml is enough.

    Tip 3: A brush with boar bristles improves blood circulation

    If you have to deal with itching on your scalp from time to time, you can prevent it—in times when there is no itching—with a brush made of boar bristles (e.g., from Brustenhaus Redecker). This is intended to stimulate blood circulation. Sebum production is regulated. Dryness and hair that is too oily should improve.

    Tip 4: Home remedies such as baking soda help with dandruff

    If you don’t want to buy a new shampoo right away, you can also try baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice or coconut oil. We can particularly recommend the cold-pressed coconut oil from Monte Nativo. According to numerous reviews in hair care forums, natural products help with at least occasional and mild dandruff.

    However, there are no scientific studies on its effectiveness. And you won’t be able to get a severe dandruff problem under control.

    Tip 5: You can change a lot with the right diet

    “Depending on the cause, a change in diet can be very helpful,” says Dippel. “A healthy diet can make up for a lot, especially in the case of hyperacidity and high levels of stress. In such cases, important minerals and amino acids, which are necessary as building materials for a healthy scalp, are usually missing.”
    The expert therefore recommends consuming healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are found, for example, in linseed or… Contains hemp oil.

    But: “Before you start with a (complex) change in diet, you should first leave out the usual care products or replace them with others. The scalp usually reacts allergically and is irritated by certain ingredients,” says Dippel.

    Scalp problems treatment For Men
    If you itch, don’t scratch, it will only make it worse. Photo: Roman Samborsky / Shutterstock.com

    What should I not do if I have an itchy scalp?

    Easier said than done, but don’t give in to the itch! “If in doubt, scratching will only make it worse, as bacteria can enter through minor injuries,” says dermatologist Dr. Steinkraus.

    Frequent hair washing should also be avoided. And after washing, you should never blow-dry your hair too hot. Better just lukewarm. Too much styling can also irritate the scalp. That’s why it makes sense to avoid styling products altogether for a longer period of time.

    Scalp problems usually only disappear with regular and, above all, appropriate treatment. Pay attention not only to external factors but also to your diet.

    Basically: Give your scalp some time to regulate itself and definitely see a doctor if the itching doesn’t go away despite our tips.

  • Cool Celebrity Hairstyles For Men With Hair Loss

    Cool Celebrity Hairstyles For Men With Hair Loss

    Celebrity men like Harry Styles and Jude Law are not spared from hair loss. With these styles, you can make your hair fuller

    It’s hair-raising. In 95 percent of all cases, hair loss is hereditary and hormonally related. Testosterone is the same hormone that makes muscles grow and can destroy hair. Illnesses, stress, or medication are the cause of only 5 percent of those affected.

    But even if you belong to the majority of men, there is no reason to let your balding head hang. A trip to the hairdresser usually helps to restore your attractiveness despite hair loss. And there are also effective remedies for hair loss, like this one.

    Many famous faces have embraced their thinning hair and found styles that not only look great but also boost their confidence. One popular choice is the buzz cut. Celebrities like Jason Statham and Vin Diesel have rocked this low-maintenance style, which emphasizes strength and simplicity. The buzz cut can help minimize the appearance of thinning hair, making it a great option for men who want to feel fresh and clean.

    This hairstyle blends the hair on the sides with the top, allowing for a stylish contrast. Stars like David Beckham have sported variations of this cut. The fade can create an illusion of fullness on top while keeping the sides neat, offering a modern twist that many men find appealing.

    Celebrities like Ryan Reynolds have shown that a short, messy style can work wonders. By adding some texture, men can create volume and distract from thinning areas.

    Lastly, embracing the shaved head is another bold choice. Celebrities like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have made this look iconic. Shaving your head can be liberating and confident, sending a strong message that you own your style no matter what.

    In conclusion, many celebrities have shown that hair loss doesn’t mean you can’t look stylish. With the right haircut, men can feel great and showcase their unique personalities. Embrace your look, and remember that confidence is key!

    The right hairstyle for the first signs of hair loss

    Hair loss does not stop, even in young men. The best example is “Gossip Girl” star Ed Westwick (33), who has had a slightly receding hairline and a high forehead for years.

    Ed Westwick Receding Hairline
    Clever: Ed Westwick parts his hair on the side with the smaller receding hairline. Photo: Cubankite / Shutterstock.com

    The Westwick solution pulls the hair voluminously away from the face instead of combing it flat over the corners, making the mat appear even thinner.

    Here’s how it works: Rub some mattifying styling cream or wax into your hands and spread it into the spaces between your fingers. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Special FX Remix Fiber Paste for styling. It gives a good hold but doesn’t stick the hair together uncomfortably. Then run your fingers through damp (!) hair from below and essentially fluff up the hair. Blow-dry the mat diagonally backward with a small round brush (e.g., from The Beardy Bro ).

    Finally, pick up some styling paste again and accentuate a few strands with your fingers, and you’re done. You can find the coolest beard trends from the stars here if you’re also interested.

    Undone styling makes large receding hairlines appear smaller

    Singer Harry Styles is only 27 but already has a fairly large receding hairline.

    Have you never noticed them?

    That’s because the Brit cleverly hides them.

    Singer Harry Styles Receding Hairline
    Singer Harry Styles shows how long hair works despite a receding hairline: casually blow-dried back. Photo: Lev Radin / Shutterstock.com

    The Styles solution: blow-dry more volume into the remaining hair. Because the hair looks fuller overall, the thinner forehead area is no longer as noticeable, even if you wear your hair back.

    Here’s how it works: Volume spray: We recommend the long-term volume blow-dry active styling spray from Guhl – distribute through damp hair. Blow-dry all your hair wildly backward. Use your fingers, not a brush. An accurate round brush quiff would unfavorably emphasize the angular line at the hairline.

    To perfect the out-of-bed look, spray some salt spray into your hair and twirl individual strands between your fingers. Done! Have you read our test report for pomades, etc.? If not, you can find the best styling products for men’s hair here

    Ever-higher forehead

    It’s almost a trademark of British actor Jude Law (48): a receding forehead area.

    Actor Jude Law Tousled Hair
    Actor Jude Law knows that tousled hair is flattering. Photo: DFree / Shutterstock.com

    The Law Solution: Don’t even try to hide your high forehead with longer hair! The remaining hair is too thin for that anyway. Then with a hat or a baseball cap. The hairstyle itself should not exceed a maximum hair length of three centimeters and should be worn backward.

    When the top of your head slowly becomes bald

    Typical—and not just for Jason Statham (53): at some point, a receding hairline is accompanied by hair loss in the tonsure area.

    Actor Jason Statham hair loss and shaves head
    Actor Jason Statham admits to his hair loss and shaves his head. Photo: DFree / Shutterstock.com

    The Statham Solution: Stop hair loss and shave your head bald! But not directly with a wet razor, but with a trimmer. If a few short stubble remains, the face is framed softly, and the look is completed with the matching three-day beard. We recommend the bald razor from Skull Shaver to imitators; it is adapted to the shape of the skull and catches all the hair.

    The celebrity men show the way: It’s better to embrace your receding hairline than to desperately try to cover it up. This not only looks more casual but also makes the hair appear fuller.

    By the way, you can find more hairstyle ideas for men with hair loss here.

  • This is How Men Get Their Brows In Top Shape

    This is How Men Get Their Brows In Top Shape

    Well-groomed eyebrows make you more charismatic. But just don’t pluck too much! How men shape their eyebrows correctly

    A very cheesy saying goes: “The eyes are the windows of the soul.” And if so, the eyebrows are probably the curtains. When your arches are in top shape, you appear more charismatic, and your eyes stand out much more. If brows are poorly plucked or overgrown, the opposite is true. You quickly come across as grumpy and negative.

    So that this doesn’t happen to you, we have summarized the most important tips and tricks:

    How much should men pluck their brows?

    Whether man or woman: The basic rule is that the natural brow shape flatters the face and should not be changed drastically. If you pinch too much, your gaze will lose expression. Therefore, every person should pluck as little as possible. But that doesn’t mean that completely wild growth is particularly advantageous.

    Especially in men, a lot of hairs often sprout underneath the brows, clearly outside of the actual brow shape. This quickly makes you look unkempt and grumpy,” explains Hollywood beautician Anastasia Soare, who, by the way, has also plucked David Beckham’s brows. With their help, we’ll tell you step by step how to get the best out of your brows at home.

    Step 1: brush your eyebrows upwards

    pluck your brows
    A magnifying mirror will help you pluck your brows even more precisely. Photo: LightField Studios / Shutterstock.com

    Use a small precision comb from Tweezerman to comb the hairs in your brows upwards. For what reason? So you can see which hairs are significantly longer than others (you can shorten them later) and which hairs are clearly out of line, i.e., sprouting far away from your actual brow shape,” explains Anastasia Soare because you should only pluck these hairs later.

    Step 2: Trim the outliers

    When all the hairs are as vertical as possible, you can work with small nail scissors or, in style, brow scissors. Carefully trim only the hairs that protrude significantly (i.e., more than 3 mm) beyond the upper contour of your brows.
    Important: Always, really always, only cut the eyebrow hair above the contour. “If you cut in the middle of your brows, you run the risk of cutting small or large holes in your brows,” says Soare.

    And while we’re on the subject of precise hair removal, this is how you get rid of annoying hair in your ears.

    Step 3: thin out brows that are too thick

    Most men can skip this step. However, if you have thick, bushy brows that are just too long overall, you won’t get very far with scissors alone.

    Better: a specially designed eyebrow trimmer like this one from Remington, which you can also use for nose and ear hair.

    Here’s how it works: Carefully run the tool over your eyebrows. This way, all the hairs get the length. Then comb all the hair upwards and check whether any individual hairs are still sticking out. If everything is fine, then continue with step 4.

    Step 4: Pluck your eyebrows

    Now, when all the hair is short, tweezers are used. It’s best to use one with a slanted tip so you can grip fine hair better. We recommend these special eyebrow tweezers from Pfeilring.

    Remember, the point is to create some order, not completely reshape your brows—and add an arch where there isn’t one naturally.

    Brow professional Anastasia Soare explains how it works: “Pluck the hairs that are clearly out of line.

    The following applies: Always pluck just below the brow, never above it. As a rule, no wild hairs sprout there anyway.” Above the bridge of the nose, in the monobrow zone, you can pluck a little more boldly. Gathered brows don’t flatter anyone. The most embarrassing hair removal accidents in men

    pluck hair between your brows
    Feel free to pluck hair between your brows. Photo: LightField Studios / Shutterstock.com

    Tip: Wash your face with cold water after plucking. This causes the blood vessels to contract. The pain and redness subside quickly.

    You don’t want to go through the pain of picking?

    There are also special eyebrow razors. However, you can quickly see stubble here because the hair has not been removed at the root, like when plucking. And it’s easy to slip, which can easily cause unevenness in your brows. So, it’s better to grit your teeth for a moment.

    Step 5: fix the shape with eyebrow gel

    After plucking, you’re theoretically done. Optionally, you can also shape your hair with eyebrow gel. Like hair styling products, it ensures that the hair is kept in shape. Our editorial favorite is the Clear Lash & Brow eyebrow gel from Artdeco.

    How to use it: There is a spiral brush attached to the cap. If you pull it out, the gel automatically sticks to it. Wipe the brush once along the opening of the bottle to get rid of excess gel (otherwise your brows will stick together unattractively). Then comb all the hair upwards with the gel brush so that it lies well in shape. The brows now look a little fuller and more groomed, but not made up.

    Conclusion: Caring for eyebrows doesn’t take much time

    Before you pluck, you should shorten your long hair with scissors. You can get heavy growth under control with a trimmer. And a special styling gel fixes the brows so they stay in top shape all day long.

  • This Hair Loss Medication Has Severe Side Effects

    This Hair Loss Medication Has Severe Side Effects

    Intervene in the hormonal balance to stop hair loss. That can’t be healthy, can it? Finasteride is that dangerous

    Some promises make you skeptical because they are too close to the fulfillment of a dream: swallow one tablet with the active ingredient finasteride a day, and the hair loss stops.

    Even better: hair even grows back. It sounds too good to be true.

    The miracle pill has one very obvious catch: you have to swallow a medication every day that interferes with your hormonal balance. Please? Yes, we reacted that way too.

    How are you supposed to achieve a full head of hair, and is that even healthy? We wanted to know that, too. That’s why we at Dr. Désirée Hölscher, a dermatologist and hair expert at the renowned Dermatologicum in Hamburg, asked.

    What is finasteride, and how does it work?

    The active ingredient influences the male hormonal balance. Taking less dihydrotestosterone (DHT) produces testosterone from testosterone. DHT not only ensures the development of the male sexual organs in children but also the growth of body hair. It can also cause hair loss later in life.

    “DHT shortens the growth phase of the hair until the follicles, the growth engines for the hair, finally die. The result: the hair thins,” says hair expert Dr. Hölscher, adding: “By taking finasteride, DHT production is blocked. Hair loss is stopped, and hair density can increase,” says Dr. Hölscher. We have compiled further information about hair loss here.

    Patience and perseverance are prerequisites for success. Because it can take a few months for the effect to become visible. “The first positive effects can be expected after 3–6 months. The active ingredient works for 90 percent of all users.” The big catch is that the drug has severe side effects. And is therefore not the first recommendation from experienced hair loss experts like Dr. Hölscher.

    What side effects does finasteride have?

    Finasteride requires a prescription and may only be taken after an intensive consultation with a doctor. These side effects are known:

    • Erection problems
    • Loss of libido
    • Depression with suicidal thoughts
    • Chronic pain
    • Sleep problems and lack
    • No blood may be donated

    “There has therefore been a Red Hand letter for the medication since 2018. Every patient must be thoroughly informed about these side effects. Finasteride is not one of my first recommendations due to the possible known side effects. If a patient wants to take finasteride, he or she must do so with his signature confirming that he has been informed about side effects and accepts them,” says Dr. Désirée Hölscher.

    Tip: As an alternative without serious side effects, the hair expert recommends using minoxidil preparations, which are applied externally to the scalp. The REGAINE men’s foam with 5 percent minoxidil reactivates inactive hair roots and thus supports the formation of new hair.

    What happens if I stop finasteride?

    As soon as finasteride is stopped, hair loss starts again. It is difficult to generalize whether and how quickly any side effects will subside. Sometimes they persist even after the medication is stopped.

    Experts suspect that the drug permanently damages the hormonal balance and thus the balanced mood, which can ultimately lead to ongoing psychological problems. Erectile dysfunction can also persist beyond the end of the medication period.

    You should think carefully before taking pills carelessly just for hair loss. The chances of success are high, but so is the risk of lasting side effects. We think hair loss isn’t so bad. There are lower-risk remedies, such as minoxidil, and hairstyles that you can use to conceal hair loss.

  • The Best Hair Products for Men and How To Use Them Correctly

    The Best Hair Products for Men and How To Use Them Correctly

    Gel or spray in, and you’re done? You can do it, but there is a better way. How and with what to style your hair correctly

    Gel, wax, or paste—it’s the same thing in the end, right?

    Not at all! If you use the right product for styling, it will be much easier to get your hair into the shape you want, and the look will last much longer.

    Here we reveal which styling aid is intended for what and how to use the hair products correctly.

    1: You can reshape your hair again and again with wax

    If your friend likes to run their hands through your hair now and then, a wax is ideal. Rub a pea-sized dollop of it into the palms of your hands and, with your fingers spread, toss your dry (!) hair into shape. For example, with the bangs forward or with the parting casually out of the face. Wax sprays are completely new and can simply be misted on like hairspray, but do not cause a helmet effect.

    2: A styling paste gives fine hair structure and volume

    Hair pastes have the hold of wax but usually have a matte finish. This makes it perfect for men with fine, straight hair who want a little more volume.

    The application is similar to wax: apply it to towel-dried or blow-dried hair and use your fingers to shape the strands into the desired shape.

    Tip: If you want to style your hair away from your face, you can also use a hair paste as a “setting agent.”. To do this, distribute it through damp hair and then blow-dry the hair backward; this will give it more strength. Then rub a second dollop on your hands and shape your dry hair.

    3: A pomade ensures a bombproof hold

    Are you a regular at the barber and always wear your hair neatly parted? Then a pomade is just the right styling product for you. For a more matte look, use pomades on dry hair. For a shiny, wet look, you should apply the pomade to damp hair.

    Rule of thumb: A pea-sized amount is enough for fine hair. For thick hair, you can double. Then shape the hair with a fine-toothed comb. By the way, these men’s hairstyles are currently trendy.

    4: Salt spray gives soft hair more grip

    Do you know that feeling when you’ve spent a day at the beach and your hair looks good because of the seawater? They have more grip and look fuller somehow. You don’t necessarily have to book a vacation to get the effect; you can simply spray a few spritzes of salt spray into damp hair.

    Then blow dry or let it air dry. If you don’t want your hair to look too done, you can just leave it like that. Or define the hair a little more with wax. Because the strands now have more grip, they can be shaped much better.

  • This is How Often You Should Change Your Razor Blades

    This is How Often You Should Change Your Razor Blades

    If you shave often, you also have to change the blades often. But what does that mean, and when will it happen at the latest?

    Blades for modern system razors are manufactured so that they can be used around 5–10 times on average. So much for theory. For some, this may be exactly true. For others, this seems far too early or too late. Why? Here are the details:

    How often can I use a razor blade?

    How long you can use your razor blades depends largely on how thick your beard hair is and whether you shave everything every time or just clean the contours.

    The following applies: the thicker and denser the hair, the faster razor blades wear out. 8 times is the maximum here. If your beard grows rather finely or you only shave the contours, you will have to replace it less often. Then you can use the blades 10 times, if not longer. At the latest, when the lubricating strips dissolve, the razor head should go into the trash.

    What if I cut myself more easily with fresh blades?

    Fresh blades are the gentlest because they cut the hair the cleanest. But many men also find that a new head only gets good after the second or third shave because they can easily cut themselves with very fresh, super-sharp blades. Is that the case with you too? It’s understandable if you want to delay changing for as long as possible. But you shouldn’t wait too long. Otherwise, you risk even more annoying skin irritations.

    Rinse the razor with hot water
    Rinse the razor with hot water and let it dry with the head facing up. Photo: Laura Mitulla / Unsplash.com

    Tip: Try to reduce pressure when shaving. This also reduces the risk of cuts.

    Why do I have to change the blades so often?

    Every time you shave, the blades wear down a bit before eventually becoming dull. The problem is that if the blades are dull, the hair will eventually just get caught in between them. Instead of cutting them off cleanly, you pluck them out of the skin. Which often results in skin irritations such as ingrown hairs. Tips for ingrown beard hair can be found here.

    How do razor blades stay sharper?

    The problem is deposits between the blades: hair, shaving cream, and dead skin. Please do not remove the dirt with a towel! The lint also clogs the blades. It is much better to rinse the razor with hot (!) water again and again during and after shaving and then let it dry with the head facing up. Under no circumstances should you leave the shaving head on the wet sink or in the damp shower; water will cause the lubricating strips to wear out even faster.

    In addition, germs have optimal growth conditions in moist, warm conditions. To be on the safe side, you can also disinfect the razor before using it again. Be sure to let the disinfectant dry completely to avoid skin irritation. We recommend the quick-drying SOS disinfectant spray.

    Important: Use different razors for your face and intimate areas. Otherwise, the razor will quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria you keep rubbing into your face. After clicking, you can find out how to properly shave underneath in our intimate shaving guide.

    Also important: Don’t buy the cheapest blades. The following applies: quality has its price. For sensitive skin, we recommend the SkinGuardSensitive from Gillette and the associated blades; for heavy beard growth and rather insensitive skin, the Wilkinson Sword Quattro razor blades are our undisputed favorites.

    You should change your razor blades regularly. Even if it costs a lot of money, dull blades do not do your skin any favors, and you’ll end up with razor burns and ingrown hairs.