A couple of weeks ago we ran a post to coincide with Hair Loss Awareness Month, to put it mildly we had a massive response, from guys worrying about differing stages of hair loss. So to answer a couple of your questions we’ve sourced the entire industry and looked at and into alsorts of different products, ranging from wild and wacky, to old wives tales, to downright dangerous potions and lotions. But before we start two things have stuck in my mind the entire time we’ve been researching this whole topic. Firstly, there is no magic cure, yes you can have a hair transplant, but currently this is expensive, can be painful and it isn’t always a guarantee to take and then work. Plus, there are a lot of people claiming to offer a cure for hair loss which, basically, just isn’t true and are preying on people’s fears and insecurities. One thing you have to remember about hair loss and that is, don’t ignore it. If you catch it in its early stage you have far more options open to you than if you leave it and think it’ll go away.

Firstly, we caught up with leading hair care brand Aveda’s Master Barber, Stelios Nicolaou, who told us.

“My gents that have thin or thinning hair really love the new Aveda Thickening Tonic, it’s great for them because it will instantly add bulk and hold to their hair, giving them a nice pliable texture and thicker looking hair. Some men find that they are only thinning in certain areas of the head, around their crown or hairline for example, so you can customise how you use this product and apply only to the areas where thinning is a specific need. I can feel a change in texture and mass as I apply the product to guests hair, it instantly begins to feel thicker.”

Next,  we sort the advice of leading Trichologist, Marilyn Sherlock – Chairman of The Institute of Trichologists.

Are there any brushing techniques to promote thickness or growth ? 
Great hair starts with a healthy scalp. You could try a Nioxin in salon treatment such as the Nioxin Dermabrasion treatment (like a facial for the scalp). Prep hair with a Nioxin system kit. A good idea is to use a hair thickener such as Nioxin Diaboost which actually increases the thickness of each hair strand. Spray a few pumps into the roots and massage in, then blow dry with large round brush, gently lifting it at the roots, this will give body and lift.
Look for styles which will help create the look of thickness. Shorter hair with blunt ends & minimum layers can help hair look thicker, this is why bobs are the most popular for women with finer hair. Also recommend getting your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to help maintain shape and sharpen the ends of hair.

What are the major causes and how can you combat them ?
There are around 50 causes of hair thinning or hair loss. It is often the case that hair is thin due to genetic inheritance. However, if the hair is normally thick and starts to thin down, look at your diet. Is it well balanced and do you eat regularly? That is the first thing to look at.
You need a broad spectrum of nutrients of course, but do be sure to get you iron, protein and carbohydrates daily. These are the nutrients that your hair depends heavily upon. (those watching their weight can eat all those nutrients without fat or sugar)
Another cause of thinning hair is illness and particularly a high temperature for a prolonged period. However, this does not manifest itself until approximately three months after the illness. ( this is due to the 3 months that elapses after a temperature for example, before the hair can fall.
For more serious concerns I would always recommend seeing a trichologist for the Institute of Trichologists, who are experts on hair and scalp health.

Now, one of the first ports of call, if you are worried about hair loss is your Pharacist. Boots, have their own Pharmacy Hair Retention Programme – If you are feeling anxious about male pattern baldness, you are not alone – it is the most common form of hair loss, affecting 6.5 million men in the UK and Boots has a confidential service that can help.
Specially trained Boots UK pharmacists will hold an initial consultation and if appropriate, provide a prescription-only medicine without the need for a prescription. Follow up appointments to track changes in hair retention, are held after one, three, six, twelve months and annually thereafter, so you can monitor your progress with your pharmacist. The first four week trial supply costs £49, with follow up supplies starting from as little as £7.92 a week.

Another great set of products we found to assist in giving the look of fuller thicker hair are Lab Series ROOT POWER TREATMENT SHAMPOO
Which moisturises and conditions hair to improve its resilience and pliability. Cleans and invigorates the scalp to promote healthier-looking hair. For best results, use in conjunction with ROOT POWER HAIR TONIC. This scalp-energizing formula nourishes from root to tip to strengthen, thicken and repair hair while improving its appearance. Tonic increases luster and shine, in addition to creating an optimal environment for fuller, thicker hair.

The idea of a regular grooming routine for some men is a complete alien concept, for others moisturising, maybe once a week or fortnight is enough of a routine. So the notion of adding cleansing is one major step to far.

Well gentlemen, let me introduce you to the wonderous benefits of cleansing and those geni over at Clinique for Men have only blooming well gone and done it again !

The first step to maintaining healthy and clear skin is cleansing. Fueled by the purifying powers of bamboo charcoal, NEW Clinique for Men Charcoal Face Wash removes dirt, debris and surface oil for tired, stressed and congested skin with these effective ingredients below:
• Charcoal: derived from bamboo, this is infused with detoxifying properties to deeply cleanse without harshly drying or irritating skin
• Glycerin: attracts water to the skin to restore suppleness while also forming a barrier against future moisture loss to refuel and revitalise skin
• Caffeine: an anti-irritant that helps to nourish and soothe skin irritation from razor burns and nicks.

But for an even deeper yet still comfortable clean, pair the Charcoal Face Wash with Clinique’s new and ingenious Sonic System Deep Cleansing Brush; its specially designed to deliver even better cleansing results than hand washing and for a closer, comfortable and less irritating shave.

So follow these instructions to get the more out of these new partners in preventing Grooming crimes;

• Apply a coin-sized amount of Clinique for Men Charcoal Face Wash to dampened brush head and press start.
• Gently cleanse the cheeks with soft, lighter grey bristles and tilt the brush head to use the darker charcoal bristles in an up and down motion to clean the oilier t-zone.
• There is no need to apply pressure; let the brush gently glide over skin like gliding a computer mouse over a mouse pad.
• Use once daily for 30 seconds at night and work up to twice a day.
• Follow with the appropriate Clinique for Men Exfoliating Tonic and any Clinique for Men moisturiser along with additional recommended Clinique treatment products depending on skin type or skin concern.

Tommy Taylor (above), leading Men’s hairstylist at London’s HARE&BONE, who has been with been with the brand since its launch in December 2014 heads up Education as well as Men’s hair for the brand. He takes us though the top three men’s hair trends for Summer 2015. Having styled the hair for shoots with Shortlist Magazine, Tommy is the new face of Men’s hair, you know what I mean !
“This Spring men’s styles become much more refined (read simpler) and low maintenance. We’re seeing fewer undercuts and a return to classic barber techniques and shapes.”

Flat Pack

The fifties Flat Top makes a comeback with clean military precision lines and hedonistic height through the top. Think Val Kilmer in Top Gun with a side of De la Soul fade. Shape should be square cut with subtle movement to avoid looking too Jarhead.

“Hair needs to be flexible to avoid looking too ‘done’. Once washed spray with KMS HAIRPLAY Dry Wax in to towel dried hair and blow dry hair. Then finish with two pumps of KMS HAIRPLAY Moulding Paste, rub palms together and apply through hair to create a lived it texture with flexible hold.

Crop N Roll

If you favour simple style the crop is this seasons go to look. A refined and work appropriate look, styling is minimal, quite literally get up and go. Keep a little length on top to soften the look.           “This is the easiest look to style, simply wash and air dry then run a small amount of KMS HAIRPLAY Clay Crème through the top section to add texture and definition”

Push Back

No Parting, pushed back, low key styling. With a nod to Johnny Cash hair is worn pushed back away from the face with a subtle height. Length is longer through the sides and top with natural movement. Use KMS Hair Play Clay Crème for a strong hold matte texture. A great style if you cycle to work.
“Hold is key when it comes to this look, keep your style in place with a foundation of product – perhaps combining two products for a unique effect, not too shiny but with great hold. I would recommend combining KMS HAIRPLAY Messing Creme with HAIRPLAY Moulding Paste for maximum hols and soft texture.”

The individual and unique aroma of Incense have made it a desired commodity for over six thousand years. Through history, incense has held a spiritual role. Burnt in ritual, its smoke was believed to connect the earthly being to the divine. The Roman emperor, Nero, burned an year’s harvest at the funeral of his favourite mistress. And it was the favourite scent of the Queen of Sheba. In fact, as Master Perfumer of this scent ,Marie Salamagne notes, ‘Man has always had a special connection with incense. It is something used to find peace and energy.’

Incense & Cedrat is the new addition to Cologne Intense, a collection defined by rich and rare ingredients by Jo Malone London, yes Jo Malone do Men’s Grooming products, it’s not just for the ladies fellas. For this fragrance, Marie Salamagne, used the scent of Omani incense, the most precious in the world. Produced for over six thousand years, it is harvested from the revered Boswellia sacra tree found in a swathe of land between ocean and desert, Dhofar. The harvest is passed down through generations. Twice a year the tree is incised allowing resinous sap to seep out, dry and crystallise.

The distinctive warmth of incense is enriched by three layers of resins. Each one intensifies the character of the incense heart. The lemon and pepper notes of Elemi bring out a radiant freshness as the fragrance opens. Amber-like labdanum ciste highlights sensuality at the heart. Smooth, sweet benzoin accentuates an addictive richness at the base. As the resins unfurl, they are complemented by the brightness of cedrat. A luminous citrus twist.

If you were to ask a British consumer, what the know about the Amercian Designer Michael Kors, the likihood is t. fhey would start by discussing Michael Michael Kors, unveiled in late 2004. THe. Michael Michael Kors labels includes Womenswear, Swimwear and of course handbags leather goods, Sunglasses and of course Timepieces for both men and women. However, this maverick US designer has so much more to his repertoire than handbags and watches !

Kors began his career at the tenDer age of 19 designing and Merchandising a collection for the renowned New York boutique Lothar’s. IN  1981 THE MICHAEL KORS Brand was formed , his first women’s collection was launched at legendary department stores Bergdorf Goodman and  SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, followed by in 2002, a full mens range in response to the acclaim he received by a capsule line he launched in 1997. Since then his all his collections have never strayed from Korrs’ initial vision of stylish, luxury Amercian Sportwear.

His latest project is a new men’s Fragrance inspired by the ultimate Jetsetter. The fragrance was created with the Michael Kors man in mind—the man who is always on the move, the man who knows how to balance urban sophistication and that all important rugged style, think move Sean Connery than Ryanair. Michael Kors for Men opens with a bright, fresh topmnote of bergamot, enhanced with herbaceous tones of energising elemi,thyme and black pepper and stimulating coriander and staranise. The warmth of incense and smoothness of suede are joined by the aromatic qualities of sage, creating a unique signature. This modern, masculine scent is enriched by the earthy sensuality of patchouli, sandalwood and sleek woods, with rich musk at the fragrance’s core to capture a clean, natural essence.