As of lately, I have become fascinated with more natural-alternative ways to condition my skin (and/or cleanse my face), without having to spend a lot of money on high-end products that boast of getting the job done. I’m not against investing in quality, but if you’re on a budget it can be hard to balance what you need with what you want. I have done some research and the common consensus among men (and women) pertaining to choosing natural remedies is mainly based upon avoiding products that are loaded with toxic chemicals! I concur with this disposition as I become more exposed to what corporate name brand businesses are doing behind the scenes (behind consumers’ backs); putting more money in their already fat wallets!
So, with that being said, I would like for you men, to glean from my findings online. The following information is what other bloggers are talking about when it comes to natural ways for men to have a better shave, vibrant skin, and healthier hair! As always, I will leave links below for you to checkout more info on this topic as well as instructions on how to make these diys.
SHAVING:
Shaving to men is of the utmost importance just as makeup and skincare is to women. So investing in products and a process that works for you is essential. Depending upon the texture of your facial hair (thin/thick) it maybe easy or difficult for you to shave properly without irritating your skin. In doing my research, I wanted to know what is the best method overall for men to have a good clean shave, and there are several opinions on the topic. Yet, the one I kept coming across, was the old-fashioned/old-school method consisting of the following tools needed for any man to have a proper shaving experience:
-antique razor (and not those multi-blades/disposable ones)
-shaving brush (for lathering diy cream on your face before shaving)
-where to buy online: https://www.groominglounge.com/tools/shaving-accessories
This means that time is of the essence and of the utmost importance. The main factor that is agreed upon is that a man can’t rush through his shave if he wants it to be done the right way without irritation and cuts. Some of the top ingredients you will need in order to make your own cream and/or kit include the following:
-olive oil
-baking soda
-essential oils(for scent if you prefer)
-vitamin E oil
-coconut oil
-shea butter
Be sure to take a look at the links below on how to make your own “shaving kit”!
SKIN:
Moisturizing your skin is as important for you men as it is for us women! And this is something that should be done daily and not just when you remember or for a special occasion: especially after giving yourself a thorough shave! Shaving is equated to exfoliating and your skin needs to be conditioned afterwards; preventing bumps and irritation. I recommend olive oil as a great place to start your diy-journey because olive oil helps fight the skin from aging prematurely; restoring skin's smoothness. I've noticed that a lot of men's foreheads and eyes get targeted in the wrinkle department with lines and crows feet. Olive oil is a great daily treatment in an attempt to resolve these issues (mainly in the long run). Everyone wants microwave results, but the best results are the ones that are established overtime. Ten years from now you'll be thanking yourself for the simple investment that you have made today by taking care of your skin (the natural way)! Checkout my past post on more of the benefits that #oliveoil has to offer.
https://mariahfranklin19.wixsite.com/aesthetic/my-aesthetic/for-the-love-of-olive-oil
HAIR:
When it comes to caring for your hair, you want the best products that provide quality without emptying your wallet. Utilizing the everyday products that you already have in your home is a natural way to treat your hair; saving money at the same time. Sometimes I use olive oil to condition my hair (especially if I run out of conditioner). I have also come across people using honey to wash their hair as honey removes dirt from the scalp providing a shiny finish to your do! Honey is also great at treating a dry itchy scalp promoting hair growth. Many people combined olive oil with honey, honey with apple cider vinegar, but I suggest starting with the basics of applying 1/2 cup of warm water with a small container of RAW honey (not the honey bear bottle-all natural organic without the extra ingredients in it to "preserve" the honey). Mix the contents well until it's blended smoothly; taking it into the shower with you to apply to your hair just as you would any name brand shampoo. Like I mentioned before, the benefits of diys is the pay-off in the long run!
Follow this link to my prior post on how you can also use honey as a face wash during your morning or nighttime #aesthetic:
https://mariahfranklin19.wixsite.com/aesthetic/my-aesthetic/pour-it-on-me-the-rewards-of-using-honey-as-a-face-wash
Another recommendation is using essential oils to condition your scalp/hair as many of them are great for hair loss prevention and hair growth. Essential oils are also versatile as they can be used in your hair, on your skin, as cologne, etc. Check out this link that breaks down the top 15 essential oils that are great for men's health and skin!
http://vkool.com/essential-oils-for-men/
Sandalwood is one of the top recommended essential oils for men and is a key ingredient used in many popular designer colognes. The scent is woody, strong without being too overwhelming, and nothing but manly with a hint of sweetness! Sandalwood holds a plethora of benefits including "memory boosting clarity" during stressful moments (that cause you to get a mental block) and "anti-aging"; applying it to your face to reduce the effects caused by nasty free radicals.
DIY SHAVING CREAMS: for men
http://www.natashalh.com/diy-mens-citronella-cedar-oil-shaving-cream-recipe-homemade-gift-ideas/
http://www.primandprep.com/how-to-make-shaving-cream/
DIY SHAVING CREAMS: for men & women
https://www.jebiga.com/5-diy-homemade-shaving-cream-recipes-for-men-and-women/
DIY SHAVING KIT:
https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/
https://wellnessmama.com/5289/homemade-shaving-options-for-men/
FOR MY BROTHAS: a link on how to shave properly pertaining to your skin and hair texture
http://www.theshavingreview.com/best-shaving-method-for-black-men/
SKIN CARE:
https://www.savvyhomemade.com/homemade-face-moisturizer-for-men/
HAIR:
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/diy-hair-care-tips-for-guys/
https://wellnessmama.com/37146/natural-hair-growth-oil/
RESOURCES:
https://oureverydaylife.com/diy-mens-shave-kit-12633064.html
https://www.oneprojectcloser.com/vintage-shaving-kit-for-men/
https://styletips101.com/hair/5-reasons-wash-hair-honey.html
https://draxe.com/sandalwood-essential-oil/
P.S. Ladies: if you’re thrifty like me and have a penchant for diys then this is a great outline for you to go by; utilizing it as inspiration for you to make these for the special men in your life (as a gift or token of appreciation)!
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Santé