Good Old Fashioned Self-Care: The Importance of Mental Health for Men

As a barber with 14 years of experience, I have seen firsthand how important mental health and self-care are for men. Many men tend to overlook the importance of these factors, but they can have a significant impact on their overall well-being.

It's no secret that men often feel pressure to be strong and stoic, but this can lead to bottling up emotions and not taking care of themselves. This is where mental health and self-care come in. Mental health refers to a person's overall psychological well-being, while self-care involves taking steps to maintain physical, emotional, and mental health. Both are crucial for leading a happy and healthy life.

The Importance of Mental Health for Men

Mental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, men often struggle to prioritize their mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, despite being just as likely to experience them.

Ignoring mental health issues can lead to a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Men need to understand that taking care of their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health. This means seeking help when needed, practicing stress-management techniques, and relaxing and unwinding.

Self-Care Tips for Men

Self-care is another critical aspect of overall health and well-being. It involves taking steps to care for oneself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Here are some self-care tips that men can incorporate into their daily routines:

1. Prioritize Sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Men should aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

2. Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise is an excellent way to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve physical health. Men should aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet can help improve overall health and well-being. Men should aim to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and paying attention to one's thoughts and feelings without judgment. Men can practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.

5. Take Breaks: Taking breaks throughout the day can help reduce stress and boost productivity. Men should take short breaks throughout the day to stretch, take a walk, or do something they enjoy.

Conclusion

As a barber, I believe that mental health and self-care are essential for men's overall health and well-being. Men need to understand that taking care of themselves is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. Men can lead happier, healthier lives by prioritizing mental health and self-care.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to seek help. There are many resources available, including therapists, support groups, and hotlines. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Good Old Fashioned Grooming: The Benefits of Natural and Organic Hair and Skin Care Products

I have seen a lot of changes in the hair and skin care industry. One of the most significant shifts I have noticed is the growing trend toward natural and organic hair and skin care products. In this blog post, I'll discuss the benefits of using natural and organic products and why they are a great choice for good old-fashioned barbershop clients.

Why Choose Natural and Organic Hair and Skin Care Products?

The benefits of using natural and organic hair and skin care products are numerous. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making the switch:

1. They are Gentle on Your Hair and Skin: Natural and organic products are formulated with gentle, nourishing ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation or damage to your hair and skin.

2. They are Better for the Environment: Many conventional hair and skin care products contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. Natural and organic products, on the other hand, are made with sustainably sourced ingredients and are often packaged in eco-friendly materials.

3. They are Free of Harmful Chemicals: Many conventional hair and skin care products contain potentially harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Natural and organic products, on the other hand, are free of these chemicals and are a safer choice for your health.

4. They are Effective: Contrary to what some may believe, natural and organic hair and skin care products can be just as effective, if not more so, than their conventional counterparts. Many natural ingredients have been used for centuries to promote healthy hair and skin.

Natural and Organic Hair and Skin Care Products for Men

Now that we've covered the benefits of using natural and organic hair and skin care products let's take a look at some specific products that are perfect for good old-fashioned barbershop clients:

1. Shampoo: A good natural or organic shampoo can help cleanse and nourish your hair without stripping it of its natural oils. Look for shampoos that are free of sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.

• Maple Holistics Pure Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

• Acure Organics Lemongrass and Argan Shampoo

• Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo

• Baebody Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

2. Conditioner: A natural or organic conditioner can help nourish and hydrate your hair, leaving it soft and smooth. Look for conditioners that contain natural oils like coconut or argan oil.

• ArtNaturals Argan Oil Conditioner

• Maui Moisture Shea Butter Conditioner

• Andalou Naturals Argan Oil & Shea Moisture Rich Conditioner

• Alba Botanica Hawaiian Marula Miracle Conditioner

3. Beard Oil: If you have a beard, a natural or organic beard oil can help keep it looking and feeling healthy. Look for beard oils that contain natural ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, or vitamin E.

• Leven Rose Fragrance-Free Beard Oil

• Honest Amish Classic Beard Oil

• The Gentlemen's Beard Oil and Conditioner

• Badass Beard Care Beard Oil

4. Face Wash: A natural or organic face wash can help cleanse and nourish your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Look for face washes that contain gentle, natural ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.

• Burt's Bees Face Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

• Thayers Witch Hazel Facial Toner

• Lumin Skin Care Charcoal Cleanser

• Brickell Men's Purifying Charcoal Face Wash

5.

Moisturizer: A natural or organic moisturizer can help hydrate and nourish your skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Look for moisturizers that contain natural ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil.

• Brickell Men's Daily Essential Face Moisturizer

• Derma-E Vitamin C Intense Night Cream

• Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

• Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20

Remember, when choosing natural and organic hair and skin care products, it's important to read labels carefully and look for ingredients that you recognize and are familiar with. Also, keep in mind that natural products may have a shorter shelf life than their synthetic counterparts, so be sure to use them up before they expire.

I believe that natural and organic hair and skin care products are a great choice for good old fashioned barbershop clients. They are gentle on your hair and skin, better for the environment, free of harmful chemicals, and effective. If you're interested in making the switch to natural and organic hair and skin care products, there are plenty of options available. Be sure to read labels carefully and look for products that contain gentle, natural ingredients. Your hair and skin will thank you!

Why Become a Barber?

~Why indeed~

I have been thinking long and hard about why I became a barber and I’ll be honest, I don’t have a singular reason. It was an accumulated experience that really drove the decision into this field. So let’s break it down, shall we?

Bad Haircuts

Do we have to mention it? Getting horrible haircuts can lead almost anyone to attempt the practice on their own. I (back then) asked my brother-in-law to lend me his Walmart-bought Wahl Clipper. It was missing two needed guards but who cared, I wasn’t going to use them …. right? Soon after buzzing my hair was easy enough but fading….. oh the fading had me on FaceTime with my cousin (who also cut hair) going back and forth with the guards until 3 am. I started at 9 pm…😮‍💨 Eventually, it got easier, and with my weight loss journey in high gear, I was losing weight and finally looking good… I felt great! with no blends… 😒 Better IncomeBefore becoming a barber I was going to community college and had a job making soaps and bath bombs every Monday. One day of work and 5 days of college? I was a starving student. I remember helping my cousin (whom I mentioned earlier) decide whether it was a good business move to pursue barbering. At this point, we both were cutting hair and charging our friends for our services. I did the basic math.

10 clients daily 🥸 * $15 haircuts 🤓 = $150 daily 🧐…😐…🤯 $150 Daily? Get out of here! $150!? * 5days = $750wk?! HELL YEAH!!!

for a broke student… I was ready

Change Professions

I was already A+ & Network+ certified. During these certification classes, I learned that a real career, not was in hardware but software. I changed my major from musical arts to computer science. Not going to lie… it was one of the most difficult switches one can do… the math… oh the math… I learned early on though, that cleaning personal computers can be hazardous to one’s health! What?! Don’t believe me? Clean out a computer with someone’s partner right next to them, watch the sweat bullets roll clearing the trojans and the files that induced them…. lol awwkkaarrddd NOPE! NOT FOR ME! Left turn, not today Vecna! I am not the one! Doing bath bombs, cleaning gyms, cleaning firefighter suits, there was only so much one can take without job security when realizing something needs to change.

Barber College (BC)

Have you ever been surrounded by individuals that helped shape your ideology or philosophy without the individuals knowing? This was barber college for me. In BC you must complete 500 hours of study before you are given your equipment to start working on the floor for your practical exercises. I’m proud to say that I read 95 percent of that book. shoot I thought to myself.. if this is going to make me money I might as well learn it well. I remember vividly. I was called in knowing I was getting my equipment. Walking from the classroom through the work floor, teachers nodded at my 500-hour walk of apprenticeship stride, given that heavy black duffle bag and signed station card. I was given

• Oster Fast Feeds

• 76 Oster & metal guards to fit it, #000 - #3

• Andis outliners

• Combs

• Mirrors

• Mannequins

• Oils and Clippercide

• Hair Drape and Uniform

• Station #

The guys around me were some of the greatest influences I could have ever learned from. They took barbering from hustle to a passion, a skill, a business. I learned that another level exists other than making money, a lesson I still carry today. Here at Barber College. I learned what it meant to be successful. I guess to summarize it in a few, I was sick and tired of the options around me, and making something happen required gusto, willpower, and total acceptance of being uncomfortable. I was willing to 180 my entire thought process to learn something new…Almost like I’m doing now. As always! Check out our MVP to help define your haircut! We are working on a landing page now. Our podcast is finally next and should be up and ready by the end of the month (August 2022).

see you next time 😁