Embracing Inclusivity: The Diverse Culture of Modern Barbershops

Barbershops have long been known as gathering places where individuals can not only receive a fresh haircut or a clean shave but also engage in lively conversations and build meaningful connections. Traditionally, these spaces were primarily male-dominated, serving as hubs for men to share stories, discuss current affairs, and bond over shared experiences. However, in recent years, there has been a significant cultural shift in barbershops, embracing an inclusive environment that caters to people of all genders and backgrounds. This blog post explores the evolving culture of modern barbershops, focusing on their efforts to foster a welcoming space for everyone. Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Barbershops One of the most remarkable changes in the barbershop culture is the breaking down of gender stereotypes. Historically, barbershops were perceived as spaces exclusively for men, often characterized by masculine aesthetics and conversations. However, with the growing recognition of gender diversity, barbershops have evolved into inclusive spaces that cater to individuals of all genders, including women and non-binary individuals. Barbershops with Inclusive Services and Styling Modern barbershops have expanded their services beyond traditional haircuts and shaves. They now offer a diverse range of grooming options that cater to the needs and preferences of all individuals. Barbers are trained in various styling techniques, allowing them to create haircuts and styles that suit customers’ individuality, regardless of their gender. Whether it’s a fade, a pixie cut, or a more elaborate hairstyle, the focus is on personal expression and self-confidence, rather than conforming to societal norms. Welcoming Environment Creating a welcoming environment is a cornerstone of the modern barbershop culture. By embracing inclusivity, barbershops are actively striving to make everyone feel comfortable and accepted. The interior design and decor are carefully curated to be gender-neutral, with a focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff is trained to be respectful, non-judgmental, and open-minded, ensuring that all customers feel valued and heard. Conversations have evolved to encompass a broader range of topics, reflecting the diversity of the clientele. Community and Connection The sense of community and connection has always been an integral part of the barbershop experience. Modern barbershops have taken this aspect even further, creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging for all. They organize events, workshops, and networking opportunities that encourage interaction and build relationships among customers from different backgrounds. These initiatives not only promote diversity and understanding but also provide a platform for individuals to share their stories and experiences. Promoting Inclusive Representation Barbershops now play an essential role in challenging societal beauty standards and promoting inclusive representation. They celebrate and showcase a wide range of styles and hair textures, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to beauty. By featuring diverse models and sharing their work on social media platforms, barbershops are breaking down barriers and inspiring people to embrace their uniqueness. The evolution of barbershops into inclusive spaces that cater to all people and genders is a testament to the progressive cultural shift taking place in our society. By embracing diversity, these establishments have created a space where individuals can express their authentic selves, free from judgment and stereotypes. The modern barbershop culture promotes not only personal grooming but also community, connection, and a celebration of individuality. As we continue to strive for equality and inclusivity, the culture of barbershops stands as a shining example of positive change. Come into the Mug Shoppe to enjoy our inclusive culture and fun style.

Stunning Hair Colors You’ll Be Seeing Everywhere In 2023

Blended Bronde Another easy-peasy pick: this color that gives cool-toned brunettes a chance to lighten up with blonde that will last months and months. Blending is the key. Caramel Melt Balayage Roots, who? You can caramelize your entire brunette mane without risking any growing-out pains by asking for balayage that focuses on the ends and around the face. Strawberry Brown Balayage Say hello to the coolest brunette color to grace 2023’s lineup. Zhuzh up your dark brown base color with deep strawberry red for a look that makes plain brown look like child’s play. Statement Blonde Money Piece Anyone with any natural hair color can make the leap into blonde-dom by going super, super subtle and focusing just on the “money pieces,” which are the flattering strands right around the face. Minimal babylighting can work the blonde of choice into the rest of your hair to match. Soft Cool Black Black hair color is often misunderstood to be harsh—when in fact, it can be striking in the most stunning way if you make sure to flatter your skin tone. This soft cool-toned black really pops on warm skin tones. Low-Maintenance Platinum Think of this as a new and improved version of platinum blonde that starts with darker blonde roots and melts into all the bright color you could want—without risking major damage with constant touch-ups. Robust Ruby Red We’re adding this dreamy redhead inspo onto the Pinterest board, stat. Rich and vibrant, this color is all about honing in on the darkest of ruby reds. Ginger Brunette Ginger Spice called, and she wants her name back. This toasted ginger color pops on warm skin tones like nobody’s business. Tawny Babylights Bright auburn-meets-chestnut is an easy way to refresh a fully brunette base in a subtle way. Ask to start blending babylights a couple inches from the roots. Stunning Hair Colors You’ll Be Seeing Everywhere In 2023 By Kaitlyn Yarborough While some are enthusiastically starting new habits—for a few weeks, at least—it’s also a great month to make an appointment at the hair salon. It’s finally time to follow that itch to change up your look, starting with a trendy new hair color. We’re predicting that 2023 is going to be all about subtle but statement-making color that doesn’t require constant upkeep. That means low-maintenance color in extra eye-catching shades. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? Let us know and schedule your haircut with us today See more colors here

Shop Small Businesses in Denver for the Holidays

Shop Local, Small Businesses in Denver for the Holidays! By Mug Shoppe Shop Small: Denver Shopping Guide. Find local shops, restaurants, products and businesses where you can get some pretty amazing holiday gifts and help support the Denver economy and neighborhoods. These small, local businesses are what keep our communities rocking and gives each Denver neighborhood such cool vibes and charm. With increasing prices in rent in Denver, they need our support more than ever. So, before shopping at Amazon or at some of the big box stores, take a look at more unique gift ideas that will not only feel more authentic and meaningful to the recipient, but will also help keep Denver awesome! Shop Small Business in Denver. Clothing, Accessories & Shoes: A. Line Boutique, with four locations around the area this is accessible and we love that they always price match, and, unlike working with a traditional stylist, they never charge you for anything more than the items you love. This women’s clothing boutique is a favorite with local fashionistas.  Be a Good Person, 2830 Larimer Street (RiNo), Denver. A clothing company with the goal of inspiring and spreading positivity through the messages you wear.  Berkeley Supply, 4309 Tennyson Street (Berkeley), Denver. Men’s clothing and accessories. Berkeley Supply is a shop specializing in American-made menswear and accessories.  Blush, 1411 Larimer Street (Larimer Square), Denver. Blush is a mother & daughter owned boutique where they combine their love of West Coast cool with East Coast chic to bring you a unique shopping experience. Common Era, 1543 Platte Street (Riverfront), Denver. This women’s clothing and accessory shop has big city style with small town prices! Decade, 56 S. Broadway, Denver. Decade has a little bit of everything. From a gift shop vibe to Men’s & Women’s apparel, accessories and more, you are bound to find something for the people on your shopping list.  Gracie’s Boutique, 1511 S. Pearl Street (Platte Park), Denver. At Gracie’s they strive to empower women to look and feel their best through a unique selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories hand-picked in LA. n there’s a sale rack, too. Inspyre Boutique, 171 Detroit Street (Cherry Creek North), Denver, 720-891-9595, and 4170 Tennyson Street (Berkeley), 303-718-2645. Also, Littleton and Lone Tree locations. Inspyre Boutique is dedicated to finding the most incredible fashion, accessories, and gifts for the Denver Women and nothing is over $100. Kismet, 200 Quebec St. Ste 101, Bldg 500, Denver. Women’s boutique selling clothes, accessories, and gifts with the mission to inspire happiness in their staff, customers, vendors and community while offering the highest quality products at reasonable prices. MAM Couture: “THREADING THE NEEDLE OF HIGH-END URBAN FASHION” MAM Couture (MakeAMill Couture) is a lifestyle brand created for those who refuse conformity. Our brand defies social barriers and promotes growth and prosperity. It celebrates individualism and freedom in the world of high-end fashion.  Melrose and Madison, 1500 S. Pearl Street (Platt Park), Denver. This mother-and-daughter-owned boutique is a must. The clothes are gorgeous, but definitely investment pieces. Patterns & Pops, 1620 Platte Street (Riverfront), Denver. What started as a mobile fashion truck is now a full-fledged storefront in Riverfront Park.  Rags Consignment, 201 University Boulevard (Cherry Creek North), Denver. For the budget-minded shopper, Rags Consignment carries an extensive selection of women’s clothing and accessories. Real Baby, 4315 Tennyson Street (Berkeley), Denver. A great places to pick up baby shower gifts! Scarpaletto, 1436 Larimer Street (Larimer Square), Denver. The 30-year-old family business carries men’s and women’s shoes from brands like Donald J. Pliner, Frye, and Sorel. Vander Jacket,  make your runs comfortable, practical, unique and stylish with these amazing one-of-a-kind jackets.“I make one-of-a-kind running jackets with an abundance of function for serious distance runners. My goal is to honor the stylish urban people and places in our city by creating keen running jacket designs.” – Sarah Vander Neut Wish Boutique, 1099 S. Gaylord Street (Wash Park), Denver. Some of my favorite designer labels are carried at this women’s clothing boutique: Free People, Splendid, Nic & Zoe. And, I might mention…these are some of the same labels you’ll find at Nordstrom, but you’ll get to enjoy the personalized service that boutiques are known. The Yogi Exchange, 4335 W. 41st Avenue (Berkeley), Denver. This consignment shop is worth a peek for the serious yogi as they only carry women’s yoga and workout clothes. Denver Shopping: Gift Boutiques 5 Green Boxes, 1596 S. Pearl Street and 1573 S. Pearl Street, Denver. ​Unexpected gifts & treasures for the home The Artisan Center, 2757 E. 3rd Avenue, Denver. Inside, you’ll find gifts created by artisans from all over the nation and  many local ones too! Bloom by Anuschka, 2353 E. Third Avenue, Denver, AND Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver. An eclectic shop of home goods and gifts. eXtra Ordinary Gifts, 3867 Tennyson Street, Denver. Discover lots of handmade, upcycled and unusual gifts made in the U.S.A. and made in Colorado. Hope Tank, 64 Broadway, Denver. This “social enterprise gift store” has a fantastic selection of quality toys and gifts for kids and adults both. They DISRUPT the traditional retail model to show that “small business” can have BIG IMPACT.  Revampt, 2601 E. Third Ave, Denver, CO. Visit us in Cherry Creek! We specialize in custom furniture, unique gifts and home decor. Show of Hands 250 Columbine St. Does art make you happy? If so, then you have come to the right place! Show of Hands is a locally female-owned art and gift gallery where talented artists from around the country display their whimsical, unique, and vibrant creations. The Perfect Petal, 3600 W. 32nd Avenue, Denver, 303-480-0966. Lovely little gift and card shop with bouquets and beautiful flower arrangements.  Wildflowers, 1201 Madison Street, Denver. A HUGE gift shop with a garden and fountains and everything you could imagine. Wooly Wax Candles, 4424 Tennyson Street, Denver (Berkeley). Exquisite level of craft and luxe to custom candles and home goods. Wordshop, 3180 Meade Street, Denver. Card Connoisseurs! Stationery Snobs! Lovers of Letterpress! Fondness for Foil! They are your people!  Denver Shopping: Bookstores BookBar, 4280 Tennyson, Denver. It’s a bookstore. A wine bar and bookstore in one! Bookies: 4315 E Mississippi

THE BEST GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND THAT SHOW YOU REALLY KNOW THEM

THE BEST GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND THAT SHOW YOU REALLY KNOW THEM (OR AT LEAST KNOW HOW TO IMPRESS THEM IN 2022) By Fashion Beans Selecting the perfect boyfriend is a chore. Sorry, we meant selecting the best gifts for that already perfect boyfriend can be a chore. And yet, it’s a strange thing to ask the very non-intimate Internet what it thinks you should buy your hopefully quite intimate boyfriend. If it helps, think of us more as friends. In fact, I’m a boyfriend myself, so I get it? The simple fact is that you are showing love by simply trying to find a gift they’ll like. It shows you care. But the perfect gift is different for every guy. It’s also dependent on how long you’ve been going out. You don’t want to splurge thousands on a birthday gift if you’ve only been dating a couple of weeks. So this comprehensive guide will cover all bases for your gift-giving curiosities. Grab a nice cold drink, get comfortable on the couch and treat yourself to some indulgent scroll time. Let us deliver that all-important aha! moment to you. Read on to find the best gift for your boyfriend, that the ever-resourceful internet can provide. 1. BEST OVERALL GIFT FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND: TUDOR 1926 WRISTWATCH Saying “I love you” via the medium of a gift is a difficult task, but a high-class watch can speak those words thousands of times over. This Tudor 1926 watch comes in a timeless design, meaning it can add panache to any outfit it finds itself with. The buttery dark brown leather, clean white watch face, and silver hardware are quotidian masterpieces. It’s a truly great everyday piece. 2. BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND: KINDLE PAPERWHITE Often, the best Christmas present is the one that opens up potential. Books are one of the purest routes to discovery and provide the opportunity to delve into the great minds of others. But a Kindle is for bookworms and casual readers alike. This Paperwhite edition has everything a word nerd needs—advert free, 32GB memory, Audible compatible, and it’s waterproof. 3. BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND: BANG & OLUFSEN BEOSOUND EXPLORE BLUETOOTH SPEAKER There are few things in life more connective than music. This Bang & Olufsen Beosound Explore reaches peak gift for your boyfriend. On his birthday, he’ll be able to invite all his friends, taking them and his beloved playlists wherever he wants, playing it at full blast. Yay. These speakers have a powerful bass and 360-degree sound field to immerse yourself in. 4. BEST CUTE GIFT FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND: UGG OLSEN MOCCASIN SLIPPER Your man will never look so cute as when his feet are swaddled in shearling. While warm feet are desired in the winter, one fear isn’t so cute, however: smelly, sweaty feet. Never fear. UGG provides moisture-wicking wool that feels like shearling but acts like wool. These brown suede mocassins have all bases covered. 5. BEST DIY GIFT FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND: DIY SCREEN PRINTING KIT Every guy had this thought at one point in their over-optimistic youth: I could totally set up a successful t-shirt business. Put this theory to the test with a screen printing kit. While entrepreneurial success might not be the goal, this kit is a great way to experiment, have fun, and express yourself via the medium of merch. 6. BEST ANNIVERSARY GIFT FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND: SHIATSU FOOT MASSAGER MACHINE WITH HEAT Because nothing says “long-term relationship” like a foot massage machine. Romance might be in a quieter place, but comfort is thriving. If you’ve ever been requested to rub your partner’s feet (not in that way), you’ll know exactly why a foot the massager machine was invented. It comes with an inbuilt infrared heat function, air compression, and massage functions. Get me one while you’re at it, please? 7. BEST VALENTINE’S GIFT FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND: FERRERO ROCHER Ferrero Rocher is a chocolate-hazelnut ball held together by a crisp wafer shell with hazelnut chocolate inside. God, I’m hungry. But, it is also the bonafide romance chocolate (pardon the pun). The wavy paper cup and golden wrapping are too high-class to be purchased as regular chocolate. When purchasing for Valentine’s, note that it should come as a part of the romantic holy trinity of cards, flowers, and chocolates. 8. BEST SENTIMENTAL GIFT FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND: BONSAI TREE CHINESE ELM Sentiment is a feeling built over time. While we can’t look into the crystal ball and know exactly what the best gift for your boyfriend is, we can suggest things that offer the possibility of a sentimental relationship. A bonsai tree is a perfect gift in this respect. Plus, their difficulty to keep alive is actually a good thing. You get to test out his capacity for responsibility, care, and dedication. Nothing weird about that… 9. BEST CREATIVE GIFT FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND: MUBI ARTHOUSE CINEMA To be a real creative, you have to be into all things artsy and off-the-wall. There are lots of left-field films on MUBI, but every single one is worth the watch. You can take my word for it. This recurring best gift for your boyfriend will now be able to add “arthouse film aficionado” to his growing list of creative identities. 10. BEST THOUGHTFUL GIFT FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND: ATLAS COFFEE CLUB SUBSCRIPTION If your boyfriend loves coffee (there are a lot of us coffee freaks out there), it follows that a coffee subscription is a thoughtful gift for your boyfriend. Then, consider that caffeine is a stimulant. Thoughtful, see? Atlas has curated its coffee, supplying from micro-lots in Tanzania, Kenya, and Columbia. They are then roasted fresh and sent off. That means delicious coffee and minimal fuss; very thoughtful indeed. And in OUR humble opinion, a GIFT CARD to the Mug Shoppe would make the absolute best gift for you boyfriend!

The Biggest Men’s Hair Trends For Fall 2022

The Biggest Men’s Hair Trends For Fall/Winter 2022 Fall is HERE, the leaves are changing, the mornings are cool and the darkness sets in earlier every day. Even though summer is over, it doesn’t mean we are going to bury our heads in the sand…or snow, so don’t let your hairstyle fade out with the summer vibes. You want to look fresh and sharp for your changing wardrobe and to keep yourself feeling confident and ready to take on the day. Make an appointment (or walk-in) and let’s get that perfect fall style for you. If you need some inspiration, here are some of the top hairstyles for this Fall/Winter season. If lockdown gifted you longer hair, there’s no reason to chop it off now. A rebellious mid-length look rooted in grunge and indie rock, you can channel the originator, Kurt Cobain, or Jared Leto’s shortened locks for inspiration, roughing it up for evenings or the weekend, and smoothing it back for work. Make an appointment today and let’s get that Fall style up and running!

21 Epigrams Every Man Should Live By

21 Epigrams Every Man Should Live By By Ryan Holiday With our archives now 3,500+ articles deep, we’ve decided to republish a classic piece each Friday to help our newer readers discover some of the best, evergreen gems from the past. This article was originally published in January 2018. As long as man has been alive, he has been collecting little sayings about how to live. We find them carved in the rock of the Temple of Apollo and etched as graffiti on the walls of Pompeii. They appear in the plays of Shakespeare, the commonplace book of H. P. Lovecraft, the collected proverbs of Erasmus, and the ceiling beams of Montaigne’s study. Today, they’re recorded on iPhones and in Evernote. But whatever generation is doing it, whether they’re written by scribes in China or commoners in some European dungeon or simply passed along by a kindly grandfather, these little epigrams of life advice have taught essential lessons. How to respond to adversity. How to think about money. How to meditate on our mortality. How to have courage. And they pack all this in in so few words. “What is an epigram?” Coleridge asked, “A dwarfish whole; Its body brevity, and wit its soul.” Epigrams are what Churchill was doing when he said: “To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to have changed often.” Or Balzac: “All happiness depends on courage and work.” Ah yes, epigrams are often funny too. That’s how we remember them. Napoleon: “Never interrupt an enemy making a mistake.” François de La Rochefoucauld: “We hardly find any persons of good sense save those who agree with us.” Voltaire: “A long dispute means that both parties are wrong.” Below are some wonderful epigrams that span some 21 centuries and 3 continents. Each one is worth remembering, having queued in your brain for one of life’s crossroads or to drop at the perfect moment in conversation. Each will change and evolve with you as you evolve (Heraclitus: “No man steps in the same river twice”) and yet each will remain strong and unyielding no matter how much you may one day try to wiggle out and away from them. Fundamentally, each one will teach you how to be a better man. If you let them. “We must all either wear out or rust out, every one of us. My choice is to wear out.” —Theodore Roosevelt At the beginning of his life, few would have predicted that Theodore Roosevelt even had a choice in the matter. He was sickly and fragile, doted on by worried parents. Then, a conversation with his father sent him driven, almost maniacally in the other direction. “I will make my body,” he said, when told that he would not go far in this world with a brilliant mind in a frail body. What followed was a montage of boxing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, swimming, boldly charging enemy fire, and then a grueling work pace as one of the most prolific and admired presidents in American history. Again, this epigram was prophetic for Roosevelt, because at only 54 years old, his body began to wear out. An assassination attempt left a bullet lodged in his body and it hastened his rheumatoid arthritis. On his famous “River of Doubt” expedition he developed a tropical fever and the toxins from an infection in his leg left him nearly dead. Back in America he contracted a severe throat infection and was later diagnosed with inflammatory rheumatism, which temporarily confined him to a wheelchair (saying famously, “All right! I can work that way too!”) and then he died at age 60. But there is not a person on the planet who would say that he had not made a fair trade, that he had not worn his life well and not lived a full one in those 60 years. “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” —Epictetus There is the story of the alcoholic father with two sons. One follows in his father’s footsteps and ends up struggling through life as a drunk, and the other becomes a successful, sober businessman. Each are asked: “Why are you the way you are?” The answer for both is the same: “Well, it’s because my father was an alcoholic.” The same event, the same childhood, two different outcomes. This is true for almost all situations—what happens to us is an objective reality, how we respond is a subjective choice. The Stoics—of which Epictetus was one—would say that we don’t control what happens to us, all we control are our thoughts and reactions to what happens to us. Remember that: You’re defined in this life not by your good luck or your bad luck, but your reaction to those strokes of fortune. Don’t let anyone tell you different.  “The best revenge is not to be like that.” —Marcus Aurelius There is a proverb about revenge: Before setting out for a journey of revenge, dig two graves. Because revenge is so costly, because the pursuit of it often wears on the one who covets it. Marcus’s advice is easier and truer: How much better it feels to let it go, to leave the wrongdoer to their wrongdoing. And from what we know, Marcus Aurelius lived this advice. When Avidius Cassius, one of his most trusted generals rebelled and declared himself emperor, Marcus did not seek vengeance. Instead, he saw this as an opportunity to teach the Roman people and the Roman Senate about how to deal with civil strife in a compassionate, forgiving way. Indeed, when assassins struck Cassius down, Marcus supposedly wept. This is very different than the idea of “Living well being the best revenge”—it’s not about showing someone up or rubbing your success in their face. It’s that the person who wronged you is not happy, is not enjoying their life. Do not become like them. Reward yourself by being the opposite of them.  “There is good in everything, if only we look for it.” —Laura Ingalls Wilder Laura Ingalls

Nathaniel Rateliff & Colorado Symphony

Nathaniel Rateliff & Colorado Symphony for the Imagination Artist Series By Colorado Symphony Starting in the fall of 2022, the Colorado Symphony will partner with three leading musicians from diverse musical backgrounds to reimagine the future of the American symphony. Featuring collaborations with the Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA, Broadway’s Mary-Mitchell Campbell, and Colorado’s own Nathaniel Rateliff, the Imagination Artist Series will provide these artists with unparalleled creative access to the entire orchestra, offering a blank canvas to innovate, imagine, and curate orchestral programs while sharing three unique artistic visions that will debut exclusively for Colorado Symphony audiences starting in the 2022/23 Season. In addition to their projects with the Colorado Symphony, Imagination Artists will act as brand ambassadors for the orchestra’s Classics programs, advocating on behalf of the orchestra’s core repertoire to new audiences around Colorado while also supporting Colorado Symphony education efforts within the community. LEARN MORE We LOVE Nathaniel Rateliff and if you want to freshen up your look before you see him in concert, come on in!

How To Style Spiky Hair: Tips, Cuts & Products

How To Style Spiky Hair: Tips, Haircut and Products By MensHairBlog The hair in the Spiky hairstyle is made to look as if thick spikes are growing from the scalp, and this hairstyle is very popular among young males. Also known as “spikes”, this hairstyle was most popular during the 1990s together with the iconic shoulder length hairstyle; back then, it was not uncommon for young males to also dye their spikes with colors like green and blue. Incidentally, dyed spiky hair was a 1990s’ craze in European countries like Germany, Netherlands and Sweden, which lead to dyed spikes being referred to as “European spikes” in barbershop jargon. Nowadays, spiky hair still enjoys a small-albeit-strong following, so I’ve published this guide on how to get spiky hair for those of you wanting to get into this hairstyle. Let’s rock! Hair-length category Short hair. Suitable hair type Straight hair and wavy hair. Haircut for spiky hair The hair on the top of the head can be any length from 0.5 to 2 inches. The hair on the sides and back can either be cropped in a taper cut or cropped in an undercut haircut with a single guard length; men with straight hair will do better with an undercut while men with wavy hair will fare better with a taper haircut. The perimeter line between the hair on the sides/back and the hair on the top of the had should not be smoothed (i.e. tapered fast) as the hair bordering the head’s top is to be also spiked. Alternatively, the hair on the sides/back can be at the same length as the hair on the top. Haircut difficulty 2 out of 5 (it’s an easy haircut). How to style spiky hair Styling spiky hair for men revolves around lifting one’s hair to create the illusion of spikes or sharp tubular shapes. Use hair gel, wax or pomade to lift your locks up, and, once you have lifted them all, use your fingers to go lock by lock to further define their spike shape, rapidly running the fingers from the base to the tip of all spiked locks so as to ensure that all locks are coated with the hairstyling product. You spike all the hair on your head or only get spiky hair on the top of your head (depending on your chosen haircut). If you use hair gel to create the spikes on your hair, you can, once you’ve crated the spikes with hair gel, also coat the tips of the spikes with hair wax so as to further mold and detail their spiky shape. You can use a hair dryer to dry the spikes and harden them, but make sure that you have the hair dryer at least one foot of distance (about 30 centimeters) away from the hair and with a diffuser clipped in so that the blown hair doesn’t deform the spikes. Spikes can be styled up fully or styled at an angle to the scalp in a tousled manner. Strictly speaking, a textbook spiky hairstyle has the hair spiked up in defined thick locks, but such a textbook definition would be namely to categorize such a hairstyle by its shape rather than by the concept itself: to shape your hair in spiked-like locks. Spiky hair can also be achieved with long hair (although not with super long hair!), but its styling is more elaborate since the longer length of the hair multiplies the time spent shaping the spikes. Likewise, you need to use hair spray when styling long spiky hair, which adds even more time. But, for those of you interested,you only need to follow the same hair-styling instructions in this guide and finish off the hairstyle is a good hair spray to lock and secure the hairstyle into its finished-off shape. Styling difficulty 3 out of 5 (relatively easy; it’s mostly time consuming if you want to sharpen the spiked shape of each lock, though). Male celebrity with spiky hair A perfect example of hair spikes is Taylor Lautner’s spiky hair in The Twilight Saga films. Taylor Lautner also rocked spiky hair is in his younger years. Below is a picture of Lautner’s spiky mane in the 2005 movie “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D”. Recommended products to style spiky hair: Super-strong hair gel: the go-to product for spiky hair. Make sure that the holding strength of the hair gel is at least a “strong” or “high” hold. Hair wax: great for shaping natural-looking spikes or for shaping them as sharply spiked as desired. Get at least a firm-hold hair wax, although a strong-hold hair wax is by far the best hair product for shaping spiky hair. If you use a matte hair-styling wax, you can also recreate naturally spiky hair easily. Pomade: to be used if you want to give your spikes a high-shine look. It’s imperative that you use a water-based pomade for spiky hair and not an oil-based pomade. The best pomade will have a strong hold and provide a high-shine finish (don’t worry, these two pomade-product characteristics are written on the product’s label). Hair dryer: a hair dryer will give your spiky hair a harder and drier look. It will also help you to dry your hair faster and you can point the hair dryer to your hair as you spike it. Hair clipper: if you like to keep the sides and back of your head in an undercut, then a hair clipper is a must-have hairstyling product as you can easily give yourself an undercut haircut with a hair clipper. I also highly recommend that you take a look at my hair styling products guide for advice and tips on hair gel, hair wax, pomade and other styling products for men if you don’t still master the at of selecting the right hair product/s for you. Summary of our spiky hair guide While it’s true that spiky hair won’t win you any awards for the hippest dude in town, it’s equally true that hair spikes still have their place

Tips to Grow Your Hair Out Fast!

Tips to Grow Your Hair Out Fast! By Confessions of a Hairstylist WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE: YOU DECIDED YOU WANTED TO CHOP OFF YOUR LONG LOCKS FOR THAT STYLISH SHORT LOOK, BUT YOU INSTANTLY REGRETTED IT. OR MAYBE ONE DAY YOU DECIDED TO CUT YOUR OWN BANGS, BUT YOU DIDN’T END UP WITH THE BRIGITTE BARDOT LOOK YOU WERE HOPING FOR! WHETHER IT’S A CRAZY QUARANTINE HAIRCUT THAT YOU NOW REGRET, OR YOU JUST WANT TO ROCK LONG SILKY HAIR, THESE TIPS WILL TELL YOU THE BEST WAY TO GROW OUT YOUR HAIR OUT HEALTHY, AND FAST! TIP #1: VITAMINS MY FIRST TIP TO GROW YOUR HAIR OUT FAST IS TO TAKE VITAMINS! IT’S NO SECRET VITAMINS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR BODY, SO WHY WOULDN’T THEY BE GREAT FOR YOUR HAIR? IF YOU’RE A BUSY MOM LIKE ME AND CAN’T EAT AN ENRICHED DIET LOADED WITH THE VITAMINS YOU NEED TO GROW YOUR HAIR, OPT INTO SOME HAIR VITAMINS. MY FAVE IS HUM NUTRITION HAIR SWEET AIR FOUND HERE. THESE GUMMIES ARE VEGAN AND CONTAIN VITAMINS AND MINERALS SUCH AS BIOTIN, B12, AND ZINC WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL FOR GROWING OUT THOSE LUSCIOUS LOCKS QUICKLY. TIP #2: GETTING TRIMS MY SECOND TIP TO FAST HAIR GROWTH IS GETTING TRIMS OFTEN. WHILE IT’S A MYTH THAT YOUR HAIR WILL GROW FASTER WITH TRIMS, WHAT CAN HAPPEN IS THAT YOUR HAIR WILL GROW STRONGER WITH EACH TRIM. IF YOU AVOID CUTTING YOUR HAIR YOUR ENDS WILL SPLIT LIKE TINY BRANCHES, MAKING YOUR LENGTH AT THE BOTTOM LOOK ALMOST SEE-THROUGH MAKING YOUR HAIR HAVE WEAK ENDS. IF YOU DEFINITELY WANT LONG, BUT ALSO HEALTHY AND STRONG HAIR, GETTING TRIMS OFTEN IS A MUST! TIP #3: HAIR MASQUES MY THIRD TIP FOR GROWING YOUR HAIR OUT FAST IS USING A HAIR MASQUE. I’M SURE YOU’VE USED A MASK FOR YOUR FACE, TO GIVE YOUR SKIN THAT EXTRA PAMPERING. WHY NOT DO THE SAME FOR YOUR HAIR? USING A MASQUE CAN MOISTURIZE AND STRENGTHEN YOUR HAIR, WHICH WILL HELP YOUR HAIR GROW QUICKER AND HEALTHIER. TO ACHIEVE YOUR ULTIMATE LONG HAIR GOALS YOU’LL WANT TO USE A HAIR MASQUE ONCE A WEEK OR EVERY 3-4 SHAMPOOS. IF YOU NOTICE YOUR HAIR STARTING TO FALL FLAT AFTER USING A MASQUE, DON’T FRET! JUST SPREAD THE MASQUES OUT A BIT MORE. RIGHT NOW MY FAV MASQUE IS GOLD LUST TRANSFORMATIVE BY ORIBE. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A NATURAL OR MORE DIY STYLE MASQUE, COCONUT OIL WILL MOISTURIZE YOUR HAIR IN NO TIME! TIP #4: HEALTHY DIET MY LAST TIP FOR GROWING YOUR HAIR OUT FAST IS EATING HEALTHY! EATING A HEALTHY DIET IS A MUST FOR GROWING LONG HEALTHY HAIR. WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR BODY REFLECTS OUTSIDE YOUR BODY TOO, SO A NUTRIENT-RICH DIET WILL LEAD TO SUPER HEALTHY HAIR! YOU’LL WANT TO EAT FOODS WITH PLENTY OF BIOTIN, PROTEIN, AND VITAMINS PARTICULARLY A, C, AND E. FOODS THAT INCLUDE THESE ASPECTS HAVE SCIENTIFICALLY SHOWN TO PROMOTE HAIR GROWTH AND STRENGTH! FOODS LIKE EGGS, SPINACH, FISH, AND NUTS SHOULD BE YOUR NEW FOOD STAPLES ON YOUR HAIR GROWTH JOURNEY! AFTER FOLLOWING THESE TIPS, YOUR HAIR WILL GROW FAST IN NO TIME! LET ME KNOW IF YOU TRY ANY OF THESE IDEAS AND FEEL FREE TO TAG ME @THECONFESSIONSOFAHAIRSTYLIST IN YOUR SOCIALS TO SHOW ME YOUR AMAZING RESULTS! UNTIL NEXT TIME KEEP STAYING POSITIVE AND ENJOY YOUR HEALTHY LONG LOCKS! And when you are ready to trim and style those locks come on in to the Mug Shoppe

Is Kombucha All We Need for Better Hair?

Is Kombucha All We Need for Better Hair? By Ashley Locke I have consumed an ungodly amount of kombucha in my life. Ever since I was introduced to the bubbly beverage, I knew it was set to be my go-to when I needed an extra bit of carbonation. That and knowing it’s good for my gut really ranks it as a top-tier drink in my eyes. But there’s one other thing about kombucha that I really love, and that is the amazing hair benefits it offers. Yes, that’s right, kombucha is incredibly beneficial for your hair. Want to know why? We thought so, which is why we reached out to Manchester-based trichologist Kate Holden for her expertise. Below, Holden shares how the beverage can benefit your strands and the best way to use it. What Are Some Kombucha Hair Benefits? There are two major kombucha hair benefits. When you drink it, Holden shares that it’s “beneficial in supporting the health of the hair and skin.” This is because “kombucha contains B12, B6, vitamin C, and various other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.” Basically, that’s everything you need for healthy hair and skin. Drinking kombucha isn’t the only way to get better hair. Many swear by using a kombucha hair rinse. And Holden has us convinced that’s the way to go. “As a rinse, as kombucha is acidic it will help to close the outer cuticle layer of the hair, making the hair look and feel shiny,” she notes. Can Kombucha Help With Hair Growth? Apart from containing all the necessary ingredients for healthy strands, kombucha can also be consumed to promote hair growth. “Kombucha also has a small amount of caffeine (less than in coffee and tea), and there are promising studies showing that topical application of caffeine can stimulate hair growth,” Holden reveals. It goes a little bit deeper than that, however. Not only does the caffeine help, but so do kombucha’s gut benefits. “It’s thought that the gut microbiome may play a role in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and dermatitis,” Holden says. “When these affect the scalp, they can also affect hair growth. As a potentially good source of probiotics, kombucha may play a role in supporting a healthy gut microbiome, and by extension healthy hair growth.” How Can You Best Reap the Benefits of Kombucha? While you can either drink kombucha or use it as a rinse, Holden suggests ingesting it. “You’ll probably get more benefits from consuming kombucha, but there are likely no issues with using kombucha as a rinse,” she points out. What’s the Best Way to Use It as a Hair Rinse? If you choose to do a kombucha hair rinse, there are a few things you should keep in mind. You won’t want to dump your favorite kombucha on your strands as is, because that could cause some issues. Instead, you’ll want to dilute the mixture first. “Make sure you dilute the kombucha before using it as a rinse,” Holden notes. “Undiluted kombucha has a pH of between 2.5 to 3.5, which may be too acidic and damage the hair. For acid rinses, a good pH is usually between 3.5 to 5.5. This will help to close the cuticle and add shine without being too harsh.” Kombucha Hair Rinse Recipe Making your own hair rinse is fairly simple. In fact, we’ll walk you through it in as little as three steps. Mix 1/2 cup regular kombucha with 1/2 cup water. Pour the kombucha over your hair after you’ve shampooed it. Thoroughly rinse out the mixture and gently dry your strands. Best Kombucha-Based Hair Products Don’t trust yourself to create your own rinse? No worries, we rounded up the best kombucha-based hair products to try. But we do have to let you know those are affiliate links, so we’ll receive a portion of the sale from any purchase you make. Okay, now you can read on! Grab a kombucha and then come in to the Mug Shoppe for a cut! Let us help you feel confident in caring for your hair!