Movember

The month of November brings the first tidings of holiday cheer. We have cooler weather, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, an overall sense of gratitude for the good things we have, and, not to mention, awesome food.

In addition to all these "things-November-brings," I was lucky enough to have a funny and very creative group of friends who celebrated what they called "Stache-giving". Stache-giving is a yearly event amongst these friends, when they all gather to BBQ, drink beers and, in essence, catch up on all things man. What makes this gathering especially unique, however, is that they all begin to grow moustaches in anticipation for this event. In fact, moustaches are generally required if you want to attend these Stache-giving festivities. I was always fascinated by their commitment to moustache-growing every November and I was equally amused by the pictures that resulted from such a manly get together.

Interestingly enough, while I was doing some research for work, I came across something called Movember. After learning that moustaches were invloved I started doing a little digging and I learned that "Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health issues - specifically prostate and testicular cancer". This, I thought, is one of the most spectacular displays of awareness I have come across. Movember is a world-wide movement that raises consciousness for men's health, which, if we're honest, is something men don't generally rally together for. It adds an element of levity and fun to a worthy cause while still managing to make a strong statement.

So, this month and for the rest of your life's Novembers, be sure to grow and cultivate a hearty moustache in manly solidarity. Also, take a moment to learn more about Movember and to contribute to this genius cause at www.movember.com.

Here's hoping for a happy, healthy Thanksgiving to all.

Men and Hair Loss

Hair loss happens to be an affliction that affects both men and women. Unfortunately alopecia, as it's medically known, can begin early in men. Even as early as in one's teens or early 20s. Pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss and it is typically permanent. Pattern baldness affects roughly one-third of men and women.

Different people deal with it in different ways: some try to cover it up with hats or scarves, others resort to hair plugs and expensive treatments, and others simply let nature take its course and do nothing to stop the hair loss. Because people are so different, there is no "correct" way to deal with alopecia. Everyone has their own preference and has a choice to work with the issue in the best way they see fit. However, it becomes important to know what the causes of hair loss are.

Hair goes through cycles of growth and rest. These cycles are unique to different individuals, but, during the growth phase, which lasts about 3-4 years in most individuals, hair grows about 1cm a month. The resting phase lasts about 3-4 months and when the rate of regrowth is less than the amount of shedding, baldness can begin to occur. Most individuals lose about 50-100 strands of hair a day, but amongst a typical 100,000 count, this loss is rarely noticeable. It's important to remember that gradual thinning occurs with age and that there are some medications that could help maintain remaining hair.

The following medications are provided by the Mayo Clinic:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine). This over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication is approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. Minoxidil is a liquid or foam that you rub into your scalp twice daily to grow hair and to prevent further loss. Some people experience some hair regrowth or a slower rate of hair loss or both. Minoxidil is available in a 2 percent solution and in a 5 percent solution.
  

New hair resulting from minoxidil use may be thinner and shorter than previous hair. But there can be enough hair growth for some people to hide their bald spots and have them blend with existing hair. New hair stops growing soon after you discontinue the use of minoxidil. It may take 12 weeks for new hair to start growing. If you experience minimal results within six months, your doctor may recommend discontinuing use. Side effects can include irritation of the scalp.

• Finasteride (Propecia). This prescription medication to treat male-pattern baldness is taken daily in pill form. Many men taking finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss, and some may show some new hair growth. Positive results may take several months. Finasteride works by stopping the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and is an important factor in male hair loss. Rare side effects of finasteride include diminished sex drive and sexual function. As with minoxidil, the benefits of finasteride stop if you stop using it.

Finasteride is not approved for use by women. In fact, it poses significant danger to women of childbearing age. If you're a pregnant woman, don't even handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets because absorption of the drug may cause serious birth defects in male fetuses.

• Corticosteroids. Injections of cortisone into the scalp can treat alopecia areata. Treatment is usually repeated monthly. Doctors sometimes prescribe corticosteroid pills for extensive hair loss due to alopecia areata. New hair may be visible four weeks after the injection. Ointments and creams also can be used, but they may be less effective than injections.
  
• Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp). Available as either a cream or an ointment, anthralin is a synthetic, tarry substance that you apply to your scalp and wash off daily. It's typically used to treat psoriasis, but doctors can prescribe it to treat other skin conditions. Anthralin may stimulate new hair growth for cases of alopecia areata. It may take up to 12 weeks for new hair to appear.

Royal Magazine's Men's Skincare Spread

The newest issue of Royal Magazine includes a great spread detailing the latest and greatest products for men's skincare.

Royal Magazine is a lifestyle publication for anyone with an interest in Indian culture and women. They feature beautiful Indian models from around the world, along with celebrity interviews. They also showcase the latest in fashion, gadgets, gaming, cars, and much more. You can imagine our excitement at being featured in such a well-designed piece.

This particular issue has great reviews on cameras, good-looking ladies and excellent advice columns so be sure to check it out.

Grooming and Work

During a time of economic instability, unemployment rates are increasing more and more. Although you might think it's a superficial sentiment, many employers are looking for potential employees to be well-groomed and clean. A job candidate who looks good can send employers positive messages about their interest in neatness, cleanliness and organization - which is always a good thing.

Now, I'm not just talking about simply running a comb through your hair and drowning in cologne - I'm talking about styled hair, groomed facial hair and a crisp suit to pull it all together. Men tend to get lost in the shuffle when it comes to skin care and grooming products when, in reality, men should be the ones more concerned about plucking and trimming because a lot of hair shows up on your face. Get rid of nose hairs, trim those eyebrows and don't let a beard or moustache become a straggly mess. Go out of your way to find great hair pomades and ensure a close shave in order to impress potential bosses. Even if you don't get the job, at least you'll look when you go drown your sorrows at a nearby bar.