The History of David Beckham's Hair: Part 1

MFB thought it was about time to look at the UK's most influential men's fashion icon in recent times ... David Beckham, and in particular David Beckham's hairstyles!

David Beckham changes his hairstyle more often than he changes his underwear! Indeed, since meeting the fashion conscious Victoria Adams (now his wife, Victoria Beckham), who has clearly molded his persona, David Beckham's hairstyle has been one of the most talked about things in the history of celebrity fashion.

We start off in the early days of David’s career, fresh out of the youth academy at Manchester United with this mainly un-styled, plain and simple look.
This was in keeping with the non-flash lifestyle Sir Alex Ferguson embedded into his upcoming youth team players, but little did he know this was the start of an extremely media-fuelled career.

As David’s career takes off due to often brilliant displays on the wing for Manchester United, his hairstyle begins to develop into a more slicker look as he discovers the joys of hair gel, prompting a deal with Brylcreem which increased their sales by 50%.

Flash back to the 1995/1996 English Premier League season, and to David Beckham’s famous goal scored from the half way line over a helpless Neil Sullivan in goal for Wimbledon.

This is the point where David Beckham’s career really took off as he was sprung into the media spotlight for showcasing his footballing talent, and as a result of this, his hair undertook a dramatic change with the inclusion of blonde highlights: the mark of an upcoming Superstar.

David Beckham shocked the nation with his next style taking him from media sweetheart to that of one with attitude, and promoted Barbers to up their prices for one of the simplest hairstyles in existence: the shaved head.

Hiding the ‘new do’ under a woolly hat during a Manchester United training session, David caused a media panic after a team-mate jokingly removed it revealing it to the World, causing newspapers to displace headlines just to cover it.


Next up in the collection is the possibly the one Golden Ball’s will look back on and think ‘Maybe that wasn’t a good idea.’ Yep, you’ve guess it, the mini-Mohawk.

This monstrosity of a haircut was devised shortly after David’s shaved look grew back, and prompted armies of men to copy it, creating possibly the largest fashion disaster in the history of the World.

After the success and shock factor of the mini-Mohawk, David toned it down a little and went for something less shocking with this short, darker spiked haircut.

Next up for Mr. Beckham in the Summer of 2002 was my personal favourite, the blonde, longer Mohawk. Heck, I enjoyed it so much, even I sported it for a while!

Looking much like a blonde shark, Beck’s led England to the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup Final’s, narrowly losing to the eventual winners Brazil.



After the disappointment of the World Cup, David decided to go for the European look, and grew his hair much longer, often sporting it with a continental hair band, making an item normally seen in Fame (I want to Live Forever) fashionable once again.


Blatantly annoyed with his hair always being in his eyes, Beck’s decided to cause mass media frenzy once again with a style most often seen in the Caribbean. Enter the famous cornrow hairstyle, so famous in fact that Nelson Mandela requested to meet Beck’s and the England squad during this period.
Was this influenced by this famous hairstyle? Who knows!

Check back here soon for the second part of David Beckham's Hair History, only here at MFB!

CL

Men's Grooming Products by Clinique

As well as quality skincare and shaving formulas specifically created for a man's needs, Clinique also offers a range of grooming products for men. MFB have listed the Clinique product benefits for any man wanting to be well-groomed and looking good!

Hair Maximizing Shampoo – is a daily-use shampoo created to maintain your hair’s fullest look. Following use it immediately improves thickness and volume, then continues to work over time by helping keep the hair you have.

Hair Maximizing Serum – A highly concentrated Clinique product that improves men’s hair thickness and volume. The formula helps increase scalp circulation to encourage growth of stronger, healthier-looking hair.

Non-Streak Bronzer – This Clinique product for men’s skin gives the most believable tanned look obtainable. It is suitable for all types of skin. A transparent, oil-free gel delivers a healthy-looking colour. The product smoothes on evenly and washes off very easily. Clinique recommend that you prep skin with Clinique Face Scrub for smooth, even results.

Exfoliating Body Wash – A body was that cleans efficiently whilst non-abrasives grains shed dead skin flakes and any build-up of oil, leaving your skin feeling fresh, smooth and comfortable. Clinique recommend you use this formula daily to help keep skin clear.

Antiperspirant Deodrant Stick and Antiperspirant Deodorant Roll-On – Effective, dependable and comfortable protection against wetness and odour.

Lip Balm SPF 15 – A hydrating formula from Clinique that helps soothe dry lips. Protects with SPF 15. Recommended for daily use to ensure lips are kept comfortable and conditioned. Also ideal for outdoor sports.

Oil Control Hydrator – A specialist multi-tasking, oil-free formula soothes dryness in normal to oily skin. The product helps de-shine and control excess oil. It works immediately on application and over time to reduce the appearance of pores, leaving skin looking fresher and more refined.

Maximum Hydrator – Rehydrates and firms normal to dry skin giving a more supple look and feel. The quick-absorbing, non-greasy Clinique formula helps to trigger skin’s ability to build and hold moisture, working to minimise the look of lines.

Daily Eye Hydrator – A quick-absorbing eye gel that immediately sootes and refreshes, targeting the appearances of fine lines and shadows. Over time it helps to firm skin and strengthen the eye-area.

MFB

Shaving Advice: The most common mistakes men make when wet-shaving.

MFB have listed some of the most common mistakes men commit when shaving. Avoid these blunders at all costs to ensure a clean, close, cut free shave.

Shaving too fast

Take your time! If you shave at speed you will make mistakes and most likely cut yourself. Carefully control the razor across your skin. Give yourself a couple of extra minutes to shave… it will be worth it.

Using normal soap as shaving cream

Normal soap will dry the skin and doesn't soften the hairs on your face. This makes for a more difficult shave. Always opt for a shaving gel, cream or specialist shaving soap.

Shaving before a shower

Most men that do this think that they can clean their face (in the shower) after a shave and thus save time. However these men don’t benefit from the advantages a couple of minutes of pre-shave hot water exposure can give you. Indeed the shower’s steam softens the hair on your face making for an easier shave. Furthermore the heat opens and unclogs pours to clear away impurities. Plus an opened pore is much easier to shave!

Not cleaning the pre-shave face

Again, most men think they should clean their face after the shave. However by cleaning away dirt and grease before a shave, you remove a layer or barrier that would otherwise lie between your skin and the razor. Removing this unwanted layer on your skin gives a much closer shave. If you want to save some time, one tip is to clean your face whilst in the shower before you shave.

MFB

Men's Fragrances

As well as looking the part for work, a night out on the town with the boys, or a date with that special someone, you’re also going to need to be smelling the part, but let’s be honest, if that involves placing Old Spice or Brut anywhere near your body, then you might be in need of a new scent.

So what’s important when choosing that new cologne?

Well, firstly, you need to know that a scent is an extension of yourself, with every scent smelling different on different people what with how the cologne takes to your body. While your mate Clive smells charming in the new Paul Smith fragrance, you have to understand that you may end up smelling like a pair of old socks.

Selecting that scent?

The best bet to get an idea of how a fragrance smells on you is to go to a Department Store (such as Selfridges, Harrods, House of Frasier) and make a beeline for their fragrance department.

Once you’re there, resist all temptation to cover yourself in as many scents as possible, as this will cloud your judgement, as well as make you pass out.
Instead, take along several pieces of card, and spray each one with the different cologne.
This method allows the cologne scent to stay fresh, and unmixed from the other scents, allowing you to make a more informed choice, as well as not making you smell like Jean Paul Gaultier’s powder room.

Popular Scents

So, what’s at the height of cologne fashion at the moment? We explore a few options.

Calvin Klein - Contradiction

A fine concoction of oriental wood, and is a spicy blend of lime, clementine, wood and ebony means this is far too good to be sharing with the woman in your life, much like you would have with CK One.

Dolce and Gabanna

This cologne is perfect for that fresh smell and would work brilliantly for nights out. The mixture of citrus, lavender, and tobacco is unique and instantly recognisable.

Jean Paul Gaultier – Le Male

With Le Male, you don’t only get a great fragrance, but also an untimely piece of art in the shape of the fantastic bottle it comes in. Jean Paul has mixed the scents of lavender, orange blossom, cinnamon, musk, and vanilla together brilliantly to produce a scent that is provoking, yet distinctive.

Hugo Boss

A true classic, Hugo Boss has been at the forefront of popular fragrances for time.
The mixture of green apple, and outdoor scents such as pine needles, lavender and jasmine make this a sure-fire buy.

Issey Miyake - L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme

A personal favourite of mine, Issey Miyake outdo themselves once again with this summit of a fragrance.
With the aroma being the distinctive mixture of tangerine, nutmeg, tobacco, sandalwood, musk, and blue water lily, Issey Miyake is a top choice for the gentleman that wants clean cut scent.


Fragrances are a top bet for changing your image, so remember that with haircuts, and facial hair, it’s always best to choose one that reflects you, and matches your personality.
If you keep these points in mind, then you’re on for making a good smelling impression with anyone you come across.


CL

The Badger Hair Shaving Brush

Using a fine badger hair brush to brush quality shaving cream onto your face is a necessity in obtaining that perfect shave! MFB investigate the use of badger hair brushes for men…

Why use badger hair brushes?

Although shaving cream may be applied with the fingers, MFB recommends the use of a good quality shaving brush for three reasons.

1. A good shaving brush absorbs hot water then releases and mixes the hot water with the shaving cream as you apply the cream to your face. The combination of hot water mixing with the cream and getting beaten by the brush during application, delivers a thicker, richer, more emollient lather that’s you would not be able to achieve with your fingers.

2. A shaving brush also gently exfoliates the dead skin from your face before shaving. This eradicates an unwanted layer between the blade and your hair, assisting in a closer shave.

3. The brushing lifts your beard and suspends the hair upright in the thick lather, which exposes the maximum hair length to your razor blade to ensure you remove as much hair as possible, thus obtaining a closer shave.

How to use a badger hair brush

It's simple! Skim the brush back and forth across your face and neck in and up and down motion.

Choosing a badger hair brush

The choice of badger hair is dependent to where on the body the hair was harvested from. There are three grades of badger hair in general use:

1. Pure brushes - which have dark hair of medium to short length.


2. Best brushes - which have long to medium length, with a creamy tip and softer feel.


3. Super brushes - which have longer length hair with a very soft creamy white tip. Super badger is chosen by many for its' soft yet luxurious and effective performance however super badger hair is rare commodity making, making it very expensive.

Makers of badger hair brushes

Leading makers of shaving brushes include English companies Cyril R Salter, A. Simpson & Co., and G.B. Kent & Sons. The aforementioned makers are acknowledged by many as creating the best quality and most refined shaving brushes in the world and MFB recommends no others. Indeed G.B. Kent has been making the world's finest brushes since 1777 and is internationally renowned for selecting the best materials, applying advanced manufacturing methods, and finishing with impecable attention to detail that creates a shaving brush that is as close to perfect as is possible.

To browse through a collection of men's shaving brushes by the very best shaving brush makers; including Simpsons and G.B. Kent, click here.

MFB

Men's Face Cleansing

Because of the size of men’s pores, your skin needs to be cleaned both in the morning and at night. Cleansing your face in the evening removes the dirt and grime from a hard day, and cleansing in the morning removes toxins that have been released from your skin overnight! Below is a 5-step process to cleansing your face:

1. Wash your hands with soap. Don’t apply a face cleanser with dirty hands.
2. Moisten a clean facecloth in warm (not hot) water. Wipe the cloth over your face to remove the surface oil, dirt and grime, and also moisten the skin.
3. With moist hands, put some cleanser on the tips of your fingers and create a foam.
4. Using both hands, swirl your cleanser on your face in small circular motions, with on your neck, cheeks, nose, and forehead.
5. Moisten a new facecloth with lukewarm water and rinse off all the cleanser.

For more advice about men's skin care, click here.

MFB

The ultimate men’s skin care routine!

Men’s Fashion Blog have listed some simple-yet-effective skincare steps for men that will keep you looking your best.

Step 1: Cleanse

Compared to women, men have oilier skin and larger pores. This makes men’s skin dirtier quicker, making it necessary to cleanse regularly. Twice daily cleansing (morning and night) is key to keeping your pores clean and clear. This is especially true for men who live or work in a major city.Use gentle, but effective, cleansing products. Cleansers are available to buy in a myriad of forms, such as: foaming gels, creams, milky cleansers and ready-to-go cleansing pads.

MFB recommend you avoid using deodorant bar soaps on your face, which are harsh; striping and irritating your skin.

Click here for more information on men's skin cleansing.

Step 2: Tone Your Skin

Toner should be applied between cleansing and moisturising. A skin toner will clean and diminish the look of large pores. It will also help tighten your face, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Furthermore it will restore your skin's pH balance.

Step 3: Exfoliate

Men have hair over their face, and hair traps oil, dirt and grime. Exfoliating helps to remove dirt, dead skin and smooth the surface of the skin. Use a scrub, exfoliating gloves, abrasive sponge, or loofa to exfoliate.

Daily exfoliation may not be needed, but a regular exfoliation to clean up the dead skin cells is certainly essential. Try to exfoliate at least 2 to 3 times per week for adequate coverage.

Take care when exfoliating as it can dry out skin. Use a moisturiser to help stabilise your skin and feed the new skin.

Step 4: Moisturise Your Skin

Moisturising is the most important part to men's daily skin care routine, especially due to increased risk of dry skin from shaving. A good moisturiser will restore the skin's lost moisture and prevent the moisture from evaporating further.

It is important to select a moisturiser suitable for your skin type. For instance, if you have combination or dry skin, use a non-greasy oil-free moisturiser. MFB also recommends you buy a moisturiser that contains SPF 15 or higher to prevent your skin being damaged by the suns harmful rays.

To reduce under eye wrinkles, puffiness or lines, use a separate eye gel treatment for men. The same applies for your lips. Try a soothing balm or an anti-chapping stick. Again try to buy one with SPF 15 or above.

MFB

Shaving Tips for Men

A good shave will keep you looking your best! A poor shave will not only make you look untidy; it will also make your skin feel harsh. Avoid rashes and cuts when shaving with some tips from MFB...

Pre-shaving advice

1. Don’t shave directly after waking up in the morning. Leaving it 10 to 15 minutes will allow the puffiness in your skin (caused by fluid collection) to fade away, helping you to get a close shave.
2. Before you shave, exfoliate! Use a facial cleanser or scrub to eradicate dead skin cells. This helps avoid ingrown hair. It also opens the pores of the skin in preparation for the shave.
3. Shave under good conditions! Good lighting and a decent mirror (preferably a three-mirror setup).
4. Wet your stubble with warm/hot water before shaving. This opens the pores and swells the hair shaft allowing the blade to cut the hair easier. Just after you have had a shower is the perfect time to shave.
5. Thoroughly massage shave cream into stubble before you start your shave - this helps soften the stubble. Choose a vitamin E or aloe vera based shaving product that will help protect against razor rashes and burns.
6. Use a brush to apply cream. The brush ensures a even spread and also lifts your hairs.
7. For best results, use a pre-shave oil. This is not essential, but oil is a time-honored treatment for men with heavier beards or sensitive skin. Apply oil before shaving cream.
8. Use sharp blades. Dull blades are responsible for most shaving cuts. Men end up dragging the razor over their face and catch skin with the rest of the beard. Keep razor blades sharp to avoid this...change blades after every two or three shaves.
9. In addition, using a razor with multliple blades will assist in a closer shave.

Tips for during shaving

1. Keep rinsing your razor blade in hot water whilst shaving. Rinse after each stroke.
2. Use slow, short strokes during your shave. To get best results you should take your time as you shave.
3. Shave with the grain (in the direction the hair grows) on your face! This is a key piece of shaving advice. Shaving against the grain of hair growth can cause redness, rashes, razor burn, cuts and ingrown hairs.
4. Using a razor with a pivoting head allows you to shave better and smoother over and around bony places, curves, bumps and other angles of the face & body.
5. Use one hand to hold the razor. Use the second hand to hold your skin taut.

Post-shaving advice

1. When you’ve finished your shave, apply an oil-free moisturiser to soothe and protect your face. If you’re using an after-shave, check the label for alcohol. Alcohol based aftershave will sting and make your skin dry.
2. Be careful of mentholated shaving products. Whilst they give a nice 'cool' sensation at first they can be irritating to the skin.

MFB