So it seems every year theres a new hairstyle that every guy goes mad for (remember the dark times of the Justin Bieber fringe, and fondly wave at last years extreme quiff) theres a new, more laid back hairstyle that seems to be donning most guys heads. From Jared Leto at awards season, to Harry Styles running errands, the 'Mun' (the man-bun, creative name I know) is the perfect balance of 'yep I did make an effort' and 'well I woke up late' which is perfect for the upcoming summer months.
How I get my hair cut (longer on top with a full back undercut) and how I style my version of the Mun
Now, I have to admit, I was originally totally sceptical about going for a quiff but ever since having one, Ive loved it so I decided to up the ante and go full force on the Mun front. When I go to the hairdressers, I get the top section left as long as possible with a micro cut to keep the ends tidy and also stimulate growth (Micro cuts stimulate growth by tricking the hair to repair the new cut ends) and then I get a grade 2 buzz cut with a grade 1 on the sides to add a more modern take on the short back and sides. I love the versatility this haircut gives me as I can either turn it into a Mun, slick it back for a 50's look or blow-dry it back to give a more modern take on the previous look (the technique I was taught was to use the hairdryer on the lowest blow speed on the hottest heat and to hold it about 1 1/2 inches away from the brush whilst bringing the hair back to create volume)
The essential Mun products
When it comes to creating the Mun, theres two ways I go about it. If I want a more casual, daytime appropriate version, after washing my hair, I spray the top section of hair with Toni and Guy Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray to create a grippier texture/the effect of day 2 hair, and then comb the section to flatten any shorter pieces ready to tie up with a simple snag-free hairband (Boots do some great ones, and don't be suckered into any of those rubbery slim ones, they snag and grip on hair and really hurt when trying to take them out). Whilst drying, you usually get a few flyaway parts so either use a light hairspray to slick it back or tuck them in for a slightly less disheveled look.
For a more smarter approach if you have longer hair, follow the first steps, and then use a hairdryer to make sure your hair is around 2/3 dry and liberally use a cream styling paste (I swear by the Redken Mess Around 10 cream paste that I love so much it got its own designated post here) which will hold it in place and be a slicker approach (think Jared Leto at the Golden Globes) Secure in place with a hairband and let the cream paste set, which holds like hairspray but gives the shine making it look like its all natural.
There you have it guys, my take on this seasons hottest mens hairstyle trend. What do you think? Is it here to stay like the classic short back and sides, or is it limited like the long sweeping fringe? Let me know in the comments below!
If you like how this style looks and fancy being generous, please go over to The Blogger Programmes latest competition page #VeryGHD and like my picture here to win some great prizes thanks to GHD and Very, it'd mean so much to me!
Until next time guys!
At the beginning of the year, I decided to finally be healthier then I have been, so that meant adapting my diet (I took onboard the 5:2 method, which has proven great so far) and also step up my activity level. Now, I knew about fuel bands and fitness trackers for sometime but hadn't really known much about them due to hardly any reviews etc so I decided to bite the bullet and purchase one.
I decided to go with the Nike+ FuelBand SE, as I had done a bit of research beforehand and thought this one would fit what I want better then the others. I wanted one that would allow me to adapt my goals and also what Im aiming for.
So lets get into the review shall we!
So the yearly dilemma begins again:
What IS in this summer when it comes to key pieces?
The lovely guys over at Excel Clothing have set us bloggers a challenge of picking our 3 favourite pieces for the summer from their incredible range of brands from Barbour to Ted Baker for the guys to Michael Kors and J Brand for the girls, so lets get cracking shall we?
Every guy needs a multifunctional coat such as this Oliver Sweeney number in their lives for the summer.
First off in my list is a excellent multifunctional coat. Now, I know what your thinking, but everyone knows British weather loves to throw a few curveballs at us every now and again so why not look stylish whilst stuck in a downpour? This Oliver Sweeney coat is perfect for that scenario. This coat, in a timeless parka style, would act like a perfect on trend barrier when at a festival as its lightweight but also wouldn't look out of place in the city whether its slung casually over a summer outfit, or used to full potential in a downpour.
Nothing screams summer more then a crisp classic polo with a twist like this Fred Perry offering.
Now no guy can survive summer without a polo shirt, so look no further then Fred Perry who are, like always, onto a winner again. This polka dotted white number would look great teamed with a tan and some posh shorts at a gathering or BBQ, but would also be just as effective teamed with classic jeans and bold trainers for a casual summer evening outfit. Definitely a winner in my book! (Now where did I put my card....)
For capsule dressing, a denim shirt offers endless opportunity like this Armani Jeans example
Now bare with me on this one.
I love the way a denim shirt looks against a pair of shorts and a preppy pair of loafers or trainers as it gives a slightly different approach to the traditional 'College Prep' look guys go for in the summer. My top tip with this shirt? Style it endless ways such as open, sleeves rolled, sleeves down, buttoned up, the possibilities are endless; perfect summer dressing if you ask me. My personal favourite with this piece is to roll the sleeves and team with a lighter pair of shorts (in either a tan or caramel tone) with a killer pair of retro sunglasses, darker tan belt and matching shoes for a more polished approach to shirts in the summer.
So there we have it guys, lets make it a stylish summer shall we?
Now, wheres my card.....
