Category: GROOMING

Stop thinning hair with American Crew’s latest

Posted: 28/05/2023

Did you know that 1 in 4 men show signs of hair loss before the age of 21? With winter approaching in Australia, cold weather and indoor heating can also trigger further hair loss. If you’re struggling with thinning hair, it’s important to care for it properly. Gary McKenzie, American Crew All Star, has seen this struggle firsthand with his clients and knows the best ways to style and care for thinning hair. However, some products can make the problem worse. That’s why the American Crew Fortifying Shampoo is perfect for preventing further thinning of hair. It contains ingredients that cleanse, soften, and help increase volume while removing build-up and refreshing the scalp. This shampoo can provide multiple benefits to help prevent further hair loss. In addition to using the right shampoo, it’s crucial to keep your hair and scalp hydrated to prevent further hair loss. As the weather gets colder and indoor heating increases, the American Crew Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo can relieve any itchiness or irritation while leaving your hair and scalp feeling refreshed and hydrated. If you’re looking to style your hair to minimize the appearance of thinning hair, there are some strategic styles and products that can help. For example, the classic quiff is perfect for men with a strong hairline who want to hide bald spots and diffuse hair thinning on top. The American Crew Light Hold Texture Lotion can help make hair appear thicker while increasing manageability. Another option is the slick back hairstyle, which features shorter sides… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, GROOMING

Tags: Amcerican Crew, Best products for thinning hair, thin hair, thinning hair

American Crew hair products: the only way to do your hair

by James Banham

Updated: 28/05/2023

Are you tired of using the same old hair styling products that don’t cater to your hair’s unique needs? Look no further than American Crew. This iconic brand recently relaunched its famous puck-shaped product range, perfect for achieving great style and hold. Get 7% off American Crew with this link. With over 25 years of experience in men’s grooming, American Crew is one of the world’s most recognised styling brands. Its hair pucks are designed with all hair types, textures, and diversities in mind, meaning there’s a product for everyone. Each high-performing styling puck is suitable for specific hair textures, cuts, densities, and lengths to achieve different results. The updated hair pucks are part of American Crew’s new global campaign, Join the Crew. The range encourages every man to find their go-to styling puck, allowing them to look and feel their best. From WFH-casual to night out on the town, these must-have products will give you hair that makes others say, “what the puck!” David Raccuglia, Founder of American Crew, said, “To be the best styling brand for all, we feel we have the best arsenal of products.” And he’s right. Since launching in 1994 with just six core products, American Crew has evolved into a multi-faceted portfolio, with styling pucks leading the charge. So why not switch up your hair styling routine and try American Crew’s updated hair pucks? Your hair will thank you for it. Plus, not only will you look good, but you’ll also be supporting a brand that values catering to… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, GROOMING

Tags: american crew, Best men's hair products, men's grooming, men's hair

7 ways to get ready for summer – and the tools you need to do it

by James Banham

Updated: 23/06/2023

Summer is here, and with it comes endless opportunities for outdoor activities, beach days, and fun in the sun. So, it’s time to ditch the cozy winter clothes and start grooming yourself for the warmer months. Here are some of the best ways to get summer-ready and enjoy the season in style. In the summer, dehydration is a constant threat. The heat can cause you to lose more fluids than usual, so it’s essential to drink plenty of water. Drinking water will not only keep you hydrated, but it will also help keep your skin looking fresh and healthy. This dentist who does quality periodontics in Greeneville also adds that water is also beneficial for your dental health as it helps in neutralising the acid in your mouth. Haircuts are an easy and effective way to refresh your entire look. Consider getting a shorter, more manageable hairstyle that will help you stay cool during the summer. Trim your beard and mustache to keep them looking maintained and neat. It’s Mother’s Day in Australia soon, too, so if you’re getting something for yourself, get something for her, too! Shaver Shop Australia has it all. Summer means spending more time outdoors, which also means more exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. So, it’s crucial to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Look for a non-greasy formula that won’t clog your pores or leave a messy residue. Hot temperatures and too much sun can leave your skin dry and flaky…. Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, GROOMING, MEN'S STYLE, STYLE, WOMEN'S STYLE

Tags: Best haircut tools, Grooming for summer, How to groom for summer, Men's grooming, Mother's Day gift ideas, Shaver Shop Australia

American Crew is relaunching: ready to get puckered up?

by James Banham

Posted: 10/03/2023

If, like me, all you use in your (men’s) hair is American Crew, then this will get you going: they’re relaunching. Having been around since 1994, American Crew, one of the world’s most recognised styling brands and creator of the famous puck-shaped product range, has re-launched the iconic puck products to breathe a little new life into every man’s favourite hair products. The best-selling hair pucks have been updated with all hair types, textures and diversities in mind and encourages every man to find their go-to styling puck to suit their hair individuality and ultimately look and feel their best. Why a relaunch? Good question. It has been updated in conjunction with a new global campaign, Join the Crew, American Crew’s styling pucks are a hero product range, with each high-performing styling puck suitable for specific hair textures, cuts, densities, and lengths to achieve different results. From light hold creams to heavy hold pomades, the range encourages every man to find their go-to styling puck to suittheir hair individuality and ultimately look and feel their best. For more info and to see how the new look ‘n’ feel affects your bathroom cupboard, head to the American Crew website

Category: LIFESTYLE, GROOMING

Tags: american crew, American Crew pucks, American Crew relaunch, best men's hair

Neck care routine: what it is and why you need one

by THE F

Posted: 01/11/2022

Most people only think about skin care for their face. But what about the neck? This skin is just as delicate and deserves just as much attention! The neck is often exposed to the sun and other environmental factors that can damage the skin, which often means resorting to various skin treatment plans to reduce this damage’s appearance. However, before needing clinical intervention, this blog post will discuss the importance of neck care and provide simple means of protecting your skin. We’ll also discuss ways to improve neck muscle health through good posture and circulation, as neck care is not only skin deep. So read on to learn more about neck care and how to keep your skin looking young and healthy! What is a neck care routine? As we age, our skin changes. It becomes thinner and less elastic, which is especially true of the neck, which has some of the thinnest skin on the body. The fatty tissues below the skin also decrease, and we begin to lose bone density. These changes can cause the skin on our neck to sag and wrinkles to form, much like the skin on our face. A neck care routine can help minimise the visible signs of ageing caused by excessive sun exposure and environmental factors like pollution or smoke. That is why it is important to implement anti-ageing skin care routines before permanent damage can be caused. Anti-ageing product usage should be used to prevent dark spots and fine lines. Why do you need a neck… Read More

Category: GROOMING

Hello makes oral care fun and delicious

by Emi Berry

Updated: 25/07/2022

Spit just got real! Hello is on a mission to make the world a friendlier place, starting with your mouth. Free of dyes, artificial sweeteners, flavours, parabens, triclosan, microbeads, and gluten, the Hello toothpaste range is also vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA. And the best part is they have never been tested on unicorns. What? Unicorns? Let us introduce you to one of our favourite tubes of Hello toothpaste – Unicorn Sparkle. For kids aged 7 to 107, this bubble gum natural flavoured toothpaste has no artificial sweeteners, no colourants, no artificial flavours, no spicy mint, and no SLS or sulfates. It’s also vegan and the tubes are BPA-free. Seriously, brushing has never been so delicious and fun! But the fun doesn’t stop there. The hello range also includes: Naturally whitening fluoride toothpaste with farm-grown mint, tea tree + coconut oil (RRP $9.99) Epic whitening activated charcoal fluoride toothpaste with fresh mint + coconut oil (RRP $9.99) Goodby Plaque, hello whitening fluoride-free toothpaste in natural peppermint with tea tree + coconut oil (RRP $9.99) Activated charcoal mouthwash (RRP $9.99) Charcoal toothbrush (RRP $5.99) Goodbye plaque, hello whitening toothpaste tablets (RRP $15.99) Now you’re probably wondering how toothpaste tablets work? Plastic-free – in a recyclable tin – travel friendly with a delicious natural peppermint and fluoride-free, these tablets help to whiten teeth by removing surface stains, brushing away plaque and freshening breath. They are formulated with natural peppermint, tea tree oil, and coconut oil, and all you do is simply chew, brush, spit and… Read More

Category: GROOMING

Tags: hello oral care, Hello toothpaste, toothpaste

The easiest Plastic Free July swap you’ll ever make

by Danielle Kirk

Posted: 11/07/2022

It’s estimated that in 2021 Australians wasted 5,266 tonnes of plastic. It’s little wonder that as we become more aware of the harmful impact mismanaged plastic has on our environment, more of us are taking the time to make smart swaps. Plastic Free July is an entire month dedicated to just that – education and tips and tricks on reducing your plastic footprint! Here at The F, we’re here to tell you about the easiest eco-swap you will ever make – SHAMPOO BARS! What is a shampoo bar you ask? It’s essentially a bar of soap, but made of shampoo. They even come as conditioners as well! The idea is you remove the water, which makes up most of your shampoo ingredients, and keep all the good hair cleaning stuff as a compact bar that you then use in the shower and add water to create a lather while you wash those locks. They’re a truly genius product that’s lower on carbon footprint thanks to being lighter to ship, and fantastic for travel. We road tested the Anihana range, a NZ family-owned brand who handcraft sustainable hair and body care products, and can confirm we’re never going back to shampoo bottles in this house. Anihana’s shampoo and conditioner bars are all paraben, SLS and sulphate free, whilst also being 100% cruelty and plastic free. If you’re watching your pennies like the rest of us in this economy, you’ll be pleased to know that each bar is the equivalent of using three 250ml bottles worth of… Read More

Category: ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY, GROOMING, LIFESTYLE

Tags: anihana, conditioner bars, eco friendly swap, plastic free july, plastic free swaps, shampoo bars

Unlabelled skincare ideal for everyone this June Pride Month

by James Banham

Posted: 06/06/2022

Encouraging young Australians to just be themselves, without the need for any labels, Unlabelled is a social enterprise developed by award-winning skincare professionals for everyone regardless of how you identify this Pride Month of June. From the men who gave us Lqd skincare many years ago, Unlabelled is the new venture by Anthony McDonough and Chris Glebatsas, passionate about the combination of science and skin, all inspired by their 18-year-old daughter. The two are developing Unlabelled to celebrate diversity and help tackle youth suicide, donating 100% of its profits to charities that share Unlabelled’s mission to improve the mental health of Australian youth. Why? Well, every year more than 70,000 young Australians attempt to take their own lives, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made things even worse. Unlabelled’s focus is on dealing with identity, body image, anti-bullying, depression and LGBTQIA+ issues that can lead to youth suicide, joining leading skincare brands that have engaged openly and firstly with social enterprise. What’s in the range? Unlabelled’s range is for everyone and focuses entirely on cleanliness, targeting the daily dirty: body and hands. With a range of body bars, hand wash and body wash, the brand’s focus on preparing your body and skin to be your real, best self put-forward is high on the agenda. See the whole spread and buy some at the Unlabelled website

Category: GROOMING, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Anthony Mcdonough, Chris Gelbetsas, Unlabelled skincare

American Crew talks men and how to look good this 2022

by James Banham

Updated: 09/05/2022

Forget ‘new year, new you’. After the shitness that has been the past 24 months, it’s all about ‘new year, happy you’ in whatever incarnation that takes. For us, it’s a quality haircut and some better-than-great hair products – like the American Crew Acumen range – with styling techniques that take your look from ‘I’ve been inside endlessly for months’, to ‘I remember how to look like an adult’ in an instant. If you’ve not been privy to the American Crew action at fashion weeks for men’s dos the country-wide, then never fear. We spoke with the legend in men’s hair that is David Raccuglia, the founder of American Crew about men’s hair this 2022. His trend predictions for 2022? David predicts that long, loose styles with unstructured, naturally-textured and looser-looking shapes that are effortless but still aesthetically pleasing are on the horizon. In his own words, he says “The men’s category has reached a place where there’s so much diversity. This is really the first time that we’ve had the opportunity to celebrate many different looks because for once, it’s not about trends, it’s about style and adapting to one that defines you.” For more about men’s style and how to get a whole world of new looks for the year, head to the American Crew website

Category: FEATURES, GROOMING, LIFESTYLE

Hello toothpaste: the friendlier way to start your day is officially here

by James Banham

Updated: 22/07/2022

What if I told you that you could begin and end every day with a practical, beneficial, refreshing and tasty ritual that’s good for you? You’d probably jump at it. Especially when you find out that as it turns out, you’re already doing it. The ritual is just brushing your teeth. But it’s not the motion that we’re talking about here (though, that’s a big part of it – ask your dentist!); it’s with what that really makes the difference. Say hello to hello, a new path-forger in oral healthcare that’s as friendly as its name would suggest. View this post on Instagram A post shared by hello products (@helloproducts) Founded by a guy named Craig Dubitsky, hello is a new, naturally friendly, personal, pretty packaged and delicious oral care line of products that make religious tooth-brushers want to brush more and ne’er brushers want to brush more. With puns in every cavity of the brand’s experience, they make the daily ritual fun, engaging and tasty, really relying on their naturally inspired flavours and mouth-friendly ingredients – that still tick the boxes of Australia’s TGA – to help begin and end your days the right, friendly way. Oh and when it comes to keep the planet healthy and happy, too, hello is produced from responsibly sourced ingredients and materials, from sustainable bamboo and stevia to boxes made from 100% recycled paper printed with soy-based ink. For more and to try some for yourself, head to the hello website View this post on Instagram A post… Read More

Category: GROOMING, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Hello toothpaste, The friendlier way to start your day is officially here

ARTS & CULTURE

breakdance head spin pexels pixabay 159273

Experience break dancing like never before this MAy

24/04/2024

By James Banham

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of hip hop culture, innovation, and artistry at Breakin’ Convention 2024. An international festival of Hip Hop dance theatre, it’ll be taking over Sadler’s Wells in Islington this coming May Bank Holiday. Enthusiastically helmed by the visionary UK hip hop maker and Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director Jonzi D, this festival has become a beacon for fans and creators of hip hop from around the globe. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for two days packed with jaw-dropping performances, interactive workshops, and live music that promise to electrify the Sadler’s Wells venues on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May. With an extraordinary lineup featuring international sensations like Femme Fatale (USA), Sons of Wind (France), and Jinjo crew (South Korea), alongside groundbreaking UK acts such as TRAPLORD, Boy Blue, and When Time Was New, this festival is set to showcase the dynamic and diverse world of hip hop dance theatre. Attendees of all ages can look forward to a vast array of activities including spectacular dance performances, bespoke graffiti workshops, freestyle sessions, and even live DJs sessions that guarantee to keep the energy high and the spirit of hip hop alive throughout the entire building. Not to mention, the festival coincides with the historic moment of breaking becoming an official Olympic sport at the Paris Olympics, adding an extra layer of exhilaration to the festivities. Beyond the performances, Breakin’ Convention 2024 invites audiences to engage directly with the hip hop community through unique events such as the Tiny… Read More

Opera Australia orchestrates a new era with Matthieu Arama as Concertmaster

24/04/2024

By James Banham

In a move that marks a significant milestone in its illustrious history, Opera Australia has announced the appointment of the renowned French violinist Matthieu Arama as the new Concertmaster of the Opera Australia Orchestra (OAO). This announcement follows an exhaustive global search, culminating in Mr. Arama’s selection, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership abilities. Set to join the OAO in August of this year, Arama brings with him a wealth of experience as the current Concertmaster of the Opéra National de Bordeaux, coupled with an impressive track record of performances with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by matthieu arama (@matthieu_arama) Arama’s role will be pivotal in steering the OAO towards achieving artistic brilliance across its broad annual repertoire, which spans over 250 opera, ballet, musical theatre, and concert performances for Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. His recent engagements as Guest Concertmaster for Opera Australia on iconic productions such as La Traviata and Swan Lake, alongside The Australian Ballet, and a solo recital featuring opera and ballet excerpts, underscore his extraordinary versatility and musicianship. The enthusiasm within the OAO is palpable, with Acting Concertmaster Huy-Nguen Bui expressing excitement over welcoming Arama to the helm. “The OAO is excited to welcome an exceptional violinist and musician as our new Concertmaster. We look forward to reaching the highest levels of music-making through Mr. Arama’s artistic leadership,” said Bui. This sentiment is echoed by Opera Australia’s CEO Fiona Allan, Artistic Director Jo Davies, The Australian Ballet’s… Read More

Lauren Brincat When Do I Breathe 2024. Performer Jasmin Lancaster. Photographer Zan Wimberley. Courtesy of the artist

Public performance in Randwick Sydney by artist Lauren Brincat

22/04/2024

By James Banham

This week, the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct will experience an exceptional infusion of art and community spirit through a public performance by the celebrated multidisciplinary artist Lauren Brincat. Scheduled for one-night only, on Wednesday, 24 April 2024, Brincat’s performance marks the launch of the new Laneway Art Program. This initiative, commissioned by the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct and supported by Transport for NSW’s Safer Cities program, seeks to enhance perceptions of safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people navigating the streets and laneways of the Precinct. Brincat, along with Rochelle Haley, another leading Australian artist, has been entrusted with the mission to improve night-time connectivity and comfort within the precinct through performance-based and site-specific artwork. Both artists have engaged directly with health workers in the area to shape their projects, aiming to make the public spaces more welcoming and to strengthen the sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness across the site. The artwork, titled When do I breathe?, is an ambitious collaboration with sound artist Evelyn Ida Morris, UNSW Choral Director Sonia Maddock, and choreographer Charmene Yap. It invites the public to actively participate in shaping new paths across the precinct, offering a unique experience that encompasses three activation sites within the UNSW Kensington and the hospital precinct. The performance, beginning at 5:00 pm on the UNSW Scientia Lawn, is a reflection on the interconnectedness of local communities, especially those separated by differing work shifts and daily rhythms. Aiming to reclaim public space through collective action, When do I breathe? presents an… Read More

Good news for National Gallery London: Eva Gonzalès piece acquired

22/04/2024

By James Banham

On the occasion of the artist’s 177th birthday on Friday 19th April, the National Gallery has acquired La Psyché (The Full-length Mirror), about 1869-70, by Eva Gonzalès (1849-1883) thanks to three generous legacy gifts from Mrs Martha Doris Bailey, Miss Gillian Cleaver, and Ms Sheila Mary Holmes, and the National Gallery Trust. This is the first acquisition by the Gallery of a work by Gonzalès and the second acquisition of its Bicentenary year. La Psyché has not been seen in public for over seventy years and joins only one other painting by her in a UK public collection, The Donkey Ride, about 1880?2, at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Gonzalès is the 20th female artist represented in the National Gallery Collection, marking a significant addition. The story of Gonzalès’s reputation, during and after her life, reflects some of the reasons why women artists are not well represented in the National Gallery. These include being offered fewer opportunities in life and the lack of interest shown, consciously or not, in works by women artists by collectors of the era and onwards, from whose acquisitions the National Gallery’s own collection was assembled. During her lifetime Gonzalès was an established artist who exhibited multiple times to acclaim at the official Paris Salon. She was the only official pupil of Edouard Manet (1832-83), with whom she studied from 1869. Gonzalès likely painted La Psyché around the same time that Manet was painting his portrait of her, Eva Gonzalès (1870). That work, in the Gallery collection, was the focal point of the recent exhibition, Discover Manet & Eva… Read More

film movie reel pexels daydream 20432081

Shooshfest: Australia’s first ever silent short film competition

17/04/2024

By James Banham

Australia’s Shooshfest, an inaugural silent short film competition, invites diverse creators to innovate in storytelling sans speech. Promising an immersive experience, it will connect with audiences, honour silent film and catalyse cinematic culture.