Michael Banks Michael Banks

Why Curly and Coily Hair Dries Out Fast—And What to Do About It

You moisturize in the morning, but by midday your beard feels dry, stiff, or brittle. Sound familiar?

That’s because curly and coily hair types lose moisture faster than straight hair.
It’s not a product problem—it’s a structure problem.

Once you understand how your texture works, you can build a system that keeps your hair and beard hydrated, soft, and growing.

Let’s break it down.

Why Curly Hair Gets Dry So Fast

The shape of your hair strand is the root of the issue.

Straight hair allows natural oils (sebum) to slide easily from root to tip. But with tight curls or coils, the oil can’t travel as far. The bends in the strand create friction and weak points—especially in Type 4 textures.

That means:

  • The ends stay dry

  • Moisture evaporates faster

  • Hair is more fragile and prone to breakage

This affects your scalp hair and your beard the same way.

It’s Not Just Dry—It’s Dehydrated

Curly hair isn’t just dry because of a lack of oil. It’s dehydrated because it loses water (moisture) through a process called Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).

Here’s what makes it worse:

  • Harsh cleansers

  • Skipping the sealing step

  • Exposure to cold or dry air

  • Hot showers

  • Not moisturizing consistently

How to Lock in Moisture (The 3-Step System)

1. Hydrate (Add Water)
Use a mist, aloe vera, or a water-based product to give your hair or beard a moisture base.

2. Moisturize (Nourish the Hair)
Apply a creamy, rich product that feeds your strands—like a beard conditioner, leave-in cream, or whipped butter.

3. Seal (Lock It In)
Use a natural oil or balm to trap the moisture in and keep it from evaporating.

Best hydrators:

  • Water

  • Aloe vera juice

  • Glycerin mists

Best moisturizers:

  • Shea butter

  • Avocado oil

  • Beard creams

Best sealants:

  • Jojoba oil

  • Castor oil

  • Beard balms

How Often Should You Moisturize?

Daily, or every other day depending on the season and your texture.

In colder weather, moisture escapes faster, so you’ll need to seal more often. In humid months, you might get away with moisturizing every other day—but never skip hydration completely.

One Quick Tip You Can Use Today:

Do this before bed:

  • Lightly mist your beard with water or aloe

  • Apply a dime-sized amount of beard cream

  • Seal with oil (3–5 drops)

Cover with a satin durag, bonnet, or sleep on a satin pillowcase.
Wake up with softer, more manageable hair.

Final Word

Curly and coily hair isn’t “hard to manage”—it just needs a moisture strategy that matches the way it grows.

The better you hydrate, moisturize, and seal, the less breakage you’ll deal with—and the more you’ll love your texture.

Tomorrow’s blog: Let’s talk how to prevent ingrown hairs before they start—with techniques and tools that work.

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

Build a Beard Care Routine That Actually Works (Without the Hype)

Trying to grow a healthy, full beard—but feel stuck in a cycle of dryness, breakage, or patchy growth?

The truth is, your beard doesn’t need 10 steps or 20 products.
What it needs is a routine that’s consistent, clean, and designed for your texture.

Here’s how to build a beard care system that works—without wasting money or time.

Step 1: Keep It Clean

Beards collect sweat, dirt, food, oil—you name it.

Wash 2–3 times a week with a gentle beard wash or cleanser.
Skip the harsh shampoo. It dries out your hair and skin.

What to use:

  • Beard-specific cleansers

  • Sulfate-free face washes

Pro Tip: Overwashing = dry beard. Underwashing = buildup and odor. Find your balance.

Step 2: Hydrate Daily

Curly and coarse beard hair dries out fast. If you’re not hydrating it daily, it’ll feel rough, look dull, and start breaking off.

Use a water-based mist or splash on distilled water before applying anything else.

Hydrators to try:

  • Aloe vera

  • Glycerin sprays

  • Beard hydrating mists

Step 3: Moisturize and Seal

After you hydrate, lock it in.
Use a moisturizer or beard cream to nourish the hair.
Then apply a beard oil or butter to seal it in.

Moisturizers:

  • Shea butter creams

  • Beard conditioners

  • Light lotions

Sealants:

  • Jojoba oil

  • Castor oil

  • Beard balms and butters

The combo = growth, softness, and strength.

Step 4: Comb or Brush Daily

Use a wide-tooth comb or a boar bristle brush to detangle and train your beard to grow in the right direction.

Don’t rush or rip through it—especially with dry hair.
Detangle after applying product for less breakage.

Step 5: Trim Strategically

Even if you’re growing your beard out, trimming is essential.
It removes split ends and keeps your beard shaped and healthy.

Use clippers or scissors to:

  • Clean up stray hairs

  • Even out patchy growth

  • Maintain a clean neckline

One Quick Tip You Can Use Today:

Tonight, try this 3-step routine:

  1. Mist your beard with water

  2. Apply beard cream or conditioner

  3. Seal with 3–5 drops of oil

Stick with this for 7 days.
Take a photo on Day 1 and Day 7.
You’ll see more softness, less ash, and better shape—guaranteed.

Final Word

You don’t need more products—you need more consistency.

The best beard routine is the one you actually stick to. Start simple. Stay daily. Watch it grow.

Tomorrow’s blog: We’ll break down how to prevent ingrown hairs before they even start.

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

How to Choose the Right Products for Melanated Skin (Without Wasting Money)

If you’ve ever stood in the grooming aisle feeling overwhelmed by products—don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Choosing the right skincare or beard care products is tough. Most aren’t made with melanated skin in mind. And when your skin reacts badly, it’s frustrating, expensive, and damaging to your routine.

Let’s make it simple.

Here’s what you need to look for—and what to avoid—when choosing products for healthy, even-toned, hydrated skin.

Why Black Skin Needs a Different Approach

Melanin-rich skin has unique needs.
It’s more prone to:

  • Hyperpigmentation

  • Dryness and moisture loss

  • Inflammation and razor bumps

  • Sensitivity to harsh or drying ingredients

So your products need to protect, hydrate, and soothe—not strip or irritate.

Ingredients That Help Melanated Skin

When reading a product label, look for these:

1. Hydrators

  • Aloe vera

  • Glycerin

  • Hyaluronic acid

2. Moisturizers

  • Shea butter

  • Squalane

  • Avocado oil

3. Barrier builders

  • Ceramides

  • Niacinamide

  • Panthenol (vitamin B5)

4. Anti-inflammatory ingredients

  • Chamomile

  • Calendula

  • Green tea extract

  • Witch hazel (alcohol-free)

These help keep the skin calm, even-toned, and well-moisturized.

Ingredients to Avoid (Big Red Flags)

1. Alcohols that dry out skin

  • SD Alcohol

  • Denatured alcohol

  • Isopropyl alcohol

2. Harsh surfactants

  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

3. Heavy fragrance or parfum
Can trigger inflammation or allergic reactions

4. Menthol and eucalyptus
Can cause burning or irritation in sensitive skin

If it stings, burns, or makes your skin feel tight—it’s a no.

What to Do Before You Try Something New

Patch test. Always.
Apply a small amount to your inner forearm or side of your neck.
Wait 24 hours.
No reaction? You’re probably good to go.

One Quick Tip You Can Use Today:

Check the first five ingredients on the label.
These make up the bulk of the product.
If water, glycerin, aloe, or shea butter show up early—you’re starting strong.
If alcohol or fragrance are at the top? Skip it.

Final Word

You don’t need a million products. You just need the right ones.

When you know what to look for, you can stop guessing, stop wasting money, and start building a routine that works for your skin.

Tomorrow’s blog: We’ll go deep on building a simple beard care routine that actually works—without all the hype.

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

Why Black Skin Gets Dry So Fast—and How to Lock In Moisture That Lasts

If your skin feels dry no matter what you put on it—ashy by midday, tight after washing, or flaky in patches—you’re not imagining it.

Black skin loses moisture faster.
And if you don’t understand why, your products might not be working as well as they should.

Here’s what’s going on—and how to fix it for good.

Why Black Skin Loses Moisture Quickly

There are a few key reasons:

1. Fewer Natural Lipids (Oils)
Melanin-rich skin often produces less sebum, the oil your body makes to keep skin soft and protected.

2. Weaker Skin Barrier
Some studies show that Black skin can have a weaker outer layer (stratum corneum), which means water evaporates more easily.

3. Higher Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
This is the process of water escaping through the skin. Melanated skin has been shown to experience higher TEWL, especially when not properly moisturized.

4. Harsh Products & Environments
Hot showers, cheap soaps, cold weather, and alcohol-based skincare strip moisture—fast.

Signs Your Skin Is Dehydrated

  • Ashy or gray patches

  • Rough texture

  • Itching or tightness

  • Flaky beard area or hairline

  • Beard hair that feels brittle or “crunchy”

How to Lock In Moisture That Stays

Moisture retention is all about layering and sealing. Here’s the method that works:

1. Hydrate First (Add Water)

Apply moisture directly to your skin using:

  • Distilled water

  • Hydrating mist

  • Aloe vera gel

  • Glycerin-based toners

Pro tip: Moisturizer without water underneath won’t work. Always hydrate first.

2. Moisturize (Add Nourishment)

Use a cream, lotion, or butter with ingredients like:

  • Shea butter

  • Cocoa butter

  • Squalane

  • Avocado oil

This step gives your skin the richness it needs to feel soft and flexible.

3. Seal It In (Lock It Down)

Trap that moisture with a light layer of oil:

  • Jojoba oil (mimics natural skin oils)

  • Argan oil (light and non-greasy)

  • Castor oil (great for beards)

  • Grapeseed oil (fast-absorbing)

This step prevents the water from evaporating out of your skin.

One Quick Tip You Can Use Today:

Right after your shower (before your skin is totally dry), do this:

  1. Spray your face and beard with water or a hydrating mist

  2. Apply a moisturizer or beard cream

  3. Seal with 3–5 drops of oil, massaged into skin and hair

You’ll see and feel a difference within 2–3 days of consistency.

Final Word

Dry skin isn’t just about drinking water.
It’s about how you treat your skin from the outside in.

Once you start hydrating + moisturizing + sealing, you’ll notice smoother skin, softer beards, and way less flaking.

Tomorrow’s blog: We’ll get into how to choose the right products for melanated skin—and what ingredients to look for (and avoid)

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

Should Black Men Use a Single-Blade Razor? Here’s the Real Deal

If you’re tired of razor bumps, dark spots, and patchy irritation—switching to a single-blade razor might be the move you need to make.

For Black men, especially those with curly or coarse facial hair, the tools you use matter just as much as the products. A lot of the damage we experience? It starts with what’s in your hand.

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Single-Blade Razor?

A single-blade razor—also called a safety razor or straight razor—cuts hair at the surface of the skin, not underneath it.

Unlike cartridge razors with 3–5 blades stacked in one head, a single-blade only shaves once per stroke. That small change makes a huge difference.

Why Multi-Blade Razors Cause Problems

Multi-blade razors are designed to lift the hair and cut it beneath the skin’s surface. That might feel smooth in the moment, but for Black men with curly or coily hair, this usually leads to:

  • Ingrown hairs

  • Razor bumps

  • Inflammation

  • Scarring

  • Hyperpigmentation

Cutting below the skin is the number one cause of pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps).

Benefits of a Single-Blade Razor for Black Men

1. Fewer Ingrown Hairs
By cutting the hair cleanly at the surface, single-blade razors drastically reduce the chance of the hair curling back into the skin.

2. Less Irritation
One blade = one pass. That means less friction, less inflammation, and less trauma to the skin.

3. More Control
You control the angle, pressure, and direction, which leads to a smoother, safer shave with practice.

4. Long-Term Savings
Replacement blades are cheap. Once you have the razor handle, the ongoing cost is minimal.

5. Better for Thick, Coarse Hair
A sharp single blade handles thick textures better than dull, multi-blade cartridges that tug and pull.

Drawbacks to Consider

1. Learning Curve
You need to take your time. Poor technique can lead to nicks, especially when you’re first starting.

2. Slower Shaves
This isn’t a “rush out the door” type of shave. A safety razor rewards precision and patience.

3. Not Always Travel-Friendly
Single-blade razors can’t always fly with you in a carry-on and may require extra cleaning tools.

How to Get Started

If you’re ready to try it, here’s what to look for:

  • A high-quality safety razor with good grip

  • Double-edge blades (replace every 5–7 shaves)

  • A pre-shave oil to protect the skin

  • A non-foaming shave cream or gel for visibility and moisture

  • A post-shave balm with calming ingredients (like witch hazel, aloe, or niacinamide)

One Quick Tip You Can Use Today:

Start by using the safety razor just on your cheeks or neckline.
Use short, light strokes. Shave with the grain—not against it.

See how your skin responds before going full beard line.

Final Word

Switching to a single-blade razor isn’t just a style upgrade—it’s a skin health move. If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of razor bumps and irritation, it might be time to stop fighting your face and start shaving with care.

Tomorrow’s blog: We’ll explore why Black skin loses moisture faster—and how to lock hydration in all day long.

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

Inflammation Is Wrecking Your Skin—Here’s How to Calm It Down

If your skin is always irritated, bumpy, or breaking out after shaving or using products, chances are—you’re dealing with inflammation.

It’s one of the most common causes of razor bumps, discoloration, and dry, sensitive skin—especially for Black men.

Here’s how inflammation works, why it hits harder for us, and what you can do to fix it.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is your skin’s defense mechanism.
When it senses damage or irritation, it reacts with:

  • Swelling

  • Redness or dark patches

  • Itchiness

  • Sensitivity or stinging

This is your body trying to protect you—but in melanated skin, that protection can backfire.

How Inflammation Affects Black Skin

When inflamed, Black skin often responds with hyperpigmentation (dark spots) instead of visible redness.

Even a small trigger—like a rough razor, harsh product, or over-washing—can lead to:

  • Long-lasting dark patches

  • Textured skin

  • Razor bumps that scar

  • Flare-ups that don’t heal easily

If this cycle keeps happening, it weakens your skin barrier, leaving your skin more vulnerable every time.

Common Causes of Inflammation

  • Multi-blade razors

  • Fragrance-loaded products

  • Products with alcohol or sulfates

  • Over-exfoliating or harsh scrubbing

  • Not moisturizing after shaving or cleansing

  • Shaving against the grain

  • Tight collars or hats that rub against the beard area

Signs You’re Dealing with Inflammation

  • Burning or stinging after using products

  • Razor bumps that don’t go away

  • Dry, flaky patches

  • Skin that looks darker in certain areas (especially around the beard line)

How to Calm Inflammation Naturally

1. Use anti-inflammatory ingredients:

Look for products with:

  • Aloe vera

  • Witch hazel

  • Chamomile

  • Calendula

  • Green tea extract

  • Niacinamide

2. Avoid these ingredients:

  • Alcohol (SD alcohol, denatured alcohol)

  • Synthetic fragrances

  • Menthol or eucalyptus (unless your skin tolerates it)

  • Harsh scrubs or peels

3. Focus on skin recovery:

  • Rinse with cool water

  • Apply calming products immediately after shaving

  • Avoid overloading your skin—keep it simple and gentle

  • Let your skin breathe between shaves

One Quick Tip You Can Use Today:

After shaving or washing your face, press a cold damp cloth over your skin for 30 seconds.
Then apply a lightweight balm or oil with calming ingredients.

You’ll instantly reduce swelling and irritation—and stop inflammation before it starts.

Final Word

Inflammation is silent but powerful.
It doesn’t just cause bumps and breakouts—it leaves behind marks, scars, and frustration.

But the fix is simple: Use gentler tools. Smarter products. More care, not more chemicals.

Tomorrow’s blog: We’ll break down the pros and cons of single-blade razors—and why they’re often the best choice for Black men.

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

Why Razor Bumps and Dark Spots Hit Harder on Black Skin—And How to Avoid Them

If you’ve ever shaved and ended up with bumps, dark spots, or patches that don’t go away, you’re not alone.

For Black men, shaving can do more harm than good if you don’t approach it the right way.

Let’s break down what’s happening—and how to fix it.

Why Melanated Skin Reacts Differently

Melanin protects the skin from sun damage, but it also makes our skin more reactive to inflammation and irritation.

That means when the skin is injured—whether from a razor, breakout, or ingrown hair—it produces extra melanin as a defense mechanism.

This often leads to:

  • Dark spots

  • Uneven tone

  • Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae)

  • Post-shave scarring

The more melanin your skin produces, the higher the risk of long-term discoloration.

What Causes Razor Bumps?

The main issue is cutting hair too close or below the skin line.

Here’s what happens:

  1. The razor slices the hair below the surface

  2. The hair begins to grow back—but instead of coming out straight, it curls back into the skin

  3. The body sees that as a foreign object and creates inflammation, swelling, and dark spots

Curly and coily hair types are especially at risk because the hair naturally grows inward or sideways.

Why Multi-Blade Razors Make It Worse

Most drugstore razors are designed to lift the hair and cut it slightly below the skin’s surface.

For Black men with curly or coarse hair, this is a setup for:

  • Ingrown hairs

  • Razor bumps

  • Scarring

  • Patchy, uneven skin tone

What You Should Use Instead

Use tools that cut at or just above the skin line.
This avoids triggering inflammation while still giving you a clean look.

Best tools for the job:

  • Single-blade safety razors

  • Beard trimmers with adjustable guards

  • Electric shavers that don’t cut too close

Pair your tools with a proper pre-shave and post-shave routine.

Shave Smarter: Pre- and Post-Care

Before shaving:

  • Soften the hair with a warm towel or shower

  • Use a pre-shave oil to reduce friction

  • Apply a gentle, non-drying shave gel or cream

After shaving:

  • Rinse with cool water

  • Pat dry with a clean towel (don’t rub)

  • Apply a soothing aftershave balm with ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, or chamomile

  • Avoid anything with alcohol—it dries and irritates

One Quick Tip You Can Use Today:

Ditch the multi-blade razor for a week.
Use a trimmer or safety razor and shave with the grain (in the direction your hair grows).

Watch how your skin responds—it may instantly reduce bumps and irritation.

Final Word

If you’ve been blaming your skin, stop.
It’s not your skin—it’s the tools and techniques.

Understanding how melanated skin and curly hair react to shaving can completely change your grooming game. You’ll get smoother results, fewer breakouts, and a more even tone over time.

Tomorrow’s blog: We’ll explore inflammation—what it really is, how it damages skin, and how to calm it down naturally.

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

Why Curly and Coily Hair Dries Out Fast—and What to Do About It

If your beard or hair always feels dry no matter what you put in it, you’re not alone. Curly and coily hair—especially Type 4 textures—are naturally more prone to dryness.

But it’s not just a product problem. It’s a structure problem.

Once you understand the why, you can build a grooming system that actually works for your hair.

Why Curly Hair Dries Out Faster

Curly and coily hair is shaped like a spring or zig-zag. This shape looks great, but it makes one thing very difficult:

Moisture can’t travel easily from root to tip.

Natural oils (called sebum) have to move down the hair shaft to keep it soft and protected. But with tight curls, that journey is full of twists and turns. So what happens?

  • The ends stay dry

  • Hair becomes brittle

  • Breakage increases

  • Growth seems to slow

This is true for beards and scalp hair alike. Especially for Type 4A, 4B, and 4C textures.

Moisture Loss Is Real—and Constant

Every day, your hair loses moisture through evaporation, especially if:

  • You wash with hot water

  • You use products with alcohol or sulfates

  • You’re in dry or cold environments

  • You don’t seal your hair after moisturizing

This process is called Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)—and it’s why even "moisturized" hair can still feel dry hours later.

What Your Hair Needs Instead

Think of moisture care in three steps:
Hydrate. Moisturize. Seal.

Step 1: Hydrate
Use a water-based spray or mist to add water into the hair. Look for ingredients like:

  • Aloe vera

  • Glycerin

  • Rosewater

  • Distilled water

Step 2: Moisturize
Use a cream or butter to nourish the strands. Good ingredients include:

  • Shea butter

  • Cocoa butter

  • Avocado oil

  • Squalane

Step 3: Seal
Use oil to lock that moisture in and prevent it from evaporating. Great sealants include:

  • Jojoba oil

  • Castor oil

  • Argan oil

  • Grapeseed oil

Example: 3-Step Moisture Routine for Beards

  1. Spray your beard lightly with water or a hydrating mist

  2. Apply a dime-sized amount of beard cream or leave-in conditioner

  3. Finish with a few drops of oil, massaged into your beard and skin

Use this method daily or every other day depending on your environment and texture.

Visual Guide

How Moisture Travels in Straight vs. Coily Hair

  • Straight hair: Oil glides down easily

  • Coily hair: Oil struggles to reach the ends

(If you'd like, I can generate a diagram like this.)

Common Mistakes That Cause Dryness

  • Overwashing your hair or beard with harsh shampoos

  • Using alcohol-heavy products (check labels!)

  • Skipping deep conditioning

  • Sleeping on cotton pillows without protection

  • Only applying oil without hydrating first

One Quick Tip You Can Use Today:

Tonight, try this:

  • Mist your beard with water

  • Apply a small amount of moisturizer

  • Seal it with oil

  • Sleep on a satin pillowcase or with a beard wrap

Wake up and check the softness and feel. You’ll likely see an instant improvement.

Final Word

Dryness doesn’t mean your hair is unhealthy—it means your routine needs an upgrade.

Hydration is a daily job, but once you get your system down, your hair will thank you with less breakage, more growth, and a softer feel all around.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about how shaving impacts melanated skin and how to stop razor bumps for good.

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

What’s Your Hair Type? A Quick Guide to Understanding Texture, Growth & Breakage

If you’re a man with curly to tightly curly texture hair and you’re trying to grow a healthy beard or maintain your hair, you’ve probably faced breakage, dryness, or patchy growth—and wondered what you’re doing wrong. Most of the time, it’s not what you’re doing—it’s what you don’t yet understand about your hair type.

Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense—and helps you take action today.

What Is Hair Typing?

Hair typing is a system used to describe curl patterns (I believe this might have started on YouTube).. For Black men or men with high textured hair, most of us fall into the Type 3C to 4C range.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • 3C: Tight corkscrew curls with volume

  • 4A: Coiled, S-shaped pattern that holds moisture a bit better

  • 4B: Sharp Z-shaped bends—more prone to shrinkage

  • 4C: Tightest coils, less defined pattern, most fragile

Each type has its own needs—but all require care that supports moisture, strength, and flexibility.

Why Texture Matters

The tighter your curl, the more delicate your strands.
The bends and coils make it harder for natural oils (sebum) to move from root to tip. This leads to:

  • Dryness

  • Breakage

  • Rough texture

  • Stunted growth (from shedding or snapping hair)

Knowing your type helps you choose the right products and methods to care for your hair—not work against it.

Growth vs. Breakage: What’s Really Going On?

A lot of Black men think their hair isn’t growing—but it is. The real issue is breakage.

Hair grows from the root—but if it breaks off at the end, you’ll never see length.

Signs you’re dealing with breakage:

  • Hair feels dry or brittle

  • Short, uneven strands

  • Beard patches that stay the same size

How to Prevent Breakage Today

Here’s what you can start doing immediately:

  • Moisturize daily (Use leave-ins or water-based sprays)

  • Seal with oil (Like jojoba or castor) to lock in moisture

  • Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb—never force through tangles

  • Sleep with a satin pillowcase or bread wrap to avoid friction

  • Deep condition weekly to restore elasticity and softness

One Quick Tip You Can Use Right Now:

Touch your beard or hair right now.
Does it feel soft and hydrated? Or dry and rough?

If it’s dry, mist it with water, apply a leave-in conditioner, then seal with oil. That 3-step combo alone will reduce breakage and improve growth over time.

Final Word

Your hair texture isn’t a problem. It’s just different—and it needs different care.
The more you understand it, the better results you’ll see.

Tomorrow, we’ll break down why curly and coily hair is more prone to dryness—and how to build a moisturizing system that actually works.

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

Happy New Year

Embracing 2025: Exploring a Fresh Path in Men's Grooming and Style

Dear Art Gallery Image Community,

As we welcome the dawn of 2025, I find myself filled with gratitude for your unwavering support over the years. I hope this new year brings you joy, success, and great adventures. With a heart full of thanks, I'm thrilled to share some exciting changes happening here at Art Gallery Image.

Diversifying Grooming Education

In our ever-evolving world, personal grooming isn't just about hair and beard care anymore. It's about the complete package - your skin, scent, and style. That's why we're expanding our focus beyond the barbershop chair. In 2024, Art Gallery Image is your go-to source for education on a wide range of men's grooming products and techniques.

From skincare routines that elevate your complexion to the best colognes that leave a lasting impression, we're here to guide you. We'll even dive into fashion, helping you nail both your personal and professional style. It's about grooming from head to toe, inside and out.

Weekly Interactive Blog Posts

But that's not all. In 2024, we're bringing you something special - a weekly blog post right here on our website. It's not just about us talking; it's about us engaging with you, our valued community. We want to hear your thoughts, answer your questions, and provide you with the grooming insights you've been craving.

Each week, we'll explore different aspects of grooming, style, and self-care. From product reviews to grooming tips, we've got it all lined up. Your feedback, comments, and participation are highly encouraged - this is your platform as much as it is ours.

Transparency in Product Reviews

When we recommend a product, we stand by it. That's why all the products we review and discuss will come with handy links for direct purchase. We've partnered with trusted brands and companies, including Amazon affiliates, to make your shopping experience seamless and secure. You can trust that we've done the research, so you can shop with confidence.

In this new chapter, we pledge to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency. Every product we endorse is one we believe in wholeheartedly.

Join Us on This Journey

As we venture into 2025, we invite you to embark on this grooming and style journey with us. Art Gallery Image is more than just a business; it's a community. We're here to empower you with knowledge, elevate your grooming game, and make you feel like the best version of yourself.

Thank you for being a part of our story. Stay tuned for our first weekly blog post, and remember, your comments and questions are always welcome. Here's to a stylish and well-groomed 2025!

Warm regards,

Michael Banks Founder, Art Gallery Image

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

The Ultimate Step-by-Stey Men's Daily Facial Regimen

Men, too, deserve to have a healthy and glowing complexion. A well-structured daily facial regimen is essential for maintaining clear and youthful-looking skin. In this blog, we will guide you through a step-by-step routine that highlights the significance of cleansing, exfoliating, and toning. Let's dive in!

Step 1: Cleansing

Cleansing forms the foundation of any skincare routine. It helps remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities from your skin, allowing it to breathe and preventing clogged pores. Follow these steps for effective cleansing:

1. Begin by wetting your face with lukewarm water.

2. Apply a gentle facial cleanser suitable for your skin type. Massage it onto your face in circular motions for about one minute.

3. Rinse thoroughly with water and pat your face dry with a clean towel.

4. Perform this step twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.

Step 2: Exfoliating

Exfoliation is vital for sloughing off dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and promoting cell renewal. It also helps improve the efficacy of other skincare products. Here's how to exfoliate properly:

1. Select a facial scrub or exfoliating cleanser with fine granules suitable for your skin type. Avoid harsh scrubs that can cause irritation.

2. After cleansing your face, apply the exfoliator and gently massage it in a circular motion, focusing on areas prone to congestion, such as the T-zone.

3. Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

4. Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin's sensitivity.

Step 3: Toning

Toning is often an underrated step but is crucial for balancing the skin's pH levels, minimizing pores, and preparing your skin to absorb subsequent products. Follow these guidelines to incorporate toning into your daily routine:

1. Choose an alcohol-free toner suitable for your skin type. Look for ingredients like witch hazel or rose water.

2. After cleansing and exfoliating, pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad.

3. Gently swipe the pad over your face, focusing on your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Avoid the delicate eye area.

4. Allow the toner to dry naturally or gently pat your face with clean hands.

5. Use a toner twice a day, in the morning and evening, before applying serums or moisturizers.

“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first; it means me too.”
— L.R. Knost

Additional Tips:

- Always follow up with a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to keep your skin hydrated.

- Protect your skin from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

- Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables for overall skin health.

- Avoid harsh soaps or cleansers that can strip away natural oils from your skin.

Conclusion:

Establishing a consistent daily facial regimen is the key to achieving and maintaining healthy skin. By incorporating cleansing, exfoliating, and toning into your routine, you're giving your skin the care it deserves. Remember to choose products suitable for your skin type and be patient—visible improvements take time. Embrace this skincare regimen and enjoy the benefits of a revitalized, youthful, and glowing complexion.

Read More
Michael Banks Michael Banks

Did you know that oil can do this?

Well, not just any oil, but beard oil.

There's been a lot of question about Beard Oil and how necessary is is it to have, and my response, VERY NECESSARY! (and just because i sell it either). Yes, it is  developed to "maintain" a healthy beard and promote growth, but for whatever reasoned or another, that hasn't been descriptive enough for you .  So here are top reasons why “I” personally keep a few bottles of beard oil around;

 

 

  • Drastically reduces the ITCHINESS

 

You may not feel this drastic calmness if wait till after you feel like you're gonna scratch your face off. But if you use beard oil as a part of your regular face cleasning routine, you will definitely notice that you won't itch nearly as much and not nearly as bad.

 

  • Eliminates BEARDruff

There’s nothing is more embarrassing that having food hanging from my beard, but when that food isn't food, but a big dandruff flake, now I'm self conscious and find myself always checking the mirror. Regular beard oil usage reduces dry flakes from even surfacing and making an appearance in my beard.

 

  • Increases romantic intimacy with the wife

This my friends is where the “rubber meets the road”. Like said earlier “not just any oil” will do. Some companies have harnessed the power of Aromatherapy into their oil mix. My favorite oil, Gibs, have done an amazing job with providing 3 oil flavors;

 

  • One for everyday (blue)

  • One for stepping out for date night (yellow) 

  • And THE ONE (red) for those special occasions when I feel the need to raise my level of attractiveness. ;)

 

Of course there's more benefits and  reasons you should add Beard Oil to your ticket next time you you visit for a haircut, but do you need another?

 

Reply and let me know about what's your favorite beard oil? 

Read More