THE BEST MEN'S LIFESTYLE BLOGGER AWARD

The Male Grooming Review is delighted to announce its first ever Best Men’s Lifestyle Blogger Award, in association with Your Next Remedy, a leading men's grooming e-retailer.

Over the past five years, we've had the absolute pleasure of working and conversing with some of the most talented male bloggers around the globe, and so we thought many of them deserved some real recognition for their hard work and creativity.

What does the winner get?

The winner of the Best Men's Lifestyle Blogger Award will be featured on The Male Grooming Review, offering the winning blog some excellent exposure. The winner will also receive a unique winning badge/icon, in digital format, that can be displayed on their blog.

How to enter? 

To nominate your best men's lifestyle blogger, just email info@yournextremedy.co.uk with your nomination or simply tweet to @MaleGrooming007 on Twitter with #TMGRBloggerAward and your chosen blogger. You may also nominate yourself.

This is a very broad award, which makes it incredibly prestigious. So, as long as the blog you are nominating has a men's lifestyle theme (fashion, gadgets, cars, beauty, travel etc.) then it is valid for entry.

A short-list will then be selected and the voting will proceed from 3rd April 2015. The winner will be announced on 30th April 2015.

Good luck!

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EQUINOX: SOUTHAMPTON'S ULTIMATE MEN'S GROOMING EXPERIENCE

When it comes to men's hair styling and grooming, it really doesn't get much better than Equinox. Established in 2003, Equinox Gentleman's Refinery Southampton offers a wide range of services for men of all ages. With an excellent reputation, both locally and further afield, all their stylists are trained at the very highest level.

Nestled in a converted Georgian town house among the assortment of coffee houses and restaurants of Oxford Street, Southampton, Equinox provides the perfect setting for the purveyor of the finest masculine grooming treatments available in town.

"At Equinox we believe that 3 things are important: 

your hair, your shave and your experience." 

I was lucky enough to make this amazing discovery of a grooming salon back in my university days. Living just a short walk away from Equinox's original location around the corner from Latimer Street, I happened to stumble across this unique service on my way home from a rather dire morning of uni lectures. Kerri Beale, the founder and owner, greeted me into her salon and gave me the best hair cut I had ever experienced. Even after leaving university, and Southampton with it, I still made the regular hour long trips from Bournemouth to have my locks chopped at Equinox, because it was that good. 

From following Kerri on social media sites, I can't quite believe how far she and this magnificent salon have come in the past ten years. From a two man working operation in 2003, Equinox now consists of a world class team of hair, shave and grooming experts that continually please a long list of very happy customers.

Indulge in a range of tailored services including men’s cut and finish services, through to bespoke men’s treatments and the classic luxurious traditional hot towel shave, delivered by these barbering experts. This salon is clean, and offers the highest standard of service in a relaxing, informal and masculine environment. Complimentary refreshments of whisky and brandy are available whilst you wait for your treatment in a plush, vintage, yet fresh setting.

It doesn't quite end there. Waiting for a hair cut has never been so much fun, in a place you can relax in the waiting lounge with Free Wifi, a 42" TV and the ultimate boys toy Xbox, as well as good music and plenty of magazines to get read. You can even have a jamming session on the salons acoustic guitar!  

What makes Equinox stand out from the pack is its pure uniqueness. There really isn't anything quite like it, especially locally. This men's grooming salon prides itself in what it does best and the customers just keep going back for more. Equinox is definitely a salon which keeps well up to date with the latest grooming trends and caters for your every need. So, if you've got the old beard and quiff going on, you'll fit in just fine here. 

Equinox are most famous for their signature traditional wet shave treatment with expert use of a cut throat razor. You will be treated to a full deluxe wet shave, to include three hot towels; the shave mini facial and a further two cold towels to give you an unsurpassed feeling of energy and rejuvenation. Once complete, you will then receive a massage lasting 5 minutes specifically targeting the head, face, neck, shoulders and arms; designed to remove tension and induce a sense of wellbeing. You will then feel ready to tackle anything…for the rest of your day ahead.

This process is followed by a facial consultation and no expense has been spared to help ensure you have the perfect grooming experience. This includes the use of the best professional products using Italian Proraso specially formulated creams; the use of a pure badger hair shaving brush and of course the best available steel to give you the closest, smoothest shave. You really can’t beat the experience of a traditional barber wet shave. The experience of relaxing for 45 minutes and being bound in hot towels leaves you looking and feeling great; something that will not go unnoticed by loved ones and friends alike.

If you're one of the many bearded gurus rocking the streets, you'll be pleased to know Equinox do indeed offer an excellent beard grooming service, which can be integrated wonderfully with your hair cut.

Need a testimonial? Well, you could always just ask a number of the stylishly groomed Southampton footballers for one. If you're wondering how Graziano Pellè (below) manages to look so perfectly groomed to within an inch of his life, then your answer in is right here. Yes, that's right folks, the Premier League striker, as well as many of his team mates, are regulars at Equinox, and judging by their hair cuts, it's easy to see why this vintage salon is busting at the rim every day of the week!

If you're after the best hair cut, shave of facial hair groom that you've ever experienced, then seriously, get yourself down to Oxford Street, Southampton, and book yourself in with one of Equinox's talented stylists today! Equinox offer both a walk in service and the option to make appointments. All shave treatments are by appointment only, Tuesday to Saturday.

19 Oxford Street

Southampton

SO14 3DJ

02380 234 133

OPENING TIMES

Monday Closed

Tuesday 10.00am - 6.00pm

Wednesday 10.00am - 8.00pm

Thursday 10.00am - 6.00pm

Friday 10.00am - 6.00pm

Saturday 9.30am - 4.30pm

Sunday Closed

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BEARD WATCH: AWESOMELY BEARDED SPORTS STARS

With the beard trend showing no signs of letting up any time soon, we took a look into the big wide world of sport to pick out some of our favourite facial hair master-classes. So, from tennis all the way through to American football, here's our list of awesomely bearded sports stars (in no particular order)...
Sebastien Chabal


An absolute beast on the rugby field. This former French international is a true rugby icon, and his epic beard is without doubt one of his biggest assets.

Ernests Gulbis

He may have had a terrible start to the 2015 ATP season, but this talented tennis player has chosen wisely to keep his beard. This rather trimmed beard isn't as long as its counterparts, but it still looks awesome!

Brett Keisel

This free agent may not currently have a team to play for, but his beard certainly outweighs his rivals. If American football was judged on bearded prowess, Keisel would be at the top of all teams' shopping lists.

David Beckham

It's near impossible to do any kind of sports stars list and not include Golden Balls himself. Let's face it, Becks looks good in whatever style he chooses, so it's no surprise we've picked him in our bearded list.

Tim Howard

Football world, bow down. It really doesn't get much better than this. As far as density and bushy madness go, Tim Howard is well and truly top of the beardly list. The American goalkeeper has taken the bush to new levels. 

Lewis Hamilton

The Formula 1 world champ may not have the longest or bushiest facial hair, but hats off to the British driver for uniqueness. Lewis Hamilton chooses to sport a designer beard, and let's face it, if Nicole likes it then who are we to judge?

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FRAGRANCE OF THE WEEK: DUNHILL ICON

Crafted by Carlos Benaim, Dunhill Icon (2015) is a scent that stands way and above many of the label's past fragrances. A generous dosage of lavender, neroli and bergamot are complimented by smoky notes of leather, oakmoss and oud. The addition of black pepper and cardamom add a zesty spice to this formula.

With the fragrance a true masterpiece, the bottle, designed by Mark Eisen, provides a classy home for the juice. The container has been wrapped in a machine-tooled metallic case, linking well with the brand's motoring past. With an excellent scent to go with the awesome packaging, this gritty fragrance is a must have for 2015.

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SUPPLEMENT WATCH: HR23+ HAIR RESTORATION TABLETS

Worried about hair loss? It's time to discover a potent new supplement designed to prevent hair loss and encourage healthy hair growth...

Where hair loss is concerned, the earlier you act, the more chance you will have of maintaining your hair for longer. So, if you are noticing your hair getting thinner, then now's the time to act, and start doing something about it, before it really is too late!

If you want to be realistic about fighting hair loss, then natural hair health supplements are your best bet. Just pop a few of tablets a day and let the formula do the rest.

HR23+ is the leading non-medical pill for treating hair loss in men (and women). What's more, you won't get the negative side-effects that are associated with medical drugs. 

With HR23+ Hair Restoration Tablets you pretty much get it all. A generous dosage of DHT blocking properties saw palmetto, nettle leaf extract, and pumpkin seed extract, along with the powerful hair and nail growth additive, biotin.

It doesn't quite end there though. HR23+ also contains potent hair beneficiary ingredients such as folic acid and MSM, combining together to form the most advanced, hair friendly supplement you'll discover this year.

Worried about side-effects? Seriously, don't be. This supplement doesn't come with any. You won't have to worry about losing your sex drive or the dysfunction of your penis, because HR23+ is not only tried and tested, but it's safe, too.

With HR23+ you'll get a hair health supplement that can actually prevent hair loss and help you maintain thicker, stronger hair growth over a much longer period.

If you're not prepared to fork out £54.95 on a single months' supply of 120 capsules, then don't. Instead, just stock up on the ever so tempting triple pack offer and get £10 off each bottle. It's a no brainer!

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FORMULA 1 SEASON: THE BEST GROOMED DRIVERS OF 2015

Sport isn't just about skill, balance and talent. It's also about presentation. The Male Grooming Review always keeps a sharp eye on the latest grooming trends of sportsmen around the globe, and motor racing is no different. 

With the 2015 Formula 1 season kicking off in Australia this weekend, we thought we'd take a look through some of the best groomed drivers gracing this years championship. formed from our opinions only, here's our list of the Best Groomed Drivers of F1 2015 (in no particular order), based on their hair, style and image credentials.

JENSON BUTTON - MCLAREN

The face of Head & Shoulders makes it onto our list with ease. Jenson Button's rugged good looks are complimented with a striking jawline and designer stubble. The former world champion certainly won't be short on sponsorship offers once he decides to hang up his driving gloves for good. 

FERNANDO ALONSO - MCLAREN

Now sporting a bushy beard, keeping well in line with the current grooming trends, double time world champ Fernando Alonso seems quite comfortable with his new look of late. Don't be fooled by Alonso's new scruffy appearance - we can assure you he's never before taken as much pride in his grooming as he does now. 

NICO HULKENBERG - FORCE INDIA

It's easy to see why Porsche signed up Nico Hulkenberg to their marketing campaign. This talented driver seems to possess as much style off the track as he does on it. Sometimes a modern hairstyle and a clean shave is all you need to look good.

ROBERTO MERHI - MARUSSIA

Let's face it, if Roberto Merhi wasn't an F1 driver, he'd probably be a model for the next Armani fragrance ad. This classically stylish driver delivers on all fronts, and his hair is nothing short of awesome. 

DANIEL RICCIARDO - RED BULL

Daniel Ricciardo seems to have this habit of making everybody around him smile. The Australian rookie is one of the bigger characters on the F1 circuit, with a well groomed image to match. Not many men can pull off a handlebar beard, but Ricciardo certainly did that... and he made it look cool!

NICO ROSBERG - MERCEDES

This baby-faced driver may have narrowly missed out on the 2014 championship to fellow team mate Lewis Hamilton, but he doesn't fall behind on the grooming front. Nico Rosberg has a natural elegance about him, with a softly groomed appearance and modern hairstyle to suit. 

LEWIS HAMILTON - MERCEDES

Of all the F1 drivers, you'd have to say Lewis Hamilton probably takes the most pride in his appearance. With the designer beard coupled with the hip-hop branded clothing and endless tattoos, the double world champion has pretty much turned himself into his own brand. He may not be the most stylishly groomed of the F1 bunch, but Hamilton certainly is the most uniquely groomed. 

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7 TOPICAL SOLUTIONS FOR TREATING HAIR LOSS

What are hair growth serums and can they help with baldness and thinning hair? 

In our previous article we covered 7 supplements for treating hair loss, but it's a well known fact many men and women aren't all that keen on consuming a product orally. When it comes to hair loss treatments, supplements firmly lead the way, with Propecia being the only FDA approved tablet for treating balding. With all that said, topical solutions such as foams, sprays and serums also play a huge part in the make up of the hair care industry. Minoxidil is currently the only FDA approved topical solution for treating hair loss, but it doesn't necessarily work for everyone.

So, in no particular order, we round off our hair loss treatment guide with our pick and rating of seven topical solutions for treating hair loss in men (and women).

LA SCIENCE SERUM ★★★★★ 

LA Science Serum delivers growth factor mimicking peptides to the base of the follicle, which stimulates hair follicles to produce healthier hair shafts. It improves the hair and scalp condition, normalising the hair growth cycle. This popular serum has established itself on the hair loss market for a considerable amount of time, coming with popular reviews from men and women.

The ingredients in LA Science Serum are good, but not revolutionary. This quick absorbing formula can certainly add volume and shine to the hair, making it a very popular choice wtih women. This hair serum is priced fairly at just £25 a bottle.

DR. WOLFF PLANTUR 39 & ALPECIN C1 SHAMPOO ★★★★★
You've probably seen the advertising for the two hugely popular anti-hair loss shampoos by Dr. Wolff. Plantur 39 and Alpecin C1 have become the fastest selling treatment shampoos, and it's no coincidence why. Dr. Wolff pledges a main focus on the use of caffeine in order to energise weakened hair follicles in both Plantur 39 for women and Alpecin C1 for men.

Price wise, these are the most affordable topical products on our list, at under £10 per bottle, in each case. Both shampoos are widely available in chemists and supermarkets, and are definitely the best bargains you'll find when it comes to treating your hair.

VIVISCAL HAIR & SCALP SERUM ★★★★★ 

99% naturally derived, Viviscal Hair and Scalp Serum can be applied to wet or dry hair. It is clear, non-greasy and easy-to-apply and doesn’t leave a residue or weigh hair down. The Exclusive Ana: Tel™ complex includes naturally derived ingredients such as pea sprout and grape seed. Creatine helps to improve the smoothness, volume and ‘feel’ of the hair. Menthol invigorates the scalp and aids absorption of the serum.

At £25 per 60ml bottle, this product offers excellent value for money. With a set of decent additives, this anti-hair fall serum could well be worth a punt for men and women.

GROW GORGEOUS HAIR GROWTH SERUM ★★★★★
Grow Gorgeous Hair Growth Serum is a rather quirky addition to our list. This serum is an ultra-concentrated formula with a proprietary 21.5% active complex blend of 7 technologies that work hard together to make hair visibly longer, thicker and fuller.

£30 for one bottle is actually a fair price when you take into account the amount of ingredients used. However, if you're looking for a genuine hair loss solution, for all its beautiful branding, this probably won't provide you with the solution you've been looking for.

HR23+ SCALP THERAPY TREATMENT SERUM ★★★★★
HR23+ Hair Growth Serum combines nourishing actives for the hair and Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF). With powerful active ingredients known to help promote hair growth in both men and women, actives were added to help with poor scalp micro-circulation, follicle atrophy caused by dihydrotestosterone, and follicle ageing - led by Chrysin and Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins.

For a 30ml bottle of HR23+ Serum you'll be expected to spend in between £30-£40, which seems excessive, but if you delve into the ingredients and the additions of KGF and Saw Palmetto, you'll start to realise why this premium serum is priced so high.

FOLIGAIN D12 HAIR GROWTH STIMULATOR ★★★★★
Foligain D12 DHT Blocker Drops (12% Trichogen) are powerful, for a safe and natural hair loss treatment that is quickly becoming one of the most popular hair care products on the market! This works for both men and women, and because it contains organic ingredients, it has zero side effects and is effective for temporary and permanent hair loss.

£30 per 60ml is the price you'll have to pay for this Australian hair serum, but the ingredients do suggest it could well be worth investing in. The branding alone is terrific!

If you are one of 60% of men that suffer from hair loss and are tempted to try hair topical solutions, then make sure you do your research before purchasing. As with all serums and treatments, results will vary with each individual.

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6 SUPPLEMENTS FOR TREATING HAIR LOSS

Hair supplements are without doubt one of the fasting growing products in the health and beauty market. 

Where shaving product sales have fallen dramatically over the past two years, due to the huge trend in facial hair, it seems the popularity of the hair care market isn't about to dip any time soon - in fact, it's set to grow further...

Male pattern baldness remains the most common concern with men, and so the hair loss treatment market has become very big business. When it comes to treating hair fall, there are a number of viable options, but with all the differing supplements and treatments available on the market, which one's are the most effective? As a guide, we've rated our seven wonders of the hair growth supplement market. So, in no particular order, here they are...

VIVISCAL MAN ★★★★★

Viviscal Man dietary supplements contain the exclusive marine complex AminoMar® - a rich compound of marine extracts. Plus Zinc, Vitamin C, Horsetail Extract and Flax Seed, to nourish hair from within. Viviscal claims to have an 81% success rate, which is very impressive for a hair supplement of any kind.

This supplement is priced at £49.95 for one box of 60 capsules, but can be purchased for cheaper when bought in multi-packs. Although Viviscal have spent substantially on their advertising, it's still unclear as to how effective this supplement actually is.

HR23+ ★★★★★

HR23+ is a new and advanced hair health formula for men and women who suffer from early stages of hair loss. This specialist hair supplement contains 23 key ingredients that are formulated to help prevent hair fall and maintain healthy hair growth. HR23+ is widely regarded as the most effective hair supplement on the market.

HR23+ currently sells at £54.95 for one bottle of 120 capsules, but you can slash this cost substantially when you purchase this supplement in two, three and six month multi-pack deals. This is an excellent supplement for general hair health. Expect great things from this winning supplement.

PHYTOPHANERE ★★★★★

Phyto is a dietary supplement comprised of natural elements, each daily dose provides all the nourishing vitamins, essential fatty acids and antioxidants needed to promote healthy hair growth, strengthen nails, illuminate skin, and fortify lashes. Like Nutrafol, Phyto doesn't contain any ground-breaking ingredients that suggest it can prevent hair loss and stop balding, but it does offer excellent nutrients for overall hair health.

Phyto comes at a much more affordable £35 for a bottle of 120 capsules. As far as hair loss goes, if you're looking for something potent that contains a key blend of additives that can slow down and stop thinning hair, then Phyto is unlikely to offer you the solution. We'd bracket this supplement in the 'hair makeup' category, where additional volume and shine can be achieved. 

HAIRFINITY ★★★★★

Hairfinity is another supplement that markets itself on 'hair growth'. Containing a good blend of anti-hair loss ingredients including Biotin, Horsetail Extract and MSM, Hairfinity can provide a solid solution for faster hair growth.

At just £24 per bottle, Hairfinity offers excellent value for money. We wouldn't recommend this supplement for severe cases of male or female pattern baldness, but this can offer an effective solution for patients looking to grow out their hair faster. This is a popular supplement for women. 

HAR VOKSE ★★★★★

Har Vokse claims it can reduce hair loss and encourage strong hair growth. You may think this is a bit far fetched, but remember one thing: reducing hair loss and curing hair loss are two completely separate things. Har Vokse contains the usual anti-hair fall ingredients which give it credibility, but there is nothing of note that makes this supplement a revolutionary hair solution.

A bottle of 60 Har Vokse capsules will cost you £39.95, which puts it in the midrange pricing for this type of supplement. We give Har Vokse a respectable three stars out of five, due to its affordability and good use of additives. 

NUHAIR ★★★★★

NuHair claims it can combat hair loss and thinning hair with a nutritional approach — a natural herbal blend that blocks the production of DHT and supports hair rejuvenation from the inside-out - resulting in stronger and thicker hair. The addition of Saw Palmetto makes this supplement a very potent formula, as this particular ingredient is well associated with blocking DHT, after extensive scientific research.

NuHair is available to buy for just £25, making it an affordable solution for hair health. We'd be quite sceptical about the actual anti-balding results, as the overall formula doesn't pack enough punch, but the solution is certainly good for the price.

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If you are one of 60% of men that suffer from hair loss and are tempted to try hair supplements, then make sure you do your research before purchasing. As with all supplements and treatments, results will vary with each individual.

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