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JUNE 08
ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG DEPUTY EDITOR AND BEAUTY DIRECTOR CHELSEA KAPLAN GIVES THE GUYS
THE GOODS ON GETTING GORGEOUS



Editor

I probably need to use some product in my hair, but nearly everything I try smells too strong (read: feminine) for me, and so I end up bagging it. Are there any good hair-care products made specifically for men? —Patrick, Tacoma, WA
I am a huge fan of the scents in Redken for Men products. They’re decidedly manly, but not overwhelmingly so. For shampoo and conditioner, I recommend you try the Mint Clean line, which will lather off dirt and styling product build up, while leaving your scalp feeling tingly clean and invigorated (www.redken.com for salons). Because I’m not a fan of sticky, spiky hair on men, I always recommend going light on the styling products, choosing ones that give you soft, touchable hold. A foolproof plan: Rub a dime-size drop of Get Groomed finishing cream between your palms, then rake it through your hair. This product will deliver light control, keeping your hair looking clean-cut, well-groomed and shiny (visit www.redken.com for salons). redken mint clean shampoo redken mint conditioner redken get groomed


I need some new bathing suits for summer, but because I’m not particularly tall, I often have a hard time finding ones that don’t hit me at the knees. Can you recommend some styles that will work with my proportions?—Teddy, Pittsburgh, PA
brooks brothers swim trunks If you’re under 5'8", avoid selecting surfer-style swimsuits—you know, the ones that look like long board shorts. Instead, look for trunk-style swimsuits, which are almost always carried by more traditional clothiers like Brooks Brothers or J. Crew—you’re sure to find them more flattering to your legs. Styles I like include the Hawaiian-print Koala Swim Trunks from Brooks Brothers, which has a 4 ¾" inseam, and the classic Solid Nauset Trunk from J. Crew ($79.50, www.brooksbrothers.com and $54.50, www.jcrew.com, respectively). nauset trunk


I’m never sure what kinds of shoes are most appropriate to wear with shorts and a dressier, button-down shirt during the summer. Flip-flops seem a little too casual, but are sandals on men cheesy?—Brad, Ellicott City, MD
Finding good-looking men’s sandals (sometimes called “mandals”) can be tricky. Ultimately, I think they can be very stylish and cool-looking, but the key to avoiding looking like an old man is finding the right pair. My general rule of thumb is to keep them simple in design—too many straps or buckles will look overly fussy and complicated. Instead, search for a slip-on style that does not cover too much of your foot (remember that these are sandals, not shoes, so showing your feet is part of the style!). Stick with leather in a brown or tan shade, avoiding black leather sandals at all costs—the look is way too heavy and urban for summer. Styles that pass muster with me include Banana Republic’s Bryson sandal and Kenneth Cole’s Coast Along and Beach U There sandals ($79, www.bananarepublic.com and $118 and $125, www.kennethcole.com, respectively).
banana republic bryson sandal kenneth cole coast along beach u there







Need a good laugh? Click here to read all about Chelea's life with child—and one on the way—in her blog, “I'm Somebody's Mother?”
Chelsea and her son Zach

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