5 summer hairstyles for men

So I was talking to a guy friend a couple of days back and he complained how he really needs to change his hairstyle, but couldn’t decide what to do with his hair. So here I’ve complied a few hairstyles (there are certainly a lot more to go for). Take your pick:

 

1. Looking slick

This style NEVER gets old. The classic cut- lean and clean. Think Don Draper in Mad Men. For a more modern edge, check out Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl.

2. The short texture haircut

For men with thick hair, this style is a good option. The hair is cut short on the sides and back and left a little longer on top. You could use a bit of styling gel to add texture and create a casual, spiky effect. 

 

3. The quirky quiff

This is most definitely for guys who want to go out of their comfort zone and experiment a little. David Beckham carries it off effortlessly, can you?

4. The military cut (High and Tight cut)

It certainly beats having long hair like most guys these days have and what’s more is that it is a favourite with the girls. But be careful! Not every guy can pull off this look. Though this is true for all hairstyles, but you have to be especially careful with this one.

 

 

5. Ponytails

Though I am personally not a great fan of men with long hair, I certainly have come across some men rocking this look. It looks great if you are creative about it. Do not keep the band too tight and pull it a few inches away from your head. 

5 most stylish players of IPL-6 (Part 1)

With the IPL fever catching on; why not take a look at the most stylish players on and off field? Here’s my compilation (and yes I’ve been highly biased towards Indian players), feel free to add yours!

1. Manan Vohra (Kings XI Punjab)
   He missed the U-19 World Cup due to an injury, but if his first IPL match is any indication, he’s a talent to watch out for. His laid back style off field has been my personal favourite.
   
   
   
    
2. Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
   
   From his Gangnam stint after the World Cup win to his smashing sixes in the IPL, Gayle radiates style of his own.
   
   
   
   
   
   3. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
   
   Love him or hate him, but you simply can’t ignore him. His aggression on field and his personal style statement off field leaves the girls asking for more. From a sharp Tom Ford suit to an Ed Hardy tee, he can carry off anything without effort. No wonder he’s a favourite.
   
   
   
   4. Dale Steyn (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
                                                                                                                              
   
   
    This right arm fast bowler from South Africa sets hearts racing whenever he comes on field. He not only drives his team victory but also has an impeccable sense of style.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   5. Unmukt Chand (Delhi Daredevils)
   
   He may have failed to impress with his bat this season. But Unmukt has been successful in carving a niche for himself in the ad world.
   
   
   
   
   

8 tips for healthy nails

The girls will agree with me when I say that it feels wonderful when we have a great set of nails to show off. Nail care is extremely important because your hands are always visible.

So here are a few quick tips you can use to avoid running to the salon every week. 

 1. Moisturize the cuticle area to prevent cracking and peeling.

 2. Do wear a sunscreen: Sunscreen not only protects your skin but your    nails too. Wear it on your hands and cuticles every time you go out to prevent sun damage, which can hurt your nails. 

 
3. Clean all nail implements: This is something most of us forget or ignore to do. Change nail files your nail files often. Bacteria and other microbes get transferred easily by these tools and the result is infection. 

 4. Your nails are not tools! Do not use your nails to pry things open. You risk breaking your nails, harming your matrix or catching an infection. 

5. Don't soak nails for long periods or use any kind of soap: If you keep your nails and skin under contact with water or soap for a long time, you may weaken your nails and damage your nail and cuticle structure. 
 

 6. Don't allow tools that have not been properly sterilized be used on your nails: Risking your health and well-being for a manicure is just not worth it, and that is a definite possibility with bacteria-laden nail instruments! 

 7. Don't ignore signs of infection: Disinfect the skin as soon as you come across any kind of inflammation with an antibacterial or antifungal agent. Any change to the nail's appearance needs to be checked out by a dermatologist. 
 
8. Let your nails breathe: Yes, nail colour looks fantastic. But once in a while leave your nails bare and let them breathe. This will prevent your nails from yellowing and keep them healthy.

Latest swimwear trends

Summer means ice cream, cool drinks, and long hours in the pool. Here are a few options you can use while heading out to the pool:

This red swimsuit with a plunging neckline will definitely grab eyeballs whereever you go. A break from the routine, the different design is perfect for those looking to expriment this summer. 

Guys can opt for cool colours like green and blue and team up their trunks with sweatshirts and wear colourful slippers.

If you have been slogging it out at the gym for long, now is the perfect time to show off your toned body by wearing swimsuits like this that compliment your figure.

And guys can opt for this H&M swimwear maybe.

If you're not for showing off a lot of skin, you can go for an option like this. You don't show off a lot and still manage to look glamorous and chic.

5 summer looks for guys to rock

So here are a few looks I have put together for guys this summer. Let me know what you think.

You can opt for cool colours like whites and blues (and pinks!). They are perfect for a casual day look.

 These colours are like a breath of fresh air to your regular wardrobe and of course, a hit with the girls. ;)

 

While colour blocking is an amazing option, you can also use the same colour in two different tones and create an elegant look for yourself.

And do not forget to accesorise! Sunglasses, watches, belt, wristbands and what not. These give your look the extra edge.

Or you could ditch the western wear and go traditional maybe! Cotton kurtas are easy on your skin and have a class of their own.

Pop goes your palette!

If you are tired of looking at yourself in the same hues everyday, now is the perfect time to experiment. With summers round the corner, it is the perfect excuse to own a few psychedelic colours.

Below is a compilation of how you can play up with colours in your everyday style. 

Coloured denims are IN! Get rid of your boring blue denims and opt for cheerful colours...














...or play around with your eye makeup maybe?

Celebs like Kareen Kapoor, Lady Gaga have been seen sporting this look. Why shouldn't you?

Ladies, ditch the regular French manicure and experiment with your nails!







Words of caution: While opting for pop colours, use colours that compliment your skin tone. People with dusky complexion should go for shades of orange while fair skinned can opt for pinks and the like. Also, make sure you don't go overboard. Pop is nice, looking like a clown is not.
So go ahead, experiment!

Nearing extinction: The Patola of Patan

 

The ikat weave is available throughout the world in many continents but the double ikat, in which the weft and the warp both are dyed is found only in Indonesia, Japan and of course, India.

In Patan, Gujarat, you find the patola of the most intricate kind. The dyes used to color the threads never fade, not even after 300 years. The process of dyeing itself takes more than 4-5 months. It can take 7-8 months for one sari to be produced highly because of the fact that even if two weavers work together, they cannot produce anything more than 9 inches a day. A design for a patola can be repeated only after a period of 150 years, that too, if it is executed cyclically. The Salvi clan in Patan is the only competent clan left to take this skill forward. Two brothers, Rohit and Bharat Salvi, are now the only ones that still weave the sari.

The pricing starts at around 1.5 lakh INR. And by the way, you cannot place an order for this on a whim because the waiting list is 6 years long to say the least.

 The patola made its ramp debut last year in designer Deepika Govind's  collection at the Lakme Fashion Week.