Beards & Hats July 13, 2015 16:18

Goorin Brothers, hat makers since 1895, recently opened a store in our Santa Monica, California neighborhood and Pugilist Brand Gentlemen's Grooming Products owner Tom stopped by to try on some hats to add to his existing collection and find what hat best suits the bearded gentleman. Now Tom doesn't profess to be a model, so some tongue in cheek poses were called for to offset the often used cliche of bearded hipsters and hats.

These were some of my favorites in addition to other non-Goorin Brothers headwear already in my collection. There's something about the right hat that sets of a grand beard or magnificent handlebar mustache, in addition to keeping you cool in the summer and warm or dry in the winter.

Don't forget to keep that facial hair clean and conditioned with a full range of beard care, mustache wax, facial hair washes and soaps at our online store at www.pugilistbrand.com. Champion of Gentlemen's Grooming. Made by Beardsmen for Beardsmen.

 Goorin Brothers 'The Doctor' wool wide brim fedora hat in Stone color.

I own one of these hats and love it. It's warm, stylish and also available in black. A  nice warm winter hat.

The Fedora is making somewhat of a renaissance after being hugely popular in the early part of the 20th Century.

 Goorin Brothers 'Pierre Renoir' real straw boater hat. Named after the French impressionist painter.

A nice lightweight straw hat, perfect for summer and a little bit different in style. In the 19th century the boater was worn to mark the start of summer, when heavier winter hats would be packed away. Now mostly seen in barbershop quartets, we think it deserves a comeback. Boaters were allegedly worn by G-men (FBI agents) as an unofficial uniform in the 1930's.

 The bowler hat was designed in the UK in the mid 19th Century, when a  low-crowned hat to protect  gamekeepers heads from low-hanging branches and swooping birds while keeper's rode on horseback. The gamekeepers had previously worn tall top hats, which were easily knocked off. The Bowler hat was conceived to solve the problem.

 This is a Goorin Brothers 'Bowler' also known as a Derby in the US. This is another warm hat as

it's 100% felt wool. Personally, I didn't like this bowler as I've have seen better bowlers with upturned brims at the side.

Didn't feel like a true bowler hat.

 Goorin Bros Ruben Gonzalez, hand woven Panama hat made in Ecuador of 100% Toquilla straw.

As early as the 15th century hat weaving became a popular business along the Ecuadorian coast. Hat weaving and wearing grew steadily in Ecuador over the next two hundred years. These hand woven straw hats were shipped first to Panama, before sailing for their destinations across the globe, thus acquiring the name "Panama hats" rather than the more accurate Ecuadorean hats.

 Goorin Brothers 'Jack Johnson' Panama hat, made from 100% shantung, a type of paper and substitute to authentic panama straw.  Very lightweight and comfortable. I own this hat, which is perfect for summer.

Not a hat but a motorcycle helmet I use when riding my custom bobber motorcycle. Prior to 1992 helmets were optional in the state of California where Pugilist Brand is based.

The stereotypical Russian 'Ushanka' hat. Ushanka is Russian for 'ears' i.e the flaps of the hat that can be lowered and extended over the ears in extremely cold climates. Sean Connery became famous for his portrayal of a ushanka wearing Russian submarine commander in the movie 'The Hunt for Red October'. I'm certainly no Sean Connery. A very warm hat that I wear maybe twice a year in California. The ushanka is great for skiing in the mountains of California, as it also affords some protection in addition to warmth. 

The Ottoman Empire and Turkey made the 'Fez' the best known hat of Arabic origin. Worn in various guises from military costume to traditional Turkish dress. It's better known for it's comedic value in the west, from Laurel & Hardy's Sons of the Desert appreciation society to 1970's British comedian Tommy Cooper. 

 Goorin Brothers 'Good Boy' 100% wool hat with shorter 1 7/8 " brim.

My Brixton wool western style hat. A lot of brim for plenty of shaded protection.

 Goorin Brothers 'Pleasure Point' hat. This is an everyday wear hat as it's on the less expensive side, a blend of  72% cotton & 28% cotton make this a medium weight and weather hat. Not as lightweight as the straw boaters and panama hats, however not as substantial and heavy as a 100% wool felt Fedora.

The Essential Oil Guide to Pugilist Brand Beard Care Products June 4, 2015 12:46

Last year we wrote an article called 'The Definitive Guide to Beard Oils' a general outline of why we chose the carrier oils, glass bottles, droppers, heat shrunk hygienic sealed bands and essential oils in our products.

The previous article can be found on our website here;

 http://www.pugilistbrand.com/blogs/news/14834589-the-definitive-guide-to-beard-oil-pugilist-brand-beard-oil-you-decide

We wanted to expound on that article and make it even more informative & specific to Pugilist Brand Gentlemen's Grooming Products Beard Care & Grooming product selection.

There have been a lot of beard oil companies entering the market in the last year, many using Fragrance Oils rather than Essential Oils. While we can see the attraction of fragrance oils it should be noted they offer no benefits to the user, beyond a long lasting scent that offers a variety of completely synthetic scents that smell like chocolate, whisky, cheesecake, ice cream, breakfast and myriad other flavors.  

The Essential Oils we use in our products use a natural steam distillation extraction method from the herbs, plants, trees and flowers rather than being produced synthetically in a laboratory. Essential oils such as Rosewood are ethically sourced.

Historically most Essential Oils have been used medicinally and in aromatherapy for hundreds if not thousands of years, in such cultures as Ancient Egypt,  Ancient Rome, Iran, China & Europe

 We offer 9 Beard Oils, each one has a narrative story and is specifically tailored towards a specific bearded lifestyle, story or fantasy. Additionally aimed towards a lifestyle, health benefit or goal such as invigoration, the outdoors, relaxation, social  events  as well as hair care,  growth and skin care. Many of our beard conditioning oils crossover and have multiple uses.

We hope you'll find this information helpful with all your hirsute activities. 

Absinthe -   Essential Oils used Aniseed, Fennel, Coriander, Hyysop, Angelica Root.  

Scent Aroma: Black Licorice with tinges of Herbal Spice.

Hair benefit: Aniseed helps add sheen to hair. Fennel strengthens hair. Coriander may helps prevent hair loss by strengthening the hair. (not male pattern baldness)

Skin Benefit: Aniseed  is good for treating oily skin. Fennel repairs skin tissue and stimulates the skin. Coriander is a natural antiseptic. Angelica Root is an excellent skin healer ( used in tiny quantities as is the case with Absinthe)

Aromatherapy Benefit: Fennel has been used since Egyptian times to promote strength. Coriander is warm and calming.  Hyssop helps with anxiety ( do not use if epileptic). Angelica root is used in Chinese Medicine and known as Dong Quai or Female Ginseng, known as a nerve stimulant.

Side effects & Caveats: Hyssop can trigger epileptic seizures, for those with epilepsy. Caution using Aniseed on sensitive skin.

Buccaneer Blend -  Essential Oils used;  Bay Rum fragrance, Cedar Atlas 

Scent Aroma: Old school Barbershop cologne with Woody undertones. 

Hair benefit: Cedarwood relieves beard dandruff. Stimulates hair at the root. Cedarwood was successfully studied in Alopecia Areata ( hair loss ) clinical trials to treat this condition ( not male pattern baldness)

Skin Benefit:  Cedar Atlas treats acne and oily skin and eczema. It's an excellent astringent

Aromatherapy Benefit: Cedar Atlas  has warming, uplifting, and toning properties. comforting, reviving and an aphrodisiac. acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, stress

Side effects & Caveats: Follow caution using any essential oils. Test on a small area. Keep away from pregnant women & children

Cedar Atlas Shrugged -  Essential Oils used; Tea Tree, Cedar Atlas, Grapefruit, Bergamot. 

Scent Aroma: Camphorous/Medicinal with nuances of Citrus & Wood.

Hair benefit: Tea Tree can help combat Beard dandruff. Cedarwood stimulates hair at the root and has been used successfully in Alopecia areata clinical trials to treat hair loss ( not male pattern baldness)

Skin Benefit: Tea Tree can help eczema and be beneficial as an overall skin treatment. Cedarwood relieves beard dandruff, treats acne and oily skin.

Aromatherapy Benefit:  Cedar Atlas has warming, uplifting, and toning properties. comforting, reviving and an aphrodisiac. acne, arthritis, bronchitis, coughing, cystitis, dandruff, dermatitis, stress. Citrus Oils such as Grapefruit & Bergamot  are said to have uplifting anti-depressant properties.

Side effects & Caveats: Tea Tree can irritate the skin of some people. Citrus Oils can cause photosensitivity. Bergamot should be used with caution on people with sensitive skin. The bergaptene ( the oil that causes photosensitivity) in our Bergamot Oil has been removed.

Citrus Grove -  Essential Oils used;  Pink Grapefruit, Sweet Orange, Lime, Lemon, Bergamot 

Scent Aroma: Fresh zesty Citrus.

Hair benefit: Grapefruit, Lemon & Lime help oily hair as they cleanse and removes oil from the hair

Skin Benefit: Lemon treats oily skin and is a great astringent. Bergamot is good for psoriasis & eczema treatment.

Aromatherapy Benefit:   Bergamot lifts the mood, eases depression, can also relieve stress & tension.  Lemon is a positive mood & concentration enhancer to help focus as are all Citrus Essential oils. Think of the uplifting feeling you have when smelling citrus fruits on a summer day. 

Side effects & Caveats: Citrus Essential oils can be photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight after use. The bergaptene ( the oil that causes photosensitivity) in our Bergamot Oil has been removed.

Frontiersman -  Essential Oils used; Jasmine, Rosewood, Vetiver, Coffee, Birch Tar.

Scent Aroma: Initial Smokiness subsiding to Masculine Perfume/Floral blended with fresh Coffee

Hair benefit: Jasmine & Coffee strengthens hair at the root. Rosewood naturally balances hair ph so it's not too oily or dry. Birch Tar reduces dry hair and is used in many soaps and shampoos.

Skin Benefit: Birch Tar is used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.  Vetiver reduces dryness and sun damage in skin. Rosewood protects skin and helps new skin grow.

Aromatherapy Benefit:  Our  go to Beard Oil for the great outdoors Birch Tar & Rosewood are natural mosquito and insect repellents. Vetiver is a natural lice repellent. Which makes this scent great for camping and the outdoors. Jasmine is an anti-depressant and aphrodisiac. Coffee stimulates the mind and aids mental focus. Vetiver has a warm, masculine, relaxing earthy smell, eases stress and calms nerves. 

Side effects & Caveats: Follow caution using any essential oils. Test on a small area. Keep away from pregnant women & children

Mojito  - Essential Oils used; Lime, Peppermint

Scent Aroma: Peppermint and Lime Citrus

Hair benefit: Peppermint's tingling and cooling sensation to the hair follicle promotes blood circulation at the root. Peppermint deters lice and dandruff while providing a slight sheen to the hair. Lime acts as a natural facial hair cleanser. 

Skin Benefit: Lime & Peppermint are excellent skin toners and astringents.

Aromatherapy Benefit: Lime is a mood uplifter.  Peppermint opens the nasal passages and relaxes the mind while relieving stress. Both Peppermint and Lime boost concentration & mental focus with their refreshing qualities.

Side effects & Caveats: Citrus Essential oils can be photosensitive. Avoid direct  strong sunlight after use. 

Shaman - Essential Oils used; Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Cinnamon, Clove   

Scent Aroma: Bouquet mixture of Herbal, Camphorous, Spice, Citrus, Pine & Floral.

Hair benefit: Clary Sage & Rosemary possibly promote hair growth at the follicle, Rosemary was used in an Alopecia study with some success. Clove increases circulation and may stimulate hair growth at the root, it's one of nature's most potent antioxidants. Eucalyptus is a natural lice treatment and increases blood circulation at the hair root.  

Skin Benefit:  Clary Sage helps fight against Beard dandruff. Rosemary treats oily skin and hair. Eucalyptus is an incredible natural skin cleanser and anti-bacterial. Lemon Balm is used to treat cold sores. 

Aromatherapy Benefit: Clary Sage is a relaxing herbal, calming, meditative essential oil that helps relieve stress. Eucalyptus relieves sinus congestion, controls coughs and helps you breath easier when you have a cold and is a natural insect repellent. Lemon Balm helps to relax and calm nerves.

Side effects & Caveats: Cinnamon can cause possible sensitivity in mucous membranes. Follow caution using any essential oils. Test on a small area. Keep away from pregnant women & children

Vanilla & Sandalwood - Essential Oils used; Vanilla, Amyris 

Scent Aroma:  Fresh Vanilla & Warm Smoky Wood ( similar to a vanilla pipe tobacco)

Hair benefit: Amyris offers some hair softening properties, however it most beneficial to the skin and as an aromatherapy oil

Skin Benefit: Amyris soothes and softens dry irritated skin as it's a rich emollient.

Aromatherapy Benefit: Vanilla is mostly used for it's aphrodisiac fresh floral aroma, there are no apparent hair or skin benefits but it's a most beloved aromatic scent. Amyris is a natural stress reliever and can induce relaxation, while calming nerves and anxiety. Amyris is also a natural insect repellent, especially for ticks and flies and

Side effects & Caveats: Follow caution using any essential oils. Test on a small area. Keep away from pregnant women & children

Zen Musk -  Essential Oils used; Lavender, Frankincense, Patchouli

Scent Aroma: Lavender floral with undercurrents of Spicy Incense and traces of Musk

Hair benefit: Lavender promotes hair growth according to some studies. Lavender was also used in Alopecia study on hair loss with some positive results. Patchouli prevents hair loss according to a European Alopecia areata clinical trial to treat hair loss ( not male pattern baldness). Frankincense is an excellent treatment for ingrown hair inflammation and can help speed up hair growth and repair at the hair root.

Skin Benefit: Lavender can help treat oily skin. Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties for the skin. Patchouli is helpful in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis and beard dandruff.

Aromatherapy Benefits:

 Lavender is a natural relaxant in aromatherapy. A great oil to use at bedtime. Relaxing, Stress releaser, Antifungal, Analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory.

Frankincense: Used since biblical times, Stimulates the mind, stress relief, elevates the mind, encourages a meditative state. Frankincense increases the potency of the other EOs it is paired with.

 Patchouli is an alleged aphrodisiac. Relieves nerves and serves as an antidepressant, stimulating and tonic agent. Helps skin irritations and acne. anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, fungicidal. 

Side effects & Caveats: Follow caution using any essential oils. Test on a small area. Keep away from pregnant women & children

You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or as a medicine. Test on a small area first before using, discontinue if allergies appear. Keep away from women who may be pregnant and children. Do not drink or take internally. 

Magnum Opus Beard & Mustache Grooming Boxes December 19, 2014 17:14

 

  

  

  

  

Pugilist Brand Gentlemen's Grooming Products; All Natural ingredients December 12, 2014 09:43 1 Comment

This photo illustrates the subtle difference between some of  Pugilist Brand's Gentlemen's Beard care, Mustache Wax and Hair Pomade products. Our Hair Pomade is lighter in color due to the coconut oil, Beard Balm has Shea Butter for maximum beard conditioning properties, lastly our Mustache Wax is more yellow due to the Lanolin & Carnauba Wax for sculpting Handlebar Mustaches. There are no artificial additives, petroleum products or colorants in Pugilist Brand Gentlemen's Grooming Products, the colors are from our all natural ingredients. #pomade #beardbalm #mustachewax #pugilistbrand #beard #mustache #mensgrooming #mensfashion #beardgift

How to grow a Handlebar Mustache November 6, 2014 12:01

First and Foremost - Use Pugilist Brand Mustache Wax.....it's magnificently malleable!

Do not trim your Mustache! - No matter how tempted you are. Even if you feel it is growing unevenly. It probably is, but you'll be your mustaches worst critic, you will probably become obsessed with it's growth and eveness. Most people will not notice.  In short, DO NOT bring a razor or scissors close to your mustache for 4 - 6 months....minimum!  

Train your mustache - Essentially you need to train the mustache hairs to grow out from the middle, right beneath your nose, so to speak. If you're lucky, you'll have a nice even and prominent philtrum ( the groove under your nose)

 http://www.boreme.com/posting.php?id=29543#.VFvGyPnF_nQ

Some philtrums are wider or hairier than others. It's a matter of genetics. So thank (or blame) your parents. You need to start training your mustache to have a center parting. For me it was an obsession and I kept a small mustache comb on me for daily ( hourly) mustache training sessions. Start training your mustache as soon as possible, combing and sweeping the hairs to the left and right of the philtrum center parting. For me the daily training started after 3 - 4 weeks of growth, however that will vary, again depending on genetics and age.

Pugilist Brand recommends the Kent Handmade Mustache Comb, which we also happen to sell, by sheer coincidence http://www.pugilistbrand.com/collections/combs/products/kent-handmade-mustache-comb

FANGS!! - After a few weeks or months of growth you'll find you may have developed the dreaded 'fangs', these are the center hairs of the mustache that hang down, get wet, get in your mouth and can be an annoying nuisance.

DO NOT TRIM THESE FANGS! The center hairs of the mustache add to the body, girth and thickness of your glorious handlebar mustache. Keep training these hairs and combing them to the side. You may also develop an affected 'handlebar sweep',  theatrically sweeping the hairs to the side between the thumb and index finger in a dramatic gesture, rather than pulling your mustache comb out every 5 minutes.

Wax it - Mustache Wax will help keep the hairs in place and also help to style your mustache when it reaches a length that can be waxed and styled. Pugilist Brand offers two options for styling your mustache.

Beard Balm - http://www.pugilistbrand.com/collections/beard-balm A lighter styling balm designed for beards. Can also be used to style mustaches, especially shorter mustaches or the center of a handlebar.

Mustache Wax - http://www.pugilistbrand.com/collections/natural-mustache-wax A stiff wax for twisting and styling larger mustaches, especially handlebar mustache ends. It's magnificently malleable!

Handlebar Mustache styles - Many people think of the large circular curls when describing a handlebar mustache, however there are many sub-categories of handlebar mustache;

The Dali

The Hercule Poirot (petite handlebar)

English style 

Hungarian style 

Eating Tips: Buy a mustache cup, it's a special cup with a built in cover to cover the mustache while drinking. Keep napkins on hand, especially when drinking beer or red wine! Turn bagels, pizza and other messy items upside down when eating them, of course you then risk the cream cheese or pepperoni falling down your shirt or into your lap!