About Silk Ties

Silk ties have been part of menswear and men's formal wear for hundreds of years. In today's world, they are an essential part of what classifies a man as a good dresser, as possessing of good taste, and as social status. Because there are so few ways to accessorize a suit, ties are crucial to dressing.

Neck Ties for Beginners

A necktie is one of the only handfuls of dress accessories for men. Choosing and using neckties can be intimidating for beginners. Learn more about neckties, the different types and tying techniques from these eHow tutorials.

Hair Care for Girls

When it comes to hair care, many of the tips are the same for boys, girls, women and men of all ages. But hair care for girls and young teens is a little more challenging because girls will often begin testing new pr

oducts and appliances such as hair dryers and irons. It's important to start with the basics and then consider the products girls use.

Hygiene

When it comes to washing your hair, less is more. Hair that's washed daily with shampoo and conditioner can become dry, dull and develop split ends. Although, it depends on the type of hair when it comes to how frequently it should be washed. Generally, a girl should wash her hair every few days to prevent washing away the natural oils, which strengthen hair.

For hair that's curly or coarse, shampooing once a week is enough, according to GoAskAlice.com. However, hair that tends to get oily quickly might need to be shampooed every other day.

Products

Products that contain alcohol can dry out your hair. For young girls, shampoos and conditioners that have untangling agents are popular. Johnson's No More Tangles is a good choice for girls because it's gentle and makes brushing easy and painless. If you wash your hair everyday, choose a moderate shampoo to avoid drying out your hair.

Some shampoo is designed for oily hair. These products have more detergent than other shampoos, which cleans away dirt, dead skin and oil. On the downside, it can make hair dryand brittle, according to GoAskAlice.com, and isn't meant to be used daily.

Irons and Hair Dryers

Daily blow drying can damage your hair because wet hair is very sensitive. Wet hair stretches, making it "vulnerable to breakage or cuticle damage," according to KidsHealth.org. When straightening hair, it should be dry to prevent damage.

Tips to consider while drying, straightening or curling your hair are to keep the dryer moving to avoid heating one area t

oo long, use a cool setting and don't dry or straighten hair daily.

Swimming

Chlorinated water can damage hair, so it's important to rinse hair in a shower before entering the pool. This way, the hair will soak up the non-chlorinated water, according to HairCareGuide.com. It also is a good idea to wear a swimming cap, and shampoo and condition your hair after swimming in chlorinated water. This also applies to swimming in salt water.

How to Find The Perfect Pair of Jeans

A pair of jeans catches your attention while you are shopping. And for most males, it will take a lot of courage to walk into a store and try on a pair of jeans. The frustrating part of purchasing jeans is sometimes getting the pants over your thighs. Sorry Mr. Jefferson...all men are not created equal when it comes to body type and clothing. We all need a perfect pair of jeans. Here is a foolproof guide to finding a perfect pair of jeans.

Step 1

Some people do not like to shop, as they feel hopeless at this task. Seek professional helpfrom a department store clothes consultant, as they will make quick recommendations to you after briefly looking at your body. They will also show you how to integrate your new purchase within your own wardrobe ensemble.

Step 2

Pick a store that has a large selection of jeans. Do some research, call stores and inquire how many labels of jeans they offer. Department stores with different styles will be the better choice in obtaining the perfect pair of jeans.

Step 3

All cuts of jeans do not fit well on every body type. You must determine on what types of jeans are your style. You can choose from wide leg, straight leg, boot cut and extra long. Several different styles could look good on you and variety in your closet is not a bad option.

Step 4

Stay away from trendy designs that are in style at this moment but will fade away by the end of the year. You will put those jeans right next to your parachute pants in the closet. As a rule, a dark color jean is always more versatile and forgiving.

Step 5

Tired of jeans that do not quite fit? Then a custom-made pair of jeans is the answer for you. When you order custom-made jeans, a number of specific measurements are needed to ensure that your pants are tailored to your exact size. These measurements will allow your custom-made jeans to fit around your waist, hips and legs. Having your jeans custom-made is the option with the quickest turnaround time for obtaining your perfect pair of jeans.

Men's Dress Clothing Tips

A sharp-dressed man attracts the right attention at formal events. In men's formal fashion, classic black-and-white elegance is the safe bet; bright colors and strong patterns may be overwhelming and can leave an abrasive impression. For the latest styles, consult the runways or speak to a tailor who knows his stuff. With help, formal clothing can be as easy as day-to-day wear.

Shirts
1. Daniel J. Indiviglio of Ask Men advises men to stick to the dictum, "Less is more." Stay away from see-through shirts, loud colors and lots of flash. Instead, "stay conservative, utilizing soft, muted colors, and/or mild patterns like stripes." Favor high-quality cotton or silk, with an eye toward crisp, matte sheen. Satin is outdated and should be avoided. Buttons should be closed, collar included, with ties in a mild, complementary hue. This is the time to pull out the tie tack and cuff links.

Pants
2. First rule of thumb: Pleats are bad. They add weight to the middle of the body and don't look crisp. Flat fronts are the way to go. "Pleats must be avoided," Indiviglio emphasizes. "That Z. Cavaricci look died in the '80s; just let it go and embrace the flat fronts." Cuffed bottoms are also outmoded, as are pastels and soft, baggy cuts. Pants should be structured, neat and pressed. Get them hemmed to the appropriate length for dress shoes, with a slight crease above the top of the foot.

Classic Black-Tie Tuxedo
3. For those who don't foresee many formal events on their calendar, it may be best to purchase a tux on eBay or to simply rent. Black-tie formal, like white tie, should be tailored and fitted to the body. Many men purchase both a normal-length jacket and a tailcoat for more formal occasions. A well-made tuxedo can last for many years and is worth the investment. Check with rental shops for deals on gently worn tuxes to find great bargains.

White-Tie Style
4. A "white tie" event is more formal than a "black tie" event. According to Tom James of The Perfect Suit, "White tie is the most formal of formal wear and includes silk-face black coattails and dress trousers, white pique dress waistcoat and matching bow tie, white pleated dress shirt with wing collar and French cuffs, formal socks, patent leather shoes, and pearl cuff links or studs." A white-tie ensemble is best custom tailored by a knowledgeable designer, since fit and fabric are essential to the look. A complete ensemble is costly, so be ready to spend up to $5,000 for the suit, woolen overcoat, accessories and hat.

Shoes
5. Footwear should be shiny, unmarked and of high quality. Dress shoes are simple and unornamented, and shouldn't attract overt attention. Appropriate tuxedo shoes are in the oxford style and made with patent leather; for a dress suit, clean-looking ankle boots or tie-up shoes will do. Never cross the brown/black line--leave the informal brown shoes in the closet. Top the look off with proper silk or cashmere dress socks.

How to Wash Leather Jackets

Leather jackets are a great accessory, but do need to be cleaned to keep them looking their best. You can't just throw a leather jacket in the washing machine, but there are easy ways to keep it shiny and smelling great.

Things You'll Need
* Leather soap & rag
* Damp cloth
* Vinegar (optional)
* Febreze

Step 1
The best way to clean leather is with leather soap. Different types and colors of leather need certain soaps, so ask the shop where you bought your jacket what they recommend. If you're unsure, be sure to read the back of the bottles, and test each product in an out-of-sight area, like the inner waist band that no one will see.
Step 2
If you don't have leather soap, you can wipe down light dirt and scuffs with a damp rag. Be sure not to get your coat too wet, which can ruin the leather.
Step 3
For hard to remove smells, like smoke or pet odors, try wiping the coat with a 50% vinegar-50%water solution. Be sure to wash the vinegar off with a damp rag. If the odor is too strong, you may need to have it dry cleaned (don't use the at-home dry cleaning bags, the dryer is not a safe place for a leather jacket).
Step 4
If the inner lining of the jacket smells, use a little bit of odor-absorbing spray, like Febreze. Be sure you mist it lightly, don't get the coat too wet.

Tips & Warnings

If your leather jacket is already soaking wet, don't stretch it out to dry. Allow it to dry flat, and flip the jacket often so it dries evenly. After it has fully dried, the leather may be stiff, but leather soap might help this.

How to Strengthen Nails

Weak, brittle, or cracked nails can occur for a number of reasons. Nails become weaken when they are abused, when they grow out too long, or when they are exposed to certain agents. Here are some ways to keep your nails strong and healthy.
Step 1
Avoid prolonged exposure to water. Water dries your nails out, leaving them weak and more prone to breaking. Try to limit how long you spend swimming, soaking in the jacuzzi, or soaking in the bathtub. When you are cleaning, use rubber gloves.
Step 2
Moisturize your nails. Olive oil works particularly well for this. Try pouring olive oil into an old nail polish container, and use the brush to brush the oil on your nails. Also, when you use lotion on your hands rub some of the lotion into your nails. If your nails are severely dry, apply petroleum jelly to your nails before you go to bed, and cover your hands with gloves. Wash off in the morning.
Step 3
Take a biotin supplement. Biotin can help repair and strengthen nails, and it also helps strengthen your hair.
Step 4
Avoid abusing your nails. Constantly scratching or picking at things with your nails, as well as biting them, weakens them and makes them more prone to breaking.
Step 5
Trim your nails regularly. Try to keep them fairly short, to prevent breakage.
Step 6
If you paint your nails, avoid products with toluene, sulfonamide, or formaldehyde. These chemicals will weaken your nails and cause breakage.
Step 7
Try not to use nail polish remover more than two times a month. When you do use polish remover, avoid products with acetone.
Step 8
If your nails crack or break, do not rip off the nail, as this will cause further damage. Use a clear glue to hold the nail in place, until the nail grows out far enough that you can clip the broken part of the nail.