Barbershop Blog
RUOK DAY AND STARTING THE CONVERSATION
August 19, 2022
With RUOK DAY fast approaching we thought it would be a good time to lay down some info about this initiative and outline the ways in which everyone can contribute to the cause. Here at Barber Industries Kotara we believe that RUOK is a great movement and we also believe that RUOK is a question that needs to be asked more often and made a normal part of life.
What is RUOK Day?
This year the event takes place on the 8th September 2022.
It is a national day of action that reminds Australians that every day is a day to ask the question, “are you OK?”
Those simple words can be the start of a meaningful conversation and can change the course of things for someone who might be struggling with life.
Here at the barbershop we endeavour to provide a listening ear and we encourage everyone to try and do the same. If you get the feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving quite the way they normally would, or perhaps they seem out of sorts, agitated or withdrawn? It may be time to trust your gut instinct and act on it by asking “are you OK?”
How to ask RUOK - The simple steps that could change a life.
By starting a conversation about the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that person open up and if they are not okay that conversation may be enough to help them feel supported and help them find the strategies needed to better manage the load.
To ask, be relaxed, friendly and concerned in your approach. If they don’t want to talk, don’t criticise them. Tell them that you’re concerned about the changes in their behaviour and that you care about them.
If they do share their issues, be sure to listen with an open mind and try to encourage action that can lead to a positive path forward. Remember that some conversations are too big for family and friends alone and that the help of a professional may be a great suggestion.
MORE FROM THE BARBERSHOP BLOG
DISCOVERING BAXTER OF CALIFORNIA'S AWARD WINNING CLAY POMADE
Developed from over 50 years of expertise, Baxter Of California's Clay Pomade has been tried, tested and garnering a strong following across the globe. The multi award winner is perfect for styling effortless, undone looks. Read on as we discuss this flexible hold matte pomade and learn how to use it for optimal results.
Read This PostA QUICK LIST OF HEALTHY HAIR CARE TIPS FOR MEN
For most blokes, worrying about good hair care is not usually at the top of their priority list. Only when an issue like dandruff, itch or hair loss arises do we start to pay attention. Doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, there are a few key things to keep in mind if you want to maintain a healthy head of hair. So today, we'll share a quick list of tips to help you keep your hair in tip top shape.
Read This PostTHE LATEST IN EMERGING HAIRSTYLES FOR AUSTRALIAN MEN
In this blog article, we'll be exploring some of the emerging hairstyle trends for Australian men. From new takes on old school classics through to the very latest in contemporary developments. So whether you're looking to change up your style or just want to stay up-to-date on the trends, read on for some inspiration.
Read This PostTHE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOPPING IS AT BARBER INDUSTRIES KOTARA
Here at Barber Industries Kotara we are firmly setting our sights on Christmas and the new year with much anticipation. As you know we are the leaders in providing prestige grooming services to the men of Newcastle but we also stock a huge range of retail items and amongst the goodies on the shelves you will find the absolute best Christmas gifts and stocking fillers for men of all ages.
Read This PostWHICH POMADES ARE BEST AND HOW TO USE THEM PROPERLY
When it comes to men’s hair styling products there is a bewildering amount of pomades in the modern market place. For the average bloke, it can be very hard to differentiate between the good, the bad and outright ugly. On top of that, there are many misconceptions on how to properly use these products as part of your grooming routine. Fear not though readers, because in today’s article we will address both these issues and more.
Read This PostFINDING THE BEST BARBERS IN WESTFIELD KOTARA
Novacastrians are pretty damn spoilt when it comes to the plethora of barbershops around town. The catch is that not all barbershops are the same and not all barbershops properly cater to the needs of the modern day man either. For those who seek the very best in men’s grooming, look no further than Barber Industries Kotara.
Read This PostBARBERSHOP ADVICE ON THE PREVENTION OF BEARDRUFF
Dandruff can develop not just on your scalp, but also in your beard. Without proper care and in specific types of skin, men can be more prone to ‘beardruff’ in their beards. If not treated properly, beardruff will only get worse. The good news is, you can easily get rid of it and make sure it doesn’t come back – read on to learn how.
Read This PostTHE BARBERSHOP AS A COPING MECHANISM FOR STRESS
In this article we outline some concerns for the health of the modern man. We identify the fact that unrealistic expectations can over burden a man and how this leads to excessive worry and issues with coping. In conclusion we talk about the barbershop as a coping mechanism for stress and how a trip to the barber is good for a man’s mind, body and soul.
Read This PostWHY OUR TRADITIONAL HOT TOWEL SHAVE IS SO DAMN GOOD
If not every week, our hot towel shave is an experience that every man should enjoy at least once in his lifetime. It is a service that has been perfected over time and delivered by our master barbers using products from the finest barbershop only brands. Read on as we explain in detail what makes our traditional hot towel shave so damn good.
Read This PostTIMELESS FASHION FOR MODERN MEN
It is very hard to say that there is a right and wrong when it comes to men’s style. It’s also difficult to make hard rules when trends seemingly move through a swampy, shifty and ever changing landscape. If you’re in pursuit of timeless style that endures over time, read on as we outline some fashion tips for modern men.
Read This PostMEN’S HAIRSTYLES - DEALING WITH FRINGE AND FRAMING THE FACE
There is nothing more tormenting than a fringe stabbing you in the eyeballs all day. It’s no wonder that a short lined up fringe is all the rage these days. Today we take look at different men’s hairstyles and the differing ways of effectively dealing with that fringe.
Read This PostBACK TO SCHOOL FOR BOYS - A PARENTS CHECK LIST
Whether you're preparing your young fella for their first day of school or they're simply continuing into another year, here is a quick and handy checklist to help ensure that they hit the ground running and you can rest assured that you have all the important things covered for the new school year.
Read This PostPOST COVID - SUMMER BODY TRANSFORMATION FOR MEN
Summer Downunder is all about the good vibes and good times. It’s fun in the sun and for a good part, it’s about getting the shirt off and getting into the water to beat the scorching heat. Coming out of a Covid-Winter and there seems to be a few extra kilos on the belly line of a lot of blokes. We all wan’t to feel good about getting the rig out for the summer splash down, so for those in need of a pick me up, we’re going to outline a few steps towards a summer body transformation for men.
Read This PostWHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEARD OIL AND BEARD BALM
So you have ditched the daily shave and decided to grow out your beard. Many blokes will choose to go down that path because it seems an easier option. However, growing and maintaining a legitimate beard takes effort, regular grooming and a little know how. An all too common question that is raised in the barbershop is - “what’s the difference between a beard oil and a beard balm?”
Read This PostNEW SEASON GROOMING TIPS FOR MEN
With the warm and sunny days well and truely here, it is time to get all geared up for the season ahead. Spring gives us the time and the opportunity to get ourselves ready for the peak of the summer. It is a time for new beginnings and a time for positive change. Today we take a look at a few common grooming issues faced by men and how to deal with them.
Read This PostSKIN FADES WITH NEWCASTLE’S BEST BARBERS
Men’s hairstyles have developed dramatically over the years and one of the classic hairstyles of today’s generation has got to be the high fade or similarly one of the other fade hairstyles. Popular with the sporting elite, it is no wonder that the freshly kept fade is also the cut of choice amongst the younger generations of today.
Read This PostBEARD SEASON - FORMALLY KNOWN AS WINTER
The statistics around skin cancer in Australia are seriously quite horrifying to be honest. One Australian is killed by melanoma every five hours and two out of every three Australians are likely to get some form of skin cancer before the age of seventy. Our national melanoma rate is twelve times that of the global norm and that is a figure that the blokes behind a movement called Beard Season are determined to change.
Read This PostHOW TO MAINTAIN THICKER FULLER HAIR
Maintaining a thick and full head of hair may be harder for some people than others. Some people are more genetically prone to hair loss, but others can also be affected by stress, poor diet, and grooming habits. The short answer to making your hair look thick and full is keeping it nice and clean. Yet, the longer answer involves changes in particular habits, taking note of products, and even adding a few supplements on the side if needed.
Read This Post