Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with grooming

Where did all the eyebrows go?

divka — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:41:31 -0800

Should I stop worrying that my one of my cat eats my other cats' eyebrows? It appears to be an entirely consensual act. All right, so I have two male cats (unrelated, neutered) who love each other. They express this, in part, through mutual grooming. I've noticed recently that the orange cat has been vigorously nibbling at the brown cat's eyebrow whiskers during the grooming sessions. Now, all the eyebrow whiskers on one side are entirely gone. His fur and skin in this area look perfectly normal.

This happened before--but with the other side of the brown cat's head. Those have grown back in now--so I guess they've been switching sides. Both the orange cat and brown cat appear to be extremely blissed out during the eyebrow nibbling.

The brown cat is fully capable of defending himself. He is, in fact, the dominant cat in this situation.

Of course, one cat over-grooming himself is signs of bad things. But this? I'm not so sure how much to worry about it. Plus, I don't know how I'd stop it if I'd try. Much of the loving action takes place when I'm not home.

And yes...I could call the vet and ask. But, I'd like some outside cat-loving opinions before I call and have my vet make fun of me over this one.

Electronic quick-finders for dogs: fact or crap?

Ufez Jones — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:22:47 -0800

Has anyone tried one of the electronic quick-finder dog nail trimmers (like this)? Are they worth the extra $10 or so? I've looked through the other pet nail-trimming threads and seen the advice on Dremels and files and just having the groomer do it, but there hasn't been any mention (that I could find) of anyone trying/using a device like this. Has anyone tried one? Do they work as advertised?

Twentysomethings and B.O.

joseph_elmhurst — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:07:58 -0800

Young people and body odor - did I miss the memo? I am aware of a lot of folks who, apparently, are perfectly fine with body odor. No, they're not hippies. No, they don't live on the street. No, they are not mentally ill. They're typically young, employed, fashion-conscious, have enough discretionary income to buy lots of records, go out to bars, maybe enjoy a recreational drug or four. Yet they have the pepper steak smell that I associate with infrequent bathers and/or clothes washers. It's a subculture thing, I suppose, but its origins confuse me. I can grok hippies who feel that being "natural" extends to not showering every day (conserves water/energy) and not using deodorant (nasty chemicals in that, man) but creative class types who probably do not share the same sensibilities - why do they want to have obvious B.O.? Does this trend, which I've noticed for the last four or five years, have a single origin?

Long Haired Mama Seeks Lawnmower

Phalene — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:08:16 -0800

Razor Filter: What's a good electric razor for legs and face? Mama Moth has, like her sisters and female relatives, a moustache. While not bothered by this to the extent of laser removal, she wants a little workhorse of a razor she can use on her mouth and chin area and then on her legs in the summer time. Thus she has asked me (her daughter) to beg the mighty green mefi for their advice in this matter.

The intended gender of the razor doesn't matter, and she'll pay plenty if it's a nice, long lasting unit that gives a good shave. So, give ye your advice, oh wise and mighty hivemind! Which products are worth it and which aren't worth the cost of stamps to return them?

How can I calm him down safely?

sunshinesky — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 13:20:35 -0800

Our Pit Bull refuses to have his nails clipped. My boyfriend is the nth owner of our lovely 2y/o pit bull, Rocky. In the year or so that he's owned him, his nails haven't been clipped once. I suspect it's putting uncomfortable pressure on his 'toes'. Not only that, but it really hurts if he jumps up excitedly on us.

He is generally well behaved, and not violent at all- he'll offer a paw when asked, but he will NOT let you hold it. As soon as he suspects it's clipping time, he becomes extremely agitated, to the point where neither of us are willing to risk pushing him.
I would not even trust him with a professional groomer- that's how defensive he gets.

Is there anyway we could subdue him a bit in order to get this done? We've tried relentlessly to make him happy and comfortable with his paws being handled (gently even!).

(Please no angry backlash)- but I'd really like to know if there's anyway we can safely drug him to calm him down. Any other suggestions are definitely welcome though.

So many shampoos, so much confusion

stedman15 — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:40:07 -0800

I need to know the truth: How often should I be using shampoo and conditioner, and what sorts of shampoo and conditioner? Over the past few years, my hair has started thinning. I'm not bald, but I no longer the possess the luxuriant mane I had in college.

I get my hair cut at a hairstyling academy, and have been asking the stylists how I should shampoo. Their advice is making my head spin. Some told me to use organic shampoo, others told me to use shampoo without sulfates. Some told me I need to condition my hair often, others have said once a week is enough. I've been told to use volumizing conditioner by some to make my hair fuller, others say it doesn't matter.

So I ask MeFi: How should I be washing my hair, with what, and how often? If you can also let me know specific brands to use, it would be much appreciated.

I saw this earlier thread, but it doesn't seem to answer my questions.

Girly Product Comparisons

joannemerriam — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:33:02 -0800

Are there any magazines or websites which provide comparisons/recommendations for girly grooming products? Whenever I see recommendations in the major women's magazines, they seem to be tied to whoever bought ads in that issue, so I don't trust the (for lack of a better term) journalistic integrity of those recommendations.

Are there any magazines or websites which somewhat-objectively compare different products (shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, make-up, nail clippers, etc.)?

I want to wear black shirts again.

Elmo Oxygen — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:51:34 -0800

Looking for an all-natural, hair-friendly, anti-dandruff shampoo. For the longest time, I used Herbal Essences, and everything was alright with the world. I'd have to wash my hair more often in the summer then the winter, but it was no big deal. (think twice a week during the winter, every other day during the summer)

However, about 6 months ago, they changed their formula and threw my world into chaos! Since then, I've tried a few different brands (including the new Herbal Essences formula) and none have worked for me. Most disturbingly, I've developed dandruff! Yuck!

So, bottom line, I need a new shampoo. I've tried the standard anti-dandruff shampoos before (think Head and Shoulders) but they all scared me - they burned my face, had a real mediciney smell, and made my hair look awful. Worst of all, they used things like 'coal tar.' Yuck!

I'm looking for all-natural shampoos and conditioners that will keep the dandruff at bay and will also make my hair look great. My hair is naturally very thick and wavy and bouncy. I don't know if this matters or not.

Also, bonus question - the dandruff has mostly appeared in the last few months. It isn't super super bad, but it's at the point where it even appears a few hours after I've washed my hair. I'm pretty sure that it's never been this bad before. Can one 'develop' dandruff? Could it be seasonal? Or is it due to using the wrong haircare products?

Lion Cuts = Cruelty??

sfkiddo — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:17:09 -0800

I was looking for a cat groomer on Yelp today and was struck by the comments: only place that will do lion cuts in the city, most places won't shave cats, please don't shave your cat, etc. I realized that I've seen this sentiment quite often on the interwebs... This puzzles me: after all, dogs get groomed (aka shaved) and I never hear about it being "cruel" to the dog (the adjective of choice when it comes to cats). Could you help me figure out the cultural difference between shaving cats and shaving dogs?

Here are my working theories on why cats and dogs are stereotyped differently vis-a-vis grooming:

- Cats have a tendency to look baleful in photos. Our minds notice the lion cut (because it's different), register the regular look (baleful), and put it together that the cat is "mad" because of the lion cut;
- Cats are more "independent", thus we don't like the idea of them getting groomed into a cute shape because that means they're submissive and might end up in Paris Hilton's handbag;
- Dogs are "dirtier" than cats; thus, it's OK to groom them because they can't do it themselves.

Any other ideas? Also, my question comes from a US California perspective; would love to hear how everyone else thinks about this subject.

Solutions to survive the pain of laser hair removal treatments please!

iamkimiam — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:28:12 -0800

What can I do to make laser hair removal treatments more tolerable? I recently started laser hair removal treatments on my legs and bikini line. I prepaid for the treatments and am very interested in completing them...however, my first session was UNBEARABLE. I thought that I had a high pain threshold, but this was a whole different animal. Something about the way the lasers work...it was excruciating. I want to go through with the remaining treatments because I think the results will be worth it, but I'd like to hear about some pain management techniques or topical anesthetics that would be safe to try. My internet searching has been fruitless. Anybody been through this? How did you survive?

Why is my dog's hair suddenly getting matted after 13 years?

RobotHeart — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:08:28 -0800

Why is my dog's hair suddenly getting matted after 13 years? I've already figured out what I need to unmat her (a slicker brush), but I want to know why. We don't know what breed my dog is. Most people guess at least part border collie, if not all border collie; others definitely see black lab and/or German shepherd in her. Her hair has always been smooth and shiny, with the occasional little whorl on her chest in the white part.

Over the last month or so, her hair has gotten a bit clumped in places. Also, the texture has changed. It feels more porous and not quite as smooth. The shedding blade is doing nothing, which is a new development. Last time, a bath washed most of it out. This time, not even that helps. I can pick them out carefully with my fingers; what comes out is the usual reddish-black late spring undercoat that has always come out on its own with regular brushing and petting on our parts. It started over her left shoulder, which incidentally has a few cysts or lumps there that the vet said were benign. (That's probably a coincidence.) Now I've also found clumping under her collar (which I have checked and is not too tight) and where her back legs meet her body.

The dog has been under a good deal of stress lately. Her mommy was in the hospital for a week, and even when home has not paid as much attention to her. However, the other two members of the household have given her at least as much attention as usual, and there are additional people coming in and out, giving her attention, which she likes.

Could this be caused by stress, or hormonal changes due to age? The reason why I am wondering is if this is some sort of isolated incident, we'd just borrow a slicker brush instead of buying one. And based on what you guys say, we'd be open to taking her to a groomer or vet too.

Help my little Skeletor!

ubu — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 07:53:23 -0800

We had our beautiful Wheaten terrier shaved and now she looks like a ghost--any ideas to overcome this scary phase? Our dog was hot and itchy and her hair was too long, so we took her to the groomer yesterday. It was the first time I've had a dog groomed, and I told them to shave her hair off so she wouldn't be hot during the summer. When I went to pick her up, I honestly did not recognize her. We had no idea that she was this skinny underneath her thick coat. She looks like a skeleton running around! They hand-cut (very poorly) the hair on her head, and now she only has one eyebrow left! Is there anything that will make her beautiful coat grow back faster? Recommendations for what to do next time (what to tell the next groomer for a summer cut)?

Also, we thought a nice grooming might improve her "licking her private parts" neuroris, but it has only made everything more accessible and now she is licking herself like crazy. I think the grooming actually far worsened the problem. Any advice on how to discourage/prevent this?

H2O-soluble nail polish scam?

TochterAusElysium — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 18:38:06 -0800

Do all nail salons use polish that comes off quicker than the brands you buy in stores? I've only had a manicure twice, and like the look; just a simple, light color - nothing fancy. Both times I went to the same nearby nail salon. But both times, as soon as my hands were exposed to water (once, washing my car, once, just showering) the polish started to peel off right away. This doesn't happen with standard store-bought polish; do salons use water-soluble polish just to keep you coming back more often? Or do I need to find a more upscale place? (Any recommendations for the north-of-Seattle area, if so?)

why do you wear makeup?

krautland — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 10:49:00 -0800

why do you wear makeup? I read an interesting article about mac, the cosmetics company, the other day. my face is your canvas someone was quoted saying. that got me thinking. why is it, I wonder, that women and certain others wear make-up? what does it do to them?

I am a sucker for all things natural and to me imperfection is individuality. I like to observe those little vertical lines we all have on our lower lips. when I look at someone and notice their make-up first, I feel prevented from seeing who the person in question actually is. they seem hidden to me like the wood canvas beyond dear mona lisa. that is why glossy magazines like FHM with their perfect retouching jobs do nothing for me.

now I fancy myself a fairly insightful chap. I can understand what makes bill o'reilly think he's on bin laden's birthday list and I get why old men feel compelled to drive hummers. having stood in front of the camera multiple times myself, I know why you would want to wear makeup on tv. but I just don't get what exactly it is that compelles people to wear makeup. it's the motivation that I am inquiring about.

so what does it do to you? do you feel less presentable, clean, fashionable or neat when not wearing makeup? do you consider it a luxury or necessity? is it something entirely different? would you equate it to spoiling yourself? is it more about how you see yourself or you think you are seen?

how do you shave a gorilla?

krautland — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 21:47:55 -0800

how do you shave a gorilla? the common gorilla is not only the largest of the living primates, it also has the most hair. the fur is thick, warming and stubborn and protects admiringly well from rain, wind, cold, even frost. it equips the gorilla to survive in the trees of borneo just as comfortably as in the congolese jungle. it does not however serve as adequate accessory to a pin-stripe suit in chicago and that is why I am looking for a way to shave a gorilla.

the problem with such thick and healthy hair is that no matter what razor blade you use, you will always end up with a mean five o'clock shadow. that might work wonders for ones social status in grade school but in said pin-stripe suit it comes across as rather scruffy and if you have lowered yourself to wearing a suit, you want to fit in all the way.

so help me shave a gorilla stubble please. I can live with being called a gorilla but I fear I now look like a troglodyte and that just cannot stand. do you use any specific blades or products?

Trimming one's own eyebrows?

0xFCAF — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 14:40:11 -0800

GuyGroomingFilter: How do I trim my eyebrows? Not for length/shape, but just the bushiness A long time ago when I was getting my haircut at a fancy salon (family discount), the stylist did some very fast operation with the hair trimmers and a comb that resulted in my eyebrows looking really great. It looked like she just reduced the length of the individual hairs by running over them with the trimmer, but I wasn't paying attention and was kind of surprised.

These days I go to a cheap barber or SuperCuts or whatever and don't really trust them to understand my English enough to not just shave them off entirely, which is obviously not what I want.

So how can I do this from the comfort of my own bathroom? Current materials include comb and beard trimmer, but I'm willing to spend money (especially if it means I won't accidentaly shave one off).

To be very clear, I am not interested in plucking/waxing/etc to change the shape/length, I just want to decrease the bushiness factor.

The red menace

CiaoMela — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 13:34:19 -0800

I'm 23 and I have more acne than I ever did in high school. This is a general problem, but I've also got a (first) date on Thursday--got any miracles? I wash my face religiously every morning, and almost every night. In the morning, I follow with Cetaphil oil free moisturizer, which somtimes leaves my face feeling greasy, even though I use a very light hand. I rotate among about 3 different face washes, depending on how my skin feels (it gets quite dry in colder weather)--but maybe that's part of the problem?

I've got regular old zits and lots of blackheads, which often swell up and get red. Most of the "activity" is in my T-zone, but a lot is along my hairline, and some is on my cheeks (closer to my ears than to my nose). The blackheads in particular seem to arise and never go away--whether I pick at them or leave them alone. (I try not pick, really!) I also use a spot treatment (Neutrogena On-The-Spot benzoyl peroxide).

None of this is terribly ugly, but it's definitely gotten worse, perhaps with the stress I've been under lately. I'd love suggestions for routines, as well as miracles I can work between now and Thursday, to clear up the worst of the red. I'd prefer over the counter stuff, but I'll find a dermatologist if necessary.

Straight razor anyone?

horseblind — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 13:05:00 -0800

I have read several posts here on shaving and have recently decided that I would like to give the straight razor a try. Before I do so I have a few questions. 1. Is there a good substitute for a leather strop, or does the very nature of a straight razor require the strop to be leather? Is there an alternate tool that can be used in place of the strop?
2. What other tools, supplies etc. are need to start shaving with a straight razor.
3. Any tips for switching from using a Mach III type razor?
4. Any tips or general comments about your straight razor experience? (quality brands/models, etc.)

I am not looking for the cheap way out on this. My skin is sensitive and I'm willing to spend what I need to spend to keep from tearing my face up and to keep my wife happy with a smooth shave.

I prefer that all goods are animal cruelty free/not tested on animals, made by socially responsible companies.

Men Who Dye Their Hair

matteo — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 09:40:32 -0800

A question for the AskMefi women. Guys in their late thirties or early forties who dye their hair: O.K. or icky? And for those of you who think it's lame: is it lame enough to become a dealbreaker when you start seeing a guy? By the way I recently noticed John Cusack (39) dyes his hair. Thankfully, I only have a couple dozen gray hair on my entire head, but I guess my future is, well, gray. As of now I am very much against dye jobs and I consider it pretty lame for men (on women it looks just so much better) so I guess it'll be OK for me to grow gray/white in the future, but it's easy to think that when you still have a full head of black hair. In the future, maybe I won't be so sure.

Good hair clippers with replaceable blades

namespan — Sun, 14 Aug 2005 18:41:53 -0800

Good hair clippers? I've been using clippers to periodically crop my hair to somewhere between 1/4" to 1/2" over the last few years. But I've always bought cheap Conair clippers that I found in Target or the grocery store or something. Is there something better? I'm probably going to do the cropping more frequently as my hair thins. I note that the blades on the clippers get dull periodically. I expect this will happen more frequently with more frequent use. I could just by cheap clippers every year or so (heaven knows that $15 a year is affordable), I just don't feel great about contributing to our junk quota further. What are some good models of clippers, for which I could reasonably expect to be able to buy replacement blades during a decade or two of use? Bonus points for affordability.

Question number 14012

rfordh — Fri, 14 Jan 2005 10:44:07 -0800

I’d like to dress better. Clothing advice for a slim 20 year old male with a budget a bit smaller than the target audience of most fashion mags, please? And while we’re at it, how about some general clothing/grooming advice for the guys? [more inside]

Question number 11126

rorycberger — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 15:52:25 -0800

Male pubic hair grooming. Looking both for tips on tools, technique, etc. as well as the female response - i.e. should I even bother? If so, what's ideal? Shave? Trim? Wax? Rogaine? Clean it up? Lose it all? Dye it blue? Context: gf just got a bikini wax and i'm looking to return the favor as a surprise.

Question number 10141

scarabic — Mon, 13 Sep 2004 12:20:38 -0800

Recently I mangled up some of my fingernails doing manual labor. I've clipped and filed them as best I can, and now I'm just waiting for them to grow out a bit so I can clip off the jagged edges completely. Is there anything I can eat/drink to make my fingernails grow faster/stronger?