If you’re looking for the most powerful hair dryer or the handiest chef’s knife, those things can be easy enough to find. Other objects of desire are a little more taste-based. What’s the next status water bottle or hand wash, for instance? If you have a burning question about the next fanny pack or Noah rugby shirt, Chris Black is here to answer it in a regular column.
Are you using any new hair or skin products since you’ve embraced the buzz?
My recent buzz has definitely forced me to add some new products into the rotation. The tight crop exposes my dome to the elements in a whole new way. I have to moisturize and protect my precious brain holder!
One new thing I’ve been using is this rose hair and body oil from Ouai. The scent is soothing, and it is exceptionally moisturizing. The top of my head feels softer!
My shampoo-and-conditioner routine has also shifted. Klorane makes an affordable oat-milk-based (no Oatly) set that softens what little bit of hair I have.
My client F. Miller makes a hair oil that I used to keep stashed away in a drawer. Now it’s in my regular rotation, as it soothes my scalp and smells incredible. You only need a few drops to get the full effects.
When going out into the sun, I will dab a bit of Malin + Goetz SPF 30 Face Moisturizer on top of my head. A burned scalp seems like pure hell, but this has seemingly helped me to avoid one.
I was just listening to How Long Gone while running sprints and thought to ask you about the oxymoronic barefoot running shoe. I’ve been running in some stripped-down Nike Metcons and am enjoying the awareness of my form. What other minimalist footwear can I get that doesn’t look disgusting?
Unfortunately, this genre of shoe is rather ugly! The dreaded five-toe look works, but man, who can go out in public like that?
Newton has been around for years, making some of the best running shoes on the market. Think Hoka One One if they never collaborated with Outdoor Voices. The Gravity 9 is versatile and features the brand’s Action/Reaction technology (which it claims is a “responsive, trampoline-like cushioning system that provides quicker bounce back and loses less energy than traditional foam-core running shoes.” It also comes in some pretty wild colors, and you know me: the brighter, the better.
The Norvan SL from Arc’teryx is geared for the trail but could work anywhere. These feature a narrow underfoot, especially below the arch, while the forefoot widens to provide more ground contact. You will feel your form. I like this pulse/smoke color.
Merrell’s Vapor Glove 4 could also work for you. A Vibram sole equals excellent stability, and there is zero drop from heel to toe for a natural stride. These are ugly — but in an interesting way. Now go clock some miles!
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