There is an increase in men with various hair removal requirements. Some men do not necessarily want all body hair removed. For example, we have some customers who increasingly want their chest and back hair thinning (and not totally removed). Then there are customers who want a full body permanent hair removal, including boyzilian. (Boyzilian is a common term for permanent hair removal for the private area, including the groin and the butt area). There are also male customers who have specific requests, such as SHR on their eyebrows. This is because they want to take away the unibrow look. ​
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Another reason to why more males are getting their body hair removal is because of hygiene. Some guys find that manscaping helps them relieve irritating. Hair removal helps to reduce bushiness and any itchiness that can be accentuated by sweating, especially during the hot humit Singapore weather, or after exercise. ​
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The other common reason would be ingrown hairs. A lot of guys want to have less hair to make shaving easier. This is especially so when they have ingrown hairs at their chin or neck areas. Laser hair removal is the only effective way to treat a condition called PFD (pseudofolliculitis barbae). This is a condition where clusters of red, inflamed or dark bumps appear around hair follicles after shaving. ​
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While waxing is the traditional means of temporary hair removal, which requires monthly visits to the waxing salon, laser hair removal has become the defacto solution for permanent hair removal. Laser hair removal such as Wellaholic's SHR or Super Hair Removal uses laser light energy to penetrate the hair shaft. This travels down to the follicle and kills the hair root, where the hair growth starts. While another hair can grow in its place, it is very difficult. Hence, laser hair removal can last a fairly long time, and even permanently. Laser hair removal is a procedure where a specific beam of light bypasses the epidermis and targets the follicle. This disables the reproductive cycle of the hair without hurting the skin. As laser hair removal destroys the follicle, the hair shaft becomes weak and limp, and with repeated treatments - about 8 to 12 treatments - the follicle dies and no hair grows. ​
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A point to note is that we usually say that customers will get permanent hair reduction. This is because what happens is that when one follicle dies, there might be another one next to it that may regenerate itself. Hair grows in different cycles so at any time, 30 to 60 percent of the hair is in the anagen growth cycle stage. The laser is targeting the hairs in the growth stage. The dead ones that are dead will shed after a few weeks. By the time you go for your next appointment (recommended 30 days later, to time with the hair growth cycle), the hairs that were in their growth stage will now by in their dormant or dying stage. ​
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Shaving. It is important to shave the area that you are getting treated before the appointment. At Wellaholic, we also provide a shaving service at a nominal fee, but we recommend customers to shaving before the treatment if possible. You want to have short hair so that when the light and energy goes through it, there is enough left to target the follicles. ​
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Lasers work differently on light and dark skins. People with fair skin will fall under Type 1, 2 and 3 and responds best to shorter wavelength (755 nanometers), which is easy on the skin and also effective on light hair. On the other hand, people with dark skin will fall under Type 4, 5 and 6 (where Type 4 is Indian, and Type 5 and 6 being African American). In this case, we will use a wavelength that bypasses the epidermis and has a long pulse like the 1064 nanometers and safe on their type of skin. ​
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We hope that this article on permanent hair removal for males has been a useful read for you. Wellaholic offers full body permanent hair removal with our Unlimited SHR Prestige and Deluxe plans. These plans are designed to be cost-efficient yet effective. A 12-month plan will also automatically qualify you for our Lifetime Maintain Mode Program! 

People all over the world are now decluttering their lives, thanks to Netflix series "Tidying up with Marie Kondo." Marie, a bestselling author from Japan, helps to get different families to sort out and declutter. This includes clearing and sorting out their piles of clothing, books and even treasured items.

"Sparking Joy" is an often repeated term on the series, as Marie proclaims her mission using her konmari method to help spark joy in the world.

As we move from sorting out our homes, it is time to take a look at the mirror; have a close look at your face under bright light. Ask yourself, does your face spark joy? Are you trulysatisfied with your appearance? Or are there lines and blemishes that you can clear away instead? 

Let us help! In this article, we will share 7 methods to help you take great care of your skin, on a daily basis. It's time to spark joy with your face! ​
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1. Alway Take Specific Care for Each Skin Type
To take the best care for your skin, always make sure to choose products specially designed for your skin type. Dry skin requires different care from oily skin. A wrong match will cause either flaking (from over drying) or pimples (from oil build-up and thereafter bacterial infection).

So what are the best products for the various skin types? ​

Combination Skin - choose a gentle, balancing formula that prevents both irritating and dryness. Use a hydrating serum, and quench your skin with a lightweight liquid or gel lotion. ​

Oily Skin - choose a gentle and soft-free cleanser as harsh formulas can cause oil overproduction. An exfoliator helps dissolve pore-clogging sebum and wash away dead cells. We recommend our Retinol Serum in this case. Oily skin still needs to be hydrated, hence choose a lightweight, water-grabbing cream or gel. ​

Dry Skin - choose cleansing oils and lotsion which help to remove dirt and make up without stripping away moisture. Apply a hydrating serum or essence to quench skin with a boost of water. We recommend our Royal Jelly Essence in this case. For moisturising, a cream with protective ingredients like oils or shea butter will help to keep the water locked in. ​

Normal Skin - Remove dirt and makeup with a mild cleanser that will not disrupt the skin's pH balance. Exfoliate 2 or 3 times a week with a AHA, BHA or retinoid for a fresh, glowing complexion. We recommend our 100% concentrate of Retinol Serum. A light or medium weight lotion with emollients like almond oil will help to retain hydration. ​

A point to note is that the eye contour skin is about ten times finer and more fragile than the rest of the skin on the face. Hence, never over-exfoliate. When removing make-up, always choose a specific routine that will not damage this sensitive area. 

From your 30s onwards, you may begin to see some signs of aging around your eyes. This includes fine lines and textual changes. A retinol-based treatment will help to increase the cell-turnover adn resurface your skin overnight. ​
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Exfoliation is always recommended at least once (or twice) a week. This can be done via a facial scrub, though Wellaholic would recommend using both a Diamond Peel. This microdermabrasion procedure will help physically exfoliate the skin. This can be further augmented by a regular Retinol regime. The vitamin-A derivative can do wonders by chemically exofoliating the skin. This helps to keep the complexion clear. ​
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Keeping the skin moisturised and supple is also essential. This is because the dermis is 15% epidermis and 70% water. With the appropriate daily moisturing skin care, you can then balance the level of water within the skin. ​

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The Singapore 2019 Budget was recently announced by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat. The theme for this year's Budget was the Bicentennial Bonus, the Merderka Generation Package, as well as the Dependency Ratio. Announced on 18 February 2019, we will try to summarize the key areas of the Budget. 
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The Merdeka Generation Package focuses on the following 5 benefits: 

1. A S$100 top-up to Merdeka Generation seniors’ PAssion Silver cards
2. Medisave top-ups of S$200 for five years
3. Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) subsidies and discounts at polyclinics, public specialist outpatient clinics
4. MediShield Life premium subsidies
5. S$1,500 incentive to join CareShield Life

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This bonus applies to Singaporeans aged 21 and above, and includes GST vouchers and a personal income tax rebate of 50% (but only capped at S$200 per Singaporean taxpayer) for income earned in 2018. 

In addition to this, younger Singaporeans will get top-ups to their Edusave and Post-Secondary education accounts. Older Singaporeans who are eligible will get a CPF top-off (one time only). 
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The CHAS subsidies will be extended to all Singaporeans for chronic conditions regardless of income. Also, existing CHAS Orange card holders will have not only chronic conditions but also common illnesses covered. The subsidies for complex chronic conditions will also be increased. 
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As indicated in the infographics above, there will be a lower foreign worker ratio particularly in the services sector. This will without doubt exert even more pressure on the services industry, which is already squeezed by higher rents and wages. 
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Travellers who are away from Singapore for less than 48 hours will have to pay GST on goods purchased overseas worth more than $$100. For those away for more than 48 hours, the value of goods granted relief is increased to $S500. 

In addition, the duty-free alcohol entitlement will be dropped from 3L to 2L. 
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The diesel fuel excise duty will be increased to S$0.20 per litre. In addition, the annual special tax on diesel taxis will be reduced by S$850, while the special tax on diesel cars will be reduced by $S100.
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All in all, there are pockets of benefits for everyone, especially in the healthcare segment. However, there will be more duties on goods purchased from overseas as well as on diesel. The SMEs in the services industry will also face more pressure. All these will pave the way for the impending GST increase as well. 

Amino acids are the cornerstones of protein and can be used to prevent fatigue from beginners. Valine is the essential amino acid anathorn for muscle metabolism, tissue repair and proper balance of nitrogen in the body.

In order to maximize your effor and recovery after training for good results, the answer is essential amino acids. 

The use of BCAA supplements may prevent protein degradation in some populations where muscle is lost. It is more advantageous to obtain BCAA from complete protein sources because they contain all the essential amino acids.

​Hmb, a leucine derivative, prevents muscle damage and increases muscle strength by reducing proteolysis caused by exercises in the muscles and also helps to increase lean body mass.

In a study, female athletes who supplement the arginine had a significant reduction in body fat percentage and an equally significant increase in lean mass, presented at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Leucine, which is one of the three b. c. ( together with isoleucine and valine ), is particularly responsible for the development of muscle protein synthesis, a process by which muscle tissue is formed.

In addition to maintaining the existing muscle tissue, BCAAs are unique among the amino ones because they can serve as muscle fuel.
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Effect of creatine and beta - alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine reactions in athletes.
Bcaas should also be used as a supplement during any fat loss plan because of the muscle retention effect.
In recent years, BCAAs, in particular leucine, have been found to send signals to the body, informing it of muscle building.

Recent studies have shown that oral lucine activates the mtor, which activates protein synthesis ( muscle growth ) and increases the ability of a cell to produce new proteins ( muscle tissue ).

It is also important to note that, although BCAAs can be used to signal muscle growth, there must be a whole spectrum of amino acids as a basis for muscle growth.
New and exciting research continues to be carried out on BCAAs and their applications for muscle growth, fat loss and performance.
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While BCAAs have proven to be beneficial as a muscle tissue building block, their benefits as a signal molecules are only understood.

For more information on Wellaholic's BCAA 3000, click here. 

Video walkthrough of Himeji Castle from the main gate all the way through the castle grounds and then to the highest level. Was accompanied by hordes of school kids in blue as you could tell.

Himeji Castle (姫路城 Himeji-jō) is a hilltop Japanese castle complex situated in the city of Himeji which is located in the Hyōgo Prefecture of Japan. The castle is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 rooms with advanced defensive systems from the feudal period. The castle is frequently known as Hakuro-jō or Shirasagi-jō ("White Egret Castle" or "White Heron Castle") because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight.

Himeji Castle is the largest and most visited castle in Japan, and it was registered in 1993 as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country.nThe area within the middle moat of the castle complex is a designated Special Historic Site and five structures of the castle are also designated National Treasures.

My first time visiting Himeji Castle was before the year 2000, so this second visit was truly way overdue!

​​Made my second quick trip and visit to Nara, Japan to feed the deers. They were as friendly and hungry as always!

Nara Park (奈良公園, Nara Kōen) is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara's nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. Nara's deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them. Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed.

As I arrived at Nara late, it was merely a quick visit to the deers, and then I was back on my way to Osaka. 

​Starting the first day of the pig year at Fushimi Inari ⛩️ Taisha to pray for a good business year ahead. Good health and happiness for everyone that I know.

Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社, Fushimi Inari Taisha) is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.

Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be Inari's messengers, resulting in many fox statues across the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari Shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital's move to Kyoto in 794.

I didn't venture too far up the mountain though - it was just too packed. Eventually backtracked and decided to detour to Uji instead.