Skin Deep

MANSCAPE: Karamo Brown

by theSKIN

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Skin Deep

MANSCAPE: Karamo Brown

He’s here to remind you: bald is beautiful.

karamo brown

Instagram: @karamo
Location: Los Angeles
Sign: Scorpio
Book that changed your life: The Talented Tenth by W.E.B. Du Bois
Beauty product (or treatment) that changed your skin: Honestly, my own line MANTL. I needed products for people who are bald or balding, and I created ones that really work.
Podcast you can’t stop listening to: Under The Skin With Russell Brand. It’s so insightful.
Instagram account you love to follow: @TanFrance

On our ever-growing list of binge-worthy shows, Queer Eye is definitely at the top. One of the best parts of the show? The reassuring and encouraging presence of culture expert and life coach Karamo Brown. From supporting subjects with self-esteem issues to helping them build community, Karamo always knows just what to say to get to the core of an issue. Now with the launch of his new male beauty line MANTL, he’s hoping to extend his message of empowerment to bald and balding men, even offscreen.

Karamo’s message is perhaps so strong because of his own self-love journey. “My upbringing was great but odd because I was stuck in several worlds,” he says. “I was a Black kid in an all-white world; an American living in a Caribbean home; an openly gay man playing sports in a predominantly straight world. I learned very quickly how to love myself when others wouldn’t and how not to be ashamed of my identities.”

Ahead, we chatted with Karamo about his best mental health advice, embracing baldness, and how he defines beauty.

TS

How did you decide to make the career switch from social work to television?

KB

It was always my dream! One day my son was writing a paper on living your dreams, and he asked me if I was living mine. Though I loved my career, it wasn’t my dream. I decided that day to leave the fear behind and go after my dream of being a television host. It’s changed my life because work doesn’t feel like work now — I am doing something that uses my skills and makes me feel good.

TS

What has been the most fulfilling part of being on Queer Eye?

KB

Every time we help a hero find light in their lives, it’s so fulfilling. We all put in a lot of work to help them the best way we can. I am most proud of the moment when we had our hero Wesley meet the man who shot him and caused him to be in a wheelchair. Seeing humans connect and forgive is beautiful. I have always believed you should try and help your fellow human being if you are able to do so.
karamo brown

TS

Can you share with us a little of what you’ve learned through helping others about self-love and self-respect?

KB

Learning about yourself and then taking steps to work on yourself is a never-ending journey. We all have ups and downs throughout life, and we all have different ways of coping and managing our mental health. I think we should also embrace the times we aren’t on top of the world. Trees don’t grow on top of the mountain, they grow in the valley.

TS

Do you have a favorite piece of advice for others struggling with mental health issues or learning to love themselves?

KB

You are not alone. I repeat, you are not alone. Reach out. Ask for help. You will be surprised how many people are willing to lend an ear and be there for you.

TS

Tell us about your inspiration and purpose behind MANTL.

KB

For a long time I felt uncomfortable about losing my hair. Men are taught from an early age that a full head of hair is the ideal beauty standard; that it’s the only way to feel empowered and the only way you will ever live the life you deserve. Obviously, this is nonsense. When I started on Queer Eye, I would draw on my hairline! But eventually I came to the realization that I had to be authentic. I had to practice what I preach.

I came together with my co-founders to create products aimed at bald or balding men. We wanted to give them the best products we could through their hair journey. It was also important that the products were race-inclusive. I hope other men feel empowered and more comfortable now that there are products available to protect their skin and their scalps and that won’t leave you feeling greasy. Remember: bald is sexy!

mantlspf

MANTL

Invisible Daily SPF 30

mantlcleanser

MANTL

Cleanser

mantlmoisturizer

MANTL

Age Defense Moisturizer

“Remember: bald is sexy!”

karamo brown mantl

TS

What does your personal beauty routine consist of?

KB

Water, water, water and even more water. Always hydrate! I am genuinely an avid user of the MANTL products, morning and night. Men often think that washing your face in the morning with a cleanser and then putting on moisturizer and SPF is a lot of steps, but it is so quick and easy to do. And it helps protect you from sun damage.

TS

Biggest male beauty myth?

KB

That you don’t need to take care of your skin. Always, always use moisturizer and SPF!

TS

In a few words, describe beauty as you see it.

KB

Beauty is learning to love yourself. Beauty is recognizing everyone has amazing qualities. I used to believe in the outdated version of male beauty: a six pack, head full of hair, etc. But as we all know, someone with a beautiful soul becomes instantly attractive. Beauty is nourishing what we are on the inside.
karamo brown

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