'Queer Eye's' Karamo Brown: Be Bald, Be Authentic, Be Badass

When Karamo Brown first appeared on Netflix's "Queer Eye," he admits he wasn't his authentic self. The show's Culture guru was balding, but was resorting to cosmetic methods to hide it, though with some difficulties. "My cast knew because I would be driving in the car, and we'd go over a bump and on the roof, my hairline would be there,"
Nor did he fool viewers, as this post on Reddit put it: "Can't stop staring at it. It's like a five o'clock shadow with the crispest line up I've ever seen. I feel like someone has to straight razor his lineup daily for it to be that tight and crisp. Starting to believe he spray paints it on."

"I wanted everyone to see me," www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/02/9369248/karamo-brown-mantl-skin-care-brand-interview|he told the website Refinery29. "I've helped all these other people feel confident, and I wanted to feel confident."

He then realized that despite the countless skin care products found at the local CVS, the bald were not well represented, and set out to do something about it. Joining forces with Irene Kong and Peter Ricci, both alums of the Honest Company, the child care company, to create a line that offers not just grooming products, but a sense of community that changes the narrative around baldness.

"MANTL's mission is to support and empower men who embrace their baldness, offering a sense of community, encouraging them to uncover their confidence and self-love, and finally leave behind the outdated ideas of masculinity. MANTL products will now be available
"My reputation and passion for supporting mental health extends to the development of MANTL – this brand catalyzes and nurtures a conversation around what it means to be an attractive man who is bald or balding, ultimately empowering men who are dealing with this reality," Brown adds.

What led Brown to the road to recovery was learning that he was the dad to a 10-year old, as improbable as it sounded. "I had way too many penises in my back pocket for me to have a baby now," he told the Advocate. But it was true. The boy, named Jason, was living in Texas with his mother, whom Brown had a relationship with when they were 14. He never learned of the pregnancy because the girl moved away and never informed him, and only learned of his parenthood by a bureaucratic enquiry that came to him when the child's mother applied for public benefits. Not knowing where she was, he went to Texas to track her down and meet his son. Subsequently he received custody. He subsequently adopted Jason's younger half-brother Christian.

Cut to a decade later. Brown is the culture guru on "Queer Eye," best-selling author and tireless social justice warrior. He has been a relationship with filmmaker Ian Jordan for the past 10 years and the couple are planning an October wedding. Recently Jason, in his early-20s, came to him to talk about experiencing the first signs of baldness – another reason why MANTL is important to him.

Why MANTL?

EDGE spoke Brown about why MANTL is so important to him.

EDGE: What inspired your new skin-care brand, MANTL?

Karamo Brown: Not too long ago, I myself was very much in the denial stage of the stages of balding grief – filling in my "hair" with makeup. I finally grew tired of acting and stopped letting my fear take over. Seeing my son deal with the early signs of balding, I was empowered to own my balding journey and show him that I wasn't ashamed of what was happening to me, and so many other men. I was inspired to not only help create a brand with my co- founders, but a community to help guide men through their balding journey.

EDGE: For most men, going bald is more about vanity and grief – you're losing something you don't want to lose. What advice to do you give to men on how to embrace their baldness?

Karamo Brown: My co-founders Peter Ricci (CEO), Irene Kong (Chief Product Officer) and I created MANTL to help bring bald and balding individuals together. This is a very vulnerable stage for them, and we've created a space to help bring this community together. By sharing our stories, we're hoping to inspire and provide empowerment to people going through a similar journey and show them that this is the beginning of a new, and exciting chapter. Being your authentic self is the most courageous, beautiful thing one can do, and we want that message to resonate with people.

Which first?

EDGE: How did you decide which products to start with?

Karamo Brown: When it comes to self-care, men are looking for a simple and effective routine. We wanted to start with the grooming basics, featuring a Face + Scalp Cleanser, Age-Defense Moisturizer, Invisible Daily SPF and No-Shine sheets. These products are 2-in-1, as they can be used on the face and scalp, providing an easy and functional routine for the modern man.

EDGE: Which one of your product(s) would you recommend starting with and why?

Karamo Brown: The Invisible Daily SPF! Everyone needs to be using a daily SPF within their grooming regimen. It is so important to protect the face and scalp from sun damage. The great thing about our SPF is that it is clear, easy to rub in, and goes on matte, so anyone can use it.

EDGE: What does your daily beauty routine include?

Karamo Brown: My daily routine includes, washing my face and scalp in the morning, moisturizing my entire body and putting on sunscreen before I leave the house. I like to keep it simple. It's more manageable that way.

EDGE: The best DIY beauty tip for men is...

Karamo Brown: The best DIY beauty tip for men is ice cubes. It's free, and if you have inflammation on your face (from pimples or red spots) it will help relieve it. Look it up. Ice cubes are the best kept beauty secret.

EDGE: What is the best drugstore product that you can't live without?

Karamo Brown: Vaseline, I use it on my lips, and it works.

EDGE: What are your thoughts of cosmetic, non-invasive skin procedures, such as Botox and fillers?

Karamo Brown: I think that if it makes you feel better, why not? Just do it in moderation and always consult a professional who can make sure you don't go overboard.

EDGE: Tell us about your recently released children's book "Perfectly Designed."

Karamo Brown: It's a picture-book that I wrote with my son. 'I am perfectly designed' is a mantra I had my son tell himself when he was younger and was getting bullied for how he looked. It's a reminder that you are beautiful inside and out just the way you are.

EDGE: What does life after "Queer Eye" look like for you?

Karamo Brown: Well, "Queer Eye" is still going, so we will find out in a few years when it concludes.

For more information about MANTL and its products visit, visit the MANTL website.