Mark Greene
In years gone by, male grooming was regarded as something very hush-hush, almost shameful. The idea of a man taking the time to care for their body and make the most of their appearance was something men were proud not to do, but this is thankfully no longer the case. What many men now aim for is to appear healthy and well put together, but with minimal effort. How is this achieved? The trick is to adopt lots of small, regular grooming habits which will help you create and maintain the look you’re after. Here are ten essential grooming tips for men to incorporate into your routine.
1. Visit the barber regularly
Rather than waiting for your hair to need a cut, schedule your appointments at the barber’s ahead of time so you can keep your style in shape. Some men may need to visit the barber more regularly than others.
2. Find the right hair products
Not every hair product is right for everyone. All men have different types of hair and styles which will respond differently to waxes, pomades, gels or sprays. Take the time to try a few options. In many cases, less is more when it comes to how much product to use.Â
3. Discover your cologne
The aftershave or men’s cologne you choose should complement your unique scent, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. It may take time to discover the one which suits you, but ideally, you would have one for the winter, one for the summer and one for special occasions. Remember, it should be subtle and not overpowering.
4. Take care of your teeth
Your teeth, gums and mouth need to be cleaned thoroughly every morning and night including brushing (preferably with an electric toothbrush which rotates), flossing and mouthwash.
5. Use a natural exfoliant on your skin
To keep your facial skin looking bright and smooth, you should use a scrub to rub away dead skin cells. Try to use one which includes natural exfoliants like apricot kernels rather than microbeads which are not environmentally friendly.
6. Tend to your facial hair
Whether you favor the clean-shaven look, a precise goatee or moustache or a full beard, give your facial hair regular maintenance. From moisturizing your skin before and after shaving to adding conditioning balm or oil to your beard, if you’re going to do it, learn to do it properly.
7. Don’t neglect your hands and feet
Trim the nails on your hands and feet every week to keep them soft and easy to trim. If you have dry skin, then try rubbing a pumice stone over them after a shower and using a moisturizer.
8. Build some healthy habits
Dark circles under the eyes and puffy skin can add years to your face, and while a cream might help to smooth your skin now and again, there’s no substitute for getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated and including fruit and vegetables in your diet.
9. Tame your eyebrows
While thick eyebrows aren’t necessarily a problem for men, if you have something bordering on a monobrow, it might be worth a bit of maintenance. You can either do it yourself with some tweezers or ask your barber to sort them next time you’re in the chair.
10. Wear sunscreen
One of the biggest causes of ageing skin and wrinkles is UV damage from the sun, but what many people don’t realize is that damage can occur all year round, not just on the beach or during the summer. Wearing sunscreen, even SPF 15 in a moisturizer, will slow the ageing process and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
