Men used to be ashamed to engage in any pampering that goes beyond putting some gel in their hair and shaving their faces. Luckily, these days of toxic masculinity are gone, and modern men can do whatever they want without being shamed. The men’s beauty industry is now worth billions of dollars and men are spending a lot of money on products, accessories, and even advice on grooming tips that will make them stand out in all the best ways.
If you’re new to more serious grooming but want to improve your look and hygiene, here are a few easy tips to start with until you find a routine that fits your lifestyle:
Book a haircut regularly
Nothing will do wonders for your look like a fresh cut. It’s time to stop letting your hair overgrow before you visit your barber, but make regular appointments so you can maintain a clean look all the time. By keeping up with hair appointments, you will win in two ways: you’ll always look clean for unexpected dates and encounters and save money on hair products because a haircut can revive your hair better than any conditioner.
Groom your beard
No matter if you love to be clean-shaven, prefer small stubble or love a fully-grown beard, make sure to go all-in on the style. If you love to be smooth as a baby, invest in good razors (maybe even splurge on fancy heated ones) and you’ll have a clean face free of patches and cuts. And don’t forget to prep your skin for shaving with specialized creams and balms that reduce irritation and keep your face soft. If you prefer a nice beard, trim and shape it regularly, and grab a few products to keep your beard shiny and smelling good.
Create a simple skincare routine
No, you most definitely don’t need to follow a 10-step Korean skincare routine, but a simple scrub once a week will go a lot of good for your skin. Put the focus on your t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) so you can unclog those pesky pores. Scrubbing can also remove dead skin from your chin and jaw, so if you shave often, you won’t come across zits and blocked follicles that can start bleeding. If you’re ready for a step up from just a simple weekly scrub, a cleanser before bed is a great solution that will minimize your acne issues and ensure you wake up looking fresh and youthful. Throw in a touch of moisturizer before you leave the house and that’s it—that’s all you need for a good skincare routine.
Take good care of your smile
One of the first things people notice about you is your smile and your breath. If these two are awful, no clothes and jewelry can fix that bad first impression. Brushing at least twice a day and regular flossing can remove gross food residue and ensure your breath is fresh—this works better than any breath mint or gum.
Add some jewelry to the mix
If you’re not used to wearing any rings or earrings, it will be a relief to know that these are not the only type of accessories for guys. You can always visit a store that sells modern jewelry for men and pick up something more neutral and minimalist. For instance, you can accompany your outfits with a unique dog tag chain or grab an attractive tie pin for your more formal outfits. A money clip is a nice touch that will show how organized and detail-oriented you are.
Find your signature scent
Our sense of smell is one of the most powerful senses, so make sure to use that to your advantage and impress everyone with your immaculate cologne. When choosing a smell for you, you can’t just grab the first bottle you sell at the store. Your goal is to opt for a smell that’s unique and distinctive but not overwhelming. When you find something you like, stay true to it and people will automatically connect this great smell with your great persona.
Give some love to your hands
Even though we learn about hand hygiene in elementary school, it bears repeating that you need to keep your nails clean, trimmed, and filed. Every time you cut your nails, you can spend a few minutes buffing them and moisturizing your hands. If you have working hands full of calluses and cuts, going for a manicure might solve some of those issues and make your touch much more pleasant.
Finalize your grooming with sunscreen
No matter if you’re a man or a woman, your skin is sensitive to sun damage and you can risk a lot of issues if you don’t put on sunscreen. Before you leave the house on a summer day, put on at least SPF 15 cream that will keep your skin looking plump, healthy, and youthful for a long time.
Modern guys work hard and play hard, so they deserve pampering and care. If you up your grooming game, you’ll not only look better to others but also feel more comfortable and sexy in your own skin—it’s a double-win situation.
