When it comes to grooming, many men take a “no frills” approach. Most men don’t put a lot of emphasis on what shampoo they use and many men don’t even give moisturizers a thought. There are a few men who spend more time getting ready then the average woman, but for the most part men don’t put much emphasis on the same grooming techniques and products that women do.
There is a time for cargo pants, sneakers, and a five o’clock shadow, but more time should be given to impressing those around you. There are a few grooming essentials every man should know and invest in. Luckily for men, it only takes a small amount of time to put in that extra effort. Whether you are working in a professional setting or relaxing socially, the following items will help you gain that well-groomed look you are seeking.
Shaving Items
Not just any old razor will do. Choose a razor with a sharp edge. Maintain your razor by sharpening it, or purchase a new razor when it becomes dull and starts pulling on the skin. Dull razors are too rough on skin and can potentially cause razor burn and blemishes.
Use a shaving brush to apply your shaving cream. Shaving brushes stimulate the skin, lift the hairs and allow for a closer shave. The brush mixes water and shaving cream to create a thick lather that prepares your face for shaving, while exfoliating and removing dead skin in the process. Think of it as a morning facial massage – by using a brush, your skin will look and feel better than if you apply shaving cream with your hands.
Your shaving cream should allow the razor to glide easily over your face. Choose a cream that contains lubricating oils. Since everyone’s skin is a little different, try different kinds of shaving cream until you find one that leaves your skin feeling soft and fresh.
Skin Care
Many men overlook the importance of moisturizing and skin care. Men can suffer from dry skin, just as much as women, and skin dryness creates damage. It can flake, crack and itch. Choose a well-balanced men’s moisturizer for your face to prevent flaking and irritation. If you are prone to dry skin elsewhere, use hand lotion and body lotion daily.
Wardrobe Accessories
Purchase collar stays for your dress shirts. These keep the collar points from curling. You should also invest in a tie bar, which keeps a tie neatly in place, and a nice pair of cuff links if you own any dress shirts with French cuffs.
Hair Care
Pick hair products that match your hair type. If you have thin hair, products that add volume may help. If you have curly hair prone to frizzing, buy a smoothing oil or gel to tame it. Choose hair products that blend in well and do not flake or make your hair look greasy. You want control and shine, without looking like your hair is coated in oil.
My husband is used to me purchasing products for him and encouraging him to do things like wash his face with special cleansers and not just plain old soap. I also encourage him often to apply moisturizer to both his face and body. He has a buzz cut so hair care products are a waste on him. LOL!
What do YOU do to encourage the man in your life to pay more attention to his grooming? If you are a man reading this post, do you have any special tips or tricks to share with other men about grooming and looking good?
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