Men’s grooming is not what it used to be. In the past, being in the bathroom for too long would attract the suspicion typically reserved for salesmen and politicians. Fortunately, things have changed and a well-curated wardrobe is a must-have. You don’t need to spend hours in the bathroom or invest your entire paycheck in clothes. There are lots of simple yet effective ways to improve your grooming habits. The secret is to come up with a practical routine and stick to it. Here are a few helpful grooming habits for 2021.
Find a Signature Scent
Cologne shouldn’t be too loud or obvious. It shouldn’t be a nuisance or distraction to others. If people have to stop on their tracks when walking past you, you are probably wearing too much cologne.
Find a signature scent that is simple, subtle, and an extension of your personality. You can read Rooftop Squad’s latest men’s grooming tips for ideas. Instead of owning ten average-quality bottles, invest in one or two classic options. The best winter scents are spicy, woody, or herby. For summer and spring, choose light citrusy scents.
If you need help picking a good scent, ask others for their opinions. Find out the different perceptions they have of you when wearing different scents.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is not just for women. The process is meant to remove dead skin cells, leaving you with smooth, glowing skin. Even though there are lots of new exfoliating methods, it is an ancient practice. Ancient Americans exfoliated with pumice stone and dried corn cobs. The options today are much gentler on your skin. You can make your own exfoliate at home.
Use sugar or other household items with small particles. They should be able to activate when rubbed gently on your skin. Consider making a sugar scrub at home by mixing equal parts granulated sugar and coconut oil. Essential oils are perfect if you want some scent.
Trimming and Shaving
You don’t need to walk around with a face full of shaggy hair. Whether you prefer a thick beard or a clean-shaven look, you should ensure that your face looks neat and well-trimmed. Don’t let your facial hair run wild. Keep your beard well aligned with the contours of your face. Cut off split ends and dry fizzy parts every few days. Invest in beard wash and beard oil for healthy and facial hair.
Bushy eyebrows are not a good look especially if they meet in the middle. If you like big eyebrows, ensure that they are neat. Even though you can pluck out your own eyebrows, it is time-consuming and you may not be able to do it perfectly. Consider getting the help of a professional.
Moisturize
After exfoliating and washing your face, remember to moisturize. It would be a waste to do all this if you aren’t replacing your natural oils. The right moisturizer will nourish your skin and replace your lost oils. If you are just starting a routine, ensure that you do some research and choose the right facial and body moisturizer. Don’t be the guy who only wears facial lotion. Body lotion is important as well.
Sunscreen
Do not leave the house without sunscreen. It isn’t just for going to the beach. If you will be outdoors, wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30. The benefits of sunscreen are endless. It protects you from the harmful UV rays of the sun which can cause skin cancer, slows down the formation of wrinkles, and keeps your skin healthy. Using sunscreen has more anti-aging benefits than any ‘magic cream’ in the market. It is much more affordable.
Hair Care
Hair care should be a part of your routine. It starts with the products you use in the shower and after showering. Even though the 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner combo may be convenient, it doesn’t do much for your hair. Ditch it and start using products that actually help your hair. Check the ingredients of your hair products and ensure that they are not damaging your hair.
After washing your hair with the right products, you want to keep the good thing going. Avoid using gel and other products with high chemical content. Organic products are a much better choice. They help your hair retain its moisture and natural gloss.
Clip Your Nails
Being a man is no excuse to walk around with talons or wild claws. No one wants to see dirty or unclipped nails every time you take off your shoes. If you don’t take care of your nails, they can become infected or painful. Try to clip your nails at least once every week. After clipping, use a nail file to round the edges off. It would be great to get a simple mani-pedi once in a while.
Manscaping
Keeping your pubic area neat and well-trimmed is not just for porn or ‘special days.’ While you don’t need to get the porn star look, the hair down there shouldn’t be shaggy or untidy. Manscaping makes you feel good and your partner will appreciate the effort. Whatever devices you use, keep them separate from whatever you use to shave your face. Some razors are specifically meant for shaving the nether regions.
Address Dark Circles
If you have dark circles or puffiness under your eyes, your moisturizer is not enough to deal with them. The circles make you look older and tired. They can bring down your look no matter how groomed you generally are. Consider adding an eye roll-on to your routine
Practice Oral Hygiene
If your eyes are the windows to your soul, your mouth must be the doorway to your personality. Taking care of your oral hygiene makes it possible to present your best self to the world. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss. Schedule regular visits to your dentists and get help if you need it. No one wants to be friends with the guy with a foul-smelling mouth.
There is no shame in grooming yourself as a man anymore. Proper grooming has become as important as knowing your sports and beer list. While you don’t need to have ten moisturizers or cologne bottles, you must have a daily routine. As with most things in life, less is more.
Photo by Jeremy Beadle on Unsplash
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