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A Grown Man's Guide to Impeccable Grooming

A Grown Man's Guide to Impeccable Grooming

Photo by WikiImages from Pixabay

In the previous decade, businesses capitalized on men’s vanity, giving rise to the metrosexual trend, which quickly waned. Now, almost ten years later, men are once again investing in skincare products as they graduate from their soap and water routine and seek proper men’s grooming tips.

What is Personal Grooming?

Personal grooming refers to the care people take for themselves. For men, the process may include using products to minimize dry skin, body odors, and make their skin and hair soft and healthy, as well as shaving or styling their facial hair. Aside from using an all-in-one shower gel, more specific-targeting products are also included, such as anti-aging sunscreens, moisturizers, concealers, and more.

Although some individuals spend hours looking flawless, everyone can easily incorporate this into their lifestyle on almost any budget. This guide outlines the basic concepts that most people are already familiar with, as well as some tips you may not be aware of.

Is a Grooming Routine Essential?

Before white-collar jobs in air-conditioned offices, men worked hands-on jobs that left them rugged, sweaty, and dirty after a long day. Hence, women may be attracted to the most worn-out man as his testosterone1 level shoots up.

But as the times change and a more corporate world emerges, so do a man’s personal care needs. The chances of you going into an interview drenched in sweat, wearing an unkempt beard and unruly hair, and getting the job are highly unlikely. Do not even start looking for a date.

Aside from looking good, having a grooming routine is essential, as it has been clinically proven2 to prevent and alleviate stress, anxiety, and anger, while increasing concentration and happiness. The same research also mentions that it can reduce the risks of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Whether it is the economic or mating demands, today’s modern men are becoming more accepting of tackling grooming, seeing it beyond a form of vanity and instead as an investment to keep themselves young and healthy for their survival in modern dating and corporate roles. After all, clean-looking men tend to have better opportunities3.

Mastering Grooming Shows Confidence and Respect

Three confident men in suits, each with clean-shaven or varying beard lengthsA well-groomed man commands respect and confidence, effortlessly leaving a lasting impression.
Photo by everett225 on Depositphotos

Taking care of oneself involves a certain level of discipline. Having a daily routine helps hone and mold your personal and career growth, giving you the upper hand in life. When you have mastered the art of grooming, you exude a different standard of confidence and respect that will elevate people’s perceptions of you.

Good-looking or more attractive people get better first impressions due to what social scientists call the “halo effect4.” Taking care of yourself allows you to present your best face, making people perceive you as more intelligent and possessing more positive personality traits. It is as if there is a non-visible halo above your head, saving you from appearance discrimination and earning more respect.

Depriving yourself of things and habits that nurture your mental and physical well-being can lead to a decrease in your sense of self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem. In the end, you’ll find yourself shying away from better opportunities, as you may think you don’t deserve them. But when you indulge in a self-care routine, people will notice the difference and help boost your confidence by affirming your skills and capabilities5.

Do not forget you are what you feed your body.

Cleanse Thyself Beyond Soap and Water

The most basic way to take care of yourself is by taking a bath at least twice daily. Although there is nothing wrong with using just shampoo, a bar of soap, and water in your pre-adolescent years, you may start to reconsider your grooming routine as a grown man.

It can be challenging to transition from a two-step skincare routine to using products that target your problem areas and beyond. Hence, here are...

The Basic Foundations of Impeccable Grooming

1. Look Good. Smell Good. Feel Good

Silhouette of a man applying cologne sprayA signature scent completes your look.
Photo from Pixabay

Feeling good is the ultimate goal you need to envision before partaking in your personal care routine, and then find ways to achieve it by planning how to smell and look good.

Start by leveling up your fragrance game. Familiarize yourself with the different fragrance families6 to find your signature scent from the fragrance wheel. It does not have to be complicated. Choose from the basic ones—woody, floral, amber, and fresh.

  • Woods: smells warm and powdery, reminiscent of woods and moss (example: Patchouli, Vetiver, and Sandalwood).
  • Floral notes: reminiscent of fresh fruity flowers (example: Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, and Rose).
  • Amber: smells herbal and spicy (example: Allspice, Benzoin, Vanilla)
  • Fresh: bright, clean, and citrusy notes (example: Citrus, Bergamot, White flowers).

    Men’s colognes, aftershaves, and other skincare essentials often include natural oils and have notes from the fresh fragrance family with subtle notes of spicy amber.

    2. Your Beard and Hair are Your Most Significant Assets

    Bearded man with perfectly groomed hair and beardA well-groomed beard and hairstyle define your look, boosting your confidence and personal style.
    Photo by VitalikRadko on Depositphotos

    Having a beard creates a significant change in your appearance, which is why many consider it a form of men's makeup. And with your hair celebrated as your crowning glory, it holds so much power over you.

    Not only invest in products that work for your skin, but also consider the items you use on your face and hair. Take the time to choose a hairstyle and beard style that suits your face shape and work requirements.

    3. Learn How to Take Care of Your Beard

    Man grooming his beard with a combProper beard care keeps your look sharp, polished, and full of character.
    Photo by simbiothy on Depositphotos

    Growing a beard does not require as much maintenance as keeping a clean-shaven face daily. The truth is, both require a particular kind of care that still involves a list of products and tools.

    Beard trimmers are a great way to freshen any untamed, beastly beards. To take care of your beard, you need a beard trimmer, a beard kit that includes a comb, barber’s shears, beard oil and balm, and a beard template to keep your edges sharp and straight. You may also use a single-blade razor, such as a shavette, to create clean cuts for achieving the desired beard style.

    4. Your Barber, Your Shampoo, and Your Styling

    Man getting a beard trim with a barberRegular visits to a trusted barber keep your hair healthy, stylish, and perfectly maintained.
    Photo by VitalikRadko on Depositphotos

    Different professions require specific hairstyles and lengths; the shorter the hair, the less noticeable any signs of damage are. Barbers recommend visiting them every 3-6 weeks for a trim and to remove split ends. Meanwhile, those with longer hair or who are growing out their hair can get away with getting a haircut every 2-6 months, as hair typically grows about an inch per month.

    Regularly going to the salon or barbershop will help you maintain7 your crowning glory. Your barber has the expertise to recommend the best men's grooming products tailored to your needs. Keep in mind that frequent shampooing can create very dry hair, so consider conditioning daily and shampooing less frequently, especially if you have an oily scalp. The goal here is to cleanse your hair, remove daily grime and excess sebum, protect it from damage caused by split ends and pollution, keep it shiny by improving the cuticles, and promote healthier hair growth.

    5. Banish Your Dead Skin Cells with Exfoliation

    Man applying a clay mask to his face in front of a mirrorRegular exfoliation keeps your skin clear, smooth, and refreshed by removing dead skin cells.
    Photo by Syda_Productions on Depositphotos

    You wash your face every day, but it still appears dull, and your skin exhibits unexplained textures, such as blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores. A buildup of dead skin cells may be the cause of this.

    According to dermatologists, our bodies shed approximately 30,000 to 40,000 skin cells daily. If you do not remove it, it can stay on your skin for months! Prevent dead skin cell buildup by gently exfoliating two to three times8 a week using a washcloth or a natural scrub.

    Grown Man Tips for Grooming and Trimming

    Man with a beard holding scissorsA sharp trim defines a grown man.
    Photo by bodystock69@gmail.com on Depositphotos

    Whether you have a beard or a clean-shaven face, a true grown man does not look past the need to groom and trim his facial hair. Trimming is essential for maintaining the desired length of your beard. At the same time, grooming ensures that each hair strand and the skin underneath are healthy, allowing you to style your beard properly without overlooking potential damage.

    Here are our grown man tips for grooming and trimming:

    • Trim nose/ear hair
      Out of sight, out of mind—but not for your nose and ear hair! You may not see them, but the people around you can! So, look in the mirror and see how far out these hairs have grown from their caves. Then grab the smallest pair of trimming scissors you can find and start snipping away. Don’t forget to sanitize them with some alcohol first.

    • Trim that beard
      The easiest way to trim a beard as if a barber had done so is to get a complete beard kit. Look for one that already has a template guide, oil, shears, and a compact straight-edge razor inside. It is more convenient than doing a DIY.

    • Trim your body hair
      Although body hair can be seen as an amorous allure, there is a thin border between looking sexy and looking dirty. Anything in excess is never good. If you have never considered trimming your body hair, then it is time to snip some away before you lose that opportunity for a second date, especially if your career has strict requirements against hair.

    • Trim your nails
      Whether you are dating or not, unemployed or employed, there is no excuse not to trim your nails! There are 32 different bacteria and 28 kinds of fungi that can thrive on your nails. The longer your nails are, the more surface area there is for these microorganisms to adhere to, making them harder to remove through handwashing.

    Different Ways to Shave Facial Hair Correctly

    Man shaving with the Naked Armor Lancelot Straight Razor 7/8" Black Round Point Japanese Stainless SteelMaster your shave with the Naked Armor Lancelot Straight Razor—precision, style, and confidence in every stroke.

    Men have been finding ways to tame their facial hair since caveman days, having only clams and stones as razors and tweezers. Today, you have a wide variety of razors, with new ones emerging every day, catering to the needs of modern men.

    Please note that you will need the right razor to achieve the best results, tailored to your skin and beard type, as well as your shaving requirements. Here are the different ways to shave facial hair correctly:

    Pre-Shave Prep

    1. Cover your face with a warm towel or take a bath with hot water to soften your hair and skin, and clear your pores.
    2. Use a clean washcloth to remove excess moisture on the skin and mildly exfoliate dead skin cells.
    3. Apply pre-shave oil to prevent the skin from dehydration.
    4. Create a lather traditionally by using a puck of shaving soap, a scuttle, and a brush. You can also use shaving cream or shaving foam.
    5. Apply the lather on the face in a circular motion to lift the hair off the skin.
    6. Map your face by creating a guide on the lather using your fingers.

    Straight Razor Shaving

    The newbie guide to straight razor shaving

    To shave with a straight razor, follow these steps:

    1. Lay the edge of your straight razor at a 30° angle and hold it with the scales between your middle and index finger and thumb under the jimp.
    2. Shave with the grain on your first pass while pulling the skin towards the opposite side.
    3. Wipe the blade clean with a washcloth at each pass.
    4. Do a second pass against the grain if needed.
    5. Wash off any lather and hair debris with cold water.
    6. Soothe skin irritation with aftershave lotion, balm, or cologne.


    Traditional Double Edge Safety Razor Shaving

    1. Hold the base of the razor with minimal pressure.
    2. Hold the razor at a 30° to 45° angle to open the safety bar and expose the blade.
    3. Shave following the grain using short, steady, and careful strokes with gentle pressure.
    4. When you feel the blade clogging, flip the razor to use a clean edge.
    5. Wash and rinse your face to remove lather and hair debris.
    6. Apply an aftershave to soothe the skin.


    Cartridge Razors

    1. Trim the beard to a stubble or at least less than an inch to avoid clogging the layers of the razor.
    2. Apply shaving cream or lather.
    3. Shave following the grain using minimal pressure and short, steady strokes.
    4. Rinse with water and tap the razor head to remove hair debris and lather.
    5. Wash the face once done.
    6. Apply an aftershave to soothe the skin.

    Wet or Dry Shave?

    Given the availability of various shaving gears, there are now two primary methods for approaching your shaving routine: wet shaving and dry shaving. For years, wet shaving was the classic and traditional way of shaving, indulged by aristocrats and commoners of the past. Today, the conveniences of the modern age have led to the trend of dry shaving, which is ideal for those who are always on the go.

    Wet shaving is a complete shaving routine that many professional barbers follow. It is a 15-35 minute process that starts with a relaxing pre-shave ritual, followed by the masterful creation of a warm lather (try our wet shave scuttle for a hot, wet shave at home). This is then complemented by the use of a sharp cutthroat blade on the skin, and finished with a soothing and healing aftershave.

    On the other hand, dry shaving is a significantly quicker option. The process includes combing the hair, trimming it to the right length, and shaving away any excess. It can become lengthy if styling is involved.

    Although shaving without cream or water is easier, it can cause more damage to the skin. Dermatologists9 say that shaving when the hair is soft reduces the risks of post-shave irritations. Hence, one of their top skin care tips for men is to wet shave.

    Shaving Cream or Shaving Soap?

    Shaving cream and soaps are both skin lubricants that protect the skin from the sharp edge of the blade while allowing the blade to glide smoothly. However, they are not the same, but they are great alternatives for each other.

    The consistency of these products is what makes shaving cream different from shaving soap. Shaving soaps create a thicker, longer-lasting lather, while shaving creams lather more thinly. Hence, if you are after that signature lather that looks like Santa’s beard, opt for a natural shave soap. Not to mention, a tin or a puck of soap lasts up to more shaves than a cream. Nonetheless, look for an organic and natural product to avoid irritations.

    Have Cold and Warm Showers, Not Hot Showers

    Do not believe those who say that hot water opens pores—it’s a myth! To avoid burning pain, save yourself and use only warm and cold water when showering or shaving. Warm water clears the pores of sebum and gunk, making them appear more ‘open.’ It also helps soften the hair, making it easier to shave.

    Meanwhile, cold water10 is best for cleaning after a shave as it helps constrict blood cells to tighten the skin and soothe razor burn. It also makes your hair look shiny and healthy. Plus, nothing is more refreshing than splashing cold water on a freshly-shaven face.

    Dental Hygiene

    D.R. Harris Medium Bristle ToothbrushesKeep your smile—and your health—sharp with the D.R. Harris Medium Bristle Toothbrush.
    Photo by Jake Eastham and D.R. Harris

    If your eyes are the window to your soul, then your mouth is the window to your whole body. Your mouth also houses millions of germs and bacteria11 that can lead to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases.

    Taking note of that, dental and oral care are essential for personal care, not only for appearance. For dentists, maintaining top-notch oral hygiene is best achieved by brushing at least twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once a day. Do not forget to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    Regular oral check-ups and dental cleanings are crucial for detecting potential complications, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.

    Repair and Moisturize Your Skin Every Day

    Captain Fawcett Ricki Hall Booze & Baccy Moisturizer (50ml)Revive and protect your skin daily with the Captain Fawcett Ricki Hall Booze & Baccy Moisturizer.
    Photo by Captain Fawcett

    Pollution and levels of harmful UV rays are on the rise. Going out and about without taking care of your skin can lead to adverse health conditions and early signs of aging. Skincare is no longer just about appearance. It is also an essential part of men’s grooming.

    The key to healthy skin is keeping it moisturized and protected from the sun, so look for products that are highly moisturizing, natural, and have high SPF. If you haven't taken care of your skin before, start by learning about your skin type. Is it dry, sensitive, oily, or normal? Then, read the label to ensure that the products you use are compatible with your skin type.

    Opt for products that contain natural sources of moisture and vitamins, such as plant oils and extracts with antioxidant, anti-aging, and regenerative properties. Drink water and exercise daily to help sweat out toxins that can cause your skin to look dull and age prematurely. Do not forget to apply sunscreen to protect yourself from skin cancer.

    Don't forget a great facial cleanser to keep your skin healthy. Look for facial cleansers that are mild, hypoallergenic, and contain organic natural materials if you have sensitive skin to avoid an allergic reaction. If you have elevated skin problems, oily skin, or acne-prone skin, consider a day of self-care and explore safe and effective chemical peels or microabrasion treatments; they can do wonders for your pores and blackheads.

    Your Eyes are the Window to Your Soul

    Unless you grew up with some eye problem, you might have little to no idea about vision care. It is often overlooked, but it is as important as the other forms of personal care. Without your eyes, you will navigate life blindly, affecting your quality of life and potentially leading to deterioration in your overall health.

    Take care of your eyes12 by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a balanced diet, keeping a healthy weight, exercising regularly, wearing sunglasses, and resting your eyes by sleeping or looking away from your gadgets. Excessive sun exposure, inadequate nutrition, and prolonged screen time on gadgets can significantly impact your vision.

    Key Takeaways

    It is wrong to place stereotypes against men’s grooming and call it hyper-feminine because it is not only about looking good. A grown man’s journey into impeccable grooming extends beyond the surface.

    The products you apply to your body and the habits you cultivate can improve your overall health holistically, and even help those who are facing difficulties in establishing self-esteem and those battling mental health challenges. But most importantly, looking good leads to feeling good, which in turn gives you a better quality of life and stronger relationships with others and yourself.

    Related Articles

    Guide to Traditional Wet Shaving
    The Myths and Realities of Wet Shaving
    Dry Shaving Vs Wet Shaving: Pros, Cons, and Tips

    References

    1. Dunham, W. (2007, February 8). For women, nothing's like the smell of men's sweat. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-men-sweat-idUSN0744269320070208/
    2. Girolimon, M. (2025, May 13). What is Self-care and Why is it Important for You? Southern New Hampshire University. https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care
    3. Paudyal, N. (2005, June 1). 10 Reasons Why Well-Groomed Men Are More Successful At Work. LifeHack. https://www.lifehack.org/323408/10-reasons-why-well-groomed-men-are-more-successful-work
    4. Gruys, K. (2019, May 1). How does appearance affect our success? University of Nevada, Reno. https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2019/atp-appearance-success
    5. Confidence. (n.d.). Nemours TeensHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/confidence.html
    6. FRAGRANCE FAMILIES EXPLAINED THE FRAGRANCE WHEEL. (n.d.). Scent Beauty. https://scentbeauty.com/blogs/scent-101/scent-101-fragrance-families-explained
    7. Shobhana Beauty Studio. (2018, August 7). Know About Some Of The Major Benefits Of A Regular Haircut!! Medium. https://medium.com/@shobhanabeauty/know-about-some-of-the-major-benefits-of-a-regular-haircut-e8fb258cdf09
    8. Sharkey, L. (2023, May 30). How Often Should You Actually Exfoliate Your Face? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-often-should-you-exfoliate-your-face
    9. Schleehauf, B. (2022, October 3). 6 razor bump prevention tips from dermatologists. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/hair/razor-bump-prevention
    10. 5 Wonders a Cold Shower Can Do for Your Skin. (n.d.). Bright Side. https://brightside.me/articles/5-wonders-a-cold-shower-can-do-for-your-skin-798687/
    11. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Oral health: A window to your overall health. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475
    12. Eye Care. (n.d.). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/eyecare.html

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