Men's Grooming - The Essentials
A new convert to men's grooming? There's lots to learn - but don't worry, you'll catch on. Most of what you need to know is common sense anyhow.
First of all, just because you are a man does not mean you can be well-groomed. And taking care of yourself doesn't necessarily make you a "metrosexual." Just because you care about your appearance, you don't have to end up looking like Pete Wentz.
To start, you should check out some popular men's magazines like GQ and Esquire. These publications often have great product recommendations and tips on how to achieve the look you crave. They are great resources for men in need of advice on topics ranging from style to relationships to workplace quandaries.
I'd say the three main areas of concern in terms of men's grooming are shaving/skin care, hair care, and body odor. Let's talk about them!
In terms of shaving there are a lot of opportunities for error. To avoid razor burn, ingrown hairs, and general shaving irritations you should follow a proper routine. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser to rid it of excess dirt and oil. The cleaner your face is, the smoother your shave will be. Use a clean, sharp razor paired with a good shave cream. Always follow with a soothing balm or moisturizer to lock in hydration and combat unsightly redness
Next: Hair Care. Depending on your hair type, the shampoo you choose will be different. For those with naturally oily hair, you should use a shampoo designed to thoroughly cleanse hair. Stay away from anything that says it will "moisturize" or "hydrate" Products with those descriptions are designed for naturally dry hair. For styling, it will again depend on the look you wish to achieve, but some options include gel, palmade, styling cremes, and the like. Experiment until you find one you like!
Finally to body odor. Everyone has experienced it at one time or another. Let's face it, when it's 90 degrees and humid and you're riding the subway to work, the results may not be pretty. The best thing to do to keep you smelling like manly goodness (instead of manly rankness) is to shower daily (of course) and to choose a great deodorant. The best option in my opinion is an aluminum-free brand, as they are less harmful to your health and will not leave nasty yellow stains on your shirts!
