At one point, pop culture pegged guys who were into grooming as metrosexuals. They were a separate category of masculinity because they used face washers and moisturizers. Men from the good old days wore their acne scars, wrinkles, and sun spots as a badge of honor. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Like masculinity, men’s grooming has multiple layers. To exist in the modern world, you need to have a complete grooming system in place to ensure you always look your best.
Don’t Shave Like Your Dad
If you haven’t jumped on the beard train, that means you’re still shaving every day. And that means you need to take care of your skin. First and foremost, invest in a great razor. The disposable razors that you can buy at the drugstore aren’t good for your skin. They aren’t well-cut and lead to a lot of accidents. Instead, invest a few extra bucks in a premium razor.
When you shave, do so right after your shower while your skin is warm, your pores are open, and your hair is moist. These are the perfect conditions for an easy shave. Splash some cold water on your face afterward to close your pores and use an oil-free post-shave moisturizer to add a protective layer. Shaving is like exfoliating and you don’t want to leave your skin at risk all day.
Beards Aren’t That Carefree
Guys with beards have a reputation for being rugged and existing outside of traditional grooming. But guess what, if you have a beard, you still need to groom. Beard oil deeply moisturizes your beard hair and the skin underneath. Use it every morning before you leave the house. And every other day, lather up with a beard shampoo for a deep cleanse to wash out all the nasty bits.
Take Care of Your Skin
At bare minimum, you should cleanse with a gentle facewash twice daily. Follow up your cleansing session with an oil-free moisturizer that has at least SPF 15. And to take it one step further, exfoliate at least once a week. No more than twice. Exfoliation helps remove the dead skin cells on your face and prevent the buildup that causes acne.
Your Nails Matter Too
You might laugh at the guys who hit the salon for a mani/pedi. But those guys are on to something. Nail health is important. If you’re not ready to be pampered, at least trim your nails (both fingers and toes) at least once a week. File them to ensure they look neat and clean. A manicure or pedicure helps from an aesthetic standpoint. You get your nails buffed and you have a professional who can spot any problematic growths. Just say no to the polish.
As a modern man, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking care of yourself. The more well-kempt you are, the more attractive you are. Plus, when you see yourself in the mirror, you’ll feel confident. And confident guys are successful. Who doesn’t want that?