The men’s grooming aisle has exploded over the last decade, and so has the advice. Ten step routines, serums for problems you did not know you had, and a new must-have ingredient every season. It is easy to conclude that looking after yourself is either a part-time job or not worth bothering with.
It is neither. A simple routine built on a handful of products, done consistently, will do more for how you look than any shelf of miracle bottles used occasionally. Here is what that routine looks like, and where to spend extra effort if you want to.
The principle: a few things, every day
Grooming works the same way as fitness. The basics done daily beat the advanced stuff done sometimes. The routine below takes about five minutes in the morning and two at night. If you only adopt part of it, start with the first three steps of the morning routine.
The morning routine
1. Wash your face
Use a gentle facial cleanser rather than the bar of soap in the shower. Regular soap is often harsher than your face needs, and leaves skin tight and dry, which some skin types answer by producing more oil. Wash with lukewarm water, not hot, and pat dry with a clean towel instead of scrubbing.
2. Moisturize
Almost everyone benefits from a moisturizer, including men with oily skin, who can choose a light, oil free formula. It keeps skin comfortable, calms irritation from shaving and helps you look less tired. Apply it to slightly damp skin, where it spreads more easily.
3. Sunscreen
If you add one habit from this article, make it this one. Sun exposure is a major cause of the visible signs of skin aging and a leading risk factor for skin cancer. Dermatologists commonly recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin every day, including cloudy days. The easiest route is a moisturizer that already contains SPF. Reapply when you are outdoors for long periods.
4. Hair
You do not need to wash your hair every day; many men find every two or three days is enough and keeps the scalp less dry. When you do, use a shampoo suited to your hair and a conditioner on the lengths. For styling, pick one product that matches your hair and the look you want: a matte clay or paste for short, textured styles, a cream for a softer finish, or a pomade for a sleeker, shinier look. Use less than you think and add more if needed.
Shaving, or not
If you shave
Most razor irritation comes from technique rather than the razor itself.
- Prepare. Shave after a shower or hold a warm, damp cloth to your face for a minute to soften the hair.
- Use a proper lather. A shaving cream or gel gives the blade something to glide on. Avoid shaving with just water or soap.
- Use a sharp blade. A dull blade tugs and causes irritation. Change blades or cartridges as soon as they start to pull.
- Go with the grain first. Shave in the direction your hair grows. If you want a closer finish, re-lather and go across the grain, not straight against it.
- Do not press. Let the razor do the work with light strokes.
- Finish well. Rinse with cool water, pat dry and apply a fragrance free aftershave balm or your moisturizer. Alcohol heavy splashes sting and dry the skin.
If you are prone to ingrown hairs or razor bumps, shaving less closely, for example with an electric shaver or a trimmer, often helps.
If you keep a beard
A beard needs grooming too. Wash it with a gentle cleanser or beard wash a few times a week, and use a beard oil or balm to soften the hair and keep the skin underneath from flaking. Trim regularly to keep the shape, paying attention to two lines: the neckline, which should usually sit just above the Adam’s apple, and the cheek line, which should look natural rather than drawn on. A good trimmer with adjustable guards is worth the money.
The evening routine
- Wash your face again. This clears sweat, pollution and sunscreen from the day.
- Moisturize. Use the same moisturizer as the morning or a slightly richer one if your skin is dry.
- Look after your teeth. Brush for two minutes and clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Fresh breath and healthy gums are grooming too.
The weekly jobs
- Nails. Trim fingernails straight across and slightly rounded at the corners, and keep them clean. Toenails should be cut straight across to avoid ingrowns.
- Stray hairs. Check eyebrows, nose and ears. A small trimmer handles all three in a couple of minutes.
- Exfoliation. Once or twice a week, a gentle exfoliant helps with dull skin and can reduce ingrown hairs. Do not overdo it; scrubbing daily irritates skin.
- Change your pillowcase and towels regularly. It is an easy way to reduce breakouts and irritation.
The haircut
A good haircut does more for your appearance than any product. Find a barber you trust, explain how much time you are willing to spend styling each morning, and book the next appointment before you leave. Most short styles look their best with a cut every three to five weeks. Bring a photo if you want something specific; it removes most of the guesswork.
Fragrance, done lightly
A fragrance is the finishing touch, not the main event. One or two sprays on the chest or neck after a shower is plenty. Nobody at the next desk should be able to smell you before they see you. If you are unsure where to start, try a few at a store on your skin, not on paper strips, and wait a few hours to see how they develop before buying.
What to skip
- Buying a whole routine at once. Add one product at a time so you know what works and what irritates your skin.
- Harsh scrubs and hot water. Both strip skin and make things worse.
- Chasing trends. Most people need a cleanser, a moisturizer and a sunscreen far more than they need the ingredient of the month.
If a skin issue such as persistent acne, a rash or a mole that changes shape or color does not go away, see a doctor or dermatologist rather than trying more products.
The bottom line
A simple grooming routine is not vanity. It is maintenance, the same way you would look after good shoes or a car. Wash, moisturize and protect your skin every day, shave or trim with care, keep a regular haircut and handle the small weekly jobs. It adds up to looking healthier and more put together, with far less effort than the grooming aisle would have you believe. Pair it with a sensible wardrobe, like the one in our guide to dressing for a job with no dress code, and you are most of the way there.
