The Basics of Male Grooming: Essential Everyday Tips

Many guys skip out some of the essential basics of grooming. They fall into the belief that men aren’t supposed to moisturise, and don’t have to worry about their hair. But in all honesty, every human being needs to maintain some general upkeep in their appearance. Here’s our guide to grooming for men who want to make the effort to look and feel their best.

Shaving

The art of shaving is a skilled one. Getting that perfect close shave can be tricky business, but here’s how you can become a pro. To ensure the best close shave, you’ll need to have a hot shower first to open up those pores and follicles. Or if you don’t have a shower, be sure to wash your face with soap and warm water.

Photo by Virtual Snips and Clips
Photo by Virtual Snips and Clips

Now for the tricky part. First apply a layer of shaving foam or gel, making sure it’s thick. Shaving tip number 1: Let it sit for about 2-3 minutes as this will soften the skin and make it smoother to shave. Opt for a razor with between 3 and 5 blades. If you’re unsure of what razor you need, have a look at reviews online. The best shave products for men will crop up time and time again on the reviews. Shaving tip number 2: Never shave against the grain! Remember to go in the direction your hair grows. Rinse off with cold water immediately after and pat dry.

Moisturising

Now that you’ve got the shaving out the way, and washed off any stray hairs with warm water, it’s time to apply your final moisturiser. A light moisturiser will do the job, but for sensitive or dry skin, you might want to get one specifically designed to target those issues. To tackle those blackheads, pore strips work wonders. Don’t forget a good lip balm on those cold, bitter days to stop your lips from chapping.

Beard Hair

It’s important to keep that grizzly man hair trim and looking fresh. Maintain your look with regular brushing, using clippers to keep it in shape and neat and tidy. If you’re going for the soft, polished look, then slapping on some beard oil can make all the difference and add some sheen.

Teeth

Using a teeth whitening toothpaste twice a day can help keep those pearly whites looking their best. Use floss around four times a week to make sure any tiny bits of food are removed. If you want to go the extra mile, then try using mouthwash at least once a day, after brushing. For best results, electric toothbrushes make all the difference. They use a professional brushing technique and keep track of your brushing time.

Body Hair

Too much hair is never a good look on anyone. Tame any excess body hair by using multi purpose clippers. Remember to include the nose and ears into your routine, as those places can get pretty hairy too. Once a week should be enough to maintain things at a neat and trim level. If you’re generally hairier than average, you might want to look into waxing, or seeing a professional once a month or so.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON

in

Grooming

Photo of author

Adam

Adam runs the grooming section at Unfinished Man, where he reviews the latest hair, skin, and shave products for men. With a passion for men's grooming, he continuously tests shampoos, conditioners, gels, moisturizers, razors, and more. Adam provides knowledgeable, trustworthy recommendations to help readers upgrade their routines. His background in evaluating hundreds of products makes him an expert on finding the best innovations for every guy's needs.

Leave a Comment