Okay, men, I am talking to you! (a little Robert De Nero). I just did a blog about women’s grooming. Now it’s your turn. As your Men’s Stylist, it is my duty.
A couple of years ago, someone coined the word, Metrosexual. It refers to men who aren’t afraid to spend some time on their hair, a manicure, a more fashion forward look in men’s fashion. I think it was a slam to men. Why create a category that might be seen as sissy and ultra-feminine.
Grooming is Key
I’d like for all to pay attention to their men’s grooming. Guys have it easier than women — yeah they do. You don’t have to dot on mascara and worry that your hair is standing on end. You don’t worry as much about what you wear each day as we do and don’t have near as many body issues as we do.
But, if you do shave, it’s something you do every day. I am sure that gets old. So you have my sympathy there. Maybe that’s why so many men have beards now. It’s certainly a trend that seems here to stay.
I am not going to discuss beards — I like them more trimmed. And, as I have said before a long beard with white/grey hair ages you. Just know that, and if you don’t care then own it!
Skin Care Routine
Beyond shaving, men, you need to have some men’s skin care routine. You need to scrub a couple of times a week (I like Clinique’s 7-day Scrub) to rid your skin of dead skin. If you have breakouts put a department store level skin care product or I used to use Proactive. It works! A dermatologist can certainly help as well and as your Men’s Stylist, I can make recommendations for you as well.
You need a daily moisturizer with SPF 30 and above just as women do. If you have dry skin, find a nourishing moisturizer for the rest of your body. I like L’Occitiane (find it on Amazon on try a store). Their products are rich and sink into dry skin. I like their shea butter lotions and oil washes.
Hair Wash
Wash your hair daily — it’s really noticeable when your hair is greasy. Try to buy shampoo formulated for your issues such as oil, dandruff, curly hair control, etc.
Also, don’t be afraid to go into a salon and get a manicure and pedicure. Just ask for a cleaning and a buff. I am not asking you to put candy pink on your finger nails. Some guys also enjoy a facial that is moisturizing and cleansing.
Use a deodorant that works; floss and brush your teeth daily; be a friend with a good mouthwash.
These Are Your 16 Points From Your Men’s Stylist:
- Shower today? Wash hair etc
- Wear deodorant?
- Brush and floss teeth
- Use an effective mouthwash
- Recent hair cut
- Receive a compliment on hair style lately?
- Wear SPF 30 moisturizer on face
- Exfoliate this week?
- Style your hair
- Groom excess hair: brows
- Eliminate nose hair and ears
- Don’t overdo aftershave or fragrance
- Clean finger nails and toe nails
- Recent manicure or nail buff?
- Fresh, clean clothes that are not wrinkled
- Shoes clean and polished
- New shoes within a year?
You get the picture. Grooming is so much more than having the latest clothes and looking good.
Keep it sassy, Indy men.
Beth Divine, AICI Certified Image Consultant, MA
