13 Grooming Tips ALL MEN Should Know

Men's grooming is an honored art. There's no shame involved. On the contrary, the shame is on you, and solely you, if you don't have a maintenance routine. The secret is to appear understated. That means you find the bare essentials that work for you. For your skin type, and your hair type. The trick isn't to spend a fortune on a thousand different products, or to lock yourself in the bathroom for hours at a time. Rather, you should develop a daily routine that is quick, simple, using natural organic ingredients and – above all else – about maintenance.

1 | Get serious about haircuts

Get into the habit of regular sits in the barber's chair: if you've noticed your hair needs a trim, then others have too. That means you get proactive (as opposed to reactive). While some guys can settle for monthly appointments, your locks may still enjoy a seasonal growth spurt, thus requiring increased attention.

2 | Know which hair products work for you

One size does not fit all, and the current offerings of men's products reflect this. If you've thicker, unruly hair, know that pomade and waxes are for you. The finer-headed should go for lighter products. Moreover, there's stuff for those with no hair at all. The solution is simple: do your research. Products usually do what they say on the label, and some light reading, in addition to some slight trial-and-error, will find the right cleaning and conditioning products for your hair.

3 | Find your signature scent

The idea of colognes and aftershaves are a bit old school.  Try scented lotion or shower gel for a light scent that does double duty of cleaning and keeping skin supple. Find one or two classic blends that you really like. Then, invest. Typically, woody, spicy or herby scents work in the winter, while lighter, airy or citrus-based notes are better-suited to summer. 

4 | "Go Sonic" on your teeth

If eyes are the window to your soul, your mouth is the gateway to your character. That means you present the best version of yourself, and let an electric toothbrush do the hard work for you. According to a study by Sheffield University, rotating brushes reduce 11 percent more plaque than manual toothbrushes, and can also significantly reduce gum problems. And while you're at it, use a mouthwash after you brush first thing in the morning.  Clean, clean, clean!

5 | Scrub your face

Washcloth won't cut it. A well-chosen scrub - formulas specially designed to slough away deceased skin - is a weekly essential to keep skin in its best condition. Your gleaming face shouldn't come at the planet's expensive, though. Opt for natural ingredients, like ground walnut shells, oats, or apricot kernels, as opposed to micro beads that work the way up the food chain, and end up on your plate. Yum, not.

6 | Manage your fuzz

In recent years, beards have surpassed trend status to become a regular fixture: among offices, bars, creative agencies resplendent with bean bags and 'blue skies thinking'. Whatever that means.  The newfound green light isn't without regulation, though. Maintenance is essential, and a decent beard trimmer will keep unsightly neck hairs at bay, and give some semblance of care. They're not even that expensive, either.  Or just stay traditional and go for the clean shave. Always a safe choice.

7 | Learn how to shave like an expert

Clean shaven is  still acceptable. And, if you have the stone jaw line good looks, actually encouraged.  Do the job with precision, by using a clear shaving jelly, that'll help the razor easily glide, while soaking the blades in warm water will help your pores expand, reducing redness and irritation. This chore is well worth the effort.

8 | Put your best feet forward

They might not be on show that often, but a good footcare routine is still important. Take care of them after a bath or shower (when the skin is softest) using a sugar scrub on any dead skin, before lathering a generous amount of moisturizer on. Then, when summer rolls back around, you can wear your incredibly sharp, utilitarian sandals, and cause minimal disgust on the social circuit. 

9 | Tackle dark circles

Back to, your eyes are the window to your soul, not natural bag carriers. But, burn the candle at both ends and you'll be looking like Uncle Fester in no time at all. Eliminate dark circles, dryness and puffiness with a targeted face and eye cream. This little trick will pay off quickly. Or better yet: just go to bed early, man.

10 | Sort those eyebrows

Big eyebrows aren't a problem – see Clooney, Farrell et al – but if they're meeting in the middle, you've got a problem on your hands (and in the middle of your face).  Naturally eliminate a monobrow by focusing on the stragglers that stand apart from the main body of your slugs. Plucking is time-consuming, so ask your barber to tidy your brows up when you're next in. Put the task into the hands of the professionals.

11 | Nail your hand-care routine

Cutting your nails once a week – preferably after a bath or shower, to soften them and make them easier to trim – is and absolute basic. But that rough, flaky skin around the nail bed? Treat with a tiny bit of hand cream moisturizer every couple of days to smooth things over. And while your at it, big ruff calluses are so out. Of course strong manly hands are a badge of honor, but keep them clean and moisturized to show you care about those you touch.  A little hand lotion goes a long way.

12 | Release stress

Life is challenging. You hit the day running hard, tackling all the obstacles that come your way. Eventually it’s going to take a toll on your mind and body. Exercise regularly, period. Burn off steam with hikes, biking, dog walking or the basics of hitting the gym. When that’s done relax with muscle rub to get the tension out and refresh for a new day. You owe it to yourself to take care of  you.

13 | Bask in the bath

Yes, real men take baths too.  Of course we know it's not the thing you talk about with your friends while watching a foot ball game, but it's good to relax and take a soak in the tub. And it gets the grime out of all the nooks and crannies too!  Invest in a scented bubble bath you enjoy and just do it.  You will emerge clean, relaxed and smelling fantastic.