Building a Grooming Routine Update your routine and take care of yourself

It’s often easy to believe that developing a grooming ritual is feminine, or a waste of time, or both. However, that can’t be farther from the truth.  Times have changed, and slapping some water on your face before going out just doesn’t cut it anymore.  That being said, there’s no need to create a grooming routine that’ll leave your feeling like Christian Bale from American Psycho.  Follow these tips and suggestions to build a grooming routine that’ll help you show off all your best assets. 

Read next: A Masculine Guide to Face Masks

First, let’s break down all the essential need-to-knows.

Teeth

This one’s simple enough.  Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day–once in the morning and once at night–is plenty for making your pearly whites shine.  It’s a good idea to invest in an electric toothbrush which can better clean those hard-to-reach places in the back of your mouth.  Additionally, avoid medium- or hard-bristled toothbrushes as they can damage enamel and gums.  Finally, finish off your oral care routine with a non-alcohol-based mouthwash. 

Try Out: Marvis Mouthwash for an alcohol-free rinse that packs a major punch

Skin

Your skin takes up the entire surface of your body, so taking care of it is a no-brainer.  Skin is a broad topic, but there are simple things you can do to improve its overall health and appearance.  First off, you need to determine whether you have dry or oily skin.  This will dictate which products you’ll want to gravitate towards.  For oily skin look for Retinol which tightens pores, or Salicylic Acid that will help to absorb oil. Men with dry skin should look for Argan oil which hydrates skin, or products with sunblock which help skin from cracking and drying out.

Next, you’ll need to consider your showering regimen.  Showering is where you set the basis of your skin care routine.  Find body washes that use natural ingredients that won’t dry out your skin, and face washes that include moisturizers.   

Out of the shower, there are a few more easy things to do to improve your overall complexion.  Face lotions restore moisture lost during sleep and prepare your face for the day ahead.  Look for ones that are dermatologist-recommended to avoid clogging your pores.  

Try Out: Every Man Jack for a great body wash that is soft on skin while still imparting a gentle masculine scent.  To keep away dark circles and wrinkles, try out Kiehl’s Eye Alert which will give your skin a welcome jolt to keep it looking fresh.  

Manscaping

Shaving is synonymous with manhood and is vital in any grooming routine. There are so many ways to get that perfect shave, whether you use a straight blade, an electric razor, or a multiblade.  Whichever you use, focus on shaving the direction in which your hair grows.  While this may not give you the closest shave, it will prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn.  If you do have time to get out the shaving cream and shave with a straight razor, remember that moisturizer is paramount. 

Waxing, plucking and shaving your body can all be rough on your skin.  Be gentle and use an anti-inflammatory cream afterwards to soothe any irritations. 

If you have a beard, keeping it under control isn’t always easy. Trimmers are key for keeping things in check between shaves and trips to the barber.  

Try Out:  Grim Blade and Harry’s are some of the best razors on the market, with simple designs built for efficiency.  Lucky Tiger Molle is a good cream that’ll keep skin moisturized with mineral oils and lanolin.  To maintain your beard’s healthy sheen, opt for beard oils like the ones at Art of Shaving.

Nails

This one, we shouldn’t have to talk much about. Trim your nails weekly. Seriously, that’s it. Just do it.

Hair

When you think of creating a grooming routine, this is probably what you think of first and foremost.  Our hair is one of our most prominent features and is essential to expressing our style.  So, taking care of it is pretty important.  Getting a shampoo that works for you is the first step.  Stay away from two-in-one shampoo and conditioners as they’ll dry your scalp out.    Also keep in mind that washing your hair too much can dry it out or cause dandruff.  For straight and wavy hair, once every other day will suffice. If you’ve got curly hair, you can reduce this time even more, and limit hair washing to once a week.  When you aren’t washing your hair, dry shampoo is a good alternative to keep your hair feeling clean and fresh.

Styling is the next step in any grooming ritual.  Choosing the right product is a necessity in creating your overall look.  Pomades will give your hair some shine, and are better for a slicked-back look, while pastes will give you that elusive bedhead style.   

Try Out:  Lab Series shampoos and conditioners prevent hair loss and keep hair follicles healthy.  For styling, check out Kevin Murphy Hair Products that make a wide range of quality pomades, pastes, and clay perfect for any hair type or style.

Scents

Probably the last thing you’ll do in any given grooming ritual is choose a scent.  Whether you’re going to work or out on the town, a signature cologne can make all the difference.  Giving any recommendation on which colognes to use is hard in that it should change based on what you have planned and if your body washes are scented as well.  However, the cardinal rule with colognes is to go easy on them-nobody will appreciate your signature scent if that’s all they’ll be able to smell.

Your Grooming Routine: The Schedule

Obviously, this is just a suggestion, and your routine will vary depending on things like your complexion, hair texture, etc. But, here is a general timeline you can follow in order to keep your teeth, skin, hair, and overall look in peak condition.

Multiple Times a Day

Brush teeth

Floss

Mouthwash

Daily

Wash body + moisturize skin

Wash face + apply moisturizer or SPF

Hair styling or maintaining (i.e. dry shampoo on days you don’t wash your hair)

Cologne

Two to Three Times a Week

Wash hair (this will vary depending on hair type and the frequency with which you work out)

Weekly

Trim nails

Shave/Manscape

Monthly

Get a hair cut/beard trim

Creating a grooming routine isn’t as hard or daunting as it may seem.  It’s just one of those things that every man should develop for himself, and stick to.  Just follow these simple guidelines and tips and you’ll be well on your way to giving your body the TLC it deserves.

Read next: A Masculine Guide to Face Masks