On #NationalMensGroomingDay, which falls on the third Friday of every August, it’s a good reminder that grooming isn’t just a woman’s domain—men, too, must invest in self-care. I’ve seen firsthand how grooming impacts professional success. It’s not about vanity; it’s about presenting yourself as someone who is responsible, polished, and capable. Much like in the military, where grooming reflects discipline and readiness, how you put yourself together can speak volumes about your professionalism. Here are six grooming habits that, in my experience, can make or break first impressions.
Grooming Habits
- FACE-OFF
It’s no news that healthy skin enhances overall appearance and confidence. Keeping the face clean and free of impurities is crucial for a professional appearance.
AM Routine & PM Routine:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type (oily, dry, or combination) to remove dirt, oil, and impurities in your AM & PM routine.
- Never skip your sunscreen in the morning. Use at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from UV damage.
- To keep your skin hydrated, apply a moisturiser suitable for your skin type in the morning and night.
- Weekly: Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother complexion.
Must-Have Products: A gentle facial cleanser (ideally a sulfate-free option), moisturiser, sunscreen, and exfoliating scrub.
Dos & Donts:
- Always choose skin care products that match your skin type (oily, dry, combination).
- Choose a cleanser that matches your skin type. Always follow cleansing with a moisturiser to keep skin hydrated.
- Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, to protect against sun damage.
- Don’t use harsh soaps, which can strip your skin’s natural oils and irritate you. Avoid hot water, as it can dry out your skin.
- Don’t skip moisturising, even with oily skin, as it helps maintain a balanced complexion.
- Avoid over-exfoliating, as it can irritate the skin and cause redness.
Pro Tip: Make sure to cleanse your face after workouts to remove sweat and prevent clogged pores.
- TIDY UP
Many people may skip this part, but paying attention to the ears and nose prevents an unkempt appearance and contributes to a clean, polished appearance.
- Daily: Clean the outer ear area with a cotton swab or a damp cloth to remove excess wax and dirt. Trim any visible nose hair weekly with a small trimmer designed for this purpose.
- Weekly: Check for and remove any visible ear hair using a trimmer or scissors.
Must-Have Products: Ear and Nose Hair Trimmer
Pro Tip: Avoid using large or unsafe tools to trim delicate areas. Use proper grooming tools designed for ear and nose hair.
- MANE MAINTENANCE
A well-groomed hairstyle reflects professionalism and is an extension of your personality. Consult your barber or stylist to find a style that suits your face shape.
- Find Your Style: Choose a hairstyle that complements your face shape and lifestyle.
- Daily Maintenance: Style your hair with products suited to your hair type and desired look, such as pomade, gel, or styling cream.
- Every 3-4 Weeks: Schedule regular haircuts to maintain a clean and polished look.
Must-Have Products: Shampoo, conditioner, styling products
Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long between haircuts; it leads to an unkempt appearance.
- BEARD MATTERS
Whether clean-shaven or bearded, maintaining a neat appearance is essential to convey that you mean business.
Best Shaving Practices To Follow:
- Shave regularly if clean-shaven, or trim and shape your beard to maintain a neat appearance.
- Always shave or trim after a warm shower to soften the hair.
- Follow the direction of hair growth to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs.
- Invest in a quality razor, trimmer, shaving cream, or beard oil.
- Apply aftershave or moisturiser to soothe the skin and prevent irritation post-shave.
- Don’t rush through shaving as it can lead to nicks and cuts. Avoid using dull blades, which can cause irritation and uneven results.
Must-Have Products: Quality razor or trimmer, shaving cream, aftershave, or beard oil. You can also invest in a shaving kit (razor, cream/gel, aftershave) or beard care kit (trimmer, oil/balm)
- NAIL IT
Clean, trimmed nails are a small detail but can make a big impression.
- Daily: Keep nails clean and dirt-free, and moisturize your hands and cuticles. Moisturise hands daily to prevent dryness and keep cuticles soft.
- Weekly: Trim nails straight across to avoid ingrown nails, and file them to smooth rough edges.
- Consider Professional Care: Regular manicures can ensure nails are well-maintained and healthy.
Must-Have Products: A complete nail care kit that includes a nail clipper, file, cuticle pusher, and hand moisturiser.
Pro Tip: Avoid cutting nails too short, as this can lead to discomfort or infection and looks unprofessional.
- SMELL LIKE SUCCESS
Smelling good boosts confidence and leaves a lasting impression.
- Apply deodorant after showering to stay fresh throughout the day.
- Reapply deodorant as needed, especially on hot days or after physical activity.
- Fragrance: Opt for a fragrance that complements your natural scent without being too overpowering.
- Avoid using strong, overpowering fragrances in professional settings.
- Choose a professional, subtle fragrance and apply it to pulse points.
Must-Have Products: Antiperspirant or deodorant, subtle cologne.
These grooming tips ensure you maintain a professional appearance, boosting your confidence and leaving a positive impression.
Also Read:
3 Hair Colour Trends That Are Made For Brown Skin Girls
10 Micro Beauty Content Creators Every Homegrown Brand Should Collaborate With
How to get the ‘Expensive Looking Hair’ look, according to celebrity hairstylist Georges El Mendelek
