The Essentials Of Men's Grooming

From getting the basics right to busting common misconceptions, our expert guide will take you through all that you need to know about men’s grooming

- Pooja Prabbhan Srijith

Wardrobe and mannerisms aside, it’s how well-groomed a man is that strikes one about his appearance — immaculately styled hair, a well-trimmed stubble or a clean shave, nourished cuticles, or a subtle but magnetic cologne. However, be it for men or women, the thought of grooming conjures myriads of questions: is there a one-for-all formula? How do I select the right products? How does one stick to a routine? What would work best for me?

Now we could either wait for a miracle that translates to some semblance of a haircare and skincare routine, or we could get cracking with the basics and figure out what works best for us through some trial and error. Our trusty guide with expert tips is here to help you step up your grooming game.

#1 GET YOUR BASICS RIGHT

When it comes to routine- and result-driven personal care, the basics are non-negotiable.

“Men think it’s fine to use soap for their face, or that they can skip sunscreen or moisturisation, especially if they have non-problematic skin. But that’s not true! Basic skincare needs are almost identical for both men and women,” explains celebrity skin specialist Dr Kiran Sethi.

“Men have naturally thicker skin than women, but using body soap on their face, irrespective of skin type, can still cause excessive dryness, irritation and acne and also lead to long-term skin barrier damage. Use a face cleanser with a gentle pH balance instead.”