Men’s Grooming Tips: Hair, Skin, Beard & Fragrance Guide – Plum

Grooming is no longer just a ritual; it has become a way of life. For men, it’s not just about appearances—it’s about feeling your best and showcasing confidence in every interaction. From the boardroom to a casual coffee run, how you present yourself speaks volumes about your personality and self-care.

But as simple as it sounds, adopting the right grooming habits can be tricky if you do not know what is right for you.

Here is a simple guide to keeping you abreast with the basic yet essential grooming tips for men, including skin, hair, beard, and hygiene.

Let’s get started.

Why Is Grooming Important for Men?

Paying attention to appearance and grooming is not a prerogative reserved only for women. A polished appearance isn’t just about vanity; it’s a crucial aspect of personal and professional success.

Here’s why you should pay attention to your grooming:

Boosts Confidence: Looking good can make you feel good, enhancing your self-esteem.
Creates Positive Impressions: A neat appearance is often seen as a sign of discipline, effort, and attention to detail.
Enhances Personal Hygiene: Grooming is about cleanliness as much as style, helping you stay healthy and fresh.
Attracts Opportunities: Whether in social or professional settings, being well-groomed can make you more approachable, providing you with more opportunities to flourish personally and professionally.

What You Need To Know About Men’s Grooming Essentials

A. Hair

1. Understand Your Hair Type

Before choosing any hair products, understand your hair type. Identify if your hair type is straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Once you know your hair type, choose your hair care products accordingly, be it the right shampoo, conditioner, or styling products.

For straight hair, use lightweight shampoos to avoid weighing it down.
For curly or wavy hair, opt for hydrating products to combat frizz.
If you have an oily scalp, use a clarifying shampoo weekly to reduce buildup.

2. Stick to Regular Trims

Unkempt and shabby hair reflects negatively on your personality and attitude.

Regardless of your hairstyle, regular trims are non-negotiable. Aim for a haircut every 4-6 weeks to keep your hair looking fresh and well-maintained.

3. Nourish Your Scalp

Oiling is a crucial part of hair care, often overlooked by men. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Massage your scalp with natural oils like coconut or argan oil once a week to improve circulation and moisturize the skin. Follow up with a clarifying yet gentle shampoo twice a week.

B. Skincare Routine

Caring for your skin is equally important. You must have a consistent skincare routine that helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated. However, the products you choose should be suitable for your skin type.

You can learn about your skin type here: How to Identify Your Skin Type?

1. Daily cleanse

Men’s skin is known to have more oil glands and higher sebum production than women's, causing greasiness and dirt accumulation on the skin. Daily exposure to pollution and dirt can further cause clogged pores, dullness, and acne, which is why daily cleansing is essential.

Use a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove dirt, oil, and impurities. Ensure you choose a mild cleanser to effectively remove all gunk from your skin, especially at night before sleep.

2. Weekly Exfoliation

To prevent buildup on your skin, exfoliate 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Opt for a scrub with fine particles to minimize irritation, or consider a chemical exfoliator like AHA or BHA.

3. Daily Treatment

Serums and toners help maintain the hydration level while providing effective treatment for your skin concerns. You can use a salicylic acid serum for acne and clogged pores, niacinamide for blemishes and skin brightening, hyaluronic acid for dry, dehydrated skin, or vitamin C for glow and pigmentation. Moreover, if your skin is tanned, an alpha arbutin serum will help remove the tan effectively.

Similarly, a toner will help balance the pH level in your skin, minimize pores, and prep the skin for further steps of the routine.

4. Moisturize Regularly

Irrespective of your skin type or the weather, moisturizer is a must. Use a lightweight, nourishing moisturizer twice a day. You can choose formulations as per your skin type. An oil-free moisturizer works best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Whereas a creamy, nourishing moisturizer can help hydrate dry and sensitive skin without clogging pores.

5. Sunscreen Is a Must

Daily exposure to the sun can cause tanning, dark spots, aging, and even skin cancer. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning, regardless of the weather.

C. Beard Care

Whether you prefer a clean shave or a full beard, maintaining your facial hair is essential for a polished look.

Shape It Well: Use a trimmer to define your beard lines and maintain symmetry.
Keep It Clean: Wash your beard with a gentle beard wash and apply beard oil to keep it soft and manageable.
Trim Regularly: Even if you’re growing out your beard, trimming the edges helps maintain a neat look.

D. Shaving Tips

Prep Your Skin: Use warm water or a hot towel to soften the hair before shaving.
Use Quality Tools: A sharp razor and a good shaving cream are non-negotiable.
Aftercare: Apply an alcohol-free aftershave balm to soothe and moisturize your skin.

E. Fragrance

A good fragrance is the finishing touch to your grooming routine. It can enhance your confidence and communicate your style and character. However, it is important to choose and use a fragrance wisely. Here are some tips:

Here’s how to choose and use it wisely:

1. Select the Right Fragrance

Daytime Scents: Opt for fresh, light fragrances like citrus or aquatic notes.
Evening Scents: Choose rich, woody, or spicy fragrances for nighttime.

2. Best way to apply Fragrances

Apply to pulse points (wrists, neck, behind the ears) for a long-lasting effect.
Avoid overdoing it; 2-3 sprays are usually enough.
Do not use strong fragrances in the office or in closed spaces to avoid inconvenience to other people.

Men’s grooming is more than just a routine; it’s an investment in yourself. From maintaining your hair and beard to following a skincare regimen, every small effort adds up to a polished, confident appearance.

Start with the basics and gradually build a routine that suits your lifestyle. A well-groomed look will boost your confidence, leaving a lasting impression wherever you go.

FAQs

Q1. How to groom properly as a male?

Follow a comprehensive routine that includes hair care, skincare, beard maintenance, nail hygiene, and using the right fragrance. Wear ironed, clean clothes and maintain overall cleanliness.