A dab of moisturiser here or a hair trim there can do wonders for self-confidence
This article is sponsored by Regaine, Gillette, Toni & Guy, Wilkinson Sword & Nivea Men
There’s no right or wrong way to take care of yourself. No strict schedule to follow every morning and evening, no rules you must take notice of. But some people might be surprised to learn that adding small steps into your daily routine can help with skin or hair concerns they’ve been thinking about for years.
Just like adding a spray of antiperspirant or reaching for that mint-scented shower gel in the morning, skin and hair care can help them feel more confident.
So, we’ve put together a short guide to the basics.
Shaving
First up, a step people with facial hair will be more than familiar with. Whether they prefer a clean-shaven look, have a sharp style they love to maintain or think bushy beards are the way forward, shaving can be a key part of men’s facial grooming routine.
There’s a slew of male grooming advice out there, but when it comes to the ‘right’ way to shave, it’s less about the specific technique they use and more about the steps taken to prep the skin. Shaving in or immediately after the shower helps soften the hairs, which will allow the razor to glide more easily than it would over dry hair. Applying a shaving cream or foam helps with this too – they hydrate, soothe and provide a good base for a closer and more comfortable shave.
Try: Wilkinson Sword Barber’s Style Shave Cream
• Size: 177ml
• For all skin types
The creamy, non-foamy formula uses macadamia seed oil to provide a quality shave and take care of the skin. Massage an almond-sized drop onto wet skin until it forms a thin layer to help a razor glide effortlessly over stubble or longer hairs. The classic sandalwood scent is inspired by the intimate barbershop atmosphere, too.
Finding the right razor is essential for men’s grooming kits. This will differ from person to person, but what you’re looking for is one that gives a close shave without causing any irritation or damage to the skin, whether it be a traditional razor or an electric model.
Try: Gillette Labs Exfoliating Razor Neon Night Edition
• Razor handle and exfoliating bar last for up to 5 years
• Blade refills available
After a shave that’s as quick and easy as washing your face? The built-in exfoliating bar helps clear the path for the blades by removing any dirt and debris on the skin while the innovative 2D FlexDisc technology contours the face to ensure contact is made with the hairs on every stroke.
When it comes to technique, facial hair can grow in many directions. So, despite popular belief, you can shave both with and against the grain of the hair – whichever feels most comfortable and gives the desired results. By splashing the face with cold water once finished, this can help reduce inflammation and any irritation.
Rinsing the blades of the razor frequently whilst shaving helps to remove build-up of hair, debris and dead skin cells and keeps the blades sharper. It’s important to check for dull blades regularly too, changing them if they feel blunt or the lubrication strips on the side are faded or worn down.
And, of course, some men prefer to keep it au natural and let their facial hair grow freely. If this is the case, adding a few drops of beard oil daily will help keep both the hair and skin underneath soft and moisturised.
Skincare
There’s no one-size-fits all when it comes to skincare, and that’s the same with men’s skincare routines too. Men’s skin is slightly thicker than women’s and has the tendency to be oilier and (of course) hairier, and they can use as little or as much skincare as they’d like. After all, the best skincare routine is one you’re going to stick to.
A basic skincare formula that’s great for any skin type – whether that’s normal, dry, oily or combination – is a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF. A cleanser helps clear the face of any oils or dirt that build up throughout the day and overnight, leaving the skin feeling clear and fresh. Following that with a moisturiser helps lock in hydration to the skin to keep it looking and feeling smooth and supple. It’s especially good to use a moisturiser after shaving to help skin feel soft and more comfortable.
Try: NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face SPF15 Moisturiser with 0% Alcohol
• Size: 75ml
• Suitable for sensitive skin
Formulated with 0% alcohol, this fast-absorbing cream is fragrance free and extra gentle, using a combination of chamomile and witch hazel to soothe, prevent irritation and promote healthy-looking skin.
Adding an an SPF30 or above as the final step to a skincare routine is greatly encouraged by most dermatologists to help shield the skin from the negative effects of the suns UVA and UVB rays, which penetrate deeply into our skin and can damage our cells. This can lead to a loss in collagen, more fine lines and an increased risk of skin cancer. Some skincare products, especially moisturisers, already contain SPF, however a stand-alone facial SPF will offer a higher level of protection.
While this may be a minefield to some, others may catch the skincare bug and want to expand their grooming routine. There’s a whole world of serums, toners and exfoliators out there!
Hair care
Long, short, curly, shaved – no matter how they wear their hair, there are small, manageable steps to help keep their hair in the best shape possible.
Even the smallest trim at the barber can leave hair vulnerable to split ends, and nourishment is the key to keeping them at bay. Their shower routine can be simple – a gentle shampoo and conditioner is enough to help protect the tips from damage.
If they’re a silver fox and want to banish any unwanted yellow tones, a purple shampoo is perfect for this. If they use a lot of products to style their hair, then it’s important to make sure it’s all rinsed out to avoid any further damage. Adding a clarifying or detoxing shampoo once or twice a week should do just the trick.
Speaking of styling, there’s a whole lot more on the market these days than the brightly-coloured, crispy-feeling hair gel of the past. Whether they like a lifted look, a smoothed down fringe or just to enhance their natural curls, there’s gels, clays, pomades and powders to help them achieve their desired look in only a matter of minutes.
Try: Toni & Guy Men Moulding Clay Shape & Hold
• Size: 75ml
• For shape and hold
Perfect for creating any shape or style, the contoured matte finish of this clay will hold all day. Rub a small amount of clay between the palms and spread evenly throughout the hair, shaping as you go.
Pair with Toni & Guy Deep Clean Shampoo to create the perfect base.
But the real key to healthy hair? That’s all in the scalp care. The skin on our scalp is an extension of our face, meaning it can suffer from the same skin conditions like a lack of moisture and sensitivity to the sun. If their hair tends to get greasy quickly then it’s possible they have an oily scalp – if this is the case, they should avoid over washing and find products that help remove any excess oils. If they have a drier scalp, go for a more nourishing or moisturising shampoo formula.
Did you know dirt and excess oils can still build up on shaved or bald heads? These scalps are sensitive and do require some care and attention. Using a dab of shampoo is enough to help them stay flake free – avoid just using body washes or soaps, as they can be quite drying.
And there you have it, our ultimate skin and hair guide to help them feel confident!
For male pattern baldness & hair thinning
If they’re dealing with hair thinning or hair loss and would like to see some regrowth, a GP or a medical professional can offer advice about options that may be suitable for them. Alternatively, there are products which may help.
Consider: Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Foam 5% w/w Cutaneous Foam
• Size: 219ml
• 3x 73ml
Looking for something to help with hereditary hair reduction? This topical foam can help regrow hair and prevent further hair reduction with continued use. Clinically visible results may be noticeable in 8 weeks. Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Foam for hereditary hair reduction contains minoxidil. Always read the label. UK-RE-2300009
