Your clothing may speak for your style. But grooming speaks for how much you value your image. And a positive self-image does wonders for your confidence and self-esteem. Most guys could do with making a few changes to their grooming routine.

Simply avoid the following grooming mistakes and you’ll be a cut above the average Joe.

Cutting your hair and beard with bad clippers

These days, with the hair salons and barber shops suffering the current social crisis, your hair and beard needs fall into your own hands. Mistakes can be made. To avoid those mistakes as much as possible, invest in a quality clipper and scissors. That way, you avoid spending loads of money and looking like you botched your look.

Avoiding your dandruff

When little flecks of dandruff start appearing on the shoulders, it’s too easy to brush it off and assume the problem will go away on its own. Trust us guys, it won’t. Dandruff won’t go away without you making a few changes to your regular routine.

Start by cutting back on the amount of product that you use in your hair. Too much gel or pomade can dry your scalp. Switching to anti-dandruff shampoo is also recommended. You may not need to use the anti-dandruff shampoo permanently. However, you may want to use it until you get the dandruff problem under control.

Shaving against the grain

Shaving against the grain provides a closer shave. However, it also increases the risk of irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor bumps. If you do experience such effects from shaving, you always want to shave with the grain.

But if you feel that shaving with the grain isn’t giving you close enough of a shave, consider switching up your razor. A quality single-blade safety razor can leave your face baby smooth without the damaging effects. 

You’ll also want to pay attention to the direction your hair grows. Your hair may not grow evenly in the same direction across your face and neck. If this is the case, you’ll want to shave at a different angle depending on the direction your hair is growing. This way you’re always shaving with the grain.

Forgetting to brush your beard

This is an important one for guys who have a beard and a mustache. Food and other “stuff” gets in there during the day. The hairs get all sticky and dry. Use a bamboo brush and or comb morning and night in order to keep it clean. For an added bonus, use a drop of beard oil while brushing your facial hair.

Not washing your face before bed

Lots of guys do this. But it’s not good for your face. Throughout the day, your face is exposed to a lot of different stuff. Even if you work in an office. You’ll probably touch your face occasionally, or you’ll rub it against something. It happens.

The dirt, grime, and bacteria that reach your skin won’t go anywhere else without a thorough washing. Allowing it to stay on your skin and seep into your pores overnight may lead to bad skin.

No, you don’t need to use a lot of skincare products (although some can work really well if you battle with skin issues). But remember to wash your face each night with a damp hot cloth in order to open the pores and remove the dirt from your skin.

Forgetting to trim your nose, eyebrows and ear hairs

Men, as you grow older, you get the long nose, eyebrows and ear hairs. They can become very unattractive. I call these hairs antennas. But you won’t catch the sports channel with this. Only stares.

In general, men neglect to keep these hairs trimmed. Do yourself a favor, guys, and pickup a manicure set. Whichever kit you go for, give your nose and ears a quick pass with your trimmer or tweezers every few days to get rid of unsightly hairs.

Allowing your toenails to grow too long

This is a big one. As a woman, I don’t like seeing my man with long toenails. It’s not at all attractive. We see our hands all day, which makes it easier to remember to trim the fingernails (although even this is still something some guys need to be reminded about).

Remember gents, women notice fingernails.

Yes, your toenails are usually hidden behind your shoes and socks, but your feet are exposed more often than you probably realize. And when they are, you don’t want them looking like Samwise Gamgee’s probably did by the time he reached Mordor. There’s a good reason why every man should own a quality grooming kit.

When you’re on the beach, at a pool party, or in the bedroom, you really don’t want your toenails to become a distraction. Or worse, a safety hazard. Trim them at least every other week and keep the talons for the gargoyles and other creatures.

Using too much product

Last but not least, this one is a biggy. Remember that moderation is the key. Use a single spray of cologne behind your ears, a small quarter-size amount of styling gel, or a few drops of beard oil.

Apply your cologne, bear oil or styling gel after getting out of the shower and before putting on your clothes.

There you have it.

If you have any questions, or have a comment, let me know.

Bisous, Jackie xo