Your guy’s practical guide to grooming

We’ve already talked at length about how to get your guy into grooming, but sometimes it’s easier said than done.

So, rather than scare him with a big long list of essential grooming steps, I thought it might be easier to break them down. Some have to happen every single day (sorry boys), but others can be saved for now and then.  

After all, most women would be lying if they said they always rock full hair and make-up, so it’s only fair that the same standards apply to the opposite sex...

Always: Deodorant

Deodorant is non-negotiable and needs to be applied at least once a day. Some men find they struggle with body odour more than others, but thankfully, there are heavy-duty deodorising products out there to help!

Shopping list: Dove Men+Care Anti-perspirant Deodorant Clean Comfort, Mitchum Clinical Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant Sport

RELATED: Do you sweat excessively?

Always: Moisturiser

A moisturiser that contains SPF is a must for every man, every single day. Not only will it make his rough skin feel smoother, it’ll also give his complexion a brighter, healthier appearance. Bonus points if he also protects his pout with a high-SPF lip balm!

Shopping list: RE9 Advanced for men Anti-Aging Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15, Dermal Therapy™ Lip Balm SPF 50+

RELATED: Boy-friendly skin care

Always: Dental hygiene

Unless he’s this guy, your man probably doesn’t have the advantage of using make-up to enhance his features – which is why he needs to make the most of his healthy gums and sparkling teeth! Brushing and flossing twice a day is an essential male grooming step. No buts.

Shopping list: Colgate Total ® Whitening Toothpaste, Oral-B Satin Floss

RELATED: Can you really get whiter teeth in two days?

Sometimes: Haircut

There’s nothing worse than a short-back-and-sides ‘do with bushy, overgrown sides. For most guys, haircuts are needed about once a month, but the good news is, a good one doesn’t need to be tamed with too many products. Save the styling for special occasions!

Shopping list: MooseHead Grubby Putty, Goldwell Dualsenses Men Dry Styling Wax

RELATED: How to clip your own hair at home

Sometimes: Hair colour

Grey hair is nothing to be ashamed of, but the reality is some men feel self-conscious about silver strands peeking through prematurely. Thankfully, hiding them doesn’t have to mean an additional haircare step, with colouring shampoos designed to target just the greys!

Shopping list: Just for Men Shampoo-in Haircolour, CINTA Colour Highlight Shampoo Dark Warm Brown ($9.99, priceline.com.au)

RELATED: 3 ways to erase years in seconds

Sometimes: Brows

There are two rules men should follow when it comes to their brows: They shouldn’t touch in the middle, and any really long/crazy-looking hairs breaking out from the rest of the brow need to go. If your boy's brows are looking a bit too unruly, a good pair of tweezers and safety scissors can work wonders in minutes.

Shopping list: LYCON Precision Black Tweezers, Davinci Safety Scissors

RELATED: Get the best brows for your face shape

Occasionally: Laser hair removal or IPL

Back stubble isn’t a good look. If your man is worried about hair growth in hard-to-reach areas, professional laser hair removal is a sure winner (and usually only requires one session every six weeks or so). Alternatively, you can help him fight the fuzz at home with a DIY IPL device!

Shopping list: Laser Clinics Australia laser hair removal, back & shoulders ($199, laserclinics.com.au), Philips Lumea Prestige IPL - SC2007, Remington i-Light Pro + Face & Body IPL Permanent Hair Removal

RELATED: Everything you need to know about IPL

Occasionally: ‘Personal’ grooming

If your man is on the hairier side, some attention with electric clippers (that he doesn’t also use as a beard trimmer) around his personal regions is appropriate every now and then. I’m talking about keeping things tidy and board-shorts-appropriate – nothing more, nothing less!

Shopping list: VS Sassoon VS for Men Metro Groom All-in-One Grooming System – VSM837A, Philips Bodygroom

RELATED: Manscaping 101

Occasionally: Cologne

Cologne might seem like a bit of an ‘extra’ beauty step, but it’ll ensure your man makes a grand entrance when the occasion calls for it. Not only will his peers appreciate that he’s made an effort, he’s likely to get some extra attention from you (the scent of a good cologne is that irresistible!).

Shopping list: Vanessa Megan Driftwood Natural Cologne, HANDSOME #1 Fragrance ($75, ha.ndso.me/shop)

Does your man follow any of these grooming tips? Which one do you think is the most important?