Unfortunately, grooming is at times not pretty, and it can be a total problem working out how to tackle some of life’s more annoying predicaments we physically find ourselves in. Remember, it is 2016, and men shouldn’t feel embarrassed or reluctant to deal with some physical issues that you will need to control. The truth is nose hair is gross, unplucked eyebrows will make you look like Bert from Sesame Street, unwanted body hair is annoying, stained teeth are a major turn off, and there is no excuse for your breath smelling like a dump truck. Our simple solutions are below, so scroll down for ten men’s essential grooming hacks for some of life’s more annoying predicaments.
1. Nose Hair
Totally unsightly, long nose hairs are an absolute no-go. You can think of them as the biggest distractions when someone is speaking to you. No one wants to look at wiry hairs that come out of your nostrils. It’s just plain unpolished. Plucking nose hair may be a little extreme and a whole lot painful, and interestingly, hair is the body’s first sign of defence when it comes to infections or viruses. A more appropriate solution? Invest in a battery-operated nose hair trimmer that will allow you to clean up your nose hair every few weeks. It is painless and super quick.
2. Excessive Body Hair
Chest and back hair can be an issue for some men, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed to deal with it. There are a few options when it comes to body hair. Laser hair removal has long-term effects, but remember this is a permanent solution to break down body hair gradually. Ordinary waxing is a great option for men that may want to deal with body hair in the hotter months or if they just want something effective but not permanent. Shaving will be tedious, and the effects are not as long-lasting. Another option is hair removal creams that are fast but keep in mind that they contain a lot of chemicals which can irritate sensitive skin.
3. Dandruff
Dandruff affects many men, but it is something that should not be tolerated. Intriguingly, dandruff can be managed by not only what you put on your scalp in an exterior sense, but also by what goes into your body. By this we mean diet. Healthier dietary alternatives can work to manage dandruff so that it can be regulated more efficiently. Sugar and salt are culprits. An anti-dandruff shampoo will also take out the guesswork of managing your dandruff, and is a quick and effective solution.
4. Razor Burn
Shaving can be a nuisance in the morning, but it is the after effects that can really irritate your skin as well as leaving you looking red. To avoid razor burn, try using a sensitive skin shaving gel and do not shave too quickly. Hydrating your skin is also just as important – so ensure your skin has been rinsed thoroughly before you scrape a razor against it. After shaving, use a post-shave balm to soothe and settle your skin. This will work to prevent razor burn and will also allow you to carry on with your day without the constant need to scratch your face.
5. Blackheads & Pimples
Yes, bad skin can, in fact, torment us gents well into our adult years. You’ve all heard it before – drinking water combats pimples and the like, but this is a tip that shouldn’t be overlooked. Be prompt to ensure that you are washing your face every morning and night with a reliable cleanser. The main issue with skincare, however, is that every man has a different type of skin and what works for one may not work for another. Seeing a dermatologist is a very good idea for skin treatments that will specifically address your skin type.
6. Unruly Hair
Unruly hair is annoying, not to mention a total letdown to a great outfit. Some simple tips for ensuring your locks don’t get into too much of a tangle? Firstly, use a shampoo and conditioner that won’t turn your mane frizzy. It sounds simple but trust us, use hair products with a formula that is suited to your hair type and it will make the world of difference. A quick blow dry in the morning is a fast and a surefire way to combat frizz, and a strong hold pomade or mousse will ensure stray hairs are dealt with all day long.
7. Stained Teeth
While natural methods for whitening your teeth are awesome and can work effectively, there isn’t anything quite like professional whitening to brighten your smile. However, whitening toothpaste will also work gradually over time. Also, you may want to use straws when you are drinking soft drinks, to prevent the acid from getting at your teeth.
8. Bad Breath
There is nothing worse than having a conversation with someone who has bad breath. Avoid putting someone through a bad smelling experience with our simple tips to keep bad breath at bay. Firstly, keeping hydrated will prevent dryness in your mouth, which will stop bad breath from occurring. Breath mints and chewing gum may be obvious, but they are not to be underestimated. For an extra defence that is effective and works a treat, try a breath spray that will leave you smelling clean and welcoming, particularly for dates or business meetings.
9. Overgrown Eyebrows
Monobrows are the worst thing, ever. Point blank. They need to be taken care of regardless of well, anything. Men should also not feel reluctant to trim down their eyebrow hair if they consider it too thick or unruly. You need to remember that less is more – try not to go overboard with your tweezers. Stay within your natural eyebrow shape, but ensure that you remove any stray hairs. Also, ensure that you don’t pluck your eyebrows too far apart. Your eyebrows should frame your face appropriately so keep that in mind when you tweeze.
10. Cracked and Dry Feet
There is absolutely no excuse for them – dry and cracked feet are awful, not to mention painful. The problem is that many men may not even realise that their feet are neglected. The solution is simple and one that will not take that much time. Simply work a moisturising lotion on dry or cracked areas to prevent dryness and discomfort. Try and do this regularly for longer lasting effects.
Fashion Designer / Writer
Roger Grinstead is a senior apparel designer for X2U with over 25 years of expertise in the fashion industry. He has expertise in menswear and womenswear trends and product development. When Roger is not designing the latest fashion garments, he enjoys writing about men's fashion, hairstyles, and grooming.
